Bottom Line
Decathlon thoughtfully designed their Quechua MH100 20L pack for entry-level day hikers to provide comfort and basic features while keeping the price entry-level as well.
While not particularly suited for multi-sport adventures or adverse weather conditions, it is well worth the price for fair-weather hikers who stick to simpler day hikes. This pack features a padded back and waist belt. It offers multiple zippered pockets, a rigid internal frame, and is compatible with hydration bladders.
We tested this on a long, sunny hike and found the padding too bulky and not ventilated enough for vigorous activity. When lugging water quality test equipment around the riverside, the rigid frame and adjustable straps made the awkward load much easier and comfortable to carry. To see how the Quechua MH100 compares to the rest of our top picks, check out the Best Hiking Daypacks.
How We Tested
Tested on hot, dusty hikes in the Boise Foothills and along the river, this pack carried varied loads—from snacks and dog gear to water testing tools. We noted its comfort, load capacity, and water resistance during splashes, with quick drying times proving useful on frequent river walks.
Quick Specs
Decathlon Quechua MH100 20L
Versatile Ultralite Daypack
CleverHiker Rating: 4.0/5.0
Price: $40
Weight: 1 lb. 11 oz.
Capacity: 20L
Frame: Plastic with aluminum shank
Pros
- Supportive and comfortable for the price
- Mix of mesh and zippered pockets
- Beginner-focused features
- Durable for casual use
- Deep zipper access
Cons
- Generous padding traps heat
- Limited compressibility
- Basic construction details
Comfort
The Quechua MH100 20L provides solid comfort thanks to a plastic frame with a metal shank that offers noticeable support, even under heavier loads. During testing on long river walks and foothill hikes, the frame prevented sharp or bulky items from poking into the back, and the generous padding added cushion during hours of wear. However, the same padding traps heat and offers limited ventilation, leading to a sweaty back on hot days.
The harness system fits decently but has design flaws that reduce overall comfort. The adjustable shoulder straps made it easy to achieve a snug fit, but the sternum strap sits awkwardly low, especially for testers with larger chests. The hip belt, though supportive when the pack is full, felt unnecessarily bulky when carrying lighter loads. Overall, while this pack performs well when loaded, it lacks the refined fit and ventilation found in higher-end models.
Organization
The MH100 20L features a smart layout, albeit with a few limitations for users of heavy gear. It features a main compartment with a small internal zip pocket near the top—ideal for keys or a wallet. The standout feature is the J-shaped zipper, which allows partial access without entirely unloading the pack—something we found especially helpful during mid-hike gear changes. A stretchy internal sleeve with a Velcro hanger can hold a hydration bladder or function as a stash pocket.
External organization is practical but minimal. The front zippered pocket is handy for storing flat items, such as maps or snacks, while the two stretchy side pockets hold water bottles securely. A fleece-lined hip belt pocket fits a phone (without a case) but could also be used to store sunglasses or other delicate items. Bungee cords for trekking poles and a few sewn loops allow for external attachments, but storage options remain basic compared to more technical packs. For casual day hikes, however, the layout strikes a solid balance between simplicity and functionality.
User-Friendliness
Designed with beginners in mind, this pack is intuitive and easy to use. As an entry-level model in Decathlon’s Quechua MH (mountain hiking) lineup, the MH100 20L keeps features simple and accessible. During testing, we appreciated how easily we could adjust the straps for a good fit without any complicated mechanisms. The zipper, which curves around the top and side, makes accessing items at the bottom of the main compartment quick and painless—no need to dig.
The fleece-lined hip belt pocket is a nice touch for protecting a phone, but it’s too small to fit most phones in a case. Despite appearances, the pocket is also not removable, which would have added flexibility. On the plus side, the side water bottle pockets stood out—they’re stretchy and positioned perfectly for easy grab-and-stow on the move, even without removing the pack. Overall, the MH100 20L is straightforward and functional, especially for newer hikers.
Weight and Compressibility
At 27 ounces, the MH100 20L is relatively light for a framed daypack. However, its rigid plastic back panel—while great for support—makes it impossible to fold or roll for travel or storage. Even with the removable metal shank, the pack retains its structure and bulk.
This pack includes a single vertical strap on the front to tighten down the main compartment, but lacks side or bottom compression straps. When partially loaded, the pack can feel loose and bulky.
Durability
Durable enough for light use, but it shows its budget roots. The MH100 20L is made from lightweight nylon and polyester materials that withstand trail dust and light rain well. The mesh side pockets are impressively tough and resisted snags even when moving through thick brush. Solid bar-tack reinforcements at stress points provide confidence in load-bearing areas, such as straps and attachment loops.
We noticed a few loose threads, rough webbing ends, and a generally unfinished look in areas like the front pocket zipper, which lacked a clean termination. The main zipper also feels flimsy and could be a long-term concern with heavy use. Waterproofing is limited to the front panel, with side panels offering no water resistance. Still, Decathlon’s approach to repairability is a plus: they sell spare buckles and promote DIY fixes. While not built for abuse, the MH100 is reasonably sturdy for casual hiking and daily wear.
Should you buy the Decathlon Quechua Daypack?
The MH100 20L pack is an excellent choice for beginner hikers, casual adventurers, and anyone seeking a straightforward, supportive daypack that can handle light to moderate loads. It’s best suited for short day hikes, dog walks, and everyday use where comfort, basic organization, and ease of use matter more than premium features. If you’re a gear-heavy hiker, need excellent ventilation, or want a pack that stows small for travel, this isn’t the one for you.
For its cost, the MH100 offers strong value. It’s durable enough for regular use, features a straightforward layout, and includes just enough thoughtful features to meet most day-hike needs. While not refined or highly technical, it performs well for folks who want a functional, no-fuss pack. For occasional hikers or those building their gear kit on a budget, it’s a solid investment.
What other day packs should you consider for hiking?
Here are some of the other Best Hiking Daypacks to check out:
REI Flash 22 Review: For those who appreciate the MH100’s simplicity but want better compressibility and ventilation, the REI Flash 22 is a great option. It features a removable foam back panel that doubles as a sit pad, packs down smaller, and has more attachment points. It’s ideal for hikers seeking a lighter, more versatile pack for both trails and travel.
LL Bean Stowaway 20L Review: The Stowaway 20L shares the MH100’s casual, day-hike-friendly design but adds the ability to pack into its own pocket—great for travel or tossing in a suitcase. It’s lighter and more compact, with less structure but more pockets for organization. If you like the MH100 but want something more portable and storage-friendly, the Stowaway is worth a look.
Osprey Daylite Plus 20 Review: Appreciate the MH100’s size and function and don’t mind spending a little more for premium features? The Osprey Daylite Plus offers a more refined fit, better ventilation, and upgraded materials. With additional compartments and hydration compatibility, it’s ideal for users who hike regularly and want a more technical, comfortable pack.
