Decathlon

Why r/BuyItForLife recommends Decathlon

42 mentions from real owners

• #1Dec 29, 2025

  Merino wool base layers - which are the most durable?

  Best is Houdini ✌️ and Decathlon comes in second ✌️

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• #2Dec 28, 2025

  How do synthetic base layers compare to merino wool base layers?

  What outdoor activities are you using it for? I live in Canada and buy cheap synthetic layers from decathlon that are just fine for most outdoor activities and plenty durable. However I am not working outdoors 10 hours a day through the winter.

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• #3Dec 27, 2025

  Compression Sport Socks

  Those Decathlon ones are solid for the price tbh. I've had mine for like 2 years of regular gym use and they're still going strong. Only issue I found is they get kinda loose around the ankle after a ton of washes but for 10 bucks can't really complain

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• #4Dec 27, 2025

  Compression Sport Socks

  I bought a pair of socks from Decathlon for 10€ iirc. I use them for running and they have held up great so far. I tried to use them with football shoes but somehow their base is not good enough for the grip inside the football shoes.

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• #5Dec 23, 2025

  I’m in Spain for the holidays, what are some BIFL/quality items I can get here that I can’t get in the US?

  I've been using the same running tshirts and same socks for the last 8-9 years, I run 3-4 times a week. Leggings lose their form after about 2-3 years though. My husband has been using the same jacket for the last 7 years. It's only been 2 years but I was very happy with some dresses I bought quechea line, I basically wore them all summer/spring/autumn rotating the colors. But the oldest Decathlon item I have is a fleece top, prob bought it 10-11 years ago, still holds up the form

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• #6Dec 23, 2025

  I’m in Spain for the holidays, what are some BIFL/quality items I can get here that I can’t get in the US?

  I don't know if you can get them or not, I live in Spain Camper shoes It's also turron and polvorones season, go to any supermarket and buy. It's not BFL but you'll make points with friends and family when you go home. Bimba y Lola bags also are good even though they are mostly nylon. Silk foulards If you're into sports, check out Decathlon. Even if you're not into sports, there are some BIFL items there (jackets, organic cotton tshirts, camping equipment, water bottles).

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• #7Dec 5, 2025

  Is there anything you're convinced is "the cheaper the better"?

  Not sure if "the cheaper the better" but some cheap brands such as Decathlon or Ikea are definitely a much much better value than other more expensive ones.

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• #8Dec 4, 2025

  Something you didn’t expect to be BIFL but outlasted your expectations?

  A €3 small backpack from Decathlon, used weekly and has lasted for 8 years. Recently ripped and repaired, still going strong 🔥

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• #9Nov 7, 2025

  Looking for family trampoline recommendations. Nothing fancy, but sturdy.

  I bought a 12-foot trampoline from Decathlon (the Domyos one) a couple of years ago, and it’s been great for the whole family.

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• #10Nov 5, 2025

  Looking for family trampoline recommendations. Nothing fancy, but sturdy.

  We got a 10-foot trampoline from Decathlon (the Domyos one) a couple years ago, and it’s been great for family use.

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• #11Nov 4, 2025

  Backpack suggestions?

  I agree, I got one shoulder blade higher from school backpack. Besides this Im not sure if there is backpack for life. I have Decathlon backpack 35L? 

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• #12Nov 4, 2025

  Backpack suggestions?

  decathlon bags are good. their quechua bags are backed by a 10 year warranty and are way cheaper than other options

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• #13Oct 8, 2025

  Is there such thing as a “good” tent?

  This! I have an AWESOME Decathlon tent that was a gift. It’s small, but I’m only 1 person and 2 dogs. It doesn’t have poles, so you just unclip 4 clips and viola a fully formed tent! It’s so helpful for when you get to camp a little late and the sun is going or gone. I’ve been using mine for 4 years and it has zero wear on it. There are other copycats but they’re not made nearly as well IMO. Mine is also funny blackout, so you can sleep in a bit.

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• #14Oct 8, 2025

  Best street style sunglasses that can last years

  I use decathlon mh100 ones for 5 years or so, can recommend

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• #15Oct 8, 2025

  Is there such thing as a “good” tent?

  Decathlon. My mom uses two of them for 4 months a year, and this year the older one broke due to a storm after 10 years (it didn’t finish its 11 summer, rip tent). Also, my nephew needed one so we dusted out mine from teenager times. He was smelly but after some ventilation, it withdrew the summer (and the storm). It is 25 years old or more.

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• #16Oct 7, 2025

  The most durable watch in and around 20 dollars.

  The Decathlon W200 is really good for less than 20 bucks

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• #17Sep 5, 2025

  What's a purchase under $50 that has genuinely improved your daily routine?

  A comfortable, small and portable workout mat. Bought [this one](https://www.decathlon.co.uk/p/folding-foam-trekking-mattress-mt500-180-x-55-cm-1-person/_/R-p-174619) 5 years ago, that doubles as a sleeping mattress for overnight trips. Still shows no wear or tear. 20-35 minutes calisthenics almost every morning, and at almost 50 years old, am at the best shape in my life without having to schlepp to a gym or clutter my living space with ridiculously expensive workout equipment (a.k.a. clothes racks).

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• #18Aug 9, 2025

  I’m sick of Nikes terrible quality. What are some good name branded clothes that won’t wear out in 3 weeks.

  Decathlon athletic clothing has lasted me a decade

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• #19Jul 7, 2025

  I’m still using the same bottle of wd40 from the year I was born (30yo)

  Just get a cheap oil that's designed as a bike chain oil. I've got one from Decathlon (their cheapest oil from memory) which I've been using for years. I find thinner chain lubricants don't get as mucky, so I just wipe the chain with an old rag and re-oil without degreasing. All my chains last me 1000+ miles, so I can't complain

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• #20Jul 6, 2025

  What is the best quality camp chair like the type in this image?

  Decathlon is the best

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• #21Jun 13, 2025

  Current BIFL sandal recommendations?

  I wear my birks everyday. Going strong for 2+ yesrs.  I wear my decathlon sandals everyday from march to october. Really solid. Been four years. 

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• #22Jun 6, 2025

  What's a high quality BIFL that you carry with you every day and can't leave home without it.

  My Decathlon purse from the 70L backpack. It's been 7 years since I started using it regularly, it didn't even change color.

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• #23Jun 6, 2025

  What’s one item you bought that way outperformed its price?

  Go to Europe and you’ll see almost everyone with decathlon gear. It’s not top end like arcteryx or whatever but it’s enough for 99% of people

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• #24Jun 5, 2025

  What’s one item you bought that way outperformed its price?

  Victorinox and Opinel knives. Decathlon clothes and trekking gear. Sennheiser HD series headphones.

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• #25Jun 3, 2025

  Best TREADMILL running shoes recommendations? what do you use for your indoor running?

  No shoes would be bifl, and I found out that my more durable shoes made an impact on my treadmill because one of the three has to wear out: either the tread belt, your shoes or the tread plate. What I've done was get the great (but cheap) decathlon runners and rotate two pairs daily. I walk (not run) about an hour and a quarter at 7.2 km/h and wear out shoes every four months (new one in rotation).

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• #26Jun 3, 2025

  The Best Backpack Today?

  I have been using this bag from Dechatlon and it’s pretty good actually. It’s big, comfy around back and shoulders. I literally carry everything I have, from extra Tshirt/Hoodie to all of my tech gadgets (laptop, 2ipads, kindle, chargers, 2 power bank) and also small things like eyeglasses, cleaning stuff for my tech and also daily hygiene, and lot more (clipboard, notebooks, files etc..). And it’s not that expensive, I got it for €50. I know Dechatlon is not available in USA but maybe you can find in other stores like Target or Wallmart, or maybe order online. [Bag Link](https://www.decathlon.de/p/wanderrucksack-nh500-escape-32-l/_/R-p-334334?mc=8649351&c=rauchschwarz_karamellbraun_carbongrau)

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• #27Jun 1, 2025

  Towels that don’t result in pulled strings

  Decathlon (sports and outdoors store outside the US nade the terrible decision of partnering with the worst atore possible in the US. That being said, you may be able to find their Nabaiji line of microfiber towels. I won't use anything else, and I was a stubborn, all-terrycloth guy for over 35 years. I have XLs in my bathroom, Ls and Ms to wipe down areas, and a couple of Smalls in my pouch and my carto wipe my baldness in the summer heat. They're super soft and dry within minutes.

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• #28May 10, 2025

  Brands you swear by that have Buy It For Life quality products

  Any good quality road bike say from Trek, Giant, Specialized, but my favourite will last a lifetime. But tons of others brands. Also given the depreciation of these things you dont need a new one, refurb an older one with good quality parts (Shimano etc) at a bike shop. At the end of the day the core of a bike is a frame nearly everything else can be replaced. Decathlon’s Tribans are a good alternative on a budget.

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• #29May 6, 2025

  What’s something you’ve had so long it feels like it’s legally part of your family

  My fleeces I bought in decathlon when I was about to start college in 2000… I still use them a lot

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• #30May 2, 2025

  Best Air Mattress? One that doesn't break like my last one did!

  You need more criteria. What size of air mattress? What thickness of air mattress? Are you looking for self-inflate or are you going to use a power inflator? We have about 14 air mattresses at my house for four people. There's a wide range of uses, and size. I have a thicker 9-in queen size one that I purchased a latex spray for I open the air mattress up I sprayed the latex spray inside of it rotated it around and it sealed a little tiny pin holes that were inside of it and I've been using that same air mattress now for probably 15 camping trips three to five days per trip. I have a small one that I bought from a company called decathlon Sports I forget the brand name on it, it only inflates to about 2 in thick it inflates in under a minute. It is fantastic for backpacking because of how light it is and small it is. I've used it in my car in my backyard my kids have used it for many sleepovers. As well as various hikes I got it in 2018

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• #31Apr 11, 2025

  Plastic-free water bottle in Europe

  I use a stainless steel one from Decathlon, that is much cheaper, and holds up really well. I've been using the last one for a few years every day even at home, and I've only needed to replace it because I lost it :(

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• #32Mar 6, 2025

  High quality sunglasses in Europe below 50 Euro

  Check out Decathlon, Hawkers, or Polaroid—they have solid quality sunglasses at a good price. Some local optical stores might also have discounts on decent brands.

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• #33Mar 5, 2025

  Decent and durable sneakers?

  Trail running shoes like Adidas Terrex, you can find older models new for around 50-60 euro I think, try to look online on their official site first also try the other big brands like Nike, Puma and New Balance, Decathlon isn't bad.

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• #34Mar 2, 2025

  Converatble pants to shorts recommendations?

  Eddie Bauer or Decathlon (online in US).

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• #35Feb 10, 2025

  BIFL merino wool clothing?

  Value for money is subjective, so check the prices and you decide. But I have a few pieces from these brands, have used them for a few years and have not disappointed. Danish Endurance - socks IsoBaa - socks, t-shirts* and a hoodie Bølger - t-shirts* Decathlon (Forclaz brand) - long sleeved t-shirt* Icebreaker - full zip top Lundhags - full zip top * Relaxed fit, all others are slim or athletic fit. Decathlon and Bølger are a high wool (60%+) blend, with Decathlon probably being the best value for money. The socks are bends as well. The rest are 100% wool, IsoBaa being the nicest feel t-shirts, and Lundhags probably being the warmest for its weight. If you want them to last, never wash them with regular biological clothes detergent. The biological enzymes that are great for breaking down dirt, also break down wool proteins. And you end up with mystery holes. Only ever wash with soap. I just pick up cheap liquid soap for washing mine. It absolutely doesn't need to be a more expensive specialist wool specific product. Most of these are just liquid soap with a scent added, possibly a little lanolin.

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• #36Feb 7, 2025

  Where to buy moderately priced, high quality clothing in Europe

  Varusteleka, in Finland, has some very interesting goos woollen clothes from time to time, though much of their stock is military surplus, or military looking. But they do high quality stuff that they commission themselves, and definitely worth a browse. They post all over the EU, and beyond. Decathlon also gives good value, especially in Europe, with a very wide variety of well priced, decent quality stuff; cotton shirts, wool blend socks, sportswear and sports gear. Go to your local Decathlon. The UK shops are definitely less well stocked than, say, the Spanish ones, in my limited experience.

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• #37Feb 3, 2025

  A list of BIFL not made in the USA

  I'm following this. For headphones/audio stuff, one of the few categories where tech is BIFL, Sennheiser, Germany is not only BIFL but also way better sound than the alternatives! Meze, Romania are also built like pieces of art and their new models sound like a dream! and Beyerdynamics, Germany are the choice for indestructibility for a reason. For tools, PB Swiss and Knippex, Germany, dominate for a reason. For knives, Victorinox, Switzerland and Opinel, France are not only top notch but also super affordable, and plenty of small French manufacturers if you want something fancier. For clothes, Fjallraven, Sweden deserves the reputation it has, and I'm very happy with my stuff from Seagale, France. If price is an issue, do not understimate the higher end of the Decathlon, France catalogue, it may not be as fancy as the alternatives, but durability is not compromised! For shoes, Carmina in Spain deserves a shootout. Same as Scarpa from Italy for more practical shoes. I know tech is not BIFL but Fairphone, Netherlands makes a repairable phone, and Nokia/HMD, Finland has done some nice repairability upgrades too. Tuxedo, Germany and Slimbook, Spain also sell computers based mostly on Clevo, Taiwan designs that tend to be more repairable and upgradeable than the alternatives.

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• #38Feb 2, 2025

  Going to Europe, suggestions for comfortable, not-ugly walking shoes that will last?

  I suggest asolo for long term use, Decathlon shoes for mid term use

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• #39Jan 9, 2025

  Best half balaclava/neck gaiter that is tight to face and warm?

  Warm, and tight to face are subjective. But I've had good results from this Merino cycling neck gator from Decathlon. It has a thin spot over your mouth and nose, so you don't accumulate condensation that freezes. At least not so fast. Used it walking, cycling and running in cold weather, down the about zero celcius. https://www.decathlon.co.uk/p/road-cycling-multipurpose-merino-wool-neck-warmer-beige/_/R-p-334499

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• #40Jan 7, 2025

  What's your most comfortable and durable piece of clothing?

  The cheapest one. I got the most basic running shorts from Decathlon for €5 in mid-2022. I run, swim, and lounge in them almost daily. No sign of wear, no loose threads. Can’t think of any other item I’ve owned with a lower cost per wear.

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• #41Jan 6, 2025

  Request: Winter Jacket, temp range approx. -10°C to 10°C, wind/sleet more than snow, will pay premium for natural fabrics.

  My advice is a synthetic windshell (eg Patagonia or decathlon) and organic layers underneath. I usually have 2-3 layers of wool underneath a poly windshell. I can't give you brands because it's all thrifted

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• #42Jan 5, 2025

  Has everything we buy reduced in quality over time? Has anything increased in quality or stayed high quality and durable?

  My partner uniqlo laminate jacket (3L) degraded after just one year, with pieces of the lining falling off. My Decathlon laminate jacket, on the other hand, is still perfectly usable, it just lost a bit of waterproofing My uniqlo down winter jacket looked good for about one season, then it looked about 10 years old. Uniqlo jackets don't last particularly well. I hope the nano puff is better than both mine and bf's choices.

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