Forclaz Men’s 3-in-1 Modular Trekking Parka Jacket

Triple layer waterproof modular jacket that is extremely well insulated for extremely cold temperatures. It is made for Arctic hikingThe modular 3-in-1 waterproof Arctic jacket is one of the most technical jackets on the market, developed to face the most extreme conditions! Nothing will stop you.

Why should Decathlon have an Arctic collection? A real challenge for our teams?

When trekking, the climatic conditions encountered vary according to the trekking activity and location, which may require a specific line of clothing.
This is a challenge! Because it takes years to develop this type of equipment. Working with adventurers was a key part of the project. We didn’t have all the knowledge, experience and ideas needed to deal with all the tiny details, which are an essential part of Arctic exploration. What’s more, the collection had to be as comfortable as possible.

Why choose a 3-in-1 modular jacket? quite simply because it’s the most effective.

3-In-1 MODULAR JACKET: it is the combination between an extremely warm layer (padded jacket) + hyper protective layer (wind and blizzard proof & Waterproof jacket).
The warmth stays inside! We exploit the multilayer* system to the full Several layers of clothing that all have a different function can be layered
– protective layer against the wind, rain, snow
+1 warm layer to protect from the cold
+1 base layer that wicks away moisture

Have you already heard about the multi-layer system? it isn’t complicated and it’s very important

It has come here from Northern countries: Canada, Sweden, Finland, Norway, Iceland. Layering is a way of dressing used by the locals to remain comfortable outside during activities, no matter what the temperature. The system means using several layers of clothing that all have different functions.
This technique is clearly essential to perfectly regulate your body temperature during rest and effort in particular

Protective layer of our 3-in-1 modular jacket.Here are some of its technical features.

It’s a WATERPROOF JACKET with an ULTRA high collar (above the chin) and deep anti-blizzard adjustable storm hood for optimal protection against very strong and turning winds.
High performance long-haired removable synthetic fur.
100% windproof membrane + 100% waterproof + 100% taped seams
The cuffs can be adjusted using extreme cold Velcro strips
Windproof and anti-snow ingress skirt
Reinforced fabric on exposed areas

Feather or synthetic insulated padded jacket? watch out for pre-conceived ideas

The feather-down insulation is lighter and compresses better in dry weather.
However, synthetic insulation retains heat better in equivalent heat when wet or damp and is easier to look after.
The reasoning is the same for sleeping bags, the majority of adventurers in winter camps for several days use sleeping bags with synthetic insulation, they perform better over time and stay warm even when damp!

The men’s fit gives great freedom of movement

Asymmetric jacket specially adapted to men’s body shape in movement.
It is specially designed to help movement when trekking and bivouacking.
If the difficulties of the terrain require it, this specific ease of movement also gives you easy access to safety equipment such as a safety harness without impeding movement. .
Its easily identifiable fit gives great freedom of movement when active, without ever feeling restricted

This Arctic waterproof jacket is not only a jacket but equipment too!

With a design inspired by products worn by professionals in the most difficult conditions in the world, the ARCTIC 900 jacket provides the best insulation as well as durable fabric.
Every detail has been carefully designed and tested. From OVERsized accessories to an extremely durable main component, with a double security system for every basic function (ZIP + press studs or Velcro).
You will be ready to face everything the winter can throw at you!

Pockets designed for winter hiking, everything gets cold! even batteries

“RED Pocket” is a secure pocket to keep your telephone warm in the cold
The inner padded jacket has large hand pockets on the chest to warm up fingers stiffened by the extreme cold and to keep small equipment.
The jacket has large inside pockets on the chest and below to hold ski goggles and gloves for example.
The adapted design means that the front pockets do not get in the way of the belt strap when you carry a backpack

Jacket designed for use with thick and thin gloves. Single or double front zip sliders?

We have tried everything: single, double slider, with or without a magnet, etc.
But when your fingers are numb and the fabric is very cold, simple things work in the long term.
So main front ZIP with a SINGLE slider! It is by far the one with “possible” use with gloves in the cold – our partner adventurers have also made this choice!
Our buttons and zip fasteners are OVER-sized (+ pulls)

Pocket design specific to exploring, observation, orientation “Napoleon pocket”

“Napoleon pocket”, a feature on the entire Arctic collection.
Hidden under your jacket’s storm flap, this pocket can be used without opening your jacket.
It is ideal to read a map, easily protect your binoculars and camera while staying warm!

Tip: our large chest pockets are MESH for optimal breathability and ventilation and they reduce dampness of your gloves reheated by your own body

We often talk about warmth but not enough about thermal regulation

Underarm zips provide comfortable temperature regulation and the long and generous cut allows plenty of room for insulating intermediate layers to give you efficient and immediate thermal regulation since perspiration is enemy number one of winter hiking.
Particular focus was paid to the zip design so it could be used in one sole movement when active and without removing the parka. Video tip 😉

In extreme cold, why do you need a jacket with ventilation?

You have probably already experienced this! During a winter hike, the effort quickly becomes intense and generates heat, TOO MUCH heat. It’s also well know that enemy number one isn’t lack of heat but rather perspiration.
Simple rules to follow, adapt your rhythm to perspire as little as possible, wear several layers and use mechanical ventilation as often as necessary.
This modular jacket helps to optimise this, as for the rhythm, we trust you 😉

Why is the jacket blue in colour? it’s a question of visibility

This jacket from our Arctic collection has been designed in our specific visibility blue colour giving you optimal visibility in all weather conditions and on all types of terrain. Without being a safety colour (orange, yellow), its visibility in daylight is impressive.

Some coloured details selected by our designer gives you even more visibility on the hood and on the back for greater visibility during the dark winter months.

Do you need such equipment?

Atmospheric conditions differ according to the type and location of activity. Each condition has its own protective clothing line.
In extreme conditions on expedition, selection criteria are based on protection against the cold, sturdiness, a cut that gives freedom of movement when trekking and in bivouac, technical hood as well as the best possible compromise between waterproofness and breathability.

Why have we chosen to design a waterproof jacket for severe cold?

Even if Arctic ground conditions are extremely humid depending on when you go, this jacket will protect you perfectly from heavy snow, and even rain (taped seams).

But we made this choice for another reason!
The waterproof fabric provides an impenetrable barrier against the damp and will keep you dry without fail. This barrier will reduce damp getting inside and will encourage drying and keep its flexibility.

To understand, how is the water resistance of our component measured?

We measure a fabric’s resistance to water pressure, expressed in terms of the height of a water column in mm (based on the ISO 811 standard). The higher the water pressure, the more waterproof the fabric. The main component of our jacket has a waterproof rating of 8000 schmerber, i.e. it can withstand the pressure exerted by an 8000 mm column of water. This is equivalent to 100L/m2/hour of water for 3 hours, i.e. a mountain storm.

How is recommended temperature measured for this set? in a laboratory following a rigorous protocol

We tested the thermo-neutral T1 (neither hot or cold) temperature in a laboratory for this SET (Modular jacket + Salopettes)
These results were obtained in line with the ISO 11079 standard, in conditions of activity intensity equivalent to the metabolism of a slow hike (4 km/hr) in snow with a back load of 10 kg.

Reference temperature categories used in our laboratory tests

T1-The temperature of thermal neutrality or Thermo-Neutral equilibrium is a safe temperature, which can be tolerated over a very long period (the tester feels neither hot nor cold)
T2-the cold equilibrium thermal temperature is a safe temperature, which can be tolerated over a long period & cools the body slightly, with a feeling of being cold especially in the hands and feet)
T3 & T4 are limit temperature ratings: although the person isn’t comfortable, the product can be used for a short period

When we pull a pulka, or a sled, what temperatures can we hope to withstand with this set?

Pulling weight along snow is much easier than carrying it on your back (it reduces the weight’s by two thirds), it won’t happen without effort! or a lot of heat!
These results, obtained in the laboratory and during field tests in the coldest places on the planet, allow us to envisage temperatures in T1= -25°C; T2 = -33°C for a small load of 10 kg. (km/hr) and for a larger load > 30 kg T2 = -40°C (4 km/hr) and beyond if the strain is very intense

Can you pull a pulka or sled with this equipment? but what is a pulka?

For the Nordic hiker, the pulka replaces a large backpack. It is mainly used for Nordic raids (lasting a few days to a few weeks). You can carry all your equipment with this means of transport: tent, duvet, personal belongings.

Please note that all temperatures stated are indicative. They act as a guide not an absolute truth

Yes, even though our equipment is subjected to field tests in the coldest places on earth. Our standardised laboratory tests have a high level of objectivation, however every person is different, as is their experience and feeling. In extreme conditions, it’s important to keep in mind that these temperatures are indicative. Each individual should adapt their equipment to their own needs to guarantee their own safety.

Are we talking about a Set? Our laboratory dummy was equipped with several layers specific to the Arctic

Set used for thermal dummy laboratory testing:
– 3-in-1 modular jacket MEN’S PARKA JACKET ARCTIC 500 DRY
– Forclaz Salopette Trousers ARCTIC BIB 500 DRY LCT-ECH-14188-2
– Hiking hat
– Quechua base layer LCT-ECH-14189-2
– Quechua socks LCT-ECH-14195-2
– Quechua fleece LCT-ECH-14190-2
– Trekking and hiking gloves
– Shoes