Most people think you have to spend a small fortune to keep dry in British rain. I used to believe it myself, until one Dartmoor autumn taught me that expensive doesn’t always mean better. The Quechua MH500 jacket promises solid weatherproofing at a fraction of “prestige” brands. After countless foul-weather camps and sodden hillwalks, here’s my straight-talking review about the jacket.
A Quick Look at the Quechua MH500 Jacket
The MH500 is Decathlon’s mid-range waterproof hiking jacket, aimed squarely at people who actually get outdoors. Its fans rave about waterproofing that punches far above the price tag, while a few grumble about sizing isues and hood design. If you’re tired of cheap jackets wetting out by lunchtime, but not ready to blow half a month’s rent on a shell, the MH500 is probably on your radar.
What matters for UK campers and hikers? Reliable rain protection, room for layers, breathability on scrambling up a misty ridge, and won’t weigh you down on wild camps. The MH500 claims to tick all those boxes. Let’s see how it actually performs.
Key Features and Technical Specs
Any good waterproof jacket lives or dies on the finer details. The MH500’s headline specs stack up strong:
- Waterproof rating: Up to 25,000mm water column. That’s industrial-level showerproofing. Fully-taped seams, so nary a drip sneaks in.
- Breathability: RET score of 6, which is great for active use. 29cm pit zips under each arm let you dump heat fast on climbs.
- Weight: 574g for a men's large. Not the lightest, but it’s no deadweight in your rucksack.
- Fit: Slim and athletic. Raglan sleeves and 13% elastane mean you can stretch and scramble without fighting the jacket.
- Pockets: Two zipped hand pockets, one zipped inner, and a bonus inner pouch pocket. Enough for snacks, gloves, and your phone.
- Adjustability: Hood and hem have drawcords. Velcro cuffs keep rain off the wrists.
- Warranty: Two years against defects, which beats a lot of high street options.
Best part? You get all this for around £80. Try finding a “big name” three-layer for double that.
The Quechua MH500 Jacket Design and Feel
First impression: It’s a sharp-looking jacket. The cut is distinctly hiking-focused – not a baggy town shell, but shaped to move with you. I wore it wild camping in the Lakes last September – scrambling, cooking, stuffing it in and out of a pack. The material feels soft in hand, not stiff like some cheap rain gear, and doesn’t rustle like a crisp packet every time you move.
The stretch is genuine, not just marketing waffle. I’ve reached and climbed with it and never felt hemmed-in. I’d call the design simple, functional, and surprisingly premium for such a wallet-friendly bit of kit.
Weather Protection and Breathability
Let’s face it: The British weather is a menace. On one Scottish coast camp, I got hammered by sideways wind and sheets of rain. The MH500 shrugged off almost all of it. The jacket’s 3-layer waterproof membrane and taped seams just work. No leaks through the shoulders, and no cold trickles down the wrists—provided you cinch those cuffs.
Breathability is where lots of budget jackets fall flat. Not the MH500. Hiking up steep ground, I did get warm, but the pit zips actually vent heat well. Open them and you get a good blast of air. The fabric manages moisture better than most “affordable” shells – hardly any of that clammy, bin-bag sensation that ruins so many cheap waterproofs.
Would I wear it jogging in July? Probably not. But for spring, autumn, and winter hillwalking, it’s spot on.
Comfort, Fit, and Sizing
Here’s the thing – fit matters more than most people realise. I’m an average build, and with a base layer and fleece, my usual size felt a touch snug in the chest and shoulders. Sizing up gave just enough room for thicker thermals but didn’t swamp me or flap in the wind.
If you’re planning serious winter layering or just like a roomy fit, go one size up. The athletic cut means it won’t look or feel oversized. The sleeves are a useful length, especially for folks with longer arms.
The stretch fabric and raglan sleeves make a massive difference for movement – no more riding up or “jacket lock” when you wave your arms about pitching a tent. Comfort’s solid for all-day use, never too stiff.
Pros and Cons in Everyday Use
Let’s not sugar-coat this. Here’s what really works, and what might wind you up.
Is it a perfect jacket? No. But the flaws are small, honest camp annoyances – not the sort that leave you soaked right through.
MH500 vs MH900: Which Should You Get?
Quechua make a more expensive shell – the MH900. That extra 30 quid gets you longer length, extra pockets, helmet-friendly hood, and slightly beefed-up storm protection. The cut is more articulated, better for full-on mountain scrambling or Scottish winter munros.
But here’s the kicker: both jackets share the same waterproof membrane tech. For 90% of UK campers and hikers, the MH500 does the job perfectly. The MH900 shines for folk headed for proper mountaineering or ice climbs. Most of us? We’re just looking to fend off our usual brand of British weather.
Who Should Use the MH500?
Ask yourself what you actually do outdoors. If you’re a casual hiker, wild camper, DofE tripper, or just want a jacket that’ll block rain while you chase the dog round the park, the MH500 fits the bill.
If you want something light, genuinely waterproof, and comfy for hiking, this is strong. If you’re on a tight budget but don’t fancy getting wet in a five-quid bargain bin jacket again, this is your upgrade. But if you’re planning alpine climbs or want serious expedition features, you’ll outgrow it eventually.
Final Call: Worth the Money?
I’ll be blunt. I used to waste cash on “budget” waterproofs that gave up before the pub. The MH500 isn’t magic, but it’s the first jacket under £100 I’ve worn through an entire year – wet camps, misty ridges, winter car park dashes – without swearing once about leaks or sweaty misery.
It won’t impress brand snobs, and it won’t hold up to weeks in the Alps. But it’s honest, well-designed, and lasts better than I’d hoped. If you need proper weather protection for ordinary British camping and hiking, yes – the Quechua MH500 gives you your money’s worth.
Is it perfect? No. Does it keep me dry, comfortable and not bankrupt? Absolutely. I’d pack it again for next weekend without a second thought.
MH500 Jacket FAQs
Is the MH500 really waterproof for UK weather?
Yes. With a 25,000mm rating, mine has kept me bone dry in Bristol downpours, Snowdonia drizzle, and four-hour Lake District storms. Watch those hood adjustments though!
How do I clean and care for it?
Wash cold, gentle spin, no softeners or bleach. Re-proof with spray after a few big storms. Hang dry—not over a radiator.
Is the hood suitable for helmets?
No. It’s fine for hiking, but if you’re wearing a climbing helmet, the MH500 hood is too snug.
What about sizing?
Athletic fit. Most find it slim, so size up if you want thicker layers or more room to move.
Is it OK for summer hiking?
For hot days, you might sweat even with pit zips open. Brilliant in cool, breezy or mixed British weather.
Any durability issues?
After a year of scrambling and camping, mine shows little wear. Zips and fabric have survived regular abuse, though the hood’s peak could be stiffer.
Does it pack down small?
Fits easily into a 20-30L daypack with room for the rest of your kit.
Warranty or aftercare?
Two-year warranty through Decathlon. Repairs are rare, but at this price, it’s the best backup you’ll get.
Anything missing?
Could do with a stiffer hood peak and a larger inner pocket for OS maps. But honestly? Not much else.
If you want a friend’s advice, here it is: get the MH500 if you’re sick of getting drenched, but don’t want to pay through the nose for a “name.” It’s not perfect, but it’s honest, proven, and gets the job done in all but true Scottish hell-weather.
