When you’re new to trekking, selecting gear or equipment that offers comfort, durability, and ease of use becomes crucial. And this doesn’t need to be fancy or expensive — it simply needs to support you well as you take your first steps into the world of trekking.

In this detailed Forclaz MT500 Air Trekking Backpack 45+10L (Blue-Grey) review, I’ll walk you through how the backpack performed for my trek to Ali Bedni Bugyal.

What did I like about Forclaz MT500 Air Trekking Backpack 45+10L (Blue-Grey)?

Before buying this backpack, I had a few lessons in mind from my earlier gear — I wanted better waterproofing, easy access, and compartmentalization. After watching Indiahikes’ video on how to choose the right backpack for your Himalayan trek, I decided to go with the Forclaz brand for its outlook and easy availability at my nearby Decathlon store.

With the help of the store staff, I found that there was a women-specific version — adapted to the female body shape with a more open shoulder strap curve, higher hip belt, and a contoured fit that provides greater comfort and freedom of movement. The backpack comes with back support using an internal frame and adjustable torso height.

During my Ali Bedni Bugyal trek, the backpack felt like a part of my body — stable, lightweight, and well-balanced. The 45L main capacity with a 10L extension was just right for a six-day Himalayan trek. The compartments made it very convenient to use: one side for my water bottle, the other for a tiffin box and mug, essentials and medicines on top, rain gear and used clothes at the bottom, and separate straps to hold trekking pole. The bag also came with two covers — one for transport and another for rain protection.

What I did not like about Forclaz MT500 Air Trekking Backpack 45+10L (Blue-Grey)?

Honestly, I didn’t find any major drawbacks with the Forclaz MT500 Air 45+10L backpack during my trek. For me, it performed exactly as expected — comfortable, stable, and well-structured throughout. There wasn’t any discomfort or imbalance.

Perhaps with more treks and varied conditions, I might notice finer aspects to refine, but for now, I genuinely don’t have any complaints. It served its purpose perfectly on the Ali Bedni Bugyal trek and felt like a reliable companion from start to finish.

Pros

1. Excellent women-specific fit and comfort
2. Adjustable back height with sturdy frame support
3. Good back ventilation system
4. Lightweight yet durable build
5. Smart compartmentalization with dual covers (rain + transport)

Cons

I didn’t find any major drawbacks.

Final Verdict: Is Forclaz MT500 Air Trekking Backpack 45+10L (Blue-Grey) worth buying?

A solid reliable choice. Overall, it is a great companion that feels like an effortless extension of yourself on the trail.

Disclaimer: This review is shared by the trekker based on their personal experience of using the gear on the trail. Their rating is shaped by how they used the gear and it can be subjective. This review is not meant to be Indiahikes' final word on the product. Whenever an Indiahikes team member reviews a product, we will clearly say so.

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