We tested six of the most exciting bikepacking tents head-to-head in France’s Massif Central – click here for our buying guide and a full overview of all bikepacking tents in the group test.
Decathlon is one of Europe’s biggest names in affordable outdoor equipment, and its mountain-focused in-house brand SIMOND follows the same philosophy. While much of the established competition chases ever lighter materials and increasingly more sophisticated designs, the SIMOND MT900 takes a more straightforward approach. Function comes first, followed closely by weight and practicality. Price is where the MT900 makes its first statement. At around €250 in its two-person configuration, it undercuts most premium competitors by a wide margin. Yet on paper, it still offers many of the features you expect from a modern bikepacking shelter. Can this refreshingly uncomplicated tent challenge the established high-end players, or do significant compromises emerge once it leaves the spec sheet and enters the real world?
SIMOND MT900 2P
249,99 €
Technical Data
Weight (Complete) 1.93 kg (1.85 kg without bag)
Packed Size approx. 40 x 14 cm x 14 cm (L x W x H)
Pole Length (Packed) 39 cm
Inner Dimensions 200 x 105-120 x 105 cm (L x W x H)
Intended Use 3-Season
SIMOND MT900 2P
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Construction Freestanding dome-style tent
Doors & Vestibules 2 doors / 2 vestibules
Hydrostatic Head (Floor / Flysheet) 3,000 mm / 2,000 mm (manufacturer specification)
Footprint Included No (but separate vestibule floors included)
Handlebar Mounting None (simple stuff sack with short straps)
SIMOND MT900 on Review – From Saddle to Shelter
Materials & Setup
During the first setup on our test trip through the heart of France, it quickly became clear that a budget-friendly tent doesn’t have to be a complex concept. This fully freestanding dome-style tent relies on a single, interconnected pole structure, which makes setup fast, intuitive and largely foolproof. Anyone who has ever wrestled with a stubborn tent in wind and rain will appreciate that.
The thicker floor fabric immediately inspires confidence, while the somewhat coarse mesh panels inside the tent and the basic aluminium stakes reveal where SIMOND has chosen to save money. One distinctive feature is the completely black inner tent, which provides excellent privacy and creates a pleasantly dark atmosphere inside. The only real drawback during first impressions: our test sample initially emitted a fairly strong chemical plastic smell.
Transport & Mounting
Because the MT900 was never designed specifically for bikepacking, the stuff sack is fairly basic and doesn’t include handlebar straps. Thanks to the short 39 cm pole segments, however, the packed tent can still be mounted in front of most handlebars using aftermarket straps. In combination with particularly narrow drop bars with less than 40 cm of clearance between the drops, you may have to find another place for the pole set. One major advantage in day-to-day use: packing the tent is refreshingly straightforward. There’s no need for careful folding or a precise packing sequence. In the morning, everything can simply be stuffed back into the generously sized bag and packed away within seconds.
Space & Storage
At 125 cm wide across the shoulder area and 105 cm at the foot end, the interior offers a decent amount of space, though it feels slightly narrow for two sleeping mats. The two generously-sized vestibules help make up for that limitation and add a surprising amount of usable storage space. A particularly practical feature are the two vestibule floors, which are included as standard. These create a protected area for luggage, keeping bags and gear out of mud and away from wet ground. It’s a simple solution, but one that proved genuinely useful throughout our test rides. Storage inside the tent is more basic. Two pockets near the head area and two small ceiling pockets have to do the job, while a large overhead helmet net is nowhere to be found. Then again, this is still a trekking tent at heart rather than a bikepacking-specific shelter.
Weather & Ventilation
Ventilation is granted by two roof vents that remain effective even in wet weather, helping to reduce condensation without compromising weather protection. Airflow is further enhanced by the large mesh panels positioned between the raised bathtub floor and the flysheet. The result is excellent air circulation and effective moisture management. The trade-off? On colder, windier nights, the tent feels a little less sheltered than some of the more enclosed models in this test field.
Who Should Take a Closer Look at the SIMOND MT900 2P?
The MT900 is an excellent choice for bikepacking newbies, budget-conscious gravel adventurers and occasional campers looking for an affordable all-round solution for both cycling and hiking trips. Those who can happily skip the expensive ultralight hype and value straightforward functionality over premium branding or sophisticated bikepacking-specific packing systems will find a dependable companion with the MT900.
Conclusion
The Decathlon SIMOND MT900 2P proves that a capable bikepacking tent doesn’t have to blow the budget. This refreshingly no-nonsense shelter combines impressive stability with one of the smartest features in the entire test field: the included vestibule floors. The compromises are mostly limited to the short mounting straps and the less refined material selection. If you’re willing to improvise with a few Voile straps on the handlebars, you’ll get a robust, weatherproof shelter with an outstanding price-to-performance ratio.
Tops
- Strong value for money
- Included vestibule floors
- Fast, intuitive setup
- Hassle-free packing
Flops
- Tight interior width for two people
- Strong plastic smell when new
For more information, visit decathlon.com.
The Test Field
This tent was tested as part of our 2026 Bikepacking Tent Group Review.
All Tents in the Review: Big Agnes Copper Spur UL2 Bikepack | Decathlon / SIMOND MT900 | Hilleberg Unna | MSR Hubba Hubba Bikepack 2P | Nemo Dragonfly Bikepack OSMO 2P | VAUDE Space 2P
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Words: Felicia Nastal, Antoine Daures Photos: Antoine Daures
