r/Decathlon

I'll be backpacking Italy, Slovenia & Croatia from Jun-Sept. I aim to pack as little/lightly as possible, as spend as little as possible, too. I'm currently in France and have noticed Decathlon has a lot of well-priced gear. Does anyone know which items are worth buying cheap from there, rather than splurging on big brand-name versions?

Most days will consist of a several hours of hiking (varied terrain, from flat trails to steep scrambles), swimming at lakes, wandering the towns/cities, and train rides. I'll be staying in hostels, a few huts, and some home stays/cheap airbnbs.

A lot of new shoes in Decathlon stores for running, have you used them or advise a particular variant ?

I am thinking to get van rysel af gravel grx. I am 165cm right in the middle of XS and Small. Need help with what size should i go for. I dont want to feel too cramped out or too stretched. I mostly rest hands on the hoods and put on handle bars once tired. Drop bars i use just when on downhill. I prefer to do long rides and prefer slightly relaxed upright position.