The CamelBak M.U.L.E is a classic that has been around since 1996. It has all the features you need and nothing extra, which we love mountain bikers who also hike or trail run sometimes. The CamelBak M.U.L.E is a trustworthy companion for any adventure, but it could update to keep up in this competitive market. This CamelBak M.U.L.E review will discuss the ease of drinking, ease of filling, comfort, storage, weight, ease of cleaning, value and other features of this hydration pack.
Table of Contents
Our Verdict
The Camelbak M.U.L.E has durable construction quality from 600 Denier Seamed Nylon materials. Rugged Look fabric on each side panels where there’s more stress than usual so that they won’t wear out prematurely due to abrasion by sharp objects like other types may wear through quickly in those areas: water-resistant seams throughout. In addition, there is an adjustable sternum strap. If comfortability is key, they’ve got that down pat, too; ergonomic padding keeps things comfortable whether riding through town or up mountainsides.
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Technical Details of CamelBak M.U.L.E
| Gear Capacity | 9 l |
|---|---|
| Bladder Capacity | 3 l |
| Weight | 620 g |
| Dimensions | 17.9” x 8.7” x 8.9” |
| Price | $53.00-$110.00 |
Pros and Cons of CamelBak M.U.L.E
| Pros | Cons |
| Affordable price | Difficult to clean the bladder |
| Awesome drinking system | Very poor ventilation |
| Great storage | Not comfortable |
Are You in Hurry? Here is a Quick Review of CamelBak M.U.L.E
The Camelbak M.U.L E pack was designed specifically for mountain bikers, but it can be used by day hikers and travelers alike. This small, lightweight pack has an easy-to interfere drinking nozzle that will keep you hydrated on your next adventure – whether it is hiking in the forest or traveling abroad with only carryons (and not much else). In addition, the 3-liter water reservoir lasts long enough, so there is no need to worry about running out before reaching your desired destination.
Detailed Review of CamelBak M.U.L.E
Ease of Drinking
The foundations of this pack are some heavy-duty hydration systems. In addition, the Crux delivers 20% more water per sip, according to CamelBak! With all these benefits and easy drinking capabilities in one package, it’s no wonder that people love their oversized bite valves so much – even if they do tend to huff, puff, pant, or groan while using them sometimes (we think most gear does).
The easy drinking CamelBak Crux hydration system
But what impressed us with how efficient everything works together when you combine Huffing & Puffing noises with sipping.
The 3-liter Crux hydration bladder is stored in its own dedicated and lightly insulated sleeve that fits nicely into a pocket at the back of your pack, just inside. It can hold water for up to 24 hours on one fill. In addition, you’ll find quick-release fittings, so you don’t have to worry about spilling anything when filling up, which was convenient because we were always thirsty while hiking with this thing around our neck or wearing it like armor against bugs.
The drinking hose attaches with a quick-release connector–which we found convenient when filling up for an extended adventure.
The Crux hydration system has a hose from the sleeve down your right shoulder strap and attaches magnetically. The Big Bite valves are easy to use because they are on/off switch.
They even use handy pictures! This position=no drink.
The CamelBak Big Bite valves are among the most accessible valves to achieve maximum flow with no leakage. This is because when flipping from On/Off mode, it faces forward instead of backward as previously seen in other models or brands’ products alike- nearly three decades worth of experience can’t just sound good on their resume but also comes into play. During use, thanks to the Crux System.
Ease of Filling
The M.U.L.E. is a great hydration pack for those who want easy access and don’t mind filling up on the go. The Crux bladder can be accessed by opening up its large zipper, then sliding it out of your bag with one hand while pulling down some air into yourself with another (it’s that easy). You’ll also find two Velcro straps near where water flows in – use these to secure everything before drinking, so there isn’t any spilling all over you.
The Crux shoe horn style handle increases the ease of filling, earning the M.U.L.E. a high score.
The M.U.L.E. pack is the perfect go-to for outdoor adventures and lightweight backpacking, but it does have some drawbacks that you may want to consider before buying one yourself. For example, no way of hanging your bladder, so be prepared with something else or wear around town while traveling on public transportation if necessary.
Fortunately, there are loops in the design that can be used as a hanger or guide drinking tube upwards when not being worn on your person. Which should help keep everything nice and organized during long days of hiking with this pack equipped at all times.
The big 4″ cap of the Crux bladder.
Comfort
The MULE is a great pack, but other bags we tested from competitors provided better ventilation and drinking hose connection. It might not be necessary for riders who want to do more casual hikes or ride around town, but those venturing into longer treks would rather have another option.
The back panel of the CamelBak Flash Pack is made from Air Direct construction, which has a mesh panel stretched over rigid foam. One section sits at your lower back while another two are placed under each shoulder blade for extra ventilation and comfort on warmer days when you’re riding in direct sunlight or hot climates.
Working up a sweaty back while climbing on a sunny day.
The shoulder straps are made for comfort, and the materials keep your back cool during the summertime. The company’s innovative design is perfect because it allows you to wear this backpack like a waist bag or with its adjustable sternum strap across your chest.
The M.U.L.E. packs are not designed to be hip belts, but they do come equipped with a lackluster hip belt that’s solid enough for most people, and you can remove it if necessary. The belt is just ¾” webbing strap with adjusters on both sides and fastened by a buckle. Unfortunately, it won’t allow your pack from flopping around while technical grounds aren’t too tricky terrain.
Storage
The M.U.L. has a sufficient storage capacity for all-day rides and hikes at ten liters. Furthermore, it includes an external pouch attached to two buckles that secure the central portion of your pack and fixed ones on lower load adjuster straps, making it easy to carry around any extra gear like bikes or skis. You should not worry about them getting damaged during transport.
The main compartment storage pouches with our bike gear stowed.
The outer portion of the pack opens with a giant rainbow-shaped zipper that provides complete access to the first compartment. Inside, there’s an 8″ x 6″ zip pocket perfect for storing keys or other small items you may need on the go. Next are two mesh panel pockets sewn into one side, which can be used as storage space. We found these particular ones ideal when holding bike tools and spare tubes at your disposal, so they’re always within reach without taking up extra room in any other area inside this backpack design. Finally, and above all else – don’t forget about its elastic keeper loop, where we attached our free pump upon arrival.
Inside this next compartment is a lot of space for all that extra stuff. It’s not about how many compartments they have but rather what goes inside them – keep things simple if it suits your needs best (though sometimes less really can be more).
The outside of this simple nylon pocket is accessed from the zipper on top. It measures approximately 8 “x5”, and we used it for storing phones, glasses, or goggles without any padding or lining inside.
Weight
Even though the M.U.L.E. is one of our lighter capacity models, it still falls in line with other metrics and weighs 1 lb 12 oz.
The lightweight design makes this pack perfect for extended backpacking trips where you need to carry everything but your tent or sleeping bag (or both!).
Ease of Cleaning
Cleaning the hydration bladder is not tricky, but you need to spend some extra time cleaning it out. The zippers are straightforward and reach into your drink compartment without any problem once opened up properly. We would say that there’s average access for scrubbing or wiping off excess liquid compared with other bladders on the market because of its narrow mouth design- this isn’t necessarily bad, though.
At home on the mountain bike!
Value
For those on a tight budget but still need an all-day pack, take the M.U.L.E. for what it’s worth. However, if you’re looking to buy something more generic that will work well in any situation and won’t break your bank account, then get one of these instead.
What We Like of CamelBak M.U.L.E Review
- large easy to store 3 liters for a day
- It has a shelf to hang the water tank so as not to scroll
- You can be secured the hose to each shoulder strap for versatility
- There are two compartments middle has a stretch pocket for easy storage, and the outer is for functional storage.
What We Don’t Like of CamelBak M.U.L.E Review
- The width of the straps is not perfect
- The size of the hose is smaller than others
- Some reports of water leakage out of the top
- Doesn’t come with a rain cover for protection
Compare CamelBak M.U.L.E to Similar Products
| Name | CamelBak M.U.L.E. 100 OZ | CamelBak Lobo 9 l | Thule Vital 6 l | Evoc Stage 18 | Evoc CC 10 l |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gear Capacity | 9 l | 6 l | 3.5 l | 18 l | 8 l |
| Bladder Capacity | 3 l | 3 l | 2.5 l | Accommodates Hydration Systems Up To 3 l (Not Included) | 2 l |
| Weight | 620 g | 480 g | 540 g | 965 g | 690 g |
| Dimensions | 17.9” x 8.7” x 8.9” | 18” x 8.3” x 7.5” | 8.7” x 3.5” x 17.5” | 8.25” x 17.3” x 4.75” | 7.9” x 19.7 x 3.9” |
| Pros | Comes with a big bite valve | Lightweight, big bite valve | Large compartment, lightweight | Great comfort, awesome storage | Easy to access, comfortable, great stability |
| Cons | Not comfortable, water reservoir lid twisted of | Small storage, less ventilation | J shaped zippers | Expensive price does not come with a water reservoir | Minimum ventilation |
| Price | Check price | Check price | Check price | Check price | Check price |
Final Thoughts
The CamelBak M.U.L., which stands for “modular Upright Hydration,” could be the perfect choice if you’re looking for a lightweight hydration backpack. But, of course, it doesn’t have all of those bells and whistles. Still, it offers plenty of storage space in its compartments to store your water supply when out on an adventure or traveling abroad without being afraid there won’t be any nearby clean drinking sources available at hand when needed most.
CamelBak M.U.L.E Price Comparison
| Seller | Price |
| Backcountry | $114.95 |
| REI Co-op | $115 |
| Amazon | $99.95 |
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