Model/Year: 2010 MULE NV

Pros: -Comfy
-Sufficient amount of space to carry tools and spares
-3 liters of water is a lot
-Can store your helmet in the back compartment
-Soft lined pocket for cell phone or sunglasses

Cons: -Can get bouncy if the straps around your body aren't super tight
-Some of the storage compartments are awkward to access

Recommendation: I only gave it a 4 because some of the compartments are awkward to access and it gets bouncy when not really tight to your body. Otherwise, this is an awesome pack that holds a ton of water and gear.

Pros: Comfortable, tons of storage space, has hidden rain cover, plenty of capacity for longer rides.

Cons: Nothing for me, for races a smaller pack would be better.

Recommendation: Very comfortable, I forget it's even on my back when riding. Never in the way or uncomfortable whether you're speeding along singletrack or hitting jumps and drops. Very good purchase for me.

Pros: 100 oz reservoir, phone compartment, large storage pocket, medium pocket has an organizer in it

Cons: 90 degree on/off bite valve

Recommendation: I really like this pack. The "organizer" in the middle pocket is perfect for holding small tools/parts. The large storage pocket holds a decent amount of stuff also (maybe too much?) I carry bug spray and sunscreen in the open section, makes it easy to get to for re-applying during long rides. My only complaint is the bite valve. The on/off switch seemed cheap and flimsy. I replaced it with an older model bite valve as soon as I got the pack.

Pros: Large capacity, looks good, tough, hydration tube is not awkward

Cons: Can get heavy if you load it up, not really sure why the middle pocket (between the large and small main compartments) is open instead of having some sort of buckle/strap

Recommendation: I took a pretty big tumble with this on my back with my SLR camera inside of it and my camera was completely fine despite me rolling over on rocks. I was impressed. More than enough room for tools and water.

Pros: Huge capacity, lots of room for gear, sits comfortably and securely. Lower strap keeps it secure on rough spots Now I run out of legs before i run out of water!

Cons: Can be a tad heavy when fully filled an loaded with gear.

Recommendation: Comfortable, dependable, adjustable - Perfect pack for the longer rides. Carry plenty of water, gear, whatever you need.

Pros: Dependable Camelbak quality & construction, great fit, and a large water reservoir. Very comfortable fit with plenty of adjustments.

Cons: Just a bit heavy when fully loaded with water, tools, and supplies.

Recommendation: This pack is versatile and very comfortable, even when worn during jumps and big drops. Has plenty of cargo space as well. I own the older version, so this new version is has more to offer. Great pack all hands down.

Pros: Large enough for a day long ride. 4 straps on the outside cinch down tight when the load is small. All storage is well organized. The built in rain cover really works, been through a few frog drowning storms, and every thing stayed dry.

Cons: The N.V.I.S. makes the pack heavier, and takes up storage space, but is removable.

Recommendation: Very versatile, I own several packs both larger and smaller. Now I use this one 90% of the time. If you can only get one pack, get this one.

Pros: Large, dependable Camelbak quality construction, very adjustable for a good fit, Built in rain cover (see photo), Larger outside mesh pocket than its predecessor.


Cons: Large, like all hydration packs once you fill the bladder you loose quite a bit of the pack capacity (maybe a good thing).


Recommendation: Seeing this pack in the store I was intrigued by the NVIS design but the overall size of the pack kept me from purchasing it. When I bought the original MULE pack a little over a year ago I thought; ‘this is as big as I ever want a bike hydration pack.’ And it is really, I got to really like how well the old one fit and rode right in the center of my back. However even with the airflow design it would eventually end up being just a sweat soaked foam pad sticking to my back regardless of what type of jersey I wore. Then the gear store put the NV on sale for %20 off- Sold.
It is larger than I would like and a little heavier than the old one but nothing I wont get used too. First thing I did was modify the 90 degree, cable grabbing, get hooked on everything, fishhook shaped mouthpiece back to the old straight style. On the inaugural ride today I chose a trail that had a lot of pack-a-bike to work up a good sweat. I could really feel the breeze through the pack on the subsequent downhill run. The ride of it was nice and even during an emergency quick dismount(crash) the pack never felt like it was attacking me or trying to climb up over my head. Im sure that built in rain cover will come in really handy at some point, and the over sized mesh stretch helmet pocket on the outside may just be big enough to carry my SLR camera. It is still a pack on your back that will gather sweat but until we get the solar powered, air conditioned units this is about as good as it gets.

Pros: Very Comfortable, NVIS Back Panel, Good Storage, Lightweight, Customize fit...

Cons: Like most hydration packs, not easy to put reservoir in while pack is loaded

Recommendation: The biggest thing with this pack is comfort. It's so customizable, you can really dial it in to fit perfect. The NVIS back panel really does work. It allows air to get in between the pack and your back and keep you cooler for sure. There's plenty of storage for your necessities, including a phone/mp3 player compartment with easy access and waterproof zipper. I'm use to a 70 oz reservoir so it was noticeably heavier when the 100oz reservoir was full. Once again super comfortable...forgot it was there!