MTB Reviews > Hydration > Camelbak M.U.L.E.

Camelbak M.U.L.E. Reviews

Description: (from camelbak.com)
The 2007 M.U.L.E.® offers the ultimate combination of organized and overflow cargo options, including a weather-resistant MP3 pocket, plus enough hydration for over 3 hours on the trail.

Add a review (form opens in right column) reviewed by lamunyan   on October 27, 2009   Pros • The reservoir has a wide mouth making it easy to refill, Really good water flow with little effort to get water. 100oz capacity ensures you don’t run out of water on the long rides. The pack fits securely to the back and with the ventilated airflow backpanel the back keeps cool. I forget I am wearing it sometimes. There is plenty of room with 3 zippered compartments, great for organizing, so you can carry everything you need for day trips and some extra stuff. IPod pocket big enough for the phone. Cons a lot of straps Verdict • Cannot ride without...it feels great and is not too large to be a hindrance when riding. If you don’t have one this is the one to get. reviewed by Asfyxiate   on August 10, 2009   Pros Carries 100oz, comfort Cons Tight on space, exterior material is not waterproof Verdict This is the unofficial hydration pack for MTBing. As it carries 100oz of liquid you are able to ride without fear of running low on water. When you fill the reservoir to the max, along with whatever else you stuff into the camelbak, this puppy can be a little on the heavy side if you are not use to it. It would be nice if it were to be waterproof, but I guess that's not that big of a deal. All around this is the pack to buy if you plan on getting a camelbak specifically for MTB. Recommended for: Anyone reviewed by TMWJR777   on May 17, 2009   Pros It's a Camelback Cons Space Verdict Best compromise of lighweight, compact size and a fair amount of storage space. Recommended for: Anyone reviewed by eastwood   on April 13, 2009   Pros Great water capacity, good storage. Good fit and very comfortable. Cons Missing proper pump storage. Verdict Awesome. Got this for longer rides/rides I want to bring my camera on. Excellent water capacity, good storage. Great bag (and color, got mine in Envy Green - SWEET!) Recommended for: Anyone reviewed by Devin_P   on March 14, 2009   Pros Comfort, water capacity, quality, low profile Cons bit small on storage Verdict I'm 6'3 230 and find the pack is a little small. I do use it for shorting outings and let friends who don't have one use it on group rides. Great pack if you only carry the minimal or don't stry to far into the backcountry. Recommended for: Anyone reviewed by Juan_Gear   on January 31, 2009   Pros access is well planed Cons None Verdict Not really a take the kichen sink kinda guy. for four plus hour rides in the wet. this rocks. most days its one speed and a water bottle reviewed by vmk   on August 31, 2008   Pros It's a Donkey! Carries lots of stuff and keeps you organized. Has a huge reservoir for H20. Nooks and crannies for gels, bars, tools, keys, extra jacket. Very comfortable to wear as well. Cons If you top up the bladder it can get a little heavy. Verdict I would highly recommend this tool for any mountain biking enthusiast. Recommended for: Anyone reviewed by PghDragonMan   on August 26, 2008   Pros Fluid Capacity, Comfort, Small Backpack Cons Belly Strap and Chest Strap Verdict Don't leave home without it! I have a slightly older style, but it is still some of the mest outdoor gear I've bought. While it falls short as a day pack, it is still veritile enogugh to be adapted to almost any outdoor sport. Being a big water drinker, I was first attracted to the large 3.0 litre capacity of this pack. The insulation is a little thin, but I still have drinkably cool water left after three hours on the road or trails here in Eastern PA. If you are a desert rat, you'r water may not stay as cold, but you should still have plenty of weater for an nuice outing. I d not have the MP3 play pocket, but I can still put mine in the smallest external compartment. The non-zippered space is ideal for quick grab items, like geocache trade items or maps. I hang my cell phone from the D rings on the pack strap. While many people may like the chest strap and belly strap, I find them too restrictive and very uncomfortable. They are easy enough to clip outof your way, so this is still not a major negative issue. Recommended for: Anyone reviewed by guest on July 4, 2008   Pros low profile design, external pockets, comfortable padding and straps, just enough space for the essentials (pump, tools, tube, jacket, wallet, keys, locks) Cons internal organization Verdict Tools and pump shift around and rattle inside Recommended for: Anyone reviewed by GreenGiant   on December 30, 2007   Pros Separation of water bladder and main compartment. External gear holder. MP3 pouch. Cons Not enough biking specific organizers. Verdict I got this to replace my original hydro pack made by Sierra Designs. While the reservoir was accessible from the main compartment it did have a bike pump holder and was expandable. The outer compartment contained quite a few organizer slots. The MULE could have a few more things in it to organize gear. It certainly is roomy, more so than what I am replacing it for but I think CamelPak could have done more in the organization department. I do like the MP3 pouch because it's perfect for a GPS. The strap system is very good, too. Recommended for: Anyone reviewed by blasternot112   on September 16, 2007   Pros I've had htis bag for over a decade. I have the older, sorta smaller and more plain model, but still same basic idea. I use it for work, play, everything!!! I replaced the bladder about a year ago. Cons The bladder only lasted about 8 years. Verdict This is the best Camelbak ever. If you dont carry much gear, consider the LOBO Recommended for: Anyone reviewed by croscoe   on August 20, 2007   Pros Well constructed, Holds all of my gear, 3L of water. Cons None. Verdict Overall, I have no complaints with the MULE. I can't believe I've survived with out it for so long. When I initially opened the box, I couldn't believe how small the MULE was and I started to get concerned. All worries went out the window when I was able to load all of my gear into the MULE with room to spare. The arrangements of the pockets is very nice, enabling me to have everything organized. When on the bike, my back was noticeably cooler due to the venting/padding. The pack is very comfortable as well. I am very happy with the build quality and the bladder/valve system. I am able to ride harder, stay hydrated, and basically have more fun all thanks to the MULE. I've yet to find any faults with the MULE, and if one comes up, I will report it here. If you need a hydration pack for a few hours out on the bike, then look no further. Recommended for: Anyone reviewed by Hyper   on May 15, 2007   Verdict Lots of room, not that heavy, fits well and holds more than enough water for a two hour ride. reviewed by bikeamaroq   on March 30, 2007   Verdict This one has the same huge bladder as the H.A.W.G., but it is lighter and has slightly less storage space for gear, repair items, and other stuff. One of my friends has one of these and loves it. If you're looking for a Camel back that can carry lots of water, a little less stuff, and is a little less expensive than the H.A.W.G., this is your pack. reviewed by Rebus   on March 27, 2007   Verdict Love this thing. Holds all my crap and enough water to get me around Porcupine Rim on a hot day. reviewed by sgthuddleston   on July 7, 2006   Verdict good hydration sys. i got it issued to me in iraq and loved it from the start now that iom bikeing its a must take lot's of storage and its has the molle clips in it to add storage er a first aid kit reviewed by martybob   on November 1, 2005   Verdict love it!plenty of storage space without being like a backpack reviewed by hurdaddy   on October 10, 2005   Verdict A must have for lengthy rides!! This pack makes good use of its many storage pouches. Keeps water cool too! reviewed by c3667   on September 12, 2005   Verdict I have one of these and it is great. but it is too big for a 2 hour ride . but overall it works great ! reviewed by gar29   on September 6, 2005   Verdict Love it. I replaced an old Perfomance Monsoon pack with this one, and haven't looked back. It holds plenty of water, and just enough gear for all day treking. reviewed by shadow27104   on July 13, 2005   Verdict Have used for 5 years now. Plenty of room for a day ride (water, food, tools) and even a half day hike with the spouse and 2 kids. reviewed by NCBikingJim   on May 30, 2005   Verdict The Camelbak Mule is a great pack. Holds plenty of water for a day long ride along with carrying gear and tools to keep oneself and others going throughout the day. reviewed by yellowXtrek   on May 29, 2005   Verdict Holds enough water for long rides and keeps water cold for longer periods of time. Plenty of room to hold extra gear.