The original narrow-gauge pack for 3+ hours of mountain bike action. Reservoir Features: Quick Link System, 1/4 turn - easy open/close cap, lightweight fillport, dryer arms, center baffling and low-profile design, patented Big Bite Valve, HydroGuard technology, insulated PureFlow tube, and easy-to-clean wide-mouth opening. Hydration Capacity: 100 oz (3 L). Total Capacity: 580 cu in (9.5 L).
Submitted by
cstem
a Cross Country Rider
from Glendale, AZ USA
Date Reviewed: January 30, 2012
Strengths: Durability, versatility and quality. Fits well, always works and replacement parts for the bladder system are readily available anywhere in the USA (and maybe the world?). Warranty is incredible. In fact I got this while looking to buy a new bladder for my six year old Mule. The shop just gave me a credit towards an entire new Mule pack! Outer pocket holds a helmet or jacket and SLR camera nicely and the utility pocket holds tools, wallets and keys in thier spot. A media pocket, lined with soft fleece like material, is perfect for phones, mp3 players or sunglasses in a pinch-also has earbud cord hole too. Straps are more adjustable than before which helps on skinny dudes like me.
Weaknesses: Only thing I would change is to custom size it for myself. As stated in strengths- I am not typical in size and being more slender, it's obvious this pack is made for the majority out there. Not a real kick in the teeth-I don't expect companies to make everything fit me.
Bottom Line:
Camelbak has been at the forefront when it comes to on the back, on the bike hydration since 1988. The whole thing started with a thirsty bicycle racer and an I.V. bag of water. Michael Eidson was that man, and as a paramedic and bicycle racer in the “Hotter ‘n Hell” 100 mile road race (in 100 degree temps), Michael put the I.V. in a tube sock, pinned it shut and stuffed it in the back of his jersey. The Camelbak has gone through many versions since and seems to always be the leader in hydration and back pack technologies. I started out with one of the first Camelbaks a long time ago and still have it, but I now use my MULE for everyday Mountain Bike riding these days. It fits all the things I need, and holds 100 oz. of liquid as well.
The 2012 Camelbak Mule appears to be little changed from 2011 aside from the spec sheet on the Camelbak website. It showed the 2012 to have about 200 cu. in. of storage less than last year which was odd as the pack had not changed outwardly. A quick call to Camelbak customer service (still live, personal and answered in the United States-what?) cleared up my confusion, the company had merely stopped adding every little pocket to the storage total and lists the storage of just the main compartment. Pretty clear that way, and a lesson learned. Find out how a manufacturer is coming up with that huge payload and ensure it fits your needs. The Mule fits mine, so we continue on.
Fit: I am a thin and tallish kind of dude so it is hard for me to be objective about fit. Just like American car seats are made bigger than Euro or Asians for our big fat butts, I suppose the packs are too. I have to carefully strap in to my Mule to ensure it stays put, which is really easy to do with the adjustable and padded shoulder straps. There is also a sternum strap that has almost 8 inches of vertical adjustment up the shoulder straps and of course can be lengthened out for barrel-chested men or the ladies. The waist strap works well too and is removable although for my skinny waist I wish it could get a little tighter when the going gets vertically pointed down. Seriously, I am not the norm when it comes to fit, but you should always try before you buy.
Finish: I am a detail orientated person who looks for quality in every area. The zippers are smooth pulling even when the bag is packed (over packed) but the pulls are a little small for gloved hand use at night or when trying to access a pocket on the fly. I solved this by adding a bottle opener key chain on one pull and some other useful/decorative ones on the others for fun. The back Air Director pads work pretty well when the going gets hot and gives the bag a smaller footprint on your body. The construction is tough due to the use of 70D Diamond Clarus & 420 Nylon with DWR & 1000 mm PU coating, which means…Okay I have no idea what that means, but I have never ripped or torn a Camelbak before so we’ll just assume it means “Awesome”.
Details: The bladder uses even more of Camelbak’s patented features such as these pulled straight from the site “Includes the new 100 oz. (3 L) Antidote reservoir with Quick Link™ System, 1/4 turn - easy open/close cap, lightweight fill port, dryer arms, center baffling and low-profile design, patented Big Bite™ Valve, HydroGuard™ technology, 4mm insulated PureFlow™ tube, easy-to-clean wide-mouth opening.” All I know is I can leave fluid in it for a week by accident clean it and not worry too much about dealing with Giardia again.
The pockets inside the front compartment are sectioned to hold tools, survival gear or what-not and there is still a key hook too. The main compartment is giant sized at 580 cu.in. and there is an outer stuff pocket for jackets, cameras or a helmet. The trouble with being able to carry so much is deciding what you want to carry. You will get what you need inside this pack for a great epic ride of 3+ hours based on water capacity. There are four color-ways available and retail is about one hundred bucks.
In use: I have about 300 miles on the Mule right now and have not had one single issue. For that matter, I have never had a problem with any Camelbak I have ever purchased (five total) and recommend them to anyone. Feature-filled, adventure ready and always performing past my expectations. Those are redeeming qualities these days and Camelbak is reaping the rewards.
Similar Products Used: MSR hydration, Lezyne and some REI brand. Two of which had bladder issues quickly and the other was just did not fit right.
Bike Setup: How about pack setup? I carry first aid items, Crank Bros. trail tool kit, a windbreaker, usually a SLR camera, phone, keys, wallet and many times in the summer a second bladder for longer rides. Snacks, a pump, two tubes, and Co2 kit. Weighs in at around 14 lbs completely full and feels like a feather with the awesome padded straps!
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
denniswebb
a Cross Country Rider
from Glendale, AZ USA
Date Reviewed: August 30, 2011
Strengths: Light weight, plenty of storage for pump, spare tube, patch kit, chain tool and multi-tool. Storage for phone / mp3 player. Excellent water storage.
Weaknesses: None so far
Bottom Line:
This thing is rugged, and has everything you need. Add to that the support of REI and Camelbak and you can not go wrong.
Similar Products Used: None, this is my first hydration pack (yes I was still using water bottles)
Bike Setup: 2011 Giant Talon 1 29er
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
ProjectDan35
a Cross Country Rider
from Rhode Island
Date Reviewed: May 31, 2011
Strengths: THIS IS FOR THE 2011 MULE. New Antidote bladder is awesome. 100oz capacity. Good straps, I love the waist strap for mountain biking, it doesn't fly around. Tons of pockets, I live the separate pocket for the bladder, so it doesn't take up precious pocket space for tools and stuff. Fits great, i love the fleece lined pocket for my phone and camera.
Weaknesses: ABSOLUTELY NONE.
Bottom Line:
Buy it, ignore the price, you won't regret it. Just look at the rating of this pack, you can't go wrong, especially with the new antidote bladder.
Similar Products Used: Other hydration packs. THEY ALL SUCK EXCEPT CAMELBAK.
Bike Setup: 2010 Specialized Rockhopper Comp with many upgrades.
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
Fletch 1
a Weekend Warrior
from Glendale, AZ, USA
Date Reviewed: May 13, 2011
Strengths: I have owned several Camelbaks through the years and the MULE is my favorite due to it's 100 ounce capacity and handy storage capabilities.
Weaknesses: I wish the bladder could be removed from it's compartment with Velcro as apossed to the zipper. It's a minor gripe but you have to wrestle the bladder in to place when it's full and I'm always afraid I am going to catch the bladder in the zipper and puncture it. Again, minor issue.
Bottom Line:
Great pack and just the right size for a half day ride in AZ heat. Has enough room to carry a small tire pump, multiple tool, tube, tissue, small first aid kit, wallet, cell phone, spare master links, keys, sandwich, energy bars and gels and room to spare. I can't imagine riding without it.
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