Submitted by
tlefko
a Cross Country Rider
from boston, ma Date Reviewed: October 31, 2009
Favorite Trail:
lynn woods
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$75.00
Purchased At:
online
Strengths:
The bag is much improved in terms of durability. It is much beefier than my old Camelbak and feels much sturdier all around. It has larger straps and the points of contact are well reinforced. It has a felt coated interior pocket for glasses which is a good idea however that is all you can keep in that pocket if you don't want your glasses to get scratched. For a bag that doesn't have too many smaller compartments I think the glasses pocket is better served for something else.
I suppose some may think the built in rain cover is cool but that sort of thing doesn't do much for me.
Weaknesses:
There are a few weaknesses with this bag:
1. the air circulation system is a complete gimmick. It does not make my back sweat any less than it used to. In fact the bag seems to have a much larger footprint on my back than the old one which actually increases the area of sweat on one's back. The difference in cost between the regular and NV MULE bags is not too much but I am not a big fan of spending extra for gimmicks.
2. the waist straps are a nuisance because they are so long. the strap keepers slide around and really don't assist in keeping the ridiculously long straps at bay. i think they had a 400lb man in mind when they designed the waist straps. a dude that big should get the Hawg...
3. there are not enough smaller pockets to keep your food and so forth separate from your extra clothing and tools. a few side compartments would really be ideal
4. the zipper to open the compartment that holds the water bladder requires that you un-clip one of the side straps - this is one helluva stupid design.
5. the rain cover is sewn into the bag so you can't remove it - again stupid design. the cover takes up space in the pack that could be used for other things when the sun is out
Similar Products Used:
Camelbak Hawg
Bike Setup:
Turner 5 Spot
Bottom Line:
The bag is decent but the NV system doesn't make a darn bit of difference. I would recommend the pack as I think it is a durable bag that I think will last for years to come; however, I wouldn't spend the extra money on the NV system - just buy the normal MULE.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
thrasher_s
a Weekend Warrior
from El Paso, Tx Date Reviewed: October 6, 2009
Favorite Trail:
All of em
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$89.00
Purchased At:
eBay (new)
Strengths:
Bulletproof construction and the best quality hydration bladder/hose/nozzle out there. Exactly what I expect from CamelBak. Carries all the gear I could everneed out in the desert (100oz water, plenty of food, change of socks/gloves, pump, first aid kit, snake kit, iPod, camera, binoculars, sunscreen, jacket, keys, phone, gps, etc.) OR it can carry the bare minimum because it has excellent straps for tightening everything down. Fits like a glove, just throw it on and pull the straps tight. Comfortable for long rides. The NV back pad works better than any other pack I have used for keeping my back from boiling.
Weaknesses:
Wouldn't use it if Im trying to be as lightweight as possible. Couldn't carry a full face helmet in the pack, but thats not what I bought it for.
Similar Products Used:
Northface hydration pack (forgot the model), a smaller Camelbak I borrowed from a buddy once.
Bike Setup:
trek remedy, specialized stumpy 29
Bottom Line:
Excellent product. Don't pay MSRP, but only because you don't have too. I'm convinced its the best mid size pack out there.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
EBasil
a Cross Country Rider
from San Diego Date Reviewed: September 2, 2009
Favorite Trail:
Tunnel 9
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$80.00
Purchased At:
PricePoint cllearanc
Strengths:
Cargo capacity, great shoulder straps, excellent air-ventilation for the back.
Weaknesses:
Main cargo zipper is obstructed by load straps that must be unhooked; bladder has to be removed to fill, rather than those cool "Doors" on some C-baks.
Similar Products Used:
C-back original, C-back Mule, Ultimate water pack,
Bottom Line:
The Mule is a great pack when you need more cargo capacity that you'll find in a smaller-bladdered pack, and the NV-Air feature is good. Now, it won't keep you cool in the heat and you won't feel cold air swooshing over your back, but you won't build up a giant wet spot and the pack itself dries quickly.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Axis_kinG
a Weekend Warrior
from Saint John, New Brunswick Canada Date Reviewed: August 27, 2009
Favorite Trail:
Moose Trax
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$80.00
Purchased At:
Chainreactioncycles.
Strengths:
Excellent freeride pack, never have had to fill it all the way when i go ride. Lots of water storage, 3 litres or 100 ounces is ALL anyone will ever need. Plus it keeps it AWAY from your back so there's more airflow. Plenty of storage space for all the extras!
Weaknesses:
Can get heavy... if you're an XC rider, get a smaller pack. Something with 2 litres.
Similar Products Used:
Dakine Session hydrapack
Bike Setup:
2009 Rocky Mountain SXC70 Slayer
Bottom Line:
Excellent pack. Worth the money.. keeps your back away from the pack itself minimizing perspiration on your back. However, sometimes it's hard to avoid that anyway. :P
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
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