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Submitted by
Holdsy
a Cross Country Rider
from Adelaide South Australia
Date Reviewed: November 9, 2009 | | Favorite Trail: | Eagle Mountain Bike Park | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$75.00 | | Purchased At: | City Store | | Strengths: | This pack is fantastic, good design,holds plenty and not to big to put stuff in you don't need, this pack will hold out as long as the zippers do. with care the pack should serve you for many years. Its comfortable, I can ride all day with it its like my second skin when I'm riding, superb product worth every cent!!!! | | Weaknesses: | The zipper tags pulled off on most of the zippers and I replaced them with small cable ties and it was fixed. | | Similar Products Used: | Some other marginally cheaper hydration pack I got that was a waste of time. What was I thinking!!?? | | Bike Setup: | Giant Trance1 | | Bottom Line: | This is the premo hydration pack Grand Daddy of them all, the Beez Neez !!!dont waste your time on anything but a CamelBak!!! | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
moriol
a Cross Country Rider
from Austria
Date Reviewed: August 13, 2009 | | Favorite Trail: | any | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$70.00 | | Purchased At: | online (bike-compone | | Strengths: | The Camelbak's outstanding, great storage capacity, excellent fit, ruggedly designed. I never ride without. Provides some back-protection in single-trail biking to ordinary XC/marathon-bikers, as it fits tightly, thanks to broad and comfortable straps(though probably not to real downhillers). | | Weaknesses: | None. | | Similar Products Used: | Bottles, backpacks | | Bike Setup: | Trek 8500 (2009) | | Bottom Line: | Take care when washing, it might take damage in the washing machine. Use a rain coat or alternatively one of those dirt-repellent sprays. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
jwood1157
a Weekend Warrior
from NH
Date Reviewed: April 21, 2009 | | Favorite Trail: | ANY | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$60.00 | | Strengths: | stable plenty of room for what ever you need to bring on a ride | | Weaknesses: | none | | Similar Products Used: | other camebak's | | Bike Setup: | 08 coilair some other stuff | | Bottom Line: | great product holds plenty of water and all the tools you will ever need would recommend to anyone | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
ozzybmx
a Weekend Warrior
from Australia
Date Reviewed: March 15, 2009 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$70.00 | | Purchased At: | online | | Strengths: | Holds everything i need to take on a ride.... spare tube , tools , knee pads , first aid kit , food + 3lt of water. There is also a padded Media pocket to keep you mobile dry and safe. | | Weaknesses: | None | | Similar Products Used: | Camelbak classic used for races. | | Bike Setup: | AM / XC | | Bottom Line: | Get one ! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Zeke
a Weekend Warrior
from Chicago
Date Reviewed: March 21, 2008 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$68.00 | | Purchased At: | ebay | | Strengths: | Solid construction, adjusts easily, 100 oz capacity, great organization & compact | | Weaknesses: | None. If you want more storage capacity get a bigger Camelbak | | Similar Products Used: | Water bottles, cages and backpack | | Bike Setup: | '99 'hopper | | Bottom Line: | This is easily the best $70 I've spent. It's a compact bag that still has enough space to hold the bare essentials even after the bladder is filled to capacity. The construction is rock solid and made to take abuse. Plenty of pockets and compartments helps to keep everything organized. The back panel is padded and grooved for greater comfort and ventilation. The shoulder straps are extremely comfortable. The adjustable sternum and side straps keep everything snug and stable as you ride.
The Omega reservoir can store almost 3 liters of liquid and features a large opening for easier maintenance. The bite valve has a lock to keep it from leaking while in storage. I think it's an extremely well designed product and absolutely worth the money. I'm never going back to bottles and cages again. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
john starrett
a Racer
from fort walton beach, fl.
Date Reviewed: January 24, 2008 | | Favorite Trail: | pensacola UWF | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$70.00 | | Purchased At: | pricepoint.com | | Strengths: | Sweet fit this is the most ergonomic fitting pack. The strapping system is very easy to adjust and you only have to do it once. plenty space for the essencials and then some. Very compact with organized storage.Mp3 pocket is a great feature and its weather proof. very strong materials, what you would expect from Camel Bak. | | Weaknesses: | A little heavy for you weight snobs, just travel light like your suposed two and it will be a awesome addition to your equipment. | | Similar Products Used: | Camel Bak H.A.W.G.. | | Bike Setup: | 08 Haro Escape Comp with X9 line, C.K. headset with Crank Bros plats | | Bottom Line: | Very compact aerodynamic fit,I don't ride with out it. Its the best pack Ive had yet. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Alex55
a Weekend Warrior
from Des Moines, Iowa, USA
Date Reviewed: January 3, 2008 | | Favorite Trail: | Any | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$90.00 | | Purchased At: | LBS | | Strengths: | Awesome, holds a lot of water, good straps | | Weaknesses: | nothing I can find | | Similar Products Used: | 1.5 liter camelback | | Bike Setup: | Stock Raleigh M50(need something better) | | Bottom Line: | This is great! Holds a lot of water, and tons of other stuff I may need. I really like the waterproof Mp3 player pocket. I like having a chest and waist strap. Feels really secure. Anyone who wants a good pack that holds tons of water should buy this. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Iwan Kemp
a Weekend Warrior
from Cape Town, South Africa
Date Reviewed: August 16, 2007 | | Favorite Trail: | Harkerville, Knysna | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$130.00 | | Purchased At: | Willie Engelbrecht Lifestyle Centre | | Strengths: | Strong
Straps
Mesh rear that breaths against my back
Lots of space
Ipod / small soft fabric zip pocket. Ideal for iPod, camera, cellphone
Camel's bite
Easy to clean | | Weaknesses: | Bit expensive
Sometimes more space would be welcome
...I am nit picking, I know | | Bike Setup: | Titus Moto-lite II with all the bells and whistels | | Bottom Line: | Great hydration pack. Very comfortable on long rides | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
John Mcnally
a Downhiller
from NJ
Date Reviewed: August 15, 2007 | | Favorite Trail: | bigfoot | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$75.00 | | Purchased At: | Cycle Corner | | Strengths: | HUGE amount of space!! | | Weaknesses: | lower straps are weak! | | Similar Products Used: | back packs with water | | Bike Setup: | last Mtn. Cycle made buy original owners. With maxxis 2.4 tires. Marizzochi Shivers tripal clamps, Fox vinnila back shock... custom paint job on bike | | Bottom Line: | If you are a serious mountain biker and carrier all your gear with you you need this rig, there is the right amount of room. It opens the option of carrieing all your gear and hitng the big drops at the same time. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Charlie Roscoe
a Cross Country Rider
from Cheraw, SC, USA
Date Reviewed: June 16, 2007 | | Favorite Trail: | All | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$60.00 | | Purchased At: | Campmor.com | | Strengths: | Well constructed, Holds all of my gear, 3L of water. | | Weaknesses: | None so far. | | Similar Products Used: | Eastpak bookbag filled with water bottles. :( | | Bike Setup: | N/A | | Bottom Line: | 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. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Phil
a Weekend Warrior
from Tucson, AZ, USA
Date Reviewed: May 27, 2007 | | Favorite Trail: | Any | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$75.00 | | Purchased At: | Military BX | | Strengths: | High quality throughout | | Weaknesses: | I would say price, but all of these hydration packs are pricey... | | Similar Products Used: | Basic 3 liter CamelBak | | Bottom Line: | This CamelBak is the last one I will ever buy, because it does everything I will ever need it to do. Holds enough water (3 liters) for a few hours in Arizona heat. Enough room to stow my flat repair kit, personal effects, some gels and freeze dried fruit, gloves, iPod and God knows what else. It holds more than it looks like it can hold, trust me. High quality throughout. No leaks. No complaints. Highly recommended! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Phil
a Weekend Warrior
from Tucson, AZ, USA
Date Reviewed: May 27, 2007 | | Favorite Trail: | Any | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$75.00 | | Purchased At: | Military BX | | Strengths: | High quality throughout | | Weaknesses: | I would say price, but all of these hydration packs are pricey... | | Similar Products Used: | Basic 3 liter CamelBak | | Bottom Line: | This CamelBak is the last one I will ever buy, because it does everything I will ever need it to do. Holds enough water (3 liters) for a few hours in Arizona heat. Enough room to stow my flat repair kit, personal effects, some gels and freeze dried fruit, gloves, iPod and God knows what else. It holds more than it looks like it can hold, trust me. High quality throughout. No leaks. No complaints. Highly recommended! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Phil
a Weekend Warrior
from Tucson, AZ, USA
Date Reviewed: May 27, 2007 | | Favorite Trail: | Any | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$75.00 | | Purchased At: | Military BX | | Strengths: | High quality throughout | | Weaknesses: | I would say price, but all of these hydration packs are pricey... | | Similar Products Used: | Basic 3 liter CamelBak | | Bottom Line: | This CamelBak is the last one I will ever buy, because it does everything I will ever need it to do. Holds enough water (3 liters) for a few hours in Arizona heat. Enough room to stow my flat repair kit, personal effects, some gels and freeze dried fruit, gloves, iPod and God knows what else. It holds more than it looks like it can hold, trust me. High quality throughout. No leaks. No complaints. Highly recommended! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Phil
a Weekend Warrior
from Tucson, AZ, USA
Date Reviewed: May 27, 2007 | | Favorite Trail: | Any | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$75.00 | | Purchased At: | Military BX | | Strengths: | High quality throughout | | Weaknesses: | I would say price, but all of these hydration packs are pricey... | | Similar Products Used: | Basic 3 liter CamelBak | | Bottom Line: | This CamelBak is the last one I will ever buy, because it does everything I will ever need it to do. Holds enough water (3 liters) for a few hours in Arizona heat. Enough room to stow my flat repair kit, personal effects, some gels and freeze dried fruit, gloves, iPod and God knows what else. It holds more than it looks like it can hold, trust me. High quality throughout. No leaks. No complaints. Highly recommended! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Phil
a Weekend Warrior
from Tucson, AZ, USA
Date Reviewed: May 27, 2007 | | Favorite Trail: | Any | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$75.00 | | Purchased At: | Military BX | | Strengths: | High quality throughout | | Weaknesses: | I would say price, but all of these hydration packs are pricey... | | Similar Products Used: | Basic 3 liter CamelBak | | Bottom Line: | This CamelBak is the last one I will ever buy, because it does everything I will ever need it to do. Holds enough water (3 liters) for a few hours in Arizona heat. Enough room to stow my flat repair kit, personal effects, some gels and freeze dried fruit, gloves, iPod and God knows what else. It holds more than it looks like it can hold, trust me. High quality throughout. No leaks. No complaints. Highly recommended! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Buster
a Cross Country Rider
from WesternMass
Date Reviewed: April 16, 2007 | | Favorite Trail: | Drake | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$60.00 | | Purchased At: | PricePoint | | Strengths: | Durable, Storage capacity, Hydration capacity | | Weaknesses: | Older bladder neck was small (corrected now), Tube cleaning | | Similar Products Used: | Rocket, Lobo | | Bike Setup: | Proflex 857 (Back in the day), Giant AC Air Lite, C'dale CAD 3 (Hand Built) | | Bottom Line: | The pack has served and survived over ten years of hard usage without complaints. Numerous endo's and falls from this Clydesdale. Tossing in back of van's, trucks and trunks of cars and still comes back for more. Washed it on occasion when my dog got scared of it. And only has a few seams that have let go. Have a newer bladder for it now although the old old serves as a backup still. Super product. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Tesh Parker
a Downhiller
from Pagosa Springs, Co, USA
Date Reviewed: December 28, 2006 | | Favorite Trail: | The L & G | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$28.00 | | Purchased At: | Through Camelbak | | Strengths: | This is an excellent pack. It easily holds my helmet, elbow pads, multi tool, pump, and food along with a good amount of water. The Ipod pocket is handy too. | | Weaknesses: | The base of its compression straps could stand to be a little more durable one ripped away for no apparent reason, afer only a few months of use. | | Similar Products Used: | none | | Bike Setup: | 06 Specialized Bighit II | | Bottom Line: | This is a very well desgined pack, unfortunetly I seem to have gotten one with a bug. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Joseph
a Cross Country Rider
from Napa
Date Reviewed: December 9, 2006 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Purchased At: | Xmas present | | Strengths: | Comfortable, nicely arranged compartments, it can hold a good amount of gear for an epic ride, but it doesn't seem bulky or cumbersome when it is lightly packed for a shorter ride. Straps easily adjustable. | | Weaknesses: | None | | Similar Products Used: | none | | Bike Setup: | Turner Flux, XT drivetrain, Avid mech discs and levers, Easton ec70 bar w/Rogue grips, thompson sp and stem, Daves Wheels | | Bottom Line: | I had planned on purchasing a smaller pack like the Camelbak Rogue before I received this as a Xmas present. I was initially concerned that I would find the Mule to be too big and bulky for shorter rides, but it very comfortable and realtively compact, when considering how much gear you can stuff into it. The Mule is a perfect size for those that want a pack that can carry enough gear for a very long ride, but that is also very comfortable to wear when you just need to carry the bare essentials. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Cameron Kaiser
a Cross Country Rider
from California
Date Reviewed: November 11, 2006 | | Favorite Trail: | All Of Them | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$40.00 | | Purchased At: | Chapperal | | Strengths: | It Fits Very Nicely. It Can Hold A Lot Of Stuff. It IS Very Good For Organization. IT is A Very Hard To Tear-TOUGH | | Weaknesses: | No Not Really No | | Similar Products Used: | None | | Bike Setup: | GT Ricochet Modified Personaly | | Bottom Line: | It is a good pack. You get the most bang for your buck. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Cameron Kaiser
a Cross Country Rider
from California
Date Reviewed: November 11, 2006 | | Favorite Trail: | All Of Them | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$40.00 | | Purchased At: | Chapperal | | Strengths: | It Fits Very Nicely. It Can Hold A Lot Of Stuff. It IS Very Good For Organization. IT is A Very Hard To Tear-TOUGH | | Weaknesses: | No Not Really No | | Similar Products Used: | None | | Bike Setup: | GT Ricochet Modified Personaly | | Bottom Line: | It is a good pack. You get the most bang for your buck. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Luke Thomson
a Cross Country Rider
from Calimesa California USA
Date Reviewed: November 9, 2006 | | Duration Product Used: | Tested or demo'ed only | | Strengths: | It has plenty of storage, and plenty of room for water, It also fits VERY Comfortably. | | Weaknesses: | It is kind of heavy when it is full. not to Bad considering the cargo capacity. | | Similar Products Used: | Camelbak Ambush | | Bike Setup: | Iron Horse Maverick, All Stock Parts | | Bottom Line: | Great Pack, Though the ambush is better for faster and more technical rides. Black is the best Color! | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Marc
a Weekend Warrior
from Redlands, Ca, US
Date Reviewed: October 18, 2006 | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$60.00 | | Purchased At: | big 5 | | Strengths: | everything. big bladder. good cargo room. easy to organize. can strap stuff to the outside. | | Weaknesses: | only complaint is that if you have stuff in the pack, a full bladder can be hard to put in. you have to unpack some of the stuff, get the bladder in, and put the stuff back. | | Similar Products Used: | nalgene 1 gallon bladder with my internal frame pack. | | Bike Setup: | gt avalanche 2.0 | | Bottom Line: | i've had this several years and haven't replaced it yet. if you only fill it with water you don't have to clean it very often. very comfortable. perfect cargo size for a full day of biking. they've had a few redesigns since i bought mine, but i think they still look cool. i think it's a little pricy for what you get, but that's the same with almost all hydration packs. buy one. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
kyroklimber: weekend Worrior from Colorado
a Cross Country Rider
from denver
Date Reviewed: July 1, 2006 | | Favorite Trail: | Where Ever There Is Dirt | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$70.00 | | Purchased At: | Local Bike Shop | | Strengths: | Enough orginaztional pouches to keep even the most obssesive compulsive organizer green with envy. Even has a cool seperate top pouch for an MP3 player. Good choices of colors to choose from. Dependable construction. Not too big, not too small. Descent back ventilation system-better than most. | | Weaknesses: | none | | Similar Products Used: | blackburn, rei brand stuff, north face stuff. | | Bike Setup: | modified specialezed stumpjumper | | Bottom Line: | Money well spent, best bang for the buck. Not too big, so you can carry all the essential stuff without totally covering your back so you wind up overheating. Versatile enough to use on long or short rides, and in bad weather. A lot of details you simply just don't get or see in other packs that make a big difference in the convienience of its use. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
slik7c
a Weekend Warrior
from Springfield, VA
Date Reviewed: May 2, 2006 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$60.00 | | Strengths: | This hydration pack is comfortable and has plenty of space for storage. The cargo pockets have internal organizers, good for securing whatever can fit in it. The straps are easy to adjust and the waist belt is removable, a great feature that eliminates extra weight. With 3L of fluid storage, this pack is excellent for the long hauls. | | Weaknesses: | A bit on the heavy side, especially when hydration pack is full. | | Similar Products Used: | Camelbak Classic, Camelbak Rouge | | Bike Setup: | Hardtail | | Bottom Line: | Great pack with plenty of storage room. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Nathaniel Williams
a Weekend Warrior
from Lynnfield,mass,usa
Date Reviewed: March 17, 2006 | | Favorite Trail: | Lynn Woods | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$40.00 | | Purchased At: | REI | | Strengths: | Stores everything, tube, clothes, 2 pumps, tools etc. Very comfy. Looks cool. Good design, stores lots of water. | | Weaknesses: | Uh...none. | | Similar Products Used: | Other Camels | | Bike Setup: | 2004 Marin Xc HT
2004 Novara FS AM | | Bottom Line: | Really nice. I actually have the Mini Mule, but it's basically the same. Buy it. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dave
a Cross Country Rider
from Boulder, CO
Date Reviewed: January 11, 2006 | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$70.00 | | Purchased At: | Performance Bike store | | Strengths: | Great water and cargo capacity, very comfortable and durable. Camelbak bladders and valves are the best. The Mule is ideal for longer training rides. | | Weaknesses: | Non-external fill requires removal/installing the bladder and tube, which is a bit of a pain as compared to packs with external fill feature. | | Similar Products Used: | Camelbak Lobo, a couple of off-brands | | Bike Setup: | N/A | | Bottom Line: | For racing and short rides, a smaller pack with the external fill feature is recommended. But for longer unsupported rides, the Mule is ideal. It has three separate cargo areas, good for different sized stuff, like tools, tubes, maps, and clothing, which is nice. Very comfortable even when full.
The Mule is a quality product with nice details that you'll really appreciate if you try other brands. For example, the Mule has a small hole at the bottom that allows water to drain out if the bladder leaks and makes it easier to stuff the bladder in the pack.
Any Camelbak is highly recommended, just pick the right size for you. The Mule holds 100 oz of water, and you have to ride a long time to need that much water. If 70 oz is enough and you don't need to carry extra clothes, the Lobo is better, as it has the external fill feature, which is really convenient. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Scott Hamel
a Cross Country Rider
from Torrington, CT, USA
Date Reviewed: November 27, 2005 | | Favorite Trail: | sunny valley | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$24.00 | | Purchased At: | Performancebike.com | | Strengths: | Carries enough water for long rides and has lots of room for tools, spare tubes, etc. | | Weaknesses: | Hard to dry bladder - I bought a forced air dryer from www.windpipeonline.com and that does the trick. | | Similar Products Used: | Original Camelbak | | Bike Setup: | Klein Attitude, XTR; Specialized FSR, XT | | Bottom Line: | Get a MULE if you do a lot of XC riding - you won't regret it. Also get a Windpipe dryer - it works 100x better than the hanger/spreader that Camelbak makes. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Chris
a Weekend Warrior
from Rocklin, CA
Date Reviewed: October 27, 2005 | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$60.00 | | Purchased At: | REI | | Strengths: | Takes a 3 Liter Bladder
Relatively small for its water capacity | | Weaknesses: | um.... | | Similar Products Used: | Many other camelbaks, msr hydration bladder, hydrastorm | | Bike Setup: | '05 Cannondale Prophet 600 | | Bottom Line: | What can I say, the thing's still going strong. I've replaced the bladder, and lost the sternum strap, but I love it--It's the perfect size to get a tube, tools, gu, first aid kit, cell phone, keys etc, and still fit a 3 liter water bladder. NINJA! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Lance Lowry
a Downhiller
from La Habra
Date Reviewed: October 7, 2005 | | Favorite Trail: | Santiago Oaks | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$70.00 | | Purchased At: | Brother | | Strengths: | Sturdy, reliable, lightweight, holding straps | | Weaknesses: | No sissy strap, pack jumps on jumps | | Similar Products Used: | Camelbak rogue, spit | | Bike Setup: | '04 MC Rumble, trail/FR setup | | Bottom Line: | This is the review of the '03. The one weakness is no sissy strap so the pack sometimes bounces around on downhills but not too much. Plus they fixed this problem from '04 and on I believe.
I have taken, several high speed spills with this thing and landed on it twice. Washed it off and it's good as new. This thing has enough straps for one pair of pads which is perfect. I hook up my elbow pads and off I go. Probably best for an agressive all mountain/freeriding type of rider. Camelbaks rule man! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
JS CHEN
a Weekend Warrior
from KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA.
Date Reviewed: August 12, 2005 | | Favorite Trail: | Kesas motor lane & Darul Ehsan golf club | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$76.00 | | Purchased At: | KSH BICYCLE | | Strengths: | Very good for few hour ride, compact, design & my favourite stuff. | | Weaknesses: | Chest strap too long & sometimes caught tanggle but overall good. | | Similar Products Used: | NIL | | Bottom Line: | Its a must have to all bikers, especially for those who ride few hour. Its fit all gear & even newspaper & food pack. GOOD STUFF : ) | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Matt N.
a Racer
from Orange County
Date Reviewed: August 5, 2005 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$79.00 | | Purchased At: | Sport Mart | | Strengths: | Lots of room for gear, good insolation taste free pipe good sized bladder light comforetable while riding camlpack brand | | Weaknesses: | havnt found any yet | | Similar Products Used: | camlepack rogue | | Bike Setup: | 04 tassajra with titus handle bars candy pedals and wtb speed seat | | Bottom Line: | this is a great hydration pack for 2-5 hour rides. the msrp price is exspensive but you kind find it cheaper. the only reason i bought this at 79 dollars is because i haed some sport msrt gift cards and there is no other decent cycling gear there. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mike
a Cross Country Rider
from Salt Lake City
Date Reviewed: July 17, 2005 | | Favorite Trail: | all trails | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$59.00 | | Purchased At: | Pricepoint | | Strengths: | 100 oz with the smallest pack
Solid construction | | Weaknesses: | I pretty much like it all the way around | | Similar Products Used: | old hydration pack | | Bike Setup: | FS | | Bottom Line: | I just wanted to mention one aspect of this product that I just discovered. The velcro seal at the top of the reservoir pocket has a nice feature. One side of the velcro is actually a flap. If you lift the flap the reservoir fits in much better especially when it is topped off with 100oz...and the velcro still seals. With this discovery the only product weakness was negated. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Cory
a Weekend Warrior
from Virginia
Date Reviewed: June 30, 2005 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$45.00 | | Purchased At: | Price Point | | Strengths: | Good Looks, Durability, price | | Weaknesses: | Makes your back sweat ALOT. The "cooling pads" don't work too well | | Similar Products Used: | Other Camelbacks | | Bike Setup: | 05 Kona Dawg w/ full XT | | Bottom Line: | Good all around 100 OZ. Just big enough to fit all your gear, but not big enough to make you carry crap you don't need. My only complaint is that it gets hot on long rides. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dave
a Cross Country Rider
from Milton Keynes
Date Reviewed: June 24, 2005 | | Favorite Trail: | Marin Trail, Betws-y-Coed, Wales | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$80.00 | | Strengths: | well made, good materials, hydration system is unbeatable especially with the ability to lock the nozzle so it doesn't soak the inside of your car whilst you're getting to the trail head! | | Weaknesses: | it is small... very small... I have trouble getting 1 tube, 1 tool kit (multitool + tyre levers + spare links + patches), 1st aid kit, pump, food, jacket, money and keys into it! | | Similar Products Used: | 'Source' 2L equiv | | Bottom Line: | I'm disappointed. Every time I ride I have to chose between carrying kit and carrying water. I've actually gone back to my smaller Source pack as it is more comfortable and carrys all the kit I want.
I may put my MULE on ebay and try to find a Source pack that will do the job for me! | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Chris B
a Cross Country Rider
from New Zealand
Date Reviewed: October 17, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | Any | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$25.00 | | Purchased At: | Direct from Camelbak | | Strengths: | Simply a fantastic bag. No complaints really. | | Weaknesses: | When running a 7 amp hour lead acid battery in it for night riding it does tend to sit to one side of my back. I have switched to a HID light with smaller battery to fix this. | | Similar Products Used: | none | | Bike Setup: | xc hard tail | | Bottom Line: | Great bag, buying Camelbak seems to give you great quality ... some of the cheaper knock offs are poorly built with bad bladders. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Antonio
a
from Brooklyn, NY
Date Reviewed: August 10, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | Blue Mountain, Westchester, NY | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$60.00 | | Purchased At: | JensonUSA | | Strengths: | Water tastes well, insulation keeps it cool, very comfortable and it looks great. | | Weaknesses: | Air Director System doesn't work properly when bladder is full. Bladder has to be taken out of pack to be filled. When the bladder is full it takes room for cargo. | | Bike Setup: | Klein Adept Comp 2002 | | Bottom Line: | It's a great hidration pack. When I'm riding i almost forget that I'm carrying a back pack.
The four chillis are because the Air Director. It's a shame!! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
TheBigC
a Cross Country Rider
from Tampa, FL
Date Reviewed: July 24, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | Rollercoaster | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$50.00 | | Strengths: | Tough as nails. Lots of room. Comfortable. | | Weaknesses: | ummm.... | | Similar Products Used: | Hydrapak something or other | | Bottom Line: | Shipped to the door next day for $50. Ya can find steals when ya look.
Ive slid downhill on my back through thorns and across rocks. Not even a sign of wear.
No problems with air circulation even when its hot and steamy. You can forget its there. Just cut the hose down a bit. When I got it, the hose was WAY too long. Took about 4 inches off and its perfect, no more hose-bumping-leg action.
Ive used this for day hiking, biking, taken the bladder out for water storage while backpacking. You can shove a jersey, shorts, socks, 100oz of liquid, all your tools, and a butt load of energy bars in this thing. A little tight, maybe, but it will all fit.I consider it one of the best pieces of gear Ive ever purchased. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Daemon
a Cross Country Rider
from Maple, Ontario, Canada
Date Reviewed: July 6, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | Albion Hills | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$90.00 | | Strengths: | - A perfectly sized pack for mountain biking. Holds everything you'd need to reasonably carry, but is not overly bulky. Longer (5 hour rides) can be easily managed by filling up bladder all the way (2.7 L), and carrying 2 sports drink bottles (1.4 L - one inside pack, one on frame)
- One thing I like is on longer rides where I would like to use a sports drink I can have water inside my pack and gatorade in bottle on frame - sip in both. | | Weaknesses: | - Somewhat expensive, but it is a good investment.
- The exit port cracked after approximately 3 months of use. However - after getting in touch with Camelbak I was sent a free replacement reservoir. The whole process took about 2 weeks. | | Similar Products Used: | Water bottles, and a school back pack to carry extra water in. | | Bike Setup: | 2003 Ironhorse Desperado - all stock. | | Bottom Line: | A great product. While I was waiting for my replacement, I was using water bottles. It was at this time that I realized how much the Camelbak actually kicks ass! Ohh the hassle of stopping to switch or refill your water bottles, etc! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Sean
a Weekend Warrior
from IOW, UK
Date Reviewed: May 7, 2004 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$80.00 | | Purchased At: | Merlin | | Strengths: | Holds everything you need. Not much room for anything you don't.
Bite valve works really well. | | Weaknesses: | Difficult to hold the hose in the right place - needs a clip like the Rocket. Can't refill it quickly. | | Similar Products Used: | Camelbak Rocket, Hydrapak Trakker, Bottles | | Bike Setup: | Orange Clockwork still going strong | | Bottom Line: | After my disappointing time with the Rocket I was able to swap it for this at no extra cost - well done Merlin! Quite simply it's just a very good product. One slight weakness is that the hose is difficult to get in exactly the right place. It really needs a clip like the Rocket has, but you can buy one for a couple of pounds - for the money I think this could be included.
Only other thing is it's not that easy to refill quickly. If you want to use the pack for Enduro racing or something similar where there are feed stations along the way then you really need a bladder that can be refilled without removing it first. I'm thinking about getting a Rogue for these events. But if you want to just go and ride your bike for up to about four hours or so it's ideal. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
John
a Weekend Warrior
from Sweden
Date Reviewed: April 9, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | Åre, Sweden | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$118.00 | | Purchased At: | store in stockholm | | Strengths: | Tough material, big bladder, lots of storage, and very comfy to wear. Extra large opening for screw cap is really handy. The backpack is slim and not bulky at all | | Weaknesses: | little higher priced than others, but you really do see the quality difference in camelbak. Hard to clean the mouth piece, and can get a bit gungy after a year. but sterilising can sort that out. | | Similar Products Used: | old Cambelbak from '96 | | Bike Setup: | bullit, z150 etc | | Bottom Line: | 3liters of bladder capacity is an all round winner for epic rides. Well thought out pockets and holders for your extras (sambos, clothing, keys, phone). If you like to head out and be gone for 4+ hours,its been the perfect pack for all your necessities. After giving this two years of use and abuse (I have landed so many time on my back), its still in perfect condition. would recommed this water system to anyone. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mark
a Cross Country Rider
from Laguna Niguel, CA
Date Reviewed: March 16, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | Coxcombs | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$73.00 | | Purchased At: | Jenson USA | | Strengths: | A strong, reliable pack with plenty of room for snacks, tubes, tools, and a bit of clothing | | Weaknesses: | Heats up my back on rides(but what pack doesn't?)
It's not cheap | | Similar Products Used: | Blackburn | | Bike Setup: | '98 Schwinn hardtail with Marzocchi Bomber fork and mostly XT componetry | | Bottom Line: | Don't mess with other packs (I tried that and paid for it); just wait for it to go on sale at SuperGo or online supplier and buy the damn thing. Not only does it hold 100oz of H20, but it can take a beating. I have fallen on mine more than I would care to disclose and it has never failed in any way -- it is quality and quality lasts. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Stephan (binary visions)
a Downhiller
from NH
Date Reviewed: March 8, 2004 | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Strengths: | -Quality of construction
-Plenty of storage space (considering its size)
-Clip holds the hydro line exactly where you want it
-Well insulated | | Weaknesses: | -Bladder is difficult to clean properly | | Bike Setup: | Evil Imperial | | Bottom Line: | I've used this pack for about 6 or 7 years now. It has gone on epic rides, DH races, hikes, camping trips, vacations, and everything else. It has been thrown around, scraped on rocks, crashed on repeatedly, slammed in car doors, chewed on by my dog, rained on, and has even fallen off the roof of my car doing 65+ mph on the highway.
The stupid thing doesn't even have a stitch ripped out.
This is one tough mo' fo' of a backpack. I keep waiting for it to die so I can get a new one, but it just keeps on chugging.
The hydration system is excellent - the clip keeps the tube right where you want it. The insulation in the pack keeps your water cool, and the bladder is pretty tough - I've crashed on it, full, many times and it hasn't burst on me yet.
The only thing that would keep me from buying another one is if I needed more storage space, and then, instead of the MULE, I'd buy a HAWG. Camelbak makes great stuff.
Worth every penny. One of those truely great products. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ian G
a Weekend Warrior
from Surrey, BC, Canada
Date Reviewed: March 7, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | Watershed & Burnaby Mountain | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$43.00 | | Purchased At: | Cap's Cycle - New West | | Strengths: | Please note that the price above is in US Dollars (was $57 CAN).
- Excellent luggage capacity.
- 3L of water for those long rides (3 hours+).
- Great durable.
- Chest and stomach straps are comfortable even on bouncy/rough terrain.
- Water Reservoir seems strong and quite durable.
- 3L of water for those long rides (3 hours+).
- Great durabily.
- Chest and stomach straps are comfortable even on bouncy/rough terrain.
- Water Resivoir seems strong and quite durable.
- "No-Hands" nipple for easy water access. | | Weaknesses: | The bag weighs almost 8 pounds when reservoir is full. The bag could get quite heavy if you started to load it with extra stuff. However I don't see this as a problem as I'm sure you wouldn't be packing items that you weren’t prepared to haul. Unless you get a sweet deal like I did then you could probably say that it's a bit pricey. | | Similar Products Used: | Nothing this nice. | | Bike Setup: | Stock 2004 Devinci Hucker | | Bottom Line: | This bag is high quality! It will carry all the water and all the supplies you need from point A to point B. I recommend it to anyone that goes trail riding or plans on it. This would also be a great purchase for anyone riding x-country as not stopping to pull out your water bottle is a necessity. Do your body a favor and buy one. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dan
a Cross Country Rider
from Milwaukee, WI
Date Reviewed: August 16, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Strengths: | Tons of room. Keeps liquids cool for a long time. Fast access to water, even when things get hairy on the bike. | | Weaknesses: | A little difficult to get a great fit. | | Similar Products Used: | Water bottles for way to long. | | Bottom Line: | A great product that really takes the hassle out of drinking. The long hose had a tendency to hit my leg while riding. Not a problem, just a bit of an annoyance. Lots of room for everything....it's like brining a portable shop on the trails. My only complains would be the price and the time it takes to tweak the adjustments (of course, that means excellent fit!). | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Sheet for Brains
a Cross Country Rider
from Phoenix, Az USA
Date Reviewed: August 4, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$61.00 | | Strengths: | Holds a lot of water | | Weaknesses: | Bladder is leaking
can't use big zippered storage with the bladder full | | Similar Products Used: | None | | Bike Setup: | ? | | Bottom Line: | I used an old MULE until I bought this one about a month ago. I've had the old one for about 8 years. The new one has much more storage capacity, but you can't fit much in the big zippered area if the bladder is full.
I absolutely hate the way the tube gets routed out of the bladder area to the straps. It is very difficult to do. The old one had a hole in the middle and it took about 2 seconds. The old one also had a nice clip for the hose which gets it EXACTLY where I want it. The new one has a couple loops for it to run through and now it bounces off my leg a lot, which is not what I want.
I filled it this morning and the bladder is leaking. It is where the tube joins the bladder so now the CB gets wet.
I guess I'll have to look into the warranty thing now. Of course I bought it at a shop 1000 miles away while on vacation...Great.
I liked the old one much better. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Blake Rafferty
a Downhiller
from Flagstaff, AZ
Date Reviewed: July 14, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Reaper (B.C.) | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$50.00 | | Purchased At: | poicepoint | | Similar Products Used: | classic | | Bike Setup: | Storm H2, DH goodies | | Bottom Line: | I used to have a classic, and I thought it was all I needed. But then I got a MULE last summer, and realized what I was missing. I used to stuff all my tools and food in with the bladder and strap all my extra stuff to the outside. When I got my mule, I found a pocket for everything, and the loaded pack was streamlined and never got in the way. A buddy of mine has one of the bigger packs (might be a hawg, or a transalp), and its huge. I just couldnt see myself carying something like that. The mule bladder holds 100oz, so even though Im kind of a filter, I rarely drain it. spare tubes fit well in the long pocket next to the bladder pocket, my brave soldier kit fits in the next one out, my tool kit fits in the upper mesh pocket, the divided front pocket holds my food, keys, and wallet, and the front mesh pocket is usually empty. I like the elastic straps on the outside because they hold my jacket or pads securely if Im not wearing them. The two things I dont like are the stupid waist belt (took it off) and the fact that the hose clamp is so far up on the strap. Like I said earlier, it holds what I need and its not too big | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Michael
a Cross Country Rider
from Portland
Date Reviewed: May 18, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Fort Custer | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$62.00 | | Purchased At: | Jenson USA | | Strengths: | Well thought out design, quality materials and workmanship | | Weaknesses: | None so far | | Similar Products Used: | None | | Bike Setup: | Giant nrs2 2003 | | Bottom Line: | Perfect size for me, I can get my keys in it, my camera, some first aid stuff and I could get some more stuff in there too, the expanding back part could pack a shirt, holds plenty of water and works great. From the other reviews I read on this one I'd say this is probably the best one to get. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
royce
a
from onida,s.d
Date Reviewed: May 11, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | porcupine rim | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Bottom Line: | the mule is the best pack you will ever own.you can pay less for a cheaper pack,but you cant buy one better.just the right size is what its all about and durabilaty.the mule has lasted me for 4 years and still looks and performs like it did new.im not one to jump on the band wagon,but if you look around you'll see that nearly every mtn biker worth his weight in spit either has one or wants one.BUY THE MULE!!! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
royce
a
from onida,s.d
Date Reviewed: May 11, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | porcupine rim | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Bottom Line: | the mule is the best pack you will ever own.you can pay less for a cheaper pack,but you cant buy one better.just the right size is what its all about and durabilaty.the mule has lasted me for 4 years and still looks and performs like it did new.im not one to jump on the band wagon,but if you look around you'll see that nearly every mtn biker worth his weight in spit either has one or wants one.BUY THE MULE!!! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mark
a
from Laguna Niguel, CA
Date Reviewed: May 7, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | San Juan | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$56.00 | | Purchased At: | JensenUSA | | Strengths: | Great water capacity, great materials, good design, TOUGH! | | Weaknesses: | somewhat expensive (unless you shop around, replacement parts of expensive | | Similar Products Used: | Camelback Rocket, Blackburn, water bottles, fanny pack w/ 2 bottles | | Bike Setup: | Schwin Mesa GSX, XT components, WTB Speed V saddle, Avid v-brakes, IRC Mythos tires, Marzocchi Bomber shock | | Bottom Line: | I ALMOST bought a cheaper product; however, after inspecting the construction and materials of the water bladder, I realized that paying more for the Camelback would be worth it for peace-of-mind and endurance. The Camelback is simply a superior product: it is built to last. Also, I have fallen on top of it a few times and the integrity of the bladder and pack have not been compromized. In the long run, you will be pleased that you purchased this product, just shop around for the best price. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Daemon Aw
a Cross Country Rider
from Singapore
Date Reviewed: February 1, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Strengths: | Beats a waterbottle straight
Looks cool and doesn't hamper movment much as the Mule can still be considered a low profile bag (compared to those u bring to school).
100 Oz is more than enuff for many different types of activities..
Durable and Sturdy (lasted longer than my Deuter bag man) | | Weaknesses: | I live near the equator, where it's very humid... bladder turns moldy easily and the replacements are almost 3/4 cost of a new bag.
Bladder is hard to clean but should be fixed with the new Omega bladder (fancy name for a bigger cap. duh)
| | Similar Products Used: | Nope. Camelbak rules. Imitations die die die. | | Bike Setup: | GT Zaskar 98 custom | | Bottom Line: | Very useful bag to have in all kinds of activities, not just mountain biking. Looks are good enuff to bring into town too.
According to Jim, the bladder after being filled, takes up all the space for cargo. That is partially true. When filled to the brim, the bladder makes the whole bag bulge out (but that's a full 3 liters. I seldom need to fill it all up).
After filling up the whole bag, I'm still able to chuck in
a spare T-shirt, chain tool, pump, tire levers, patch kit, bandages and antiseptic wash, handphone, keys and a mini torch. That's more than adequate to me. If u still need more space, go for the H.A.W.G. price diff is not that great anyway.
If only the MULE was more water resistant it would be perfect(it rains once 2-3 days in my country)
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
benjamin new
a Weekend Warrior
from singapore
Date Reviewed: January 26, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | anything i can ride | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$35.00 | | Purchased At: | golden mile | | Strengths: | has a big bladder (3 liters/100ozs), just enough space for stuff for a day's ride (not too big not too small just nice) | | Weaknesses: | bladder gets moldy and has a funny taste unless washed throughly before and after use. the older modles like mine don;t come with chest straps,but the newer ones do. | | Similar Products Used: | first camelbak, last camelbak. don need no other | | Bike Setup: | gt talera frame, rst 281 f/s stx rc r/d and other crapy parts | | Bottom Line: | if you are not going to go take just a camelbak for a 3-4 days ride or hike. this is the one for you. nothing fancy but it does the job.
tip: buy the cleaning kit. it is worth the money. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
cheeky
a Cross Country Rider
from Sydney, NSW
Date Reviewed: January 15, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$45.00 | | Strengths: | This product kicks serious @ss!!! Loads of water and enough room for all my stuff. Very hot here in Aussie summer and have yet to go through all 2lt (100oz for youse in US) of water. Loads of room for ice | | Weaknesses: | Bladder will get a little mingy after a while, but so will your @ss if you don't wash them. Hell, you take care of your bike so you should take care of this. Rinse with baking powder and hot water and keep in the freezer. | | Similar Products Used: | none. bought this one and never looked back. don't know what water bottles are anymore | | Bike Setup: | 99 Specialized FSR COMP/XTR/Michelin's/TIME/Mavic....i love it. | | Bottom Line: | If you want the best, you got it. Never again stop for a drink. Was racing in Canberra (24 hour race) and filled it up quicker than most other fellas who had big mouth bottles. This is the best there is. Thanks to the 'bak!!! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
George
a Weekend Warrior
from Lufkin, TX - USA
Date Reviewed: January 8, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Tyler State Park; C&D loops | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$65.00 | | Purchased At: | REI - Houston | | Strengths: | 100 oz bladder holds plenty of hydration.
Better workmanship & quality than Playtpus or other competing products.
Looks great - black & grey with chartreuse trim.
Plenty of room for my car keys and a small stash of "emergency items" - a bit of duct tape, compass, UTM map, pocket knife, cell phone, and maybe a Cliff Bar or a couple of "GU" packs. If you need to carry more than that, buy the next bigger size - the "HAWG." | | Weaknesses: | Seals leak after a while, especially the hose connection at the bottom of the bladder. There's nothing more uncomfortable than being drenched with ice-cold Cytomax when you're riding in sub-freezing temp's. The only way I've been able to solve that problem is to buy new bladders, which I do about every 2 years or so. The pack is actually small which is a mixed blessing - light weight is good. But the small size makes it impossible to reach anything in the pack while you're wearing it. You must take it completely off to get into the guts of it, which is not a problem unless you're in a race and time is crucial. Shoulder straps have gotten loose over the years, which is not really a problem when riding. But when running or trekking, the up-and-down motion of the pack on your back loosens the shoulder straps. I costantly have to tighten them up to get the pack to ride correctly on my back. | | Similar Products Used: | Platypus - which sucks. Don't even waste your money on anything besides CamelBack products which is the only real deal out there. | | Bike Setup: | Trek hardtail with lots of tweaks. I don't even carry a bike bottle because I ride with my CamelBack for hydration. | | Bottom Line: | Warining: this is sort of long, but I have lots of good stuff to say about this product.
***IMPORTANT NOTE: Lots of people in here complain about the bladder getting nasty. All you have to do is rinse out the bladder with water and baking soda after every use, and then store it in your freezer. You won't get any mold or mildew, and your drink should taste clean @ next use. I drink Cytomax during races and workouts, and that product is VERY flavorful. The bladder tends to absorb the Cytomax taste, and baking soda doesn't even take it out. So, to keep a "clean" taste in my H2O, I always keep 2 bladders on hand - one for Cytomax, and one for water. On hot days if I work out for 5 or 6 hours I will easily consume 2 bladders of fluid, Cytomax on the top half of my workout and H2O on the bottom half of my workout.
After 4 years of hard adventure racing I have finally retired. I've now downshifted into what I consider recreational-level mountain biking & such. But my CamelBack still works like a champ. Sure, there's some ordinary wear & tear, which is expected with the way I've banged around out in the woods. All in all, I'm very happy with this product, and my HAWG with enough gear storage space for a full expedition.
Some folks have criticized the relatively small storage area in the pack - this product is not designed to carry much more than your car keys, and a few emergency items. If you want a "day pack" storage area, go buy the next size up - a HAWG! This product is expensive, so I rated the value @ 4 steamin' turds. Overall the product's performance, workmanship, and the company's willingness to stand behind their product earn 5 dingers. Now get off your computer and go buy one! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jim
a Cross Country Rider
from Newton, NC, USA
Date Reviewed: January 5, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$70.00 | | Purchased At: | Dick's Sporting Goods | | Strengths: | Great bladder, world famous CamelBack bite valve, good material and workmanship. | | Weaknesses: | Poorly thoughtout design. What were you guys thinking? | | Similar Products Used: | UltimateGear | | Bike Setup: | Klein Attitude Comp XTR/XT | | Bottom Line: | When I bought the MULE I thought it would be the last hydration pack I would ever need. Was I ever wrong! There is no way that the pack can be to it's full potential the way it is sewn together. If you place a full bladder in the pack the bladder displaces the area for your gear. The bladder section of the pack does not afford adequate space to put in a full bladder with out protuding into the space needed for gear. If you load your gear first, there is no way for the bladder to fit into the area assigned to it. I carry a first aid kit, two tubes, a CO2 inflator, Alien Tool, a very light jacket and on very cool days a pair of tights. I carried that and more in the old Ulimate I used and had room to spare and it was rated as a smaller pack. I need the 100 oz. water capacity, but I need the cargo space that the bladder encroaches on as well. Also, the air director back is a true joke. The filled bladder causes the pack to form a back hugging radius but no way does it allow for air circulation. Buy this if all you want is a high dollar canteen. If you want a true hydration pack system better drop the extra bucks and buy the H.A.W.G. That is what I'll be doing. Any body want to buy a cheap....really cheap, useless pack? | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
pimpbot
a Cross Country Rider
from oaktown, CA
Date Reviewed: January 2, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Tamarancho | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$60.00 | | Purchased At: | performance.com | | Strengths: | lots of room for gear, food, first aid kit, 'snax', phone, whatever, comfy on long rides, holds tons of water, easy to clean, great customer service | | Weaknesses: | Air channels? Omega resivoir started leaking around cap's o-ring. Camelback fixed! | | Similar Products Used: | Blackburn Hydrapack leakmaster 2000 | | Bike Setup: | Giant Yukon with Bontrager rims | | Bottom Line: | Camleback Rules! This thing is built like a tank, dry weight is low, comfy with 2 pounds of water and another 4 pounds of gear, doesn't slop around on your back. Still have not figured out if the 'air channels' down the inside of the back work or not. Looks cool tho...
After six months the cap started leaking a bit around the o-ring. I guess they had a bad batch. Camelback Customer service had no problem shipping me out a new cap right away. Very good customer service. They stand behind their siznit! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Tom
a Cross Country Rider
from California
Date Reviewed: December 17, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$70.00 | | Purchased At: | REI | | Strengths: | Ideal size/weight, fits well on shoulders, storage | | Weaknesses: | What are the "air directors" for, they don't work. | | Similar Products Used: | Lobo- which I really like | | Bike Setup: | Ellsworth Truth | | Bottom Line: | I still like using the MULE, but one of the reasons I bought it was the Air Director feature on the back. In theory having panels to add some space between the pack and your back makes sense, but it appears to need a panel in the center of the back. As a prev post pointed out, when full the pack takes on a rounder shape and the air directors are off to the sides. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dave
a Cross Country Rider
from Washington
Date Reviewed: September 29, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$70.00 | | Purchased At: | don't remember | | Bottom Line: | Best $70.00 I have ever spent in cycling -- 4+ years of uninterupted, unflawed hydration delivery. Never failed even after being rolled on, crashed on and run over with my SUV. The mule is probably the most versatile size -- from 1-5hours in the saddle -- even though it has gotten a tad bigger than necessary over last two years -- mine is identical to the one pictured above and was my first hydration pack and is still my favorite, hands down. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dave
a Cross Country Rider
from Washington
Date Reviewed: September 29, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$70.00 | | Purchased At: | don't remember | | Bottom Line: | Best $70.00 I have ever spent in cycling -- 4+ years of uninterupted, unflawed hydration delivery. Never failed even after being rolled on, crashed on and run over with my SUV. The mule is probably the most versatile size -- from 1-5hours in the saddle -- even though it has gotten a tad bigger than necessary over last two years -- mine is identical to the one pictured above and was my first hydration pack and is still my favorite, hands down. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ryan
a Cross Country Rider
from Long Island N.Y.
Date Reviewed: September 29, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Any Single Track | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$85.00 | | Purchased At: | The Bicycle Planet | | Strengths: | Decent cargo space, holds plenty of water for long trips,nice tube routing improvment over other models before it, straps are well placed older models would pich your sholders after a while, Wide mouth is easier to fill but there are to many problems with the new design see below. | | Weaknesses: | Bladder tastes nasty after a while the only cure for this is to clean it EVERY TIME YOU UES IT! this is the only cure for this and use baking soda while you clean it With Hot Water this is from camel back when I called to complain about it, Who has time to do that? Also I have experenced some seal problems make sure all the air is out of the bladder when loading or it tends to blow a seal. Cargo space is good for a day trip of about four to five hours over that you can't fit much more (Should have bought a Hawg instead). Don't like loading bladder into the back of the pack you have to take every thing out of the main compartment or it will not slide in without out help this how you can blow the seal on the bladder. finally the air flow panel doesn't work at all when it's full. | | Similar Products Used: | 1999 Camelback Blowfish | | Bike Setup: | 02 Specialized Stumpjumper FSRxc Disc (be Posting A review Soon) | | Bottom Line: | A little dissapointed with camel back this time around not that much but a little. Over all this system is much better than the old water bottle and cage (Which has been removed entirely from my bike No Longer Needed) Stengths definently out weigh the weaknesses on this prouduct. But felt it would be superior to my blowfish for the price I spent But O'well I'll deal with it | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Sean Huntley
a Weekend Warrior
from MN
Date Reviewed: July 24, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$69.00 | | Purchased At: | Eriks | | Strengths: | Decent amount of storage. Lots of water. Durable | | Weaknesses: | A little pricey. Claimed "airflow" between pack and back is non existant. | | Similar Products Used: | Some Performance POS | | Bike Setup: | Enduro Pro FSR | | Bottom Line: | Carries everything I need. Does what it is supposed to do. I had to replace the original bladder (damn dogs)with the new "wide mouth" from camelback. Much easier to clean and fill with ice cubes. I have noticed no issues with either bladder affecting the taste of the water. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Matt
a Weekend Warrior
from Grand Rapids, Michigan
Date Reviewed: July 23, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Fort Custer | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$79.00 | | Purchased At: | Alger Schwinn | | Strengths: | Wow.....it has alot of cargo space. I am packing it with food, tools, etc for a 200 mile trip I am riding my mt. bike on and I still have room left. I finally found something that holds more water than I can drink in one ride. 3 liters sure is alot more than my water bottle, and it stays rather cool. | | Weaknesses: | Haven't found any yet | | Similar Products Used: | My old Gatorade water bottle I caught at a 4th of July parade | | Bike Setup: | Trek 4300, xtr hubs, mavic 217 rims, Microdrive sprocket...yeah | | Bottom Line: | Sure am glad that I found something that works! A whole lot better than water bottles that warm your water to a nice, rolling boil. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Stark
a Weekend Warrior
from Highland, CA
Date Reviewed: July 22, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$70.00 | | Purchased At: | Performance | | Strengths: | Plenty of space for your stuff. Nice bite-down water valve. Overall design. | | Weaknesses: | Expensive | | Similar Products Used: | Blackburn Hydracrap | | Bike Setup: | Fisher | | Bottom Line: | After using the Blackburn bag that came free with bike purchase from Supergo, I can appreciate the great design of this bag. There's room for all your stuff and plenty of litte pockets for keys/wallet/phone, tubes/patches, tools, and even a digital camera. This is a very well made product that is worth the high price. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Doug
a Cross Country Rider
from Toronto
Date Reviewed: June 29, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | San Juan California | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$70.00 | | Purchased At: | local bike shop | | Strengths: | holds a lot of stuff
lots of pockets
lite | | Weaknesses: | bladder makes the water taste nasty, chemical, plastic taste, just got the platypus hydration system and it does not effect the taste of the water period. It also has zipper fill opening to put ice cubes in easily. Much better than the camelback bladder. | | Similar Products Used: | Platypus | | Bike Setup: | Turner XCE | | Bottom Line: | Do not buy this product if the taste of the water is important to you. If you already have a camelback hyd system then I will suggest to you to buy a platypus replacement bladder, you won't be dissapointed. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Harry Nutz
a Weekend Warrior
from Fairfax, CA USA
Date Reviewed: May 2, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Treasure | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$50.00 | | Purchased At: | Sunshine bikes | | Strengths: | Whoop ass product. I can now carry my bong AND all my weed on rides. What a cure for cottonmouth!! | | Weaknesses: | Zip=O, nada, well, OK - the water in the tube gets pretty hot but for another few bucks you can get an insulator. | | Similar Products Used: | Some water scrotum made by K2. It was OK, but in the bush leagues | | Bike Setup: | Trek STP200, stocker | | Bottom Line: | See product strengths. Plenty of water to feed both me AND the bong. Plenty of room for the needful, like powerbars, basic tools, light jacket, beers and weed. I've even stuck a trout pole in it.
People like to bee-otch about how much these cost, but in reality it only sounds expensive until you try one. I wouldn't go back to water bottles if you gave me a thousand bucks and a couple of pounds. Well, maybe for a couple of pounds.
Oh, and mine hasn't gotten moldy. Ever. It does tend to taste like crapulence after a while, especially if you are dumb enough to put things other than water in the bladder.
One more thing - those complaining about a lack of room if the bladder is full should get a life. I wedge my light battery into this thing and don't lose more than a few ounces. And if you need more than 90 ounces of water for a night ride, try drinking some fluid during the day. This thing wasn't intended to provide uhaul space for when you move, its for the needful only.
And if you can't fit the bladder in with all of your crap in it, its pretty freakin easy to fill with the bladder installed, sheesh. Or try relocating your crap first. Jeez, masters of spatial relationships here. Maybe they have been dipping into my stash. Humph. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Wayne
a Downhiller
from nottingham, uk
Date Reviewed: April 15, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | sssshhhh. It's a secret | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$50.00 | | Purchased At: | freewheel, nottingham | | Bike Setup: | UK spec Diamond Back XR4, Revell Hardtail with dual setup. | | Bottom Line: | This is the best cycling product I have ever bought. Nothing has changed my riding as much as my MULE, a year ago when I went riding I used to use a bag and a couple of waterbottles. The bag used to move around to much and the bottles turned into mini rockets flying down the trails. Now I can caryy more water, so that means less stopping and more riding, I can carry everything that I need(pump, spare tube, tools, sunglasses, phone, food, keys, waterproofs and body armour) and it don't move around on my back.
I use this pack everytime I ride. I would give it 10 chillies if I could but I can't so it gets..... | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Sledge Foot
a Cross Country Rider
from W. LA
Date Reviewed: April 4, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$65.00 | | Strengths: | -100 oz. water bladder
- Lots of room for storage
| | Weaknesses: | My one wish list item is that Camelback make a side slot dedicated to a pump.
Wait, make two wish list items, the back is supposed to keep your back cool and aired, but once the bladder is filled, this feature doesn't work quite well | | Similar Products Used: | None | | Bottom Line: | This review is for the 2002 model.
This is one handy pack. I have yet to drink up all 100 oz, so it's plenty of water so far. The pack has plenty of room for storage.
I carry the following:
- 2 spare tubes
- One Blackburn MTB pump
- Trail book/maps
- First aid kit
- Pepper spray
- Cell phone or small two radio
All that fits with ease. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mark
a Cross Country Rider
from Kingman, AZ USA
Date Reviewed: March 29, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$58.00 | | Purchased At: | Price Point | | Strengths: | This is an awesome product. Very well designed. You can't even tell that you're wearing it on your back. | | Weaknesses: | None that I've discovered yet... | | Similar Products Used: | None | | Bike Setup: | N/A | | Bottom Line: | It's WELL worth the money! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Oleg
a Cross Country Rider
from Manalapan, NJ, USA
Date Reviewed: March 28, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Hacketstown State Park South | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$49.00 | | Purchased At: | pricepoint | | Strengths: | Fits an average rider well, a lot of pockets for storage. Fits pump, patch kit, tools, ets. | | Weaknesses: | Sticking could be stronger, better rubber for the hydration blober. | | Similar Products Used: | Camelbak Lobo | | Bike Setup: | Trek STP 400 Frame, Chris King, all XTR, Rock Shox fork, Easton carbon seat post. | | Bottom Line: | Great products for most rides, not for a 24 hour event. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Waterdrinker
a Cross Country Rider
from Austin
Date Reviewed: March 6, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$35.00 | | Purchased At: | Shop discount | | Strengths: | Keeps water cool... carries tools, pump, etc... stays out of the way... convenient... carries enough water for decent rides. | | Weaknesses: | That plastic taste... mesh is weak... ummm... | | Similar Products Used: | wata bottle | | Bike Setup: | Vrrroooommmm! | | Bottom Line: | I think three years is a good enough test for this product so here's my couple of cents. The Mule does it's job admirably. It holds water without severe leakage and keeps that water cool. The pack also functions as, um, a pack. It carries the little things that you'll need on a ride like food, car keys, wallet, tools, pump, and even some clothes if you need it. I've seldom had problems with it shifting or feeling obtrusive and it stays stable with the help of the waist belt thingee.
The only negatives about the Mule (this model at least) is the weak stiching of the mesh pocket. I ripped half of the pocket from the elastic within the first month of use. The pocket still funtions as I keep a spare tube and my gloves in that pocket (some twist ties to keep things straight), but a little stronger stitching would be sweet. Of course, the water out of the bladder will have a plastic taste about it so be warned. It'll fade over time, but if you're one that keeps water in the thing for long periods of time (days/weeks/months) then the plastic taste will bleed into the water. Keep it fresh is what i say.
I imagine this model would be very cheap if any one is still selling it, so maybe a nice alternative to the current model. It works and works well. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
marbinsan
a Cross Country Rider
from ca
Date Reviewed: March 6, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$68.00 | | Purchased At: | art's | | Strengths: | -water stays cool for long time
-more than enough cargo space
-It's so light you easily forget you're carrying 3 Litre on your back
-the new Omega reservoir opening is excellent for filling and drying.
-the waist strap | | Weaknesses: | chest strap isnt long enough | | Similar Products Used: | two large water bottles | | Bike Setup: | Specialized HR A1FS | | Bottom Line: | Don't over load the biggest cargo area because the pack will bow out on the sides and thus defeat the purpose of the air flow channel in the middle. Basically you get a sweaty back. I suggest buying the tube clip. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
The Klein Kid
a Weekend Warrior
from Cleveland, TX
Date Reviewed: January 17, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Double Lake | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Purchased At: | Bike Lane | | Strengths: | Very durable
Nice color (green & black)
Holds everything I need to take with me
| | Weaknesses: | None yet | | Similar Products Used: | The primitive water bottle | | Bike Setup: | 2001 Klein Attitude Race | | Bottom Line: | This was a excellent purchase for me. I no longer have to drink out of a water bottle that has mud all over it. The water stays cold for a long time. Plus it holds so much more water than any water bottle could hold. Also, I've had problems in the past where I would reach for my water bottle and realize that it's not there anymore, and then I would have to go searching for the stupid thing.
The camelback mule holds all my important items such as my keys, my wallet, my cellphone, my bike tools, and maybe a powerbar. I used to have to carry my car keys in my pocket and I would always worry about loosing them, but now I don't have to worry. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Nigel Pickard
a Weekend Warrior
from Westwood MA USA
Date Reviewed: November 23, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Purchased At: | xmas present | | Strengths: | carries alot of water, well made, well thought out -I like the clip for your keys, perfect size | | Weaknesses: | umm...err...umm...err...I just can't think of one, quite possibly one of the worlds finest mtbing products. | | Similar Products Used: | water bottle, but can't remember what they look like. | | Bike Setup: | '96 Rockadile | | Bottom Line: | Got this for a Xmas present many years ago -but you know what? I've never not had it on a ride since and I've never taken a water bottle since. That's a heck of a lot of problem free use.
Since the pack is an old one, I don't know if they have changed that much, but I am really impressed by the R&D -from the mesh stuff,the clip for the keys to the elasticated fastening cord. The zipper pocket is just the right size for the emergency repair kit. Excellent -someone obviously used and tested it!
This for me is one of the best bike accessories you can ever get, on a par with clipless pedals, v-brakes and front shocks. I'd totally recommend it. If mine ever bites the dust I'm going to be buying another immediately -I just can't see cycling without one now. Even more recommended for those people with multiple bikes as it means you just take your pack with your bike with all the stuff ready to go.
Great product. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Don Carriere
a Cross Country Rider
from San Diego
Date Reviewed: November 20, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Daley Ranch | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$65.00 | | Purchased At: | Adventure 16 | | Strengths: | Quality Construction, Superior Materials, Smart Design | | Weaknesses: | The reservoir opening is too small, making it hard to clean and dry. | | Similar Products Used: | Camelbak Siren | | Bike Setup: | Giant NRS 1 | | Bottom Line: | This unit is perfect for long rides where you want to carry a few tools, as well as lots of cold water. The Mule is comfortable to wear and keeps all the gear properly stowed. The liquid stays nice and cold for hours (if you added ice).
I use this pack a lot. The only change would be a new reservoir with a wide mouth "Omega" opening...which a lot of the new models are coming with. I recommend the MULE! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
GS
a Cross Country Rider
from Chicago IL
Date Reviewed: November 8, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Palos, Kettle Moraine | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$59.00 | | Purchased At: | Price Point | | Strengths: | Love this thing! Never had owned one, and now that I bought this, I can't imagine anyone using water bottles! Keeps water nice and cold with ice in it. Harness fits wonderfully, and I am 6-0 and 205. After having it on the first time and riding 10 minutes, I forgot I had the thing on. 90 degree mouthpiece with shutoff valve is a plus! | | Weaknesses: | Well, I haven't seen any. | | Similar Products Used: | None | | Bike Setup: | 2002 Giant xtc se2, some tweeks | | Bottom Line: | Before you go by something like this, be sure to evaluate your needs! Camelback makes a pretty good line, and if you need more storage space, then look at a Blowfish or HAWG model. Personally, the more room I have, the more compulsion I feel to put stuff in there, so I chose the MULE to keep from dragging more than I needed around. Still, I can get 2 tubes, a 1st aid kit, a pump, an alien tool, patch kit and a couple of CO2 cartridges in this, and still have room to spare for misc stuff, that I probably don't need. Keep the thing clean and it will last forever. Just a hint for quick drying, after you get done cleaning it, I take a couple of paper towels and shove them inside the bladder, move them around with my hands, which drys the inside fairly quickly. For the money, you won't do better. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Sprocketeer
a Cross Country Rider
from Narashino, Chiba, Japan (Native New Yorker)
Date Reviewed: October 29, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Milky Way galaxy, third planet from "he Sun" | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$80.00 | | Purchased At: | Someplace around Washington Sq. Park in NYC | | Strengths: | 100 icy oz. of water strapped to my back keeps me going for over two hours in the hellishly hot and humid summer of Japan's Kanto area. Protects my spine in a crash. Slim profile. Wealth of storage compartments. | | Weaknesses: | It needs more loops and such to hook and strap things onto the outside of the bag because the storage space is bare minimum. Weak stitching in some places seems to be more a matter of carelessness in manufacturing than design. | | Similar Products Used: | courier bag and water bottle--but only when I'm riding to the store, otherwise I try to stay light. | | Bike Setup: | 1999 Trek Cro-Moly frame otherwise built by myself with high end components. Soon to buy a 2002 Trek 8000. | | Bottom Line: | I don't get tired at all since I've been using the Camelbak, and that's mostly do to the fact that I can actually manage to drink and ride at the same time. Water bottles are really only for roadies. I don't see how anyone can drink adaquate amounts of fluid without stopping often while mountain biking.
Also, it totally solves the problem of where to put every little thing like a lock, cold and rain wear, money, cell phone (hey, sometimes ya gotta do the Mission Impossible 2 thing!) and lots of other stuff from aspirin to suntan lotion too numerous and cumbersome to carry altogether in jersey pockets. I hate having containers on my bike and I don't have any support van following me around. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Moe
a Weekend Warrior
from Weston, FL, U.S.A
Date Reviewed: October 14, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | markham park | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$74.00 | | Purchased At: | cycle world | | Strengths: | Lots of water for a big person like me. I drink water like a freakin horse. plenty of storage for short to medium rides. good details and looks sharp. | | Weaknesses: | It should come with the insulated tube covering. That hot water in the tube is nasty when its 100 degrees outside. | | Bike Setup: | 2002 trek fuel 90 stock | | Bottom Line: | very good product | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
woodyak
a Cross Country Rider
from rockport, ma
Date Reviewed: October 4, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | dogtown | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$75.00 | | Purchased At: | LBS | | Strengths: | Fairly comfortable, lots of water, good amount of storage, nice details. | | Weaknesses: | The pockets and webbing are shaped kind of weird. Made it hard to fit my pump, tube, and tools w/o them shifting while riding. The shoulder straps have material that hugs the neck making it kind of uncomfortable. Pricey. | | Similar Products Used: | Camelbak Rocket | | Bike Setup: | Klein Mantra, Mavic Crossrides, Marz bomber, yada yada | | Bottom Line: | This pack was a little too big for my taste. I'm a minimalist when it comes to riding so this pack was a little overkill. I could never drink 100 oz. so that was too much for me as well. The extra material made my trapezoids uncomfortable if I lifted up my head. I'm kind of short and stocky so maybe it would fit others better.
I traded it in for a Camelbak rocket. This is much more my style. 72 0z. a smaller but layed out better pack. Sternum strap, hose protector, GU holder on the strap. Highly recommended. For some reason mtbr.com doesn't have a review section for this pak and it's the best one! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
scott vaughn
a Cross Country Rider
from el dorado hills
Date Reviewed: August 28, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | any and all that are dirt | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$54.00 | | Purchased At: | Outback Gear | | Strengths: | keeps water cool, ice stays for hours, no more reaching for the bottle then looking up to see a tree getting close | | Weaknesses: | causes my back to sweat more, they should put a protective covering on the water line, if you don't drink nonstop the line gets warm for the first couple of gulps and that doesn't taste good when its around 100 degrees out | | Bike Setup: | Trek 820 hard tail no shock up front | | Bottom Line: | Great product, excellent quality | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dave
a Cross Country Rider
from Coeur d'Alene Id
Date Reviewed: August 16, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$60.00 | | Purchased At: | Gart Sports, Rockville Md | | Strengths: | Holds 100 oz. of H20, Lots of capacity for gear, bungee strap, waist strap, holds mucho but not bulky. | | Weaknesses: | regular bite valve is a little low on flow. Should switch to the "Big" bite valve but the original still works like new after 3 years so why change... | | Bottom Line: | I considered the Platypus and I'm glad I went with the MULE. I have an old version without the chest strap to connect the shoulder straps. Still, it fits well, does not slosh around or creep up on rides. Also, the main cargo compartment will accept a second 70 oz. reservoir if need be. I am using the orginal bladder and tubing and have even left water in it for a few days and have not had any nasty slimy growth as of yet. Just drain the water, open it up and let it air dry and that's it. I orginally used it for hiking and now also use it for biking and it has held up to several spills (a couple where I landed on my back) and it shows no signs of wear or damage. I thought $60 was alot at the time but the MULE has proven to be one the best pieces of gear that I own. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Keif Roberts
a Cross Country Rider
from Santa Rosa, CA, USA
Date Reviewed: August 12, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | all of em | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$56.00 | | Purchased At: | sportmart | | Strengths: | carries 3.0L of water, holds all of my tools and extra parts, the pockets are easy to get to, plenty of extra room for snacks and stuff, the chest and waist straps are awsome, and this list can go on forever. | | Weaknesses: | none found yet | | Similar Products Used: | a water bottle | | Bike Setup: | Isis sl, fox float R, hope mini disc, Z3 QR20, ect... | | Bottom Line: | This is one of the best products I have ever bought. I take the mule everywhere I go and I haven't run out of water yet. If you are looking for a product that will work as a backpack and a water supply this is the product for you. I used my first camelback in the service back in 1995 and I thought it was a gr8 product back then. So I am very glad to see that camelback is moving in the right direction with their products. Keep up the good work camelback. And for all of you out door people out there I highly recomend getting this product. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Gary Gnu
a Cross Country Rider
from So California
Date Reviewed: August 11, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Anything in Tahoe | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$60.00 | | Purchased At: | Jax Bicycles, H.B. Calif. | | Strengths: | PURCHASED IN 1998!!! This bag has been through hell and back people. I dont know what kind of sweat shop Camelbak had back then but this bag has been through snow, mud, dirt, rain, streams, falls, tosses, tree rubbed, ran over by cars, ran over on the trail, greased, sat on, napped on and worse yet - faced the sweat from my armpits on every ride! A little Wisk soap, a little hang dry and its good to go! Nothing wrong with the seams, straps, logo, zippers, compartments etc. In fact I am still using the original 70oz reservoir.... Its all about the reservoir dryer! | | Weaknesses: | My bike doesnt fit in it. But you cant have everything! | | Similar Products Used: | none... | | Bike Setup: | which one? | | Bottom Line: | Really, the bottom line is this... In 1998 I thought the price was insane - $60. I figured I would be purchasing another system in a year. Jokes on me! I recommend this system to anyone who rides, boards, hikes, jogs, walks, or even needs hydration in the room! Anyone - you wont be sorry! It will be the best investment you make! For this reason alone I give it 5 flamin' chilis over a YULE LOG flame!!! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Bones
a
from Penn Valley, ca
Date Reviewed: August 6, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$55.00 | | Purchased At: | www.Jensonusa.com | | Strengths: | Everything about this product is great i realy like the bite valve and its flow stoping | | Weaknesses: | none and never will be | | Bottom Line: | tell every one that rides to buy one of these they are great, forget about your water bottles when you have 100oz on your back along with all your gear. i like how you can carrey some extra clothes like some swimming trucks just incase you fine a place to swim | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Pedro
a Weekend Warrior
from Toledo, Spain (Europe)
Date Reviewed: July 21, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Sierra Nevada, Granada, Spain | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$54.00 | | Purchased At: | Bicimania | | Strengths: | High capacity, quality. | | Similar Products Used: | Decathlon | | Bottom Line: | It's a big pocket: tools, pump, power bar, sandwich, photo camera... and water, it's great. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
EZ Weave
a Weekend Warrior
from Colorado Springs
Date Reviewed: July 19, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Templeton | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$49.00 | | Purchased At: | REI | | Strengths: | Extremely well thought out bag, it holds 100oz of water, it is very comfortable | | Weaknesses: | NONE Camelback Hydro packs are superior to all others.. | | Similar Products Used: | Blackburn Amazon, Supergo Megagulp, K2, .... | | Bike Setup: | Freeride hardtail | | Bottom Line: | The MULE is my everyday Camelback, I don't like bottles and they don't hold enough water anyway. I can pack almost all of the gear I need into the MULE. It has one big main pocket (beside the sleeve for the resevoir) as well as a mesh pocket, bungee, a large slot and two smaller pockets on the front. It has a nice clip for your keys as well as an organizer for your tools & crap.
My only regret is that now I want another Camelback for Epics (the Transalp is much bigger...)
Seriously though, buy Camelback everybody uses them for a reason. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Heath W
a Weekend Warrior
from Raleigh, NC
Date Reviewed: July 9, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Hog Run | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$80.00 | | Purchased At: | LLBean | | Strengths: | -Size
-Storage capacity
-Fit | | Weaknesses: | none | | Similar Products Used: | Hunchback by TMP...old 70 oz hydration pack from several years ago, finally retired it for larger Mule | | Bike Setup: | who cares | | Bottom Line: | I used my old Hunchback pack for years, it worked fine, I did replace the bladder when the old one got crusty. My old pack was a 70 oz, I wanted more water, and a little more storage. The mule does that perfectly. 100 oz is a nice upgrade in hte heat and humidity. I reallylike the storage pockets in the Mule. I wish it had velcro straps for my mini-pump like my old pack did though. Overall I'm very impressed. You can get these on sale anywhere for under $60. I had a gift certificate, and used it for mine...so it really cost me nothing...what a deal! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Pascal
a Downhiller
from Vancouver
Date Reviewed: July 2, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | North Shore | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$55.00 | | Purchased At: | Internet bikeshop | | Strengths: | -lots of cargo space
-very good design
-safety for your back at a crash | | Weaknesses: | in the whole time i got it the only thing was eeeeerrrrrrr NOTHING! | | Similar Products Used: | platypus | | Bike Setup: | scott tampico freeride-edition | | Bottom Line: | damn good thing! ! ! the lot of room for gear and water, the lightweight, the perfect fitting,.....all this are points for buying it. everybody who´s still riding with a pair of bottles or anything like that have to test a camelbak! you stay longer hydrated! you don´t have the feeling of totally "unpowerness" because you always have enough liquid for the hottest ride!!!
and the last thing : try to hang 3l. of water on your bike | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
andrew
a Cross Country Rider
from middletown ct
Date Reviewed: July 1, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | the one i ride a lot | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$70.00 | | Purchased At: | a bike shop | | Strengths: | it holds a lot of stuff. i can toss in tools, more water, tubes, and other things. it holds a lot of water | | Weaknesses: | none. absolutly none. if anyone says anything bad about it, they can go $#*& themselves | | Similar Products Used: | none | | Bike Setup: | a bunch of crap | | Bottom Line: | buy it now. and the only reason i gave it 5 chilis is because there arent 6 | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Harry C
a Cross Country Rider
from Tampa, FL
Date Reviewed: June 26, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Carter RD. Thanks Ridge Riders! | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$55.00 | | Purchased At: | eBay from justcamping@aol.com | | Strengths: | Has great storage and holds 3.0L of liquid. Chest and waist straps with wide shoulder staps for great comfort. | | Weaknesses: | Maybe a little heavy for those who go for light rides\bikes. May need Blowfish or HAWG for those who need a lot of storage space. | | Similar Products Used: | WalMart brand. | | Bike Setup: | Schwinn Mesa, new pedals, new seat. | | Bottom Line: | Great pak! Camelbak makes great products. I finally did not need 2 bottles and a pak to have enough water fo my ride! It keeps the liquid cool. Ice fits into it. Holds spare tube, pump, and tools. Used it the day I got it in the Mail! If you want one you should contact justcamping@aol.com or look him up on eBay.com. Thanks Mike! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
E.J.
a Cross Country Rider
from California
Date Reviewed: May 23, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Many | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$50.00 | | Purchased At: | LBS | | Strengths: | Bite valve is the best part of their design | | Weaknesses: | None | | Similar Products Used: | Waterbottles,Blackburn | | Bike Setup: | GT Avalance LE | | Bottom Line: | This is by far the best water system I have used. I have had my MULE since the first year it came out and am still using the same one to this day(of course I have had to replace the bladder). I will be buying another one soon and have not decided weather to get the HAWG or the Blowfish, but it will definatly be a Camelback. I have the old style and have had very little problems with fit or adjustments. I cannot wait to get the newer versions as they look like they fit a whole lot nicer. I have tried a few other systems just to give the a try and did not find them as comfortable or as easy to use. Bottom Line: no matter what sport your into there is a style of a Camelback to fit your needs. I have two other styles that I use for short hikes and another for Sowboarding. What a great product. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
James
a Weekend Warrior
from Chadds Ford, PA, USA
Date Reviewed: April 25, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$45.00 | | Purchased At: | Dicks Sporting Goods | | Strengths: | Lots of stuff space
Large water bladder | | Weaknesses: | no sternum strap | | Similar Products Used: | bottles | | Bottom Line: | Great! If you need the space and the water carrying abilaty then it is perfect | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Bevan Erickson
a Downhiller
from Utah
Date Reviewed: April 21, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Powerline Pass, Anchorage, Alaska | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$75.00 | | Purchased At: | Mad Dog Cycles | | Strengths: | Easy and comfortable means of holding a lot of water. Nice idea to add storage to a brilliant "basic camelback". | | Weaknesses: | Seams, seams, seams. They tear when you fill up the storage compartments at all. They also tear after reasonable wear. Oh yeah, 6 bucks for a replacement bite valve! | | Similar Products Used: | None | | Bike Setup: | irrelevant, but Santa Cruz Bullit | | Bottom Line: | Most reviews are from people that have not had the mule very long, or have not used it that much. I've used this a TON. I've resewn (sp?) it 4 or 5 times to reinforce it after seams ripping. First tear was one month after I bought it. Straps are comfortable, but not as strong as they need to be for the storage capacity they suggest you can carry. Unfortunately, i don't have the newer bite valve, so mine leaks when traveling to destinations and the first swig is either hot or freezing depending on the climate.
Better stitching, stronger straps and you have a great product. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jay
a Cross Country Rider
from Ga
Date Reviewed: April 7, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | fort clinch | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$25.00 | | Purchased At: | whole sale catalog` | | Strengths: | lotsa water, pretty good space for extras, best mouth piece on the market, comfortable the back wicks sweat and water pretty well, | | Weaknesses: | needs a chest strap, get some insulation for the tube if it gets cold or you get no water at all | | Similar Products Used: | gregory something, platypus | | Bike Setup: | Gary Fisher Kaitai, Stock except Ritchety Logic pedals, bar ends, and new tires | | Bottom Line: | Great hydro pack, holds plenty of water, has plenty of room, its kind of pricey if you dont have the hook ups but its probably worth the money | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Johnny
a Weekend Warrior
from Sandy, OR, United States
Date Reviewed: March 23, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$59.00 | | Purchased At: | Snow Leopard | | Strengths: | Very light weight, holds large amount of water 100oz and heavy duty construction. | | Weaknesses: |
none | | Similar Products Used: | water bottle | | Bike Setup: | stock Trek 4500 | | Bottom Line: | This is a very great product if you are going on a long bike trip or hiking. After three to four hours the water was very cold and it does not make your back all wet from condinsation. It is very light to carry and holds large amount of water 100oz. I also like the belly strap and the chest strap.It keeps the hydration pack nice and secure. It also has many large pockets to put your keys,cell phone and food. I have the 2001 model. I looked around and this is the best product on the market. Buy it if you need to carry lots of water. You should not pay more then $60 for it. Shop around for the best prices. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jett Virangkabutra
a Weekend Warrior
from Bangkok, Thailand
Date Reviewed: March 17, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Dandenong ranges, Melbourne, Australia | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$72.00 | | Purchased At: | Probike,Bangkok,Thailand | | Strengths: | Light weight, price, size and amount of water | | Weaknesses: | a tad small can't fit a camera in, when i bought it, it didn't come with a sternum strap (00) | | Similar Products Used: | orginal camelback (92), water bottles | | Bike Setup: | 14.5 99 GT LTS 2000 DS with White Bros DC 110, Magura hs 22 grip shift for f/der and Shimano for Rpf r/der | | Bottom Line: | Great pack i love it went out on a 50 k ride in Thailand at 40 degree tropical heat without it i wouldn't have survived. The water was still cold after 2 hours. I wish it was a little bigger so i could fit a camera and a rain jacket in. For day rides i really recommend this pack. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Hunter
a Cross Country Rider
from Baton Rouge
Date Reviewed: March 14, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Hooper | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$60.00 | | Purchased At: | The Bicycle Shop-LSU | | Strengths: | High capacity, quality construction, big bite-valve, well engineered compartments, and if you need extra water, you can buy an extra 70 oz. bladder and carry it in the middle compartment. Endo-proof. | | Weaknesses: | Needs a sternum strap. | | Similar Products Used: | bottles | | Bike Setup: | What does this have to do with anything? | | Bottom Line: | In the last year, I've endo'd twice and the bladder is still in tact, not to mention the fact that it cushioned the blows. For all of your bottle-carrying buddies who run out on the long hauls, you can fit a 70 oz. bladder in the compartment in front of the main bladder's. Plenty of storage for Alien, extra tube, tire bars, Ice wax, and your car keys, not to mention the bungee straps can hold a light jacket, pull-over, rain-suit, or first-aid kit(for those of you who bleed). Off the subject, if you ride clipless, an extra set of cleats is also recommended.
Camelback rules! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Emanuele
a Cross Country Rider
from Ames Iowa
Date Reviewed: February 16, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$65.00 | | Purchased At: | Bike world | | Strengths: | Carries lots O' Stuff. 100 oz is nice. bungee cord works good for jackets | | Weaknesses: | haven't found any yet | | Similar Products Used: | water bottles | | Bike Setup: | 99 Joshua F3 | | Bottom Line: | Good product. Cost is a little high, but you get what you pay for!! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
EDDIE
a Weekend Warrior
from MATAWAN N.J
Date Reviewed: February 6, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | RINGWOOD,HARTSHORNE,CHIMNEYROCK | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$65.00 | | Purchased At: | BIKE-N-GEAR EDISON N.J | | Strengths: | HOLDS PLENTY OF WATER 100 OUNCES. PLENTY OF ROOM FOR BELONGINGS,THE BUNGIE CORD IS GOOD FOR JACKETS.GREAT LITTLE ZIPPER POCKETS FOR TOLLS,CELLPHONE ETC, COMFY | | Weaknesses: | A FEW- INSERTING FULL BLADDER IN POUCH IS A PAIN IN THE KNEE,THE STUFF STORED IN PARRALLEL POCKET RESTRICTS INSERTING BLADDER. CHEST STRAP WOULD COME IN HANDY TO STOP BAG FROM SHIFTING ON BOUNCEY TRAILS. ALSO CLEANING THROUGH SMALL CAP IS DIFFICULT. PUT BLADDER IN FREEZER WHEN NOT IN USE. | | Similar Products Used: | HOT WATER BOTTLE AND RUBBER BANDS | | Bike Setup: | 2000 CANNONDALE JECKYLL 900SL. APOLLO 3 SPEED WITH SISSY BAR AND BAR SHIFTER | | Bottom Line: | ALL AROUND GOOD PRODUCT. YOU WONT BE DISAPPOINTED WITH IT.I CLEAN WITH VERY HOT WATER,THEN STORE BLADDER IN FREEZER TO PREVENT SKUNKANITIS- | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
billy
a Weekend Warrior
from tempe, az
Date Reviewed: January 18, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$49.00 | | Purchased At: | pricepoint.com | | Strengths: | great product great price | | Weaknesses: | ummmmmmmmmm | | Bottom Line: | I wouldnt pay 100 for it i found it for 49 on pricepoint. great deal and great pack | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ezra
a Weekend Warrior
from Dallas, Texas, US
Date Reviewed: December 24, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | any and everything | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$80.00 | | Purchased At: | US Calvary - www.uscav.com | | Strengths: | I own the Maximum Gear version used by military personel. Product construction (heavy stitching compared to original version), hands free slurpage, manly color-olive drab and easy to clean creative possibilites with daisy chaning strap and 4 corner lacing loops. Tactical color excellent for military use and weekend paintball games. Color provides uniqueness out on the bike trail. Everyone else has those rainbowed colored packs. Again hands free drinking no longer do I have to act as a stretch to the rear of my hip to grab a canteen or take my eyes of the trail to reach for a bottle mounted to the bike. This also frees up that cage for a night time lighting powersource. | | Weaknesses: | Lack of angled bite valve, grip handle loop is to large and rubs the back of my neck some of the times. Large pack sags when loaded, should of had some type of reinforcement or alternate shaped to offset sag. | | Similar Products Used: | military canteens | | Bike Setup: | '00 Cannondale Jekyll 700 SX, XT drivetrain | | Bottom Line: | Fully watered and loaded its slim enough to fit under my A.L.I.C.E. pack. Heavy duty construction results in no snags or tears by fiberglass corners or blunt metal surfaces which I work around and crawl beneath. Waist straps keeps pack stable while trail running or jogging. Holds enough water, foodstuff, tools and other neccessities for day long biking or hiking. Carrying tools and an extra tube on the back makes my bike feel more flickable. The four corner loops allow me to lace bungee for straping down rain gear of windbreaker.
If you are active and need to hydrate, duh...you need one too! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
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