CamelBak MULE 100oz Hydration Pack Review
 
 

If you spend much time in the backcountry, you know that carrying enough fresh water is a top concern. The opposite of hydration is dehydration, not a good thing. And if you’re looking for a good hydration pack that also has enough room to hold all your gear, and is rugged and well made, then you can’t go wrong with the Camelback MULE 100 oz hydration pack.

As you probably know, physical exertion at altitude - especially on a hot day – requires a lot of water to keep you hydrated. And unless you’re into lugging around a bunch of canteens or water bottles, which I’m not, then you have to find a good way of carrying around all that water. So why not go with a hydration pack that has enough room for all your gear as well?

The Camelbak MULE hydration pack fills the bill, and although it’s not as inexpensive as some hydration packs, this really is an example of “you get what you pay for.” A cheaper pack might leave you heavier in the wallet initially, but you’ll probably regret not paying a little more to get a comfortable, rugged pack that will last two or three times longer.

          What It Is

The Camelback 100 ounce pack holds three liters of water, and just about all the other stuff you’ll need for a day out on the trail. This isn’t an internal-frame pack that you would use for an extended camping trip, and it’s not intended to be, and it was designed with bikers in mind. But one of the things I love about the Camelback is that it’s versatile enough to use for all kinds of outdoor excursions - whether you’re going on all-day bike ride, a hike, or just spending a hot afternoon at the local amusement park with your kids.

The MULE is a “narrow guage” pack that’s designed to be used in all weather conditions. The zippered pockets and well-vented main compartment have rain covers and weather-protected zippers, which is a nice feature if you’re caught in a sudden downpour and you’re frantically trying to get to your rain gear. The pack has an integrated rain cover as well.

Camelbak has come up with their own patented bladder system that’s a cut above the competition. The MULE 100 oz comes equipped with an “antidote” reservoir that has a large filler opening and quick link system that allows you to hook up your drinking tube quickly and easily. The reservoir lives in its own pocket in the pack, which helps to keep the water cooler and away from your back - and your gear as well.

And to make sure this pack is comfortable to wear, even on extended trips, Camelbak provided their own “dynamic suspension” shoulder harness system. This consists of a shoulder harness, fixed waist belt, and slider sternum strap that all work together to balance and distribute the load.

 

        Why You Need One

If you’re any kind of serious biker, you definitely need one of these Camelbak hydration packs. But even if you’re not, and you spend a lot of time in outdoor recreational activities, it’s a good idea to have one. Three liters of water is like gold up in the backcountry, and it’s enough water for two people if you’re not going that far, and it’s not a super hot day.

And maybe the most important selling point of the Camelbak hydration pack is the fact that it fits well and is comfortable to wear, even for extended periods of time. There’s nothing worse than lugging around a pack that digs into your shoulders, or makes your back sweaty, and never lets you forget that you’re wearing it. And the MULE gets high marks in this regard, at least in my experience.

This last point, in my opinion, is another reason why paying a little more for one of these better made packs is worth it. For the few bucks you might save on a cheaper pack, you'll be kicking yourself out on the trail when the thing is make your life miserable.
 

       Product Details

• Narrow-gauge, all-terrain hydration pack with 100-ounce Antidote Reservoir and 854 cubic inches of overall capacity

• N.V.I.S. back panel provides excellent venting and convenient access to the new Antidote with quicklink reservoir compartment

• Dynamic Suspension shoulder harness, slider sternum strap, and fixed waist belt with cargo pockets

• XC helmet carry system; MP3 pocket with weather resistant zipper; integrated rain cover

• Carries multi-tool, pump, spare tube, extra layer, lunch, MP3, phone, wallet, keys, etc; Got Your Bak Lifetime Guarantee
  
   

        What Others Are Saying
 

Almost all of the reviews I've read of this jacket are very positive, both on Amazon and REI.

Here are some of the comments to date:

• "As for the trail, I always carry my camelbak because the quality is great and its very comfortable to wear. The materials used really stand up to the wear and tear of hiking, biking, and the occasional tumble.
  The Mule is a great size for a few hours of outdoor activity, its not too large, but its large enough to hold the essentials (snacks, map, first aid kit, camera, light jacket, etc).
  The Mule is a comfortable, durable, and worth every penny."

• "Awesome product. has plenty of storage space for tools, food, anything. and the bladder holds more then enough water for several hours of riding. its light on my back even with it loaded down. forget its there when riding. the bladder comes out easy to fill without having to pull the hose out with it. the disconnect on the bladder works good. wont ride with out this."

 

     The Best Place To Buy One

The Camelbak MULE hydration pack is available in most of the major outdoor recreation stores like REI or Dicks Sporting Goods. But the best price I've found is on Amazon.com

 

 

 

 

       

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