CamelBak Mule Review

Field Use

Whether canoeing the upper Zambezi in Zambia, Africa, or trekking along the Texas Hill Country, this pack sees many torturous miles, performs well, and stays as tough as the terrain it travels. This product comes very close to its designed purpose. It is well-suited for short, warm-weather trips when you don't have to take the bulky items required to travel in cooler temperatures. It's comfortable, doesn't sway when you are on an off-trail scramble and is versatile enough for the gear you need for quick cave spelunking. The felt-lined pocket keeps your LCD gear scratch-free and secure, even when thrown in the bottom of a canoe in white water. This pack is not waterproof and does not float.

Pros and Cons

The only caveat for this pack is that when the 100-oz. bladder is full, it pushes on your back and creates a hump feeling. It will stay this way until the first 20 oz. of water is gone. Also, expect to sweat some when wearing this pack. It does an adequate job of letting air flow through, but it is no better than its competitors in this regard. CamelBak uses what it calls "air director" channels in between the cushion pads, but the effectiveness is questionable. Combat these shortcomings by only filling the bladder 3/4 of capacity and to take off the pack from time to time to let yourself dry.

Bottom Line

At around $90 from most retailers, the CamelBak M.U.L.E. is a terrific buy. It's not just for mountain bikers--it works just as well in any other circumstance. It is extremely versatile, durable and comfortable, with lots of added features that competitors just do not have. While it does have some drawbacks, especially with a full bladder or in the heat, this pack is an exceptional and resilient piece of equipment. Never failing when the adventure gets difficult, this pack feels small but packs big. It is a great choice for those short day hikes through Africa or on your next canoe trip.