Camelbak M.U.L.E. 12 3L Hydration Pack Moroccan Blue/Black
Camelbak has redesigned its MULE bag to be even better than the original. In addition, it is now made with a Repurpose Gold Sustainability badge, which goes hand in hand with cycling. It comes with their CRUX 3-liter fluid bladder so you can have enough fluid for even long rides. In addition, there is room for 9 liters of luggage, for example, a jacket, tools, and more. The Air Support back panel ensures that you don't overheat your back. The backpack has several pockets and compartments so you can organize its contents and easily have an overview of what you have with you.
Camelbak has redesigned its MULE bag to be even better than the original. In addition, it is now made with a Repurpose Gold Sustainability badge, which goes hand in hand with cycling. It comes with their CRUX 3-liter fluid bladder so you can have enough fluid for even long rides. In addition, there is room for 9 liters of luggage, for example, a jacket, tools, and more. The Air Support back panel ensures that you don't overheat your back. The backpack has several pockets and compartments so you can organize its contents and easily have an overview of what you have with you.
Camelbak has redesigned its MULE bag to be even better than the original. In addition, it is now made with a Repurpose Gold Sustainability badge, which goes hand in hand with cycling. It comes with their CRUX 3-liter fluid bladder so you can have enough fluid for even long rides. In addition, there is room for 9 liters of luggage, for example, a jacket, tools, and more. The Air Support back panel ensures that you don't overheat your back. The backpack has several pockets and compartments so you can organize its contents and easily have an overview of what you have with you.
Camelbak has redesigned its MULE bag to be even better than the original. In addition, it is now made with a Repurpose Gold Sustainability badge, which goes hand in hand with cycling. It comes with their CRUX 3-liter fluid bladder so you can have enough fluid for even long rides. In addition, there is room for 9 liters of luggage, for example, a jacket, tools, and more. The Air Support back panel ensures that you don't overheat your back. The backpack has several pockets and compartments so you can organize its contents and easily have an overview of what you have with you.
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The lowest price for Camelbak M.U.L.E. 12 3L Hydration Pack Moroccan Blue/Black right now is $119.99 at Bay Sports, compared across 15 retailers.
The all-time low was $119.99 on 25 May 2026. That's the lowest price we've ever tracked — a great time to buy.
Prices last updated 28 June 2026.
Last updated at 28/06/2026 01:24:18
CamelBak M.U.L.E. 12 Mountain Biking Hydration Backpack - Easy Refilling Hydration Backpack - Magnetic Tube Trap 100oz
Free delivery
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Camelbak MULE 12 3L Hydration Pack | Bay Sports Moroccan Blue/Black
Free delivery between 30 June – 8 July
Camelbak M.U.L.E. 12 3L Backpack - Moroccan Blue/ Black
30-day returns
Camelbak M.U.L.E 12 Hydration Backpack Gunmetal/Lime
Free delivery
CamelBak M.U.L.E. 12 Hydration Backpack (Moroccan Blue/Black) - 3L, The Nile AU
Delivery between 2–8 July $7.99
Camelbak Mule 12 3L - Moroccan Blue and Black
Camelbak M.U.L.E. 12 Hydration Pack 100oz
Delivery $19.99
CamelBak MULE Hydration Pack 3L
Free delivery between Tue – Fri
CamelBak Mule 12- Past Season - Moroccan Blue/Black
Camelbak M.U.L.E. 12 Cycling Hydration Pack - 3L/100oz | New Era Cycle Moroccan Blue/Black
Delivery $20
originally posted on REI
I'm a Senior and must perform hard cardio exercise (elevated HR) a minimum of 3 to 5 days to a week to keep Parkinson's Disease at bay.When the weather is good I ride my road bike or hike and when it's not I head into the gym.In the past I have used a 26oz water bottle in a shoulder sling for hiking and carry two, 26oz bottles when riding my road bike.Hikes can be 2 to 3 hours in duration and rides are between 1.5 and 2.5 hours in duration.I live on the front range of the Rockies in Colorado and summer heat can push temps up into the mid 90's and higher.Back in 2014 I had experience with a larger CamelBak hydration pack in my climb up Mt. Whitney. Great pack for our needs back then but too large/bulky for these shorter intense workouts.I unpacked and ... MoreI'm a Senior and must perform hard cardio exercise (elevated HR) a minimum of 3 to 5 days to a week to keep Parkinson's Disease at bay.When the weather is good I ride my road bike or hike and when it's not I head into the gym.In the past I have used a 26oz water bottle in a shoulder sling for hiking and carry two, 26oz bottles when riding my road bike.Hikes can be 2 to 3 hours in duration and rides are between 1.5 and 2.5 hours in duration.I live on the front range of the Rockies in Colorado and summer heat can push temps up into the mid 90's and higher.Back in 2014 I had experience with a larger CamelBak hydration pack in my climb up Mt. Whitney. Great pack for our needs back then but too large/bulky for these shorter intense workouts.I unpacked and rinsed the bag out according to the online instructions and the next day filled and adjusted the pack to my body for a 2 hour, out and back hike near home. Temps in the upper 80's to low 90's.Set up was easy and intuitive but if you need instructions they can be found online.I was speed hiking this day for my cardio so I was actually running in some sections.The pack was comfortable and secure and didn't move around at all. I found that it was much more convenient to drink from than my previous set up. This also helped me to drink a greater quantity which is good for staying hydrated in the heat.I was concerned about the comfort level (especially the shoulder straps) but after about 10 minutes didn't really notice the pack even when running.The very next day under similar heat conditions I set out for a 1.5 hour ride. Set up for me, to ride comfortably on a road bike with drop bars, required a little more attention to shoulder strap positioning as well as that of the feeder tube and mouthpiece.I had to stop once in the first 5 minutes to readjust the shoulder straps and the connector between the two in order to get comfortable. After that second adjustment, the Lobo was so superior for hydrating, that I won't be going back to standard bottles and cages anytime soon.Huge safety advantage while biking as well because I didn't have to worry about losing my grip and dropping my bottle or taking my eyes off of the road to get a drink!Fifteen minutes into the ride I didn't notice the bag on my back and it didn't shift or move at all even if I stood to pedal out of the saddle.The water also stayed much cooler and more refreshing after you take the first gulp or two to clear the feeder tube.Plenty of room for your ID, energy bars, two inner tubes, tire levers and Co2 cannisters in case of a flat.The powerful magnet that keep the feeder tube close to your body is very secure. Once the feeder tube's length was properly adjusted it stayed secure even when taking a drink. If it did become free it was super easy to reconnect it.This bag is a game changer for me, especially on the road bike!
originally posted on REI
After receiving this pack from REI’s Product Advisor team, I tested this pack on a variety of bike rides (a quick 4 mile ride in the city and a longer 25 mile ride on a bike path) and hikes (an easy 3 mile hike and a more strenuous 14 mile hike).Overall, this pack performed incredibly well, so well, in fact, that it’ll likely replace my current favored day pack. It’s light, it fits well, and it stays in place without much need for readjustments.The water bladder seems to be well made and didn’t leak, though the magnet meant to secure the hose didn’t quite keep it in place. This became frustrating on bike rides, but didn’t seem to matter as much on hikes. In addition to the magnet, the only downside I noticed was the size. You should definitely note that this bag ... MoreAfter receiving this pack from REI’s Product Advisor team, I tested this pack on a variety of bike rides (a quick 4 mile ride in the city and a longer 25 mile ride on a bike path) and hikes (an easy 3 mile hike and a more strenuous 14 mile hike).Overall, this pack performed incredibly well, so well, in fact, that it’ll likely replace my current favored day pack. It’s light, it fits well, and it stays in place without much need for readjustments.The water bladder seems to be well made and didn’t leak, though the magnet meant to secure the hose didn’t quite keep it in place. This became frustrating on bike rides, but didn’t seem to matter as much on hikes. In addition to the magnet, the only downside I noticed was the size. You should definitely note that this bag is small- so if you’re looking for something to hold much more than some basic essentials, a compact windbreaker or raincoat, and a snack, this isn’t the bag for you. If that doesn’t bother you, or you’re able to pack light, this pack is an awesome choice.For context, after filling the water bladder, here’s what I was able to fit on a recent 14 mike hike: rain coat, pb&j, small portable charger, bear spray, 3oz sunscreen, matches, SOL emergency blanket, headlamp, mapThings were very tightly packed, but I was honestly impressed by how much this little pack was able to carry and how well it carried the weight (even without padded straps, I didn’t feel the weight until the very end of the hike).Tl;dr: This is a comfortable and durable little pack, that won’t leak and will stay secure as you move. 4.5/5 stars!
originally posted on REI
Like the idea of this piece of gear, just wasn't great on execution.I took this pack hiking several times with my newborn daughter, and while I was impressed by how much it could fit inside, ultimately I found the should straps too narrow, the water bladder system awkward, and the magnetic mouthpiece more annoying than helpful.When I first saw this pack, I was excited to use it for small day hikes / bike rides. The concept is a great idea for a lot of the stuff me & my family do outdoors here in Colorado. My first impression was that there was no way this bag could carry much, however. I was pleasantly surprised when I took my newborn on her first hike, and managed to fit a change of clothes, 2 diapers, wipes, my keys, and a couple other things. It absolutely ... MoreLike the idea of this piece of gear, just wasn't great on execution.I took this pack hiking several times with my newborn daughter, and while I was impressed by how much it could fit inside, ultimately I found the should straps too narrow, the water bladder system awkward, and the magnetic mouthpiece more annoying than helpful.When I first saw this pack, I was excited to use it for small day hikes / bike rides. The concept is a great idea for a lot of the stuff me & my family do outdoors here in Colorado. My first impression was that there was no way this bag could carry much, however. I was pleasantly surprised when I took my newborn on her first hike, and managed to fit a change of clothes, 2 diapers, wipes, my keys, and a couple other things. It absolutely fits more than meets the eyes. I wasn't ever comfortable in the shoulder straps - they are pretty narrow, and I'm a lean guy. I can't imagine this pack being able to fit anyone other than someone with a small build. It actually fits my wife better.When I went to fill the water bladder, I thought I was doing something wrong because it's next to impossible NOT to get water all over the bag. Turns out the design is just awkward. I think the only way you could fill the bladder to the max would be to take the entire thing out which is also not easily done.I was super excited when I saw the magnetic mouthpiece attachments, as I've used a lot of packs and feel like I'm constantly inventing ways to keep it near me while I"m on the trail. This is another thing about the pack that seemed good in concept, but I found it more troublesome to locate the magnet landing pad while on the move, so opted to just not use it and let it dangle at my side. Same old problem of the tubing just dancing around.All in all, I'm happy to have the pack but wouldn't necessarily recommend to a friend.
| Style | 100 oz MULE 12 |
| Sport | Cycling |
| Included Components | Hydration Pack, Reservoir |
| Product dimensions | 47 x 21 x 6.3 cm; 810 Grams |
| Is discontinued by manufacturer | No |
CamelBak M.U.L.E. 12 Mountain Biking Hydration Backpack - Easy Refilling Hydration Backpack - Magnetic Tube Trap 100oz
Free delivery
Affiliate Disclosure: We may receive a small commission for purchases made through this link at no extra cost to you. This helps support our site. Thank you!
Camelbak MULE 12 3L Hydration Pack | Bay Sports Moroccan Blue/Black
Free delivery between 30 June – 8 July
Camelbak M.U.L.E. 12 3L Backpack - Moroccan Blue/ Black
30-day returns
Camelbak M.U.L.E 12 Hydration Backpack Gunmetal/Lime
Free delivery
CamelBak M.U.L.E. 12 Hydration Backpack (Moroccan Blue/Black) - 3L, The Nile AU
Delivery between 2–8 July $7.99
I'm a Senior and must perform hard cardio exercise (elevated HR) a minimum of 3 to 5 days to a week to keep Parkinson's Disease at bay.When the weather is good I ride my road bike or hike and when it's not I head into the gym.In the past I have used a 26oz water bottle in a shoulder sling for hiking and carry two, 26oz bottles when riding my road bike.Hikes can be 2 to 3 hours in duration and rides are between 1.5 and 2.5 hours in duration.I live on the front range of the Rockies in Colorado and summer heat can push temps up into the mid 90's and higher.Back in 2014 I had experience with a larger CamelBak hydration pack in my climb up Mt. Whitney. Great pack for our needs back then but too large/bulky for these shorter intense workouts.I unpacked and ... MoreI'm a Senior and must perform hard cardio exercise (elevated HR) a minimum of 3 to 5 days to a week to keep Parkinson's Disease at bay.When the weather is good I ride my road bike or hike and when it's not I head into the gym.In the past I have used a 26oz water bottle in a shoulder sling for hiking and carry two, 26oz bottles when riding my road bike.Hikes can be 2 to 3 hours in duration and rides are between 1.5 and 2.5 hours in duration.I live on the front range of the Rockies in Colorado and summer heat can push temps up into the mid 90's and higher.Back in 2014 I had experience with a larger CamelBak hydration pack in my climb up Mt. Whitney. Great pack for our needs back then but too large/bulky for these shorter intense workouts.I unpacked and rinsed the bag out according to the online instructions and the next day filled and adjusted the pack to my body for a 2 hour, out and back hike near home. Temps in the upper 80's to low 90's.Set up was easy and intuitive but if you need instructions they can be found online.I was speed hiking this day for my cardio so I was actually running in some sections.The pack was comfortable and secure and didn't move around at all. I found that it was much more convenient to drink from than my previous set up. This also helped me to drink a greater quantity which is good for staying hydrated in the heat.I was concerned about the comfort level (especially the shoulder straps) but after about 10 minutes didn't really notice the pack even when running.The very next day under similar heat conditions I set out for a 1.5 hour ride. Set up for me, to ride comfortably on a road bike with drop bars, required a little more attention to shoulder strap positioning as well as that of the feeder tube and mouthpiece.I had to stop once in the first 5 minutes to readjust the shoulder straps and the connector between the two in order to get comfortable. After that second adjustment, the Lobo was so superior for hydrating, that I won't be going back to standard bottles and cages anytime soon.Huge safety advantage while biking as well because I didn't have to worry about losing my grip and dropping my bottle or taking my eyes off of the road to get a drink!Fifteen minutes into the ride I didn't notice the bag on my back and it didn't shift or move at all even if I stood to pedal out of the saddle.The water also stayed much cooler and more refreshing after you take the first gulp or two to clear the feeder tube.Plenty of room for your ID, energy bars, two inner tubes, tire levers and Co2 cannisters in case of a flat.The powerful magnet that keep the feeder tube close to your body is very secure. Once the feeder tube's length was properly adjusted it stayed secure even when taking a drink. If it did become free it was super easy to reconnect it.This bag is a game changer for me, especially on the road bike!
After receiving this pack from REI’s Product Advisor team, I tested this pack on a variety of bike rides (a quick 4 mile ride in the city and a longer 25 mile ride on a bike path) and hikes (an easy 3 mile hike and a more strenuous 14 mile hike).Overall, this pack performed incredibly well, so well, in fact, that it’ll likely replace my current favored day pack. It’s light, it fits well, and it stays in place without much need for readjustments.The water bladder seems to be well made and didn’t leak, though the magnet meant to secure the hose didn’t quite keep it in place. This became frustrating on bike rides, but didn’t seem to matter as much on hikes. In addition to the magnet, the only downside I noticed was the size. You should definitely note that this bag ... MoreAfter receiving this pack from REI’s Product Advisor team, I tested this pack on a variety of bike rides (a quick 4 mile ride in the city and a longer 25 mile ride on a bike path) and hikes (an easy 3 mile hike and a more strenuous 14 mile hike).Overall, this pack performed incredibly well, so well, in fact, that it’ll likely replace my current favored day pack. It’s light, it fits well, and it stays in place without much need for readjustments.The water bladder seems to be well made and didn’t leak, though the magnet meant to secure the hose didn’t quite keep it in place. This became frustrating on bike rides, but didn’t seem to matter as much on hikes. In addition to the magnet, the only downside I noticed was the size. You should definitely note that this bag is small- so if you’re looking for something to hold much more than some basic essentials, a compact windbreaker or raincoat, and a snack, this isn’t the bag for you. If that doesn’t bother you, or you’re able to pack light, this pack is an awesome choice.For context, after filling the water bladder, here’s what I was able to fit on a recent 14 mike hike: rain coat, pb&j, small portable charger, bear spray, 3oz sunscreen, matches, SOL emergency blanket, headlamp, mapThings were very tightly packed, but I was honestly impressed by how much this little pack was able to carry and how well it carried the weight (even without padded straps, I didn’t feel the weight until the very end of the hike).Tl;dr: This is a comfortable and durable little pack, that won’t leak and will stay secure as you move. 4.5/5 stars!
Like the idea of this piece of gear, just wasn't great on execution.I took this pack hiking several times with my newborn daughter, and while I was impressed by how much it could fit inside, ultimately I found the should straps too narrow, the water bladder system awkward, and the magnetic mouthpiece more annoying than helpful.When I first saw this pack, I was excited to use it for small day hikes / bike rides. The concept is a great idea for a lot of the stuff me & my family do outdoors here in Colorado. My first impression was that there was no way this bag could carry much, however. I was pleasantly surprised when I took my newborn on her first hike, and managed to fit a change of clothes, 2 diapers, wipes, my keys, and a couple other things. It absolutely ... MoreLike the idea of this piece of gear, just wasn't great on execution.I took this pack hiking several times with my newborn daughter, and while I was impressed by how much it could fit inside, ultimately I found the should straps too narrow, the water bladder system awkward, and the magnetic mouthpiece more annoying than helpful.When I first saw this pack, I was excited to use it for small day hikes / bike rides. The concept is a great idea for a lot of the stuff me & my family do outdoors here in Colorado. My first impression was that there was no way this bag could carry much, however. I was pleasantly surprised when I took my newborn on her first hike, and managed to fit a change of clothes, 2 diapers, wipes, my keys, and a couple other things. It absolutely fits more than meets the eyes. I wasn't ever comfortable in the shoulder straps - they are pretty narrow, and I'm a lean guy. I can't imagine this pack being able to fit anyone other than someone with a small build. It actually fits my wife better.When I went to fill the water bladder, I thought I was doing something wrong because it's next to impossible NOT to get water all over the bag. Turns out the design is just awkward. I think the only way you could fill the bladder to the max would be to take the entire thing out which is also not easily done.I was super excited when I saw the magnetic mouthpiece attachments, as I've used a lot of packs and feel like I'm constantly inventing ways to keep it near me while I"m on the trail. This is another thing about the pack that seemed good in concept, but I found it more troublesome to locate the magnet landing pad while on the move, so opted to just not use it and let it dangle at my side. Same old problem of the tubing just dancing around.All in all, I'm happy to have the pack but wouldn't necessarily recommend to a friend.
I usually ride with just a waist pack but found myself running out of water on long hot rides. This backpack’s 3L reservoir is almost overkill for me, but I figure I can always swap the reservoir later or just do my usual of filling it once and using it for 2-3 rides in a row. I’ve tried it out on four different rides and I really like the way the compartments are set up. One for the bladder only, one for bulk items like my pads and sweater/jacket, one for snacks and tools, and one small one on top for keys and phone. I think camelback did well with their design and relative sizing of all these.However my gripe comes with the mouthpiece orientation. They’ve made it longer and sticking out at an angle compared to the relatively small and perpendicular orientation ... MoreI usually ride with just a waist pack but found myself running out of water on long hot rides. This backpack’s 3L reservoir is almost overkill for me, but I figure I can always swap the reservoir later or just do my usual of filling it once and using it for 2-3 rides in a row. I’ve tried it out on four different rides and I really like the way the compartments are set up. One for the bladder only, one for bulk items like my pads and sweater/jacket, one for snacks and tools, and one small one on top for keys and phone. I think camelback did well with their design and relative sizing of all these.However my gripe comes with the mouthpiece orientation. They’ve made it longer and sticking out at an angle compared to the relatively small and perpendicular orientation of mouthpiece relative to the hose. This comes into play with its placement via magnet to the end of the chest strap which always ends up interfering with my arm/shoulder. I’ve done a little adjustment of the mouthpiece on the hose to make it point out more but I regularly knock it off on descents. I’d prefer the old style of the small plastic clasp to hook it downwards on one of the shoulder straps.The rest of the backpack is pretty great. Rode with it a couple days over 90 degrees and while it was hotter than a waist pack, it seemed to breath well and not move around much. I’m planning on still using it on long hot rides but probably will leave in lieu of the waist pack for most rides.
The Pros:As a hydration pack, this was a great product. It is lightweight, comfortable on a hike tested up to 4 hours and has a little storage for a few extras like snacks. I filled the water 3/4 full each time and went through it throughout my hikes without any noticeable sloshing or discomfort. I did minimal trail jogging as well with no real sloshing of the water so when all straps are properly tightened this worked great. I have a more muscular build and often these vests do not fit at all yet this one fit comfortably, though it is noticeably small on me. Comfort matters more than looks on a hike anyway. The quick release on the chest was a tad confusing at first but after a moment of figuring it out it was great. Never came off unintentionally and was ... MoreThe Pros:As a hydration pack, this was a great product. It is lightweight, comfortable on a hike tested up to 4 hours and has a little storage for a few extras like snacks. I filled the water 3/4 full each time and went through it throughout my hikes without any noticeable sloshing or discomfort. I did minimal trail jogging as well with no real sloshing of the water so when all straps are properly tightened this worked great. I have a more muscular build and often these vests do not fit at all yet this one fit comfortably, though it is noticeably small on me. Comfort matters more than looks on a hike anyway. The quick release on the chest was a tad confusing at first but after a moment of figuring it out it was great. Never came off unintentionally and was incredibly easy to take off when needed. All straps held and didn't loosen prematurely.The Cons:Personally, I like a bigger pack that can hold a bit more, I couldn't fit my little travel hardcase first aid/emergency pack inside which fits nicely in my other hydration pack. I often like to bring a hammock on my hikes and there was no way of fitting this inside either. The pockets are tight, a sandwich, keys, phone and small hand towel fit but anything else would have been a struggle. There are no front side pockets for snacks, a knife, a phone or anything so to access anything you have to take the pack off. I prefer to have a few essentials reachable without taking the bag off so this was a downside to me. I hiked in my hiking shorts that have pockets but if you didn't have any pockets or are wearing swimming trucks, which I often do on a hike where I can get wet, then you'd have to take the bag off each time you needed something.All in all, it is great for the right application. If you like to bring a handful of extras on a hike for safety you really have to find the smallest things possible to fit into the pack. I would not want it on a longer more strenuous hike because of this, or any hike where the weather might change as carrying an extra layer would be nearly impossible. The lack of front access is a major downside to me as well as I dont want to take the pack off until I find a resting spot many hours in. So it really depends on what you like to have on a hike and how long you go out, or if you are in a more rugged area or not. A local hike on manicured trails would be perfect for this. Something in a more mountainous area or rugged terrain would not be preferable. I would need to know someone's planned use before I recommended it. I will have to mention again, it is definitely very comfortable and the water did not slosh around much at all.
I tried the Women’s Lobo 9 a few times, and, unfortunately, it did not work out for me due to my x-small torso. For reference I have a petite frame, torso length 15” and at 5’3”. I tried this pack while hiking, biking, and just walking around an outdoor day’s event. During all these times it sat low, and past my lower back. I initially thought it wouldn’t be a big deal since it was not too much of the pack that sat low, however, with a few hours into wearing it did become uncomfortable. The shoulder straps did not shorten enough for me and made due with its shortest; this was not enough as it was too loose, and just not as form fitting as I needed it (preference) for an active use. Also, I did not feel the benefits of its air support back panel nor its heat ... MoreI tried the Women’s Lobo 9 a few times, and, unfortunately, it did not work out for me due to my x-small torso. For reference I have a petite frame, torso length 15” and at 5’3”. I tried this pack while hiking, biking, and just walking around an outdoor day’s event. During all these times it sat low, and past my lower back. I initially thought it wouldn’t be a big deal since it was not too much of the pack that sat low, however, with a few hours into wearing it did become uncomfortable. The shoulder straps did not shorten enough for me and made due with its shortest; this was not enough as it was too loose, and just not as form fitting as I needed it (preference) for an active use. Also, I did not feel the benefits of its air support back panel nor its heat distribution; granted it was during very hot summer days. The ventilated harness straps were light and good, as well as its removable hip belt. I appreciated its intentional compartments; it had all the small pockets in the right places to fit a couple, flat snacks. The reservoir takes some maneuvering to take out and fill as I couldn’t successfully fill it while inside the pack; not a deal breaker. The magnetic tube trap is a great convenience. All in all this pack is not created for petite body size, and/or smaller torsos, perhaps it may be best to have sizing options.
During my 2-3 weeks of owning the CamelBak M.U.L.E Hydration pack I have thoroughly ran it through its paces. I have used it while on multiple hikes, mountain bike trips and a camping trip in the remote PNW. As such, I feel confident in saying this is hands down the best hydration pack I have ever owned. Read on for details.This review will be broken down into specific categories. 1. Overview 2. Functionality & Performance 3. Recommendation.1. Overview:The MULE has 5 compartments if you include the soft, small pouch as well as the compartment holding the bladder. The outer pocket seen in the first image has elastic on either side allowing it to stretch to fit a small bike helmet. The next inner pocket shown in image 3 allows you to secure multiple personal ... MoreDuring my 2-3 weeks of owning the CamelBak M.U.L.E Hydration pack I have thoroughly ran it through its paces. I have used it while on multiple hikes, mountain bike trips and a camping trip in the remote PNW. As such, I feel confident in saying this is hands down the best hydration pack I have ever owned. Read on for details.This review will be broken down into specific categories. 1. Overview 2. Functionality & Performance 3. Recommendation.1. Overview:The MULE has 5 compartments if you include the soft, small pouch as well as the compartment holding the bladder. The outer pocket seen in the first image has elastic on either side allowing it to stretch to fit a small bike helmet. The next inner pocket shown in image 3 allows you to secure multiple personal belongings. I typically used this to my flashlight, keys, cell phone and other random odds & ends. The compartment after is not shown in images, however it lays open and flat. I stored my journal and medicines in here while camping. In between this, and the hydration compartment, you'll find a small microfiber pocket which is likely for holding sunglasses - which is how I used it. The 3 liter hydration pack (image 4) has a sturdy handle allowing you to easily fill it up, while slipping smoothly back into the compartment once done, thanks to the material housing it on the backpack itself - this small detail was not lost on me. If you've ever struggled with stuffing a bladder back in you'll know what I'm talking about. The backside of the pack (image 2) is lined with a mesh and their AIR support technology logo is visible. The chest strap (image 5) has a quick clip & release system to easily slip into place. The hydration tube attaches easily to this same clip due to the extremely strong magnet.2. Functionality & Performance:The MULE works exactly as intended and then some. It holds a large amount of water -enough to keep both myself and my wife hydrated on a 5 mile hike - along with plenty of capacity to store most if not all of your personal belongings for any hike/bike/day trip. If you were planning to do an overnight hike you'll need something much larger, but fortunately the hydration bladder is easy enough to remove so it could be brought along with you. Speaking of - the tube itself has a sweet valve to prevent water from leaking on you when not in use, although truth be told I never found myself using the valve as it never really seemed to leak on me. To draw water in you pinch (bite) the sides of the end of the tube. When hiking in warm to hot weather and sweating I did not feel that the pack was making the situation much worse. The mesh lining seems to help considerably here. Something that should also be noted is the pack was extremely comfortable when full of water as well as loading down the inner pockets - in image 2 you'll notice two pads lining the back of the pack helping to increase comfort when in use. The only negative I have to say is the pack did leak at one point - but this was most likely user error in reattaching the tube to the bottom of the hydration bladder. I say this due to the fact that it quickly dried after I noticed, and I was not able to replicate the problem.3. Recommendation:If you're in the market for a hydration pack that holds a good amount of water as well as having storage for a ton of other storage look no further. The technology, features and comfort of these has come so incredibly far along in recent years, it truly blew me out of the water.I would recommend this for people who are mountain biking and hiking. It's also handy to bring along when camping!
Let me start this review by saying this is my first hydration pack, so I don't have another products or experiences to compare it to.I love a lot of things about this pack, with the obvious one being how much water it holds (100oz) and how consistently it keeps me hydrated, because of the convenience. It has a locking mechanism in the straw to control the flow of water, and a solid strap-in & magnet system that keeps the mechanism in place well. I will continue to use this pack for longer hikes and day trips. As a hydration pack, it works exactly how it should: it holds water and keeps you hydrated.There are a few areas where I could see improvements:Firstly, because most of the pack-space is being taken up by 100 liters of water, there's little room for ... MoreLet me start this review by saying this is my first hydration pack, so I don't have another products or experiences to compare it to.I love a lot of things about this pack, with the obvious one being how much water it holds (100oz) and how consistently it keeps me hydrated, because of the convenience. It has a locking mechanism in the straw to control the flow of water, and a solid strap-in & magnet system that keeps the mechanism in place well. I will continue to use this pack for longer hikes and day trips. As a hydration pack, it works exactly how it should: it holds water and keeps you hydrated.There are a few areas where I could see improvements:Firstly, because most of the pack-space is being taken up by 100 liters of water, there's little room for anything else. I can pack a wallet, a rain shell, and a few other small items, but I could not pack this like a regular (~18-22 liter) pack. Most of my daypacks can fit a couple nights of clothes and be used as a weekend bag, but this hydration pack is truly just a hydration pack.Another note to be made: the water pack is not insulated, so your water temperature isn't regulated. The temperatures have been in the mid-90s this summer, and it's been hot, dry, and sunny. Even if I prep my bag with ice cubes and cold water, it's warm within a few hours. This isn't a deal breaker for me-- if I'm hot and sweaty and tired, I'll drink my water at any temperature, but this is something to note. I'm excited to use it as my XC ski pack in winter, as I'm sure my water will stay nice and chilled.My last concern is long-term sanitation. As a teenager, I loved Camelbak water bottles with the bite-down rubber straws (similar to this hydration pack), but the biggest long-term issue was the bacteria build-up in the straw tip that was impossible to remove. I have the same concern with this. I drink tap water, I'm not using purified or filtered water, so I know there will be bacteria build-up over time, and I'm worried about how I will clean the straw. The water bag is removable from the bag, and you can sort of disassemble the straw tip, but not completely. When I'm done with the pack for the day, I like to remove the water bag, rinse it completely, and hang it upside to dry. But I'm sure there's bacteria getting stuck in the straw and straw tip, that's impossible to clean out totally.Overall, I genuinely really like this pack. It's not going to become an overnight bag for me (which was never Camelbak's intention), but I think it's going to replace my other day-packs for many of my day hikes. Usually, I will (at-most) carry two, 32oz water bottles on a hike, and this nearly doubles that amount, and the distribution of water in the pack makes it feel much lighter. I can also see myself using this for mountain biking trips (too hot for mntn biking right now)-- the system is super easy and hands-off, and absentmindedly keeps me hydrated. Even with my critiques, I would say this pack is fantastic, because it does exactly what it's designed to do, and it does it well.
Good all-around daypack that suits a variety of different uses. I believe this pack is primarily geared toward mountain biking, but it's also a great daypack for hiking. I was originally skeptical about the fit/comfort of the straps when I tried it on, but once I was out on the trails it was quite comfortable and I actually never found myself adjusting anything. For reference, I am 6'0-180lb so YMMV if you need to adjust any of the straps significantly in any direction. The pack is pretty standard and doesn't offer a lot of ventilation, and I did find my back getting pretty sweaty in the middle of summer, but honestly that's just going to happen. The storage of the pack is a definite pro, adequate for carrying the 10 essentials or a light jacket or layer. The ... MoreGood all-around daypack that suits a variety of different uses. I believe this pack is primarily geared toward mountain biking, but it's also a great daypack for hiking. I was originally skeptical about the fit/comfort of the straps when I tried it on, but once I was out on the trails it was quite comfortable and I actually never found myself adjusting anything. For reference, I am 6'0-180lb so YMMV if you need to adjust any of the straps significantly in any direction. The pack is pretty standard and doesn't offer a lot of ventilation, and I did find my back getting pretty sweaty in the middle of summer, but honestly that's just going to happen. The storage of the pack is a definite pro, adequate for carrying the 10 essentials or a light jacket or layer. The bladder itself has the ring style (versus the straight top opening of other competitors) where filling is super easy, but then the price your pay for that filling convenience is when it comes time to cleaning, which is kind of a pain. Probably the most important thing to mention is the actual drinking ability: the bite valve and is really comfortable and super easy to both access and get plenty of water per sip, no matter how much you might be huffing during your activity. Bottom line is this is a nice, well very constructed riding pack for the price.
Fabric and construction of this product appear to be top-notch and as expected from the Camelback brand. All zippers operate smoothly without catching on the fabric, and the plastic components all appear to be high quality. Starting from the outside, the exterior "stuff" pocket may be able to hold a t-shirt or a windshirt, and little else. It doesn't fully close so you are reliant on gravity and tension from the buckles and straps to keep things secure. I am not sure that there is much utility to this stuff pocket due to its size. You can attach a helmet to this stuff pocket, so from that perspective it adds some additional utility if you have to park your bike. The next compartment on the pack has some organizational aids with mesh inner pockets for small items, a ... MoreFabric and construction of this product appear to be top-notch and as expected from the Camelback brand. All zippers operate smoothly without catching on the fabric, and the plastic components all appear to be high quality. Starting from the outside, the exterior "stuff" pocket may be able to hold a t-shirt or a windshirt, and little else. It doesn't fully close so you are reliant on gravity and tension from the buckles and straps to keep things secure. I am not sure that there is much utility to this stuff pocket due to its size. You can attach a helmet to this stuff pocket, so from that perspective it adds some additional utility if you have to park your bike. The next compartment on the pack has some organizational aids with mesh inner pockets for small items, a wallet and snacks. You could also stash bike tools or a spare innertube in this compartment. The next compartment is a large compartment that can house clothing or a jacket. It is the largest compartment and makes up the middle of the pack. Attached to this compartment is a small zip pocket that is soft lined for sunglasses or a phone. The last compartment (closest to the back) is the compartment that contains the water reservoir. There appears to be an insulative layer between the reservoir compartment and the other compartments of the pack. Overall the organization of the pack is well designed and thought out. It is not a large pack but is ideal for a day trip and has enough room to contain the essentials. My only real concern is the chest strap which is connected via a magnet. The magnet is also used to hold the tube to the water reservoir when not in use. While the magnet is strong, I do worry that it may come undone too easily. It's a minor issue, and unless the strap is overtightened or the bag is weighed down, it is probably not an issue. Other than that, the pack provides great utility for day trips and is an excellent pack for biking. If you are looking for a well-constructed pack that can handle the necessities of a day trip/biking adventure be sure to check this one out.
| Style | 100 oz MULE 12 |
| Sport | Cycling |
| Included Components | Hydration Pack, Reservoir |
| Product dimensions | 47 x 21 x 6.3 cm; 810 Grams |
| Is discontinued by manufacturer | No |
