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Reviews > Hydration Systems > Bladders > CamelBak M.U.L.E. > Owner Review by Russell CurryOWNER REVIEW
CAMELBAK M.U.L.E HYDRATION PACK Owner Information Name: Russell Curry Age: 57 Gender: Male Height: 6’0” (1.83 m) Weight: 190 lbs (86 kg) Email Address: dpro@datarecall.net City, State, Country: Orange, TX, US Date: September 21, 2004 Backpacking Background I began backpacking in 1966 but only in earnest 7 years ago, as I had more free time from my career and my children were grown and out of the home. I began locally in the Big Thicket area of Southeast Texas, and on the Wild Azalea Trail in Louisiana. I have hiked extensively in Western and Eastern Texas, the Grand Canyon & other Arizona sites, Utah, Colorado, Louisiana, Alaska, Arkansas, and in the Bavarian Alps in Germany, in a variety of terrain, desert, mountains and forested areas. I hike often, even if just locally, in all seasons. Product Information Manufacturer: CamelBak URL of Manufacturer: http://www.camelbak.com Year of Manufacture: 2003 Weight: (Advertised) Empty Reservoir - 1.68 lbs (0.76 kg). Filled reservoir 7.93 lbs (3.60 kg) Weight: (empty) 1.5 lb (.7 g) Weight: (full) 4.5 lb (3.5 kg) Capacity: 100 oz (3L) Dimensions: 18 in x 8 in x 4 in (457 mm x 203 mm x 101 mm) Volume: Cargo – 300 cu in (4.91 L) – Total Volume – 483 cu in (7.90 L) MSRP: $80.00 US Product Description The CamelBak M.U.L.E. (short for Medium to Ultra-Long Endeavors) is a unique hydration pack that serves many purposes. In addition to the 100 oz (3L) of liquid that is held in the reservoir, the pack has 3 zippered compartments for gear storage and 2 mesh pockets for access to items that I may want to retrieve quickly. There is a small zippered stash pouch on front, a zippered medium compartment, and a larger, zippered full size pouch for larger items. There is a small mesh pocket and a larger mesh pocket that is formed between the medium zippered pouch and the larger zippered pouch. The mesh pockets are secured with a bungee cinch cord. The smaller zippered pouch is lined in fluorescent yellow to help see what is inside. On the back of the pack is the “Air Director”, which consists of 6 pads (3 on each side) that are positioned to enable air to flow between my back and the pack. I do notice that my back seems cooler when wearing this pack versus one with no air space between the pack and my back. The Omega reservoir for the liquid in the M.U.L.E. has an oversized screw cap, 3.75” in, (95 mm) wide, which allows me to reach inside the reservoir for cleaning or to add ice cubes. A strap to prevent losing or contaminating the lid when filling fastens the screw lid to the reservoir. The reservoir is marked in increments in liters and ounces for filling. The reservoir has a plastic hook on top that latches to a loop cord at the top of the pack to keep it from collapsing down into the pack. The reservoir also comes with a 90-degree “Ergo Hydrolock” bite valve, which allows me to shut off the water to prevent accidental leakage. The reservoir comes with the plastic drinking tube on the end of which is the angled bite valve. The bite valve is sealed and must be cut through the slit to use the first time. The tube is routed from the pack through either shoulder strap. When I first opened the M.U.L.E., I thought I had been sent a pack without the reservoir. It is secured in its own insulated pouch at the back of the pack, and when the Velcro strip is closed to the pouch, the reservoir is completely contained and secured in its holder. There are two adjustable shoulder straps, a sternum strap, and a removable waist belt. The sternum and waist belt are fitted with quick disconnect buckles and are easily adjustable. The shoulder straps taper from 2¼” (57mm) wide at the top to 1¼” (32mm) wide at the bottom. The shoulder straps are only ¼” (6 mm) thick and are padded. There is a neat little Velcro strip on the end of each shoulder strap that allows me to roll up the excess strap and secure it. There is a metal loop on each shoulder strap that can be used to hold a bandanna, whistle, compass, etc. There is a loop on the top of the pack to hang the pack from. Field Information I have used the M.U.L.E. on day hikes from base camps and as a hydration pack while on my mountain bike. This is not a pack that I would want for an overnight trip. The pouches on the M.U.L.E. are designed for storage of smaller items, snacks, photographic equipment, rainwear, bicycle tool kit, car keys, etc. A jacket or warmer may fit into the largest pouch if compressed tightly, but would entirely fill up the space. This pack is very comfortable to wear, even when loaded down with as much liquid and gear as I can stuff into it. The suspension system is easily adjustable by pulling on a strap on each shoulder to get the best fit. Field Experience My first trip with the M.U.L.E. was climbing Guadalupe Peak in West Texas. The Guadalupe is a strenuous peak to climb with elevations at 8000 ft, (2500 m) with the distance of my trail at 9 miles, (15 km). It was a cool October day, but quickly warmed as I began the ascent. I had filled the reservoir with ice cubes and water, and even with my supply of food, rainwear, emergency gear, camera equipment and first aid kit, there was room to spare in the two largest pouches. The angled bite valve is a dream to use, and has the 90-degree shut off valve built right into it. I was concerned why CamelBak would have a shut-off valve on the drinking tube. I was expecting to maybe have it drip after using the bite valve a few times. So far, after more than a year of use, I have not experienced a leakage problem from using the bite valve. Even as the sun came up and the temperatures warmed, I was able to stay cool with the pack on while climbing. The pouch that holds the Omega reservoir is lined with an insulating foam pad and is completely sealed at the top with a Velcro strip. Even after the 7 hours ascending and descending the peak, my water was as cool after I got back to base camp as it was during the climb. I have not had an occasion to hike in sub-freezing temperatures with the M.U.L.E. to determine if the water would freeze in the pack. Since the Guadalupe trip, I have used the M.U.L.E on day hikes in Louisiana, Texas, and Idaho. I took it to Rome with me on vacation to use while sightseeing. Anytime I am on my mountain bike, I wear the M.U.L.E. The pack stays secure on my back once it is adjusted and is comfortable to wear. The drinking tube can be set to either side, and is easy to use even when riding. There is a built-in reflector strip on the outside of the pack to help “motorists” spot me if riding in the dark. Properties The M.U.L.E. is a sturdy, well-constructed daypack that comes in three sizes, 50 oz, 70 oz, and 100 oz, (1.5L, 2.1L, 3L). The Omega Reservoir has an oversized screw fill cap. The cap is designed to be easy to open or close with a quick turn. I found no leakage issues with the cap. The angled bite valve is made of medical grade silicone tubing. Just biting between my teeth and suction will get plenty of liquid. The bite valve and tubing assembly is easily removable from the pack and can be cleaned easily. The reservoir is held in an insulated pouch of foam and helps keep the liquid cool. The three zippered pouches are easy to access and the 2 mesh pockets with bungee cinch cord works well to secure larger items, extra clothing, etc. The waist belt is removable. The back panel contains the 6 pads that form the “Air Director”, and are made of a wicking fabric. There is a reflective strip on the outside of the pack in the form of a loop that I can use to clip my blinker onto for better visibility to “motorists” at night. Likes I like the comfort, design and versatility of the pack. Dislikes I cannot find anything about the M.U.L.E. that I don’t like, and I tried hard to find something. Summary An excellent, comfortable hydration pack for day hiking, days at the beach, biking, sightseeing or other events where I may need a pack for day use. Very comfortable to wear, keeps my liquids cool, and has ample storage for most items I would need for a day outing. Read more reviews of CamelBak gear Read more gear reviews by Russell Curry Reviews > Hydration Systems > Bladders > CamelBak M.U.L.E. > Owner Review by Russell Curry | |||