Test Rating: 8.5 out of 10

Suggested Retail Price: $105.00 CAD

Description Of The Product: This hydration pack is designed for longer trail rides. It has a 3 Litre water reservoir and uses Camelbak's bladder system. There is ample storage with 9 Litres of storage space in a variety of compartment throughout the pack. For those who enjoy tunes on the trail, there is a waterproof MP3 player pocket. The pack has many different adjustment straps for a secure fit, the back of the pack is designed to keep the pack off your back keeping the rider cool. This pack is available in a variety of colours.

Our Thoughts:  Camelbak started the whole hydration pack a long time ago so it's no wonder that they know what they are doing. Prior to the Camelback we all rode with plastic water bottles that would be difficult to drink out of while on technical trails. With so many hydration pack options out there it is difficult to make the choice but camel back always seems to be the right choice. Yes I have used other packs out there in the past but I usually regret it and end up throwing out the reservoir and changing it for a Camelbak one. There are many features that make the Camelbak M.U.L.E. a great, but the reservoir is probably one of the biggest ones. The reservoir is very well built. For one it does not leak either in the pack or dipping all over you while you ride. It is well sealed and there is even a close valve which is great when you are on your way to the trail. Not once did the pack leak all over my riding equipment on the way to the trail. As for the pack its self, it is very well designed too. There are many different storage areas, even a padded compartment at the top for an MP3 player, or as I prefer for my sunglasses when it starts getting dark. At the front there is a medium sized storage area which has many different pockets and places to put smaller things such as CO2 cartridges and compact tools. There is also a large pocket which goes the entire length of the bag which is useful to store larger items such as sweaters, pumps and other bulky items. My only complaint about this area is that there are no pockets or compartments which means that smaller items such as energy bars or spare tubes end up at the very bottom of the compartment. The back panel is what makes this pack incredible. The back panel uses Camelbak's patented Air Director, which simply put is six elevated pads which allow for airflow. It is amazing how well this system works! From the first ride my back felt cool and aerated. This system also alleviates some of the pressure on your back making the back that much more comfortable. With all the adjustment straps and the air director, the pack feels a lot smaller than it really is which makes your ride that much better. If you are looking for a pack that is well designed and has the capability of carrying a lot of cargo for longer trail rides, the M.U.L.E. would be the pack of choice for you.