CamelBak M.U.L.E. NV

Is it me or do hydration packs keep getting bigger? Not that I’m complaining, but I remember when everybody rolled with the half-liter CamelBak and we were all impressed by not having to reach for our water bottles. Well, as most things in the outdoor/performance sport industry, my beloved CamelBak M.U.L.E. has been given a serious makeover. I’ve always been impressed by CamelBak products, they’ve weathered many imitators and still hold the gold. Afterall, they were the first hydration systems on the scene so they’ve had a reputation to uphold. Over the years I’ve gone through four or five different hydration systems, and countless bladders (more on that later, no reason to buy new ones if you care for it properly).

So, I love CamelBak’s gear, but here’s the problem: Who the hell needs this much stuff on an average bike ride? I recently replaced my old M.U.L.E with the fancy new one, and the new one is great, I just won’t mountain bike with it. Personally, I’ve gone back to bottles as my rides aren’t quite as long as they used to be, and most of my races have a 10-mile loop or so before there’s a chance to refuel, so more time is spent cranking than hydrating. The new generation of M.U.L.E. weighs 2.41 lbs when EMPTY, and almost 9 lbs at full capacity (3 liters). 9 pounds! Some of us are weight weenies, some are not, but all of us will feel 9 lbs on our backs. I haven’t whipped out the scale, but I’m pretty sure that’s 9 lbs with a full reservoir before cargo. The specs on the M.U.L.E. NV rate it at having 600 cubic inches of cargo space. Another 600 cubic inches and I could use this thing for a thru-hike. In fact, with a little imagination, I bet I could do a cross-country cycling trip without panniers if I had this M.U.L.E. as my main-cargo and water carrier. In fact, I would gladly welcome the challenge of any takers and/or sponsors (Attn: CamelBak–I’ll gladly ride cross-country with nothing but a M.U.L.E. if you foot the bill. I travel cheap! please write to: bill@mtobikes.com). 

That being said, I still love this thing, even though I’ll rarely ride with it. The “N.V.I.S” (Next-Generation Ventilated Integrated System) is comfy and cool, and after enduring southern summers with my old M.U.L.E. I can appreciate the advancement. This “new” technology doesn’t seem too advanced, backpackers will recognize the mesh-and-pad system that keeps the pack from resting flush (and sweatily) on your back. Now, if you’re planning a multi-day adventure race, a century mountain bike ride, or something equally exhausting and lengthy, the M.U.L.E. might just be the perfect accessory for your mountain bike needs. I plan on using it as a daypack for hikes under 20 miles, and I’m sure there are some ultra-lighters out there that would gladly use it for multi-day trips in the summer. All the expected pockets (weatherproof MP3 spot!), zippers, straps, and bungees are where they should be. I counted 9 separate pockets where you can shove all your junk, from the little MP3 pocket to the main zipper pouch which could hold a couple kittens. I’ve run a few gallons of water through it and haven’t seen the first sign of crud or mold in the hydration tube thanks to the “Hydroguard” antibacterial technology that supposedly eliminates 99.9% of bacteria. A couple tips for a clean H20 bladder: Keep it in the freezer, it keeps the bacteria from growing. Empty it after you use it. Your favorite effervescent denture cleaner is a cheap way to get it clean! If it gets too filthy replace it.

I’m looking forward to using this product, but for my mountain biking needs I’d probably rather use a smaller, classic model that carries a liter or so (the same as two average water bottles).

Bottom Line: Great Product. Excellent Hydration Pack. TOO BIG for most mountain bike rides, even long ones.

Side Note: Roadies don’t use hydration packs. Why not? You’ve got me! I’m still amazed that a sport that pushes brightly colored spandex outfits has such strict fashion requirements. That being said, I’d gladly commit the faux pas on my soon to be legendary (and hopefully sponsored), unsupported cross-country journey with my trusty new M.U.L.E. Who cares about being conventional? This is for fun!

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