Camelbak M.U.L.E.

Military Version – This is for the Military version only. Camelbak have some of the best packs on the market, and after purchasing a Motherlode I decided to get a smaller version for short day trips. Initially the MULE seemed a perfect solution, but several problems became very apparent. First, when loaded and with the bladder empty, the pack has a tendency to double over when used. The Military Motherlode has a stiffener fitted in a compartment behind the bladder, and keeps the pack from collapsing when not fully loaded. The Mule has no such stiffener and folds in two on your back making it very uncomfortable. Secondly, the really nice plastic zip grabs on the Military Motherload are not fitted to the Mule. Rather, they have pieces of tied cord. This really cheapens the backpack. Thirdly, when the waist strap is removed, the flaps with the buckles fold over and sit in front of the back pad making it very uncomfortable. Again, the Motherlode allows these buckles to be hidden away behind the pad. I'll make and fit a stiffener myself, but what a pain. Camelbak should really have discovered these problems in trials. Material Quality and workmanship. Doubles in two when worn, and has technical issues.

Excellent – We have two of these, one each. We have taken them all over Australia. Around Uluru and the Olgas, up Cradle Mountain and down the Three Sisters. Overall they have been excellent much better than any canteen drink or drink bottle. Only two minor issues. In the sun in desert condition the water in the tube warms in the sun. Second the mouth piece is easy to catch in the car or when transporting and we have had to replace a few pieces. Fortunately where the mouth piece is when in use this dose not happen on the trail. Good water capacity, comfortable, good storage mouth piece vulnerable