Camelbak Mule vs Mule NV

[Pot Odds]

Hi All

Am interested how much you can fit in a camelback mule or mule nv ? I'm planning a Coast 2 Coast road ride in a day later this year and want a pack to take tools, tubes etc, some choc/soreen as well as a spare t shirt, shorts and some extremely lightweight footwear (flip flops or canvas shoes) to change into for an overnighter at the other end. I guess a lightweight rain jacket may also need to fit in.

The mule spec suggests a capacity of 9l + 3l hydration with the mule NV at 12l +3l hydration.

Has anyone got experience of either of the above (recent model i.e. 2015) ? Im happy not to fill the hydration to the 3l capacity as I already ride with a camelback rogue (i just prefer it to bottles) and wouldn't want more than 2l of liquid weight on my back (i'm sure there will be plenty of opportunity to top up).

Are the figures quoted inclusive of the 3l for hydration ?

Given I have fitted most of the above (minus t-shirt, shorts & footwear) into a camelbak rogue (quoted at 1l plus 2l hydration) for a lap of the Isle of Wight i'm hoping the mule or mule nv will suffice.

Easy answer is just to get the NV but I am keen to limit the size of the pack if possible given i'll be wearing it all day. Also not really sure the NV actually looks 3l bigger in the pics online - unfortunately nowhere local to me with both in stock to get hands on.

Ramble over - thanks in advance for any feedback

Pot Odds

[Celtic Dragon]

Also have a look at Osprey packs. I have the Escapist 18 and love it, it will hold a 3l bladder in its own compartment, plus 3 others inc a tool one.

I recon with careful packing I could do a 36 hour trip with it inc food.

[paulmon]

I have the mule and the luggage capacity isn't impeded by the bladder. You can easily fit tools, tubes, food, jacket, wallet and a few other bits. One thing worth considering is to fit a bottle cage and buy a tool bottle. https://www.merlincycles.com/merlin-tool-bottle-87... This will give you a few more options. Don't overlook the weight penalty of humping 3litres around with you. I filled mine to the top the first time I used it and regretted it after an hour's riding. If there are feed stations along the route plan your hydration needs around these.

[Kermit power]

I ride with a HAWG NV which is larger, so I can't comment on the size, but I'd certainly recommend the NV part. It's much more comfortable to wear for long periods, especially if it's warm, as the ventilation really does work well.

[nammynake]

Have you thought about a large saddle bag? I've ridden coast to coast with a rucksack and it was pretty uncomfortable with a moderate load, even more so when you get a soaking wet back on hot days.

Try here:

http://www.carradice.co.uk

[tjdixon911]

I have a Mule (Current and previous versions) and also a Rouge, the current Mule does offer quite a bit of space (more than the previous), the bladder has a seperate compartment, leaving a large compartment which would easily take the essential change of clothes mentioned along with a tube or 2, the outer smaller compartment would take tools, this is my most used compartment, on its own it will take my pump, tyre levers (long), puncture repair kits, multi tools, keys, gels etc. its not even bursting at the seam with those, you could probably get your tubes in there too - I'd say the smaller compartment will take more than the 2 pockets on the rouge.

I store my jacket in the "open" compartment between the 2 zipped compartments and have never had a problem with it coming out.

There is also small compartment at the top which will take your phone / wallet.

[Ian_sUK]

I have a camelbak blowfish which has an expandable section so in normal use it's not too big but when you need the room it expands from 11l to 18l. Only £60 too.

[Pot Odds]

Thanks for the replies.

Sounds like both the mule or mule NV are likely to be adequate size wise then.

A saddle bag is not really an option as I tend to run with a set of exposure trace/tracer lights even for daytime riding just to help be seen plus have a k-edge go pro saddle rail mount (& bar mount). I'm no helmet cam warrior but like making videos so record some of my longer rides and C2C seems an ideal candidate.

My buddy bought one of these recently which I will also get for the C2C as it will enable me to carry a couple of plug in usb chargers to boost my edge 1000 and bar mounted go pro during the ride. Will also offer some easy to access storage for nibbles so I can graze on the move.



Also liking the suggestion of a bottle cage caddy for tools as having seen a mate use CO2 for a puncture at the weekend I'm a convert so will be wanting space for cartridges/co2 pump etc. Liking the look of this:



Thanks again

Pot Odds

Edited by Pot Odds on Sunday 27th March 18:34