Camelbak MULE - Thoughts / What alternatives?

[wilbo83]

Would like to buy a hydration day bag for trips out on the MTB. The Camelbak Mule seems to be the benchmark, is it as good as it looks? What alternatives are out there? Budget up to £80.

[Fluffsri]

Osprey Raptor is worth a look. I compared the 2 and thought the Osprey was better quality.

[C0ffin D0dger]

I've got a MULE albeit quite an old one, perfect for a days biking, enough water for even a hot day, enough pockets for food / tools and a few places to strap on a waterproof or mid layer.

[Stiggolas]

I'll second the Osprey Raptor, mine's a Raptor 10 so one of the smaller ones. I have had the bladder replaced under warranty (the place where the feed tube is welded to the bladder failed 10 miles into a century....was a bit thirsty....second one is fine and the pack is spot on.

[Pot Odds]

I bought a Mule for a 2 day C2C ride this summer - managed to fit in all the spares, nutrition and clothing (waterproof jacket, t-shirt, shorts and flip flops) as well as carrying 2 litres of fluids and was perfectly manageable for the 130 mile trip.

I prefer riding with a hydration pack than grabbing bottles so normally ride with a camelback rogue.

If you hunt around online enough you can normally find deals on previous years models which are not much more than a different colour - I think I got mine for about £50.

[missing the VR6]

I've got a Mule NV (don't know what the difference is) I've had 2 Dakine Drafter previously. Couldn't recommend the Dakine highly enough, the Mule is poor in my opinion. Yes it has a massive area for stuff but no compartments inside to keep things organised like the Dakines, so all my bits are loose in the bag. Yes the front pocket has compartments but they're small. I'm sure it's tough and will last a long time but from a practical perspective it's rubbish. I only ended up with it as I forgot my Dakine when I went to Bike Park Wales in January, and they only had Camelbak.

[nickfrog]

Yes the Mule is great - I've had mine for 8 years - I put it in the washing machine last week and it came as new, unbelievable.

I am sure there are good alternatives, but I wonder where they could improve functionality nor dependability.

Also, they are £40 on Wiggle so you can buy 2 on that budget. http://www.wiggle.co.uk/camelbak-mule-hydration-sy...

[Pot Odds]

nickfrog said:

Yes the Mule is great - I've had mine for 8 years - I put it in the washing machine last week and it came as new, unbelievable.

I am sure there are good alternatives, but I wonder where they could improve functionality nor dependability.

Also, they are £40 on Wiggle so you can buy 2 on that budget. http://www.wiggle.co.uk/camelbak-mule-hydration-sy...

£40 is an absolute steal !!

[The_Jackal]

Wow they are doing the Lobo too for 30 quid too.
Nice bag if you want something a bit lighter, very pleased with mine.

[Craikeybaby]

I've had mine for 3 years and have been pleased with it.