just to drag this back up.
I bought two of the gelert packs for mates, very impressed, the only advantage the mule has is the camelbak bladder has a better bite valve. Nigh on identical storage, fabric and overall quality.
I paid £16, now up to £20 but ive heard they are on sale in argos where you could take advantage of the money back guarantee if you dont like it.
I use a "High Sierra – Gator" for commuting, its more like the Camelbak Lobo, but with better, expandable storage and lots more features ie, foldaway waist strap, neoprene hose cover, helmet carrying mesh. This set me back £10 online, but ive heard that Costco do them cheaper.
Just arrived, one "Hydrapack – Big Sur" £20 – not used yet but first impressions are that its bigger than the Gelert, identical design/layout but with more storage space and generally well finished. Similar features to the High Sierra (in fact i was going to try the High Sierra – Drench, but it was a £5 more)
Given the prices charged by Camelbak, I will no longer be recommending them.