Camelbak M.U.L.E range overview… a pack for every occasion

Camelbak’s popular M.U.L.E hydration pack has been part of their range for a number of years. For the modern era of mountain biking, Camelbak felt it was time to give the M.U.L.E range a bit of a tune-up.

For trail riding, the M.U.L.E range comprises three main styles of pack: the M.U.L.E 12, the M.U.L.E Pro 14 and the M.U.L.E EVO 12. The M.U.L.E 12 and M.U.L.E Pro 14 are also available in Women’s versions.

All Camelbak M.U.L.E packs are “packs that go the distance.” Which is exactly as you’d expect from a range of packs that got their name from Medium to Ultra Long Endeavours (M.U.L.E. geddit?) back in the day. All the M.U.L.E packs feature smart storage options, Air Support back panel, lightweight materials, helmet carry, integrated tool organisation, magnetic tube trap, removable stability belt and ventilated harness.

Let’s delve deeper into each model individually.

• Weight: 580g
• Gear capacity: 9L
• Hydration capacity: 3L
• Bladder: CRUX reservoir with Quicklink system

The Camelbak M.U.L.E 12 is the latest version of the classic M.U.L.E.

The general size of the M.U.L.E remains. It’s a great size for the vast majority of regular weekend rides. It has enough features to be useful without being over-the-top.

It almost goes without saying that it’s got an excellent reservoir in it too: the three litre capacity Camelbak Crux reservoir with Quicklink System that makes refilling much easier.

Camelbak have added their Magnetic Tube Trap. Which makes removing and reattaching the drinks hose to and from the sternum strap very simple yet secure.

The back of the M.U.L.E 12 is Camelbak’s Air Support back panel made from lightweight materials and offering maximum ventilation and comfort.

The M.U.L.E 12 has been awarded a Repurpose Gold Sustainability Badge. It’s partially made from recycled materials, and with safer chemicals. The fabrication generally tries to preserve resources and reduce disposables.

Designed with the aggressive all mountain rider in mind, the M.U.L.E 12 has the space and features for the most challenging terrain.

The M.U.L.E 12 is available in a women’s version too.

The shoulder harness is S-curved and the whole pack shape is designed with a woman’s torso in mind for added comfort and stability.

Women’s version:

The Camelbak Women’s M.U.L.E 12 is designed with body-mapping technology, for improved fit and impressive cooling. S-curved shoulder harness is contoured to fit a woman’s body for comfort and stability.

• Weight: 845g
• Gear capacity:11L
• Hydration capacity: 3L
• Bladder: CRUX reservoir with Quicklink system

A brand new model. The M.U.L.E Pro 14 is intended for the All Mountain All Day mountain biker.

It’s the same good ol’ M.U.L.E as ever but with some added features and Camelbak’s latest back panel design, which is most excellently called Air Support.

Air Support was designed with body mapping technology to prioritise the areas that retain the most heat and to then get maximum airflow moving through the back panel to provide comfortable cooling.

The strapping – or harness as Camelbak call it – is made from mesh fabric which as well as being super ventilatiing, also keeps your load lighter.

It wouldn’t be a Camelbak without a reservoir and the M.U.L.E Pro 14 features Camelbak’s excellent Crux Reservoir which holds a full three litres.

As well as the compartmentalised main storage chamber, the M.U.L.E Pro 14 has a hip belt with cargo carrying capability and a removable bike tool organiser.

Should you need to, you can also upgrade this pack to hold Impact Protector spine protection armour. And it has the ability to hold a spare ebike battery too.

The M.U.L.E Pro 14 can carry everything you need on your epic all day rides.

Women’s version:

The Camelbak Women’s M.U.L.E Pro 14 utilises body mapping technology for a tailored fit and improved cooling. The shoulder straps are S-curved to fit a woman’s body for added comfort and stability. Pack shape is specifically designed with a female torso in mind.

• Weight: 790g
• Gear capacity: 9L
• Hydration capacity: 3L
• Bladder: CRUX reservoir with Quicklink system

The very latest evolution of the Camelbak M.U.L.E, the M.U.L.E EVO 12.

Everything we like about the regular MULE 12 but made weatherproof by use of storm-ready fabrics and zips.

The M.U.L.E EVO 12 will keep your gear dry and secure in all weather and over whatever terrain your adventure takes in.

camelbak.co.uk

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Ben Haworth

Orange Switch 6er. Stif Squatcher. Schwalbe Magic Mary Purple Addix front. Maxxis DHR II 3C MaxxTerra rear. Coil fan. Ebikes are not evil. I have been a writer for nigh on 20 years, a photographer for 25 years and a mountain biker for 30 years. I have written countless magazine and website features and route guides for the UK mountain bike press, most notably for the esteemed and highly regarded Singletrackworld. Although I am a Lancastrian, I freely admit that West Yorkshire is my favourite place to ride. Rarely a week goes by without me riding and exploring the South Pennines.

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