CamelBak MULE 12 Hydration Pack Overview

Backside Line

The CamelBak M.U.L.E. 12 Hydration Pack excels in its light-weight design, providing an environment friendly, compact answer for brief hikes or energetic adventures. Its hydration system is user-friendly, with a big mouth for simple filling and a safe hose reattachment. Nonetheless, the quick deal with makes it more durable to fill the bladder. Additionally, there isn’t a hook to hold the bladder contained in the pack, so it sloshes across the pack. Moreover, the magnet for the hose tip will get simply knocked off.

The pack’s prime pocket is deep and well-placed for simple entry to small objects, and its sturdy cloth ensures long-lasting use in reasonable circumstances. It additionally presents good weight distribution, protecting the load near the physique. If carrying lighter masses, this pack is nice. Nonetheless, with heavier masses, the hip belt isn’t supportive because it’s solely a strap. The shoulder padding can be minimal, which may cut back consolation over an extended hike.For these looking for a light-weight, environment friendly pack for brief, fast-paced adventures, the M.U.L.E. 12 presents nice worth however might not be the only option for prolonged journeys or heavy-weight use. In case you’re looking for a pack with bigger quantity, try certainly one of our prime rated hydration packs.

How We Examined

We took the pack out on a 7 mile winter hike as much as Supply Lake at Washington’s Snoqualmie Cross to check for consolation and ease of use for the hydration system. We examined water resistance utilizing a showerhead and in addition assessed how successfully the pack carried snacks, gear, and different objects for mountaineering.

Consolation & Match

The M.U.L.E. 12 presents a cushty match, significantly for these centered on mild, quick adventures. The shoulder straps characteristic breathable mesh with minimal padding, which triggered discomfort on our take a look at hike. The hip belt supplied some help however lacked further construction, so it didn’t assist with weight distribution as a lot as extra strong hydration packs with padded hip belts. In comparison with the sturdier HAWG, for instance, the M.U.L.E. 12 feels extra primary, with much less padding and help. The match is ok for brief hikes or fast bike rides, the place carrying a heavy load isn’t a precedence. Nonetheless, for prolonged put on or heavier masses, the shortage of a well-supported hip belt and extra padded shoulder straps could be uncomfortable. In case you’re in search of a pack that prioritizes weight financial savings over cushioning and help, this might be a superb match.

Hydration System

The hydration system of the CamelBak M.U.L.E. 12 gives wonderful efficiency with some minor drawbacks. We thought the panhandle design was nice for simple filling. Though, its ergonomic properties decreased because the bladder began filling up. The deal with is brief however large, which makes it laborious for smaller palms to carry it securely. The big opening permits for fast refills and is suitable with water filters that match over Nalgene bottles. The CamelBak system has one of many higher user-friendly hose attachments that wasn’t too stiff to tackle and off rapidly. 

On the identical time, we weren’t fully thrilled with the hydration system. This pack doesn’t have an out of doors pocket for Nalgene bottles – a limitation for customers who like to hold each. They match inside completely tremendous, although. We additionally discovered that it was simple to knock off the hose as a result of the magnet just isn’t as robust because it might be. In contrast to different packs we examined, there was no bladder hook to maintain the reservoir upright contained in the pack. The bladder compartment felt just like the smallest out of all packs, making it moreover tough to slip in a full bladder. General, it’s a good system, nevertheless it has just a few ergonomic drawbacks.

Compartments

Storage on the M.U.L.E. 12 is surprisingly environment friendly for its slim profile. The highest pocket is so deep and spacious. We discovered it an ideal place to safe small objects, together with our snacks, telephone, and pockets. Plus, it’s situated near the again of the pack (versus on the outer aspect), so objects don’t simply fall out when opening the primary compartments. The primary storage space was deep and roomy sufficient for a jacket or perhaps the 10 necessities. We additionally favored how Camelback separated it from the hydration bladder to maintain every part extra organized. The secondary primary pocket allow us to retailer small objects within the little pocket compartments, akin to a fast snack or sunscreen.  

The pack’s smaller measurement might restrict capability for customers who wish to carry additional gear. However for these centered on minimalism, the M.U.L.E. 12 presents a strong organizational format that retains every part safe and simple to entry.

Waterproofing

Though the CamelBak M.U.L.E. 12 does a superb job of providing some safety towards mild rain, it’s not totally waterproof. We examined the pack beneath a simulated rain storm by inserting it beneath a bathe faucet for 30 seconds. The place the hose exits the pack, water seeped by means of the opening and into the hydration compartment. Moreover, water seeped by means of the zippers, so we don’t imagine it’s ideally suited in excessive climate circumstances with out additional safety. The outer mesh compartment may also lure water, which may have an effect on any objects saved in it throughout moist circumstances. 

For mild rain or fast showers, the M.U.L.E. 12 gives affordable safety, nevertheless it’s not constructed for heavy publicity. In case you count on to face heavy rain in your adventures, it’s possible you’ll wish to take into account a rain cowl or use dry baggage in your valuables.

Sturdiness

The M.U.L.E. 12 is constructed from thick however light-weight cloth, making certain it holds up nicely beneath common use. The sturdy cloth resisted abrasions and tears once we tried to scratch it up on rocky terrain, making it appropriate for many outside actions. The mesh shoulder straps and hip belt, nonetheless, didn’t really feel as sturdy as the remainder of the pack, particularly if subjected to heavy masses or tough circumstances. We most popular the Gregory 420D nylon to the sustainable nylon of the CamelBak M.U.L.E. 12. Nonetheless, it ought to maintain up nicely for the energetic adventurer in search of a light-weight, minimalistic pack.

Weight

The M.U.L.E. 12 stands out for its tremendous slim and light-weight design, making it an incredible alternative for these trying to carry small masses. Weighing in at simply 20 ounces for the Ladies’s pack and 28 ouncesfor the Males’s, it retains the general weight low whereas providing ample capability for hydration and the necessities in your hike. The pack retains the burden near the physique, providing a comfortable, steady match that received’t bounce round throughout bodily actions. It’s a perfect possibility for brief journeys the place you don’t want to hold lots of gear. 

Although it excels in weight effectivity, the small, 12L capability could be limiting for customers who want to hold extra than simply the fundamentals. It’s not designed for heavy masses. It’s higher suited for individuals who prioritize light-weight, day-use gear over carrying in depth gear.

Ought to You Purchase the CamelBak MULE 12 Hydration Pack?

The CamelBak M.U.L.E. 12 Hydration Pack is a superb alternative for individuals who prioritize a light-weight, slim profile and environment friendly hydration throughout reasonably energetic outings. It excels in its hydration system, compact compartments, and minimalist design, making it an incredible possibility for mountain biking, day hikes, or fast adventures. It significantly excels within the many inside compartments for simple group. Although it might not be probably the most comfy possibility for carrying heavier masses, it really works nicely for these on a easy day journey in truthful climate circumstances.

What Different Hydration Packs Ought to You Contemplate?

In case you’re in search of one thing completely different, take into account the next choices among the many greatest hydration packs we’ve reviewed:

CamelBak HAWG Professional 20 Overview: In case you want extra gear storage and a barely bigger hydration capability, the CamelBak HAWG Professional 20 is a greater possibility. With a spacious inside, a number of compartments, and strong design, it presents additional room for carrying gear on longer adventures whereas sustaining a detailed, steady match.

Gregory Swift 16 / Inertia 18 H2O Overview: For these looking for a lighter, extra compact hydration pack with distinctive consolation, the Gregory Swift 16 or Inertia 18 H2O is a strong alternative. These packs provide an environment friendly design for shorter hikes, with minimal weight and an ergonomic match – and among the finest hydration bladders in the marketplace.

Teton Oasis 18 Overview: In case you’re in search of a hydration pack with loads of group and a bit of additional storage at a funds worth, the Teton Oasis 18L is an efficient decide. It’s barely bulkier than the M.U.L.E. 12, nevertheless it nonetheless gives wonderful capability, a well-designed hydration system, and a sturdy construct for day-long excursions.