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 resolution for brief hikes or energetic adventures. Its hydration system is user-friendly, with a big mouth for straightforward 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 straightforward entry to small gadgets, and its sturdy material ensures long-lasting use in average circumstances. It additionally gives good weight distribution, maintaining the load near the physique. If carrying lighter hundreds, this pack is nice. Nonetheless, with heavier hundreds, the hip belt isn’t supportive because it’s solely a strap. The shoulder padding can be minimal, which might cut back consolation over an extended hike.For these searching for a light-weight, environment friendly pack for brief, fast-paced adventures, the M.U.L.E. 12 gives nice worth however is probably not the only option for prolonged journeys or heavy-weight use. Should you’re searching for a pack with bigger quantity, try considered 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 Move to check for consolation and ease of use for the hydration system. We examined water resistance utilizing a showerhead and likewise assessed how successfully the pack carried snacks, gear, and different gadgets for mountaineering.

Consolation & Match

The M.U.L.E. 12 gives a snug match, significantly for these targeted on mild, quick adventures. The shoulder straps function breathable mesh with minimal padding, which induced discomfort on our check hike. The hip belt supplied some assist however lacked further construction, so it didn’t assist with weight distribution as a lot as extra sturdy 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 assist. The match is okay for brief hikes or fast bike rides, the place carrying a heavy load isn’t a precedence. Nonetheless, for prolonged put on or heavier hundreds, the shortage of a well-supported hip belt and extra padded shoulder straps is perhaps uncomfortable. Should you’re on the lookout for a pack that prioritizes weight financial savings over cushioning and assist, this can be a great match.

Hydration System

The hydration system of the CamelBak M.U.L.E. 12 supplies glorious efficiency with some minor drawbacks. We thought the panhandle design was nice for straightforward filling. Though, its ergonomic properties decreased because the bladder began filling up. The deal with is brief however vast, which makes it exhausting for smaller fingers to carry it securely. The big opening permits for fast refills and is appropriate 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 similar time, we weren’t utterly 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 high-quality, although. We additionally discovered that it was simple to knock off the hose as a result of the magnet is just not as sturdy because it could possibly 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 troublesome to slip in a full bladder. Total, it’s a good system, but it surely has a couple of 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 gadgets, together with our snacks, cellphone, and pockets. Plus, it’s situated near the again of the pack (versus on the outer aspect), so gadgets don’t simply fall out when opening the primary compartments. The primary storage space was deep and roomy sufficient for a jacket or possibly the 10 necessities. We additionally favored how Camelback separated it from the hydration bladder to maintain every part extra organized. The secondary fundamental pocket allow us to retailer small gadgets within the little pocket compartments, reminiscent of a fast snack or sunscreen.  

The pack’s smaller measurement could restrict capability for customers who need to carry further gear. However for these targeted on minimalism, the M.U.L.E. 12 gives a stable organizational structure that retains every part safe and simple to entry.

Waterproofing

Though the CamelBak M.U.L.E. 12 does a great job of providing some safety in opposition to mild rain, it’s not absolutely waterproof. We examined the pack beneath a simulated rain storm by putting it beneath a bathe faucet for 30 seconds. The place the hose exits the pack, water seeped via the opening and into the hydration compartment. Moreover, water seeped via the zippers, so we don’t imagine it’s preferrred in excessive climate circumstances with out further safety. The outer mesh compartment can even entice water, which might have an effect on any gadgets saved in it throughout moist circumstances. 

For mild rain or fast showers, the M.U.L.E. 12 supplies affordable safety, but it surely’s not constructed for heavy publicity. Should you count on to face heavy rain in your adventures, chances are you’ll need to contemplate a rain cowl or use dry luggage in your valuables.

Sturdiness

The M.U.L.E. 12 is constructed from thick however light-weight material, guaranteeing it holds up properly beneath common use. The sturdy material 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 hundreds 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 properly for the energetic adventurer on the lookout for 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 amazing alternative for these trying to carry small hundreds. Weighing in at simply 20 ounces for the Girls’s pack and 28 ouncesfor the Males’s, it retains the general weight low whereas providing adequate capability for hydration and the necessities in your hike. The pack retains the load near the physique, providing a cosy, steady match that received’t bounce round throughout bodily actions. It’s a great choice for brief journeys the place you don’t want to hold quite a lot of gear. 

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

Ought to You Purchase the CamelBak MULE 12 Hydration Pack?

The CamelBak M.U.L.E. 12 Hydration Pack is a wonderful alternative for many 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 amazing choice for mountain biking, day hikes, or fast adventures. It significantly excels within the many inside compartments for straightforward group. Although it is probably not probably the most snug choice for carrying heavier hundreds, it really works properly for these on a easy day journey in honest climate circumstances.

What Different Hydration Packs Ought to You Contemplate?

Should you’re on the lookout for one thing totally different, contemplate the next choices among the many finest hydration packs we’ve reviewed:

CamelBak HAWG Professional 20 Overview: Should you want extra gear storage and a barely bigger hydration capability, the CamelBak HAWG Professional 20 is a greater choice. With a spacious inside, a number of compartments, and sturdy design, it gives further room for carrying gear on longer adventures whereas sustaining an in depth, steady match.

Gregory Swift 16 / Inertia 18 H2O Overview: For these searching for a lighter, extra compact hydration pack with distinctive consolation, the Gregory Swift 16 or Inertia 18 H2O is a stable alternative. These packs provide an environment friendly design for shorter hikes, with minimal weight and an ergonomic match – and top-of-the-line hydration bladders available on the market.

Teton Oasis 18 Overview: Should you’re on the lookout for a hydration pack with loads of group and a bit of additional storage at a price range worth, the Teton Oasis 18L is an effective decide. It’s barely bulkier than the M.U.L.E. 12, but it surely nonetheless supplies glorious capability, a well-designed hydration system, and a sturdy construct for day-long excursions.