CamelBak MULE 12 Hydration Pack Evaluate

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 lively adventures. Its hydration system is user-friendly, with a big mouth for straightforward filling and a safe hose reattachment. Nevertheless, the brief 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 high pocket is deep and well-placed for straightforward entry to small gadgets, 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 hundreds, this pack is nice. Nevertheless, with heavier hundreds, the hip belt isn’t supportive because it’s solely a strap. The shoulder padding can also 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 presents nice worth however will not be the only option for prolonged journeys or heavy-weight use. If you happen to’re searching for a pack with bigger quantity, take a look at one among our high 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 in addition assessed how successfully the pack carried snacks, gear, and different gadgets for mountaineering.

Consolation & Match

The M.U.L.E. 12 presents a snug match, notably for these centered 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 extra 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 fundamental, 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. Nevertheless, for prolonged put on or heavier hundreds, the shortage of a well-supported hip belt and extra padded shoulder straps may be uncomfortable. If you happen to’re in search of 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 onerous for smaller arms 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 shortly. 

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 fantastic, although. We additionally discovered that it was simple to knock off the hose as a result of the magnet shouldn’t be as sturdy because it could possibly be. Not like 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. General, it’s a good system, nevertheless it has a number 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 positioned near the again of the pack (versus on the outer aspect), so gadgets don’t simply fall out when opening the principle compartments. The primary storage space was deep and roomy sufficient for a jacket or perhaps the 10 necessities. We additionally appreciated how Camelback separated it from the hydration bladder to maintain every little thing extra organized. The secondary foremost pocket allow us to retailer small gadgets within the little pocket compartments, reminiscent of 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 little thing 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 totally waterproof. We examined the pack below a simulated rain storm by inserting it below a bathe faucet for 30 seconds. The place the hose exits the pack, water seeped by the opening and into the hydration compartment. Moreover, water seeped by the zippers, so we don’t imagine it’s best in excessive climate circumstances with out additional safety. The outer mesh compartment also can 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, nevertheless it’s not constructed for heavy publicity. If you happen to count on to face heavy rain in your adventures, it’s possible you’ll wish to contemplate a rain cowl or use dry luggage on your valuables.

Sturdiness

The M.U.L.E. 12 is constructed from thick however light-weight cloth, making certain it holds up effectively below common use. The sturdy cloth resisted abrasions and tears once we tried to scratch it up on rocky terrain, making it appropriate for many out of doors 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. Nevertheless, it ought to maintain up effectively for the lively 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 excellent 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 enough capability for hydration and the necessities on your hike. The pack retains the load near the physique, providing a cosy, secure match that gained’t bounce round throughout bodily actions. It’s a super possibility for brief journeys the place you don’t want to hold loads of gear. 

Although it excels in weight effectivity, the small, 12L capability may be 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 superb alternative for many who prioritize a light-weight, slim profile and environment friendly hydration throughout reasonably lively outings. It excels in its hydration system, compact compartments, and minimalist design, making it an excellent possibility for mountain biking, day hikes, or fast adventures. It notably excels within the many inside compartments for straightforward group. Although it will not be probably the most snug possibility for carrying heavier hundreds, it really works effectively for these on a easy day journey in truthful climate circumstances.

What Different Hydration Packs Ought to You Contemplate?

If you happen to’re in search of one thing totally different, contemplate the next choices among the many finest hydration packs we’ve reviewed:

CamelBak HAWG Professional 20 Evaluate: If you happen to 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 sturdy design, it presents additional room for carrying gear on longer adventures whereas sustaining a detailed, secure match.

Gregory Swift 16 / Inertia 18 H2O Evaluate: For these searching 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 the most effective hydration bladders in the marketplace.

Teton Oasis 18 Evaluate: If you happen to’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 effective choose. It’s barely bulkier than the M.U.L.E. 12, nevertheless it nonetheless supplies glorious capability, a well-designed hydration system, and a sturdy construct for day-long excursions.