Test / accessories: Camelbak has been offering an impressive range of backpacks for a number of years now – including for mountain bikers. With the latest MULE Pro backpack, a practical trail companion with an interesting ventilation system is now coming onto the market.
The world market leader in award-winning hydration system products presents the new Pro series of the 2021 collection. Among them is the new MULE Pro, which we have been testing for a few weeks.
“CamelBak bike packs are part of our brand DNA and we knew we had to be big when we decided to revamp our classic models to create the Pro Series” - Mike Valvano, Director of Product Development
Quick Facts:
Volume: 14L
Weight 845g
Air SupportTM Pro Back suspension system
Price: about 200 Euro
The test model sent to us was delivered in an agave green and we liked it right away. The surface of the small trail backpack is kept simple and is decorated with the logo and the name of the backpack with reflective material.
At first glance, the backpack looks rather narrow and small and we wondered if it would even be big enough for a real day tour.
Clever features and well thought-out design
Typical for a trail backpack, there is a possibility on the front to attach a half-shell helmet. The clips provided for attachment seem very stable, but require some force to thread the strap. Behind it we find an open pocket in which the saver or rain jacket can be accommodated.
So that the MULE Pro could get its compact size, of course, had to do without a large selection of compartments. However, a very practical pencil case is included for organizing tools and spare parts, which can then be stowed in the main compartment.
The main compartment itself has space for a jacket and a few snacks. On our tours we usually still have camera equipment with us, but we couldn't stow it in the rather small bag. This is only partly due to the small volume, but rather to the shape of the backpack. Rather bulky items are difficult to accommodate in the CamelBak.
But it is positive that the backpack fits very close and tightly to the body due to this shape.
The zip for the compartment for the supplied hydration bladder is attached to the side. The drinking tube can be placed from the inside of the bladder through the shoulder pads and is then attached to the magnetic closure of the chest strap. Here you can definitely tell that the Californian company values their drinking systems and has years of experience in this area. Camelback offers the Impact Protector in the shop for just under 50 euros, which can be stowed behind the hydration bladder on the MULE and offers sufficient protection for people who like to be out and about in rough terrain.
Ventilation in a class of its own
The back of the trail backpack is equipped with soft padding between which air can circulate well. As with most backpacks, that alone would be enough, Camelback goes one step further and provides the back part with a net that sits under tension like a trampoline. This creates a pleasant wearing comfort and the low contact with the back part prevents a sweaty back.
Since the weight was kept relatively low, the thin shoulder pads and the light hip belt are perfectly sufficient to distribute the load of the bag. The MULE is very comfortable and light to wear.
