TEST: With a volume of 5 L, the Camelbak Mule 5 is one of the larger hip bags in our test field. The hip bag also has clever details such as a tensioning device, for example to attach damp jerseys. You can find out how the hipbag performs on the trail here.
Camelbak Mule 5 hip bag in the test
With the Camelbak Mule 5 hip bag, the inventors of the hydration bladder not only offer the option of using this bladder - two bottles can also be used. The hip bag is the only model in the test to have a rubber net on the top, in which you can, for example, hold a wet jersey. Otherwise, the hip bag is characterized by large fin pockets and has a well-ventilated mesh fabric on the back. It is available in three colors and is one of the cheaper test candidates with a hydration bladder included. Nice details such as reflectors and an attachment option for a rear light round off the overall package.
Facts & figures
| weight empty | 356 gr |
| Weight including hydration bladder | 550 gr |
| hip circumference approx | 78 - 137 cm |
| Hip pocket volume | 5 L |
| Hydration bladder included | ja |
| volume of the hydration bladder | 1,5 L |
| Hose outlet left / right | Yes / Yes |
| length of hose | 91 cm |
| Compartment for bottle | yes, left & right |
| Attachment option for protectors | no |
| Price | €90 |
| Price (replacement) bladder | €34,99 |
Compartment layout & inner workings
With a volume of 5 L, the Camelbak Mule 5 hip bag actually doesn't offer that little space, but that seems to be more the case on paper. The hydration bladder takes up a lot of space in the main compartment - especially its screw cap. It's definitely full with a pump, spare hose and windbreaker, and the integrated mesh pockets can be used for flat items that you rarely have to access. The fin pockets are quite large and can hold a few bars, tools or a compact cell phone. However, if you use the hip bag with bottles, there is of course enough space inside. However, another problem arises here: If a bottle is stuck in the left bottle holder, access to the zipper of the main compartment is somewhat blocked.
The front pocket offers space for things like larger smartphones and your wallet.
Strap & adjustment options
The wide fins of the Camelbak Mule 5 hip bag ensure that the strap sits comfortably on the hips, even though it itself is not padded. The circumference of the belt can be quickly and easily adjusted on both sides - ideal for switching between uphill and downhill. The adjustment range is relatively large and therefore suitable for a wide range of bikers.
The compression straps are also used to attach drinking bottles and are therefore attached very high. If the hip bag is only slightly filled, not every small item will necessarily be held in place, especially when using two bottles.
In action & on the trail
With our reference content, the Camelbak Mule 5 hip bag is already pretty full. Nevertheless, wobbling is limited and is hardly noticeable with less content. The compression straps are located high up, so the contents are not ideally compressed when the bottle is low or when bottles are used, so small things can move around. This can be prevented as much as possible by packing cleverly. The hip bag feels pretty comfortable on the trail, a padded strap would perfect it. When it comes to handling, it is inferior to some of the competition. While the adjustability is great, you don't really know where to put your smartphone and one or two pockets would be more desirable.
