Designed to keep you fueled and well prepared, Camelbak’s latest hip pack, the M.U.L.E 5 fills a number of roles thanks to a somewhat modular design. It packs a tonne of features within its reasonably small design that makes it comfortable and for the most part, a pleasure to partner with. However, its 5L capacity is compromised when used with the included bladder, and its straps can slip.
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Camelbak M.U.L.E 5 Waist Pack - Technical details
Camelbak says that the Mule 5 is built to carry nothing but the bare essentials and it does so without holding back on the versatility. As with many MTB hip packs on the market, it’s built up with a large main compartment containing space for the included 1.5L reservoir and a few neat organisers. There’s also free space for any loose bits and pieces.
On the outer of the main compartment is a small zipped pocket and at either side is a pouch that’s ideal for carrying spare water bottles. Moving around the pack and there are non-zipped pockets on the load-bearing belt. That belt is fastened using a single plastic buckle, tightened thanks to a pair of adjusters, and home to a Magnetic Tube Trap, that keeps the reservoir’s tube secure when larking about, while offering quick, fuss-free access.
At the top is a handy bungee that acts as an overflow to keep a jacket, for example, secure while riding and there are little reflective strips around the pack to boost visibility when cycling on the roads in the dark. The Mule also benefits from Camelbak’s Air Support back panel that is said to encourage airflow and reduce hot spots.
Moving on to the pack’s materials, it’s constructed using a 200D nylon ripstop with a DWR (durably water repellent) coating and it measures 33 x 19 x 9cm. The waistbelt suits waists from 77 to 132cm, or 28 to 46 inches.
Camelbak M.U.L.E 5 Waist Pack - Performance
I firmly stand on the side of functional hip packs, rather than fobbing them off as a fashion faux pas, and the Mule 5 stands as a very solid option thanks to its versatility - although it doesn't come without issue. Because it offers the option to either carry two water bottles, or an included reservoir (which is a big plus) it can be loaded with enough gear for both long or short rides.
During my time with the Mule 5, I packed it minimally, opting to carry the 1.5L reservoir, for two reasons. The first of which is that I prefer to carry as little as possible but the second is that when used with the reservoir, there’s actually not that much room to store tools and snacks.
Despite rocking a respectable five litres of storage, you’ll have to be clever as to where you store your things. That’s because when using the 1.5L reservoir, space fills up very quickly. I managed to squeeze in a pump, tube, and Stan’s DART tool in the main compartment while stowing a multitool in the outer zipped pocket.
That is, however, with a partially filled reservoir as when brimmed, it’s quite the squeeze to coax it in, even when the pack is otherwise empty. I found it almost impossible to cram in a completely full reservoir and the usual spares. Then, when the bladder is full, it's too big to fit into the built-in organiser, which makes clever storage even more tricky. So really, the inclusion of a 1.5L is rather optimistic.
And even though space inside can be quickly filled with hydration, its outer pockets and bungee option boost capacity. As we Brits know, this year’s been mental on the weather front, and on days when I’ve worn a jacket only to not need it, the bungee has proven incredibly useful, as it’s an impressively safe space to stow a small jacket should the need arise.
The pockets on the waistband do help to increase carrying capacity but as they’re located on the waistband, it’s best to pick soft or bendy things to store here in order to not impede comfort.
But reservoir woes aside, the Mule 5 packs a punch elsewhere, mostly in its comfort and airflow. Once strapped on and cinched up, the comfort is real and to the point where it’s easy to forget I was ever wearing it. Then once the descents roll in, air effectively makes its way through the clever Air Support system, keeping sweat and heat well at bay.
It’s pretty stable too and when tightened properly, there’s little movement under general riding, and when pushing it down chunkier sections. But, as a common issue with hip packs, the strap does loosen as it’s jostled around, and as liquid is consumed. However, this is easily adjusted thanks to the two adjusters that require a quick forward pull.
Camelbak M.U.L.E 5 Waist Pack - Value and verdict
With an asking price of £90, the Mule 5 is a little pricier than its rivals such as the Ergon BA Hip Pack, and Dakine Hot Laps 5L. However, I believe that both of these packs manage to store hydration and spares much better, making it possible to carry a full reservoir along with minimal spares.
The Ergon BA Hip Pack doesn’t come with a bladder included however, but thanks to a clever ATOP dial, it can be cinched down to suit what you are carrying. It also doesn’t loosen over time, or as liquid is consumed. Its waistbelt is also a shining aspect, utilising both velcro and a buckle that makes putting the pack on super easy.
Dakine’s Hot Laps 5L comes with a much simpler design but it’s one that works very well. It has a pocket, especially for a two-litre bladder, and another for spares which makes storage incredibly easy. It’s also got a couple of straps at the bottom that act as an overflow, similar to the Mule’s bungee.
If you like options from your hip pack, Camelbak’s Mule 5 offers just that. It’s great for those who like to carry minimal kit, complete with hydration. Though with the included reservoir, it’s a careful balancing act to carry it all, and it’s not quite a perfect solution.