The Mule’s fabric is robust yet not too heavy and the pocket arrangement is exactly what you need, featuring a large main compartment, plus smaller front organiser, and an MP3 pocket with waterproof zip and rubberised port for the cord. There are even two mesh sections (one large, one small).
The current Mule uses raised, mesh covered pads to lift the pack away from your back and create airflow, but we found this the least successful part of the design. We were constantly aware of them and found it took a while to get everything settled.
CamelBak bladders have no nasty plastic taste and the bite valve has set the standard for other contenders to strive for. A large lip around the opening makes it easy to hold for filling and cleaning, and although the feebler armed among us struggle a little with the snug seal, it’s guaranteed to be leak proof for life.
