Camelback Backpacks....

Marion David Poff

Marion David Poff

Joined
Oct 8, 1998
Messages
5,403
Howdy,

I have a friend who is thinking of buying a Camelback, like a HAWG or a Mule.... One of those two....

Anyway, if you have any experience with Camelback, good or bad, please share it.

And if you really like something, great, tell me about it.

Images are always helpful.

Thank you,
Marion
 
I had an early Mule, liked it rather well. Now, would spend the extra for a London Bridge, Eagle, or Kifaru pack that takes a bladder instead though. I just think they are better made than the Camelback.

If it's not for hard use then the Camel is a great place to start.
 
Camelback will hold up to what you use it for.

Get the insulated drinking tube accessory, and the 90 degree mouthpiece.

Then get one of those insulated "space blanket" bags and cut it to fit the bladder.

You're good to go anywhere.

Dave
 
Add a Sawyer inline filter to the bladder and you have almost endless clean water.
 
I've had several and still own my first, an old style Motherlode, which is going on 10 years old. I would definately recommend a Camelbak along with the accessories that the others have mentioned. Been looking at the M.U.L.E. myself..
 
I noticed that Camelbak has released the "500" series of HAWG and MULE. Apparently, the material is lighter than previous and these models have increased capacities.

I've been looking at the HAWG and MULE myself.

:thumbup:
 
I just got a camelbak cloudwalker I haven't had any problems with it thus far it has been good to me so far
 
I have the Camelbak MULE, one of the military versions seen here:

http://www.camelbak.com/government-military/hydration-packs/mule.aspx

It reminds me of Maxpedition gear in that it has a very tough, rugged feel. I use it with the 3L bladder, and it's perfect for dayhikes and shorter trips. The military version that I have would definitely hold up to some hard use. With a full bladder, there isn't much room for gear in the other pockets so keep that in mind if you're looking for greater capacity.
 
I used to own one of the smaller camelbacks. The bladder eventually started leaking...not sure why. It probably took one fall too many on my bike. Anyways, they are pretty handy and store a lot of water. I wouldn't hesitate to buy another if I needed it.
 
Camelbak Rim runner came with a 3 liter water bladder.

3790922328_7106e26db5_o.jpg
 
Ludwig said:
I have the Camelbak MULE, one of the military versions seen here:

http://www.camelbak.com/government-military/hydration-packs/mule.aspx

It reminds me of Maxpedition gear in that it has a very tough, rugged feel. I use it with the 3L bladder, and it's perfect for dayhikes and shorter trips. The military version that I have would definitely hold up to some hard use. With a full bladder, there isn't much room for gear in the other pockets so keep that in mind if you're looking for greater capacity.
Click to expand...

Ditto! :thumbup:
Got a desert camo one from Cabelas online when they were $29.99.....not sure what they are now.
Very nice, super tough and holds just enough for anything you want to do!!!
 
I have the Camelback HAWG and really like it. I have it and the MaxPed Pygmy Falcon II and keep switching between the two for day hikes. They are both great bags.

I seriously doubt that your freind would have any regrets about getting the HAWG.

KR
 
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Military versions are built SOLID. I have a Camelbak Transformer. While I can't say I've used it like it's supposed to be used (it's a modular system where you can take off or add the parts according to what you need. I usually just keep everything on), I'm very pleased with it. Construction is similar to the Maxpedition products I have.

This is it:
30910889-300x300-0-0_Camelbak_Camelbak_Transformer.jpg


The best part about it is that the water stays cold for a REAL long time. Even in hot weather.
 
I use a camelbak everyday for my work. My business sells them so I can own any model I want. With that being said I'd only recommend the mil versions for hard core work. I've got the HAWG 500 on order now. I ordered it for a quick response bag for a specific mission. I think it will work great for that particular mission.

Let us know exactly what you intend it for and we might be able to help you better!
 
I have the BFM that I've taken overseas. It has held up well with no problems. Except, it's heavy even when its empty. If weight is a consideration, look for something else. It has all these separate compartments and mesh liners and zippers and such, useless added weight. Unless you're carrying 50 individual small things, the it'll be fine.
 
Nothing but good experiences with Camelbacks. They are actually pretty sturdy packs. I've had four different ones. Havn't had one break or rip yet. :thumbup:
 
I LOVE my Camelbak HAWG!

It's perfect for dayhikes and Mountain biking. And, they are tough as nails!

I would recommend the HAWG over the Mule, because it is just large enough to hold your stuff plus a light jacket, the Mule was just too small for me. The HAWG is still pretty small, but just big enough to actually hold some stuff.

I also can't recommend the Camelbak company enough. The liner on the hose on my pack started peeling away inside. I emailed them, and asked them about it, they sent a new hose no questions asked. I cut the bad part of my old hose off and keep it in my pack as a spare.

I he-hawd about getting it at first, as it was expensive for a backpack for me. But, now that I've owned it for some time, I have no regrets, and would buy another one in a heart beat.
 
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