CamelBak

dougo83

dougo83

Joined
Feb 28, 2008
Messages
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Ok...I have been using a CamelBak MULE as my go-to for hiking, but I want to find one that is a little bit larger. I like having the 3L bladder, but the MULE leaves something to be desired where stowage is concerned. I have tried attaching accessory packs to the webbing, but it tends to make the pack more uncomfortable. So...what are my options? I like the integrated hydration system and, therefore, want to stick with a similar type of pack, but I am looking for bigger packs.

Thanks
Doug
 
dougo83 said:
Ok...I have been using a CamelBak MULE as my go-to for hiking, but I want to find one that is a little bit larger. I like having the 3L bladder, but the MULE leaves something to be desired where stowage is concerned. I have tried attaching accessory packs to the webbing, but it tends to make the pack more uncomfortable. So...what are my options? I like the integrated hydration system and, therefore, want to stick with a similar type of pack, but I am looking for bigger packs.

Thanks
Doug
Click to expand...

You could try their military line instead. They are all covered with webbing, so you can attach or detach accessory packs as needed. They have the same cubic inch range that you see in the civilian line.

If you want to stick to the civilian line, my favorite is the HOSS. It has a ton of room and is even waterproof.
 
storl said:
You could try their military line instead. They are all covered with webbing, so you can attach or detach accessory packs as needed. They have the same cubic inch range that you see in the civilian line.

If you want to stick to the civilian line, my favorite is the HOSS. It has a ton of room and is even waterproof.
Click to expand...

I forgot to mention that. Mine is the military-style MULE. Thanks for the reminder.
 
I debated between the MULE and the Blowfish and wound up going Blowfish. The pack has an expandable section so that you can adjust it to the size of your load. Here's a review I posted at REI.

I went in to my local REI to buy the MULE based on all its good reviews. Once there, however, I debated between the Blowfish, the MULE, and the HAWG since all three were on sale. I decided on the Blowfish because of my intended purpose (mountain biking) and because of its sleeker styling and more minimalist design.

Even though another customer tried to talk me into the MULE (and almost had me convinced), I'm glad I went with the Blowfish. The Blowfish doesn't have all the various outer pockets like the MULE; instead, it keeps gear inside and away from possible snags. As such, the pack sits on the back in a more streamline fashion than the MULE.

I appreciate the expandable main compartment, which has plenty of room for things like a mini-pump (built-in sleeve is great), an extra tube, a basic first-aid kit, and a camera. With the expansion deployed, there's also room for rain gear and a few other items. The two smaller front compartments offer plenty of space for items like bike tools, wallet, keys, cell phone, etc.

The pack is very adjustable. The sliding sternum strap is a big plus. The bottom waist strap (more like a belly strap) was unnecessary, but I like the fact that it can be easily removed and stored in the pack should you ever need it.

The 3L reservoir holds plenty of water for even longer rides. And it offers Camelbak's well- functioning bite valve and quality guarantee.
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Description at REI.com:

Mountain bikers and hikers alike crave the flexibility of the Blowfish, which offers a performance fit, expandable cargo space and a voluminous reservoir.

* Unzip the storage compartment and it becomes a 3-season pack; zip it closed and it's a super-stable, low-profile summer system
* Air Director™ ventilated backpanel with Air Mesh shoulder harness enhances cooling airflow
* Slider SternumStrap™ lets you adjust the location of the strap up or down for a customized fit
* Features a removable waistbelt and strap management system to secure loose webbing
* OMEGA™ HydroTanium™ wide-mouth reservoir is built with a rugged polyurethane film for tensile strength and burst resistance
* Taste-free, polyethylene-lined tubing; popular bite valve has a separate on/off switch to eliminate leaks during transport
* Big Bite™ valve is ergonomically positioned for easy drinking; handy HydroLock&8482; securely shuts off water flow
Click to expand...
 
dougo83 said:
Ok...I have been using a CamelBak MULE as my go-to for hiking, but I want to find one that is a little bit larger. I like having the 3L bladder, but the MULE leaves something to be desired where stowage is concerned. I have tried attaching accessory packs to the webbing, but it tends to make the pack more uncomfortable. So...what are my options? I like the integrated hydration system and, therefore, want to stick with a similar type of pack, but I am looking for bigger packs.

Thanks
Doug
Click to expand...



Doug,

I have the Camelbak MULE, HAWG, and older Motherlode, all of which are the military models. For Day hiking, the HAWG is my go-to bag. It suprised me how much it can actually carry. My motherlode is the older version so it isn't quiet as big as the model that is currently available, but it is big enough for a overnight hike. If I could only have one out of the 3 that I have, I would keep the HAWG. I can throw a change of clothes and my personals in it, and use it as a carry on, or I can throw the essentials in it and use it for geo-caching, day hiking, etc...

Tommy
 
I've got a Vantage 30. I really like it, almost 2000 cu in of storage w/a 3L bladder included. Great size for my family day pack and if my wife and little girl takes their own pack, even a weekend bag for me. It has what Camelbak calls a D.V.I.S, basically their is space between your back and the pack for ventilation.
 
+1 on the HAWG (Military HAWG has slightly more room than Civilian HAWG, at least that used to be the case).

I had a Maxpedition Falcon-II, and it's a good day hiking pack as well, but I like camelbak packs for the insulated water bladder pocket. If you freeze a chunk of ice in the bladder, your water stays cold for a loooong time. :thumbup: Having one large main compartment (in contrast to the two slimmer compartments in the Falcon-II) is nice too, if you want to carry bulkier items.

I don't put much on the MOLLE webbing because then weight tends to settle farther from your back and you're more likely to get snagged, but I did add a Maxped 7x5x2 horizontal low profile pouch above the exterior compartment on the pack. It adds a nice extra pocket without changing the weight balance significantly or offering much beyond the existing profile of the pack to snag.

The Camelbak HAWG is a winner for me for a dayhiking pack (and I've used a regular ole Jansport, Camelbak civilian HAWG, Camelbak Alpine Explorer, Maxpedition Falcon-II, and Osprey Kestrel 38). Just enough room, compact, and tough. Not as comfortable for long treks carrying a lot of weight as my Osprey is, but perfect for most outings. Also check out Joe's review.

The only feature missing on the mil HAWG for me is the straps on the bottom of the pack. Sometimes I like to throw a blanket or something under there, and so far I've been using paracord and cordlocks in conjunction with the provided webbing anchors. I am going to make snap buckle straps for the bottom of the pack, just haven't gotten around to sewing it yet.


ETA: On a side note, even though I prefer using bladders, the one feature I miss on both the Maxped Falcon-II and Camelbak mil HAWG is the bottle holder mesh pockets on the sides of the pack. I love em for storing a guyot/cup/stove set or holding random quick access items (snacks, beanie, gloves, etc). I've been thinking about picking up a Pygmy Falcon for this reason, but will probably be using it more for EDC. Wish someone would make an integrated hydration pack around 25L that also had side bottle pockets....

ETA2: Also check out the Camelbak HAWG 500 for the lighter cordura.
 
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