If youve been mountain biking for as long as I have, youve almost certainly owned Camelbak MULE at some point. This old standby was one of the original mountain bike hydration packs and much beloved by many.Now the Camelbak MULE has been completely redesigned and updated for modern mountain bikers. There are a couple of versions, but the top of the line pack is the MULE Pro 14 100 oz (reviewed here). So how does the new version compare to the old?There are several featureslike the full length stuff pocketthat are definite upgrades in the new design. But there are a few thingslike the not-so-easy to access tool pouchthat have us pining for the good old days.Still, if youre in need of a pack for all day epics and big backcountry rides, this is one of the bigger, better packs out there. Review In A NutshellPros:TONS of interior storageFull length stuff pocket fits a jacket easilyStraps for helmets and pads on the exteriorAmazing back ventilationCompatible with the CamelBak Impact Protector E-bike battery sleeveCons:Bite valve hit my armPocket for the hydration bladder is a little weirdTool pouch is hard to accessPrice: $176 ListBuy at Amazon.comBuy at Camelbak.comCamelbak Video ReviewTONS Of StorageOkay, lets get right to the real attraction of this pack: it can carry everything you might need for a LOOOONG day in the saddle. In addition to the 3L hydration bladder, theres space for a jacket, food, tools, cell phone, emergency blanket, and on and on and on.Front Stuff PocketMy favorite part of the pack was the full length stuff pocket on the front of the pack. My primary rationale for carrying a backpack-style hydration pack (as opposed to a hip pack or bottles) has always been to carry extra layers. And yet, alot of packs still make this ackward. On my much-loved Osprey pack for instance, I can stuff my rainjacket in most of the way, but a bit still sticks out. The same thing goes for the older version of the MULE.On the new Camelbak MULE the front stuff pocket is DEEP and you can get your jacket in fully. No more worrying that it might fall out.video-all-bodies-on-bikesInterior PocketsThe main zippered pocket has additional pockets to help separate and organize all your gear. There is a zippered pocket with two seperated areasone for your tool pouch, and one for whatever else.Theres also another large pocket, intended for an e-bike battery (more on that later), but for all of the rest of us not carrying a battery, its roomy enough for spare clothes, food, etc. On the front of the pack, there is another zippered pocket with a soft lining, ideal for sunglasses. Noticeably, there is NOT a clip for car keysone interesting omission.. Tool PouchLike the original Camelbak MULE, this pack comes with a handy tool pouch large to contain your smaller tools: a multi-tool, tire levers, tubeless repair kit, chain breaker, spare link, patches, spare bolts, etc, etc, etc. You can even take this out of the pack if you want to throw it in another pack for shorter rides, which we appreciate.Compared to the original MULE, however, access to the tool pouch isnt quite as handy. The pouch goes inside the main zippered compartment, so if you have it stuffed full, you may have to take things out (or have them fall out) in order to access the tools. Side Zippered Pocket Theres a good-size zippered pocket on the side of the pack. It was large enough to fit my oversized cell phone. This pocket could also work well for a wallet.I liked this separate access so I didnt have to open the main zippered compartment everytime I wanted my phone. Hip PocketsThere are small non-zippered pockets on both hip straps. These are just the right size for stashing a gel (or a gel wrapper). I did wish that they were zippered (like many packs are) so that you can be certain that nothing will fall out. And Theres Exterior Storage Too!As if you there wasnt enough space inside the pack, there are also straps on the outside for carrying both your helmet and pads. You could also use these straps to lash on pretty much anything else youd like as welli.e. a backpacking mug, Chacos, another jacket, you name it.video-all-bodies-on-bikesNext-Level Back VentilationIve tried a lot of packs, but Ive got to say, the Camelbak MULE has the best ventilation system Ive seen. The pack is suspended WAY far away from your back to help prevent the dreaded sweaty back.Does it entirely keep your back from getting sweaty? No. But it does a much better job than most and certainly helps keep you cooler. Hydration System Is Just So-SoIf youre buying the Camelbak MULE just for its hydration system, you might want to look elsewhere. Weve seen better.That said, the reason youre probably considering the Camlebak MULE is for the all-day storage, in which case the small complaints I have about they hydration system are probably east to overlook. For starters, the pocket that the bladder goes into is awkward. Its a side-zip pocket, so instead of dropping the bladder in from the top like you would with most hydration packs, you have to kind of wedge it in. Not bad, but awkwardat least at first.The reservoir itself has they typical screw-top Camelbak is known for. This may be a personal preference, but I far prefer the ziplock style bladders to the screw top. Ive just had way to many times I thought the cap was screwed on correctly, but it wasntand Ive ended up with it leaking everywhere. The fill hole is also more ackward to fill up, in my opinion, than the top-fill reservoirs.My final complaint is that once youre on the bike, the magnetic holder (which isnt that strong by the way) is positioned so that the bite valve hits your arm. Several times, I adjusted the magnetic clip so thered be less hose sticking out, and each time it eventually moved back so the hose would again be hitting my arm.The bite valve has good flow and has an on-off switch. Chest Strap and Hip Straps Are AdjustableThe chest strap can move up or down to accommodate your bust, and unlike your traditional buckle, the straps attach to one another via a magnet. The hip straps were also adjustable, and while Im not usually a fan of hip straps, theyre pretty much needed on a pack designed to carry this much gear.video-all-bodies-on-bikesComes In Both A Mens And Womens VersionThe only noticeable difference between the two packs are the straps. The womens version has s-shaped shoulder straps to better accommodate narrower shoulders and chests, and shorter hip straps for a smaller waist. Obviously, if youre petite, these differences will be appreciated. But if youre a woman with broader shoulders, a longer torso, or a wider waist, theres no reason you shouldnt buy the mens version of the pack.ExtrasThere are two features of the Camelbak MULE that I cant really comment on, but that are worth mentioning. The first is that you can use the CamelBak Impact Protector (sold separately) with the pack. This add-on helps protect your back in the event of a crash. Ive never used it, so cant speak to that.The other feature is an e-bike battery sleeve. If youre riding an e-mtb far into the backcountry, youll need a second battery and its possible to carry with this pack. Havent tried it, but seems cool.video-all-bodies-on-bikesWho Shouldnt Buy The MULEDont buy the Camelbak MULE if youre doing short rides close to home. All by itself, this pack weighs over a pound and once its loaded with water and jackets and tools, etc, its HEAVY.This extra weight can put a lot of strain on your back and shoulders and just isnt necessary if youre doing shorter rides. Personally, for anything under 3 hours, I use a hip pack instead. But if you ARE doing big rides, then getting a big pack like the MULE is a no brainer. Bottom-Line: A Great Pack For All Day RidesIf youre headed out into the backcountry and need to carry a bunch of water AND a bunch of stuff, the Camelbak MULE Pro 14 is a great choice. The back is well ventilated, theres tons of storage, and theres that fantastic stuff pocket. More Stuff You Might LikeHow To Build A Comprehensive On The Bike Tool Kit Best Womens Mountain Bike Hydration PacksBest Hydration Drink Mixes For CyclingAbout The ReviewerKristen Bonkoski is a USA cycling and NICA coach, bike educator, and founder of Femme Cyclist.Shes also the host of the Femme Cyclist podcast and runsRascal Rides, a website about biking with kids.Shes been riding bikes for more than two decades and is passionate about empowering women on the bike.IG:@femme_cyclistJoin Kristens Weekly Newsletter!The post Review: Camelbak MULE Pro 14 100 oz Hydration Pack appeared first on Femme Cyclist.