Camelbak Bikepacking: Robust bike bags & a hydration bladder for the frame bag
Marc Strucken
· 29.09.2024
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Camelbak - the ones with the hydration packs - introduced a complete series of bikepacking bags in the spring: the M.U.L.E. On-Bike bike bag collection. The new M.U.L.E. On Bike series even represents a completely new category in the Camelbak catalogue. It is designed to be the combined hydration and charging system for multi-day bike tours. With a waterproof construction, robust pockets and good adaptability, it is designed for flexible use.
The new M.U.L.E. On-Bike line consists of 6 different bags - we took 3 of them with us on our tours.
- Frame Pack (>> available here), available in sizes S and L - tested in S
- Handlebar Pack (>> available here)
- Saddle Packs in 9L or 1L version (>> available here) - tested in the small version
- Stem Pack (>> available here) - not tested
Camelbak series for bikepacking: frame bag as the centrepiece
The Frame Pack combines both advantages of the new Camelbak series, so to speak. The frame bag contains a newly developed water bag, which was produced for use when bikepacking, but is also available to buy separately. Thanks to its compact shape, the hydration bladder can be combined with most bags from other brands. The hose can be removed so that the water reservoir can also be used for cooking at camp. The filler opening also has a mouthpiece for drinking. It really is very versatile.
I'm used to either carrying my water on my back in a hydration bladder or putting 1 to 3 bottles of drinks on my frame, but I find this new combination extremely convenient! No gurgling on the back, but still being able to drink easily while riding - I like that. Disadvantage: The central space in the frame triangle is occupied at the beginning - free at the end, but not usable. This system is therefore more suitable for long tours than for real bikepacking.
According to the manufacturer, the M.U.L.E. On Bike panniers from Camelbak are designed for use in difficult terrain and have adjustable straps to secure the equipment properly. This was confirmed on our tours. Neither the 2-litre frame bag nor the thick handlebar bag wobbled or rocked. The small saddle bag is so tightly secured with the blue elastic band that not even the contents make a sound.
They also have reflective details for better visibility and are waterproof according to the manufacturer. We were unable to test this under realistic conditions due to the lack of real rain. However, the material makes a really robust impression thanks to the blue reinforcements in the fabric.
Camelbak M.U.L.E. On-Bike Frame Pack in the test
Mounting is easy with Velcro straps of different lengths. When the hydration bladder is full, the bag bulges out a little, but does not interfere with pedalling. Once the water tank is full, however, hardly anything fits into the sewn-in nets or the zip pocket on the left-hand side. Unless you skilfully puzzle things around the hydration bladder.
If in doubt, you can either shorten the Velcro strips where they are too long, or simply form a complete ring with them and turn it so that the end no longer sticks out. As always when fitting bags to the frame: Think about protecting the paintwork! Even if the frame bag doesn't sway much, micro-movements together with dust or mud will rub deep grooves into the paintwork - or worse: into the carbon!
Camelbak hydration bladder: Quick Stow Bike Reservoir
As described above, the Camelbak hydration bladder can also be used for other purposes. Once the tube is off, the connection is tight. You can also drink from the mouthpiece in the lid - or let the boiling water for your coffee flow out. We also recommend a bikepacking camping harness. The hydration bladder also has a practical carrying handle.
- Compact and lightweight
- Hydration bladder 100 % free from BPA, BPS, BPF
- Big Bite valve on the drinking tube
- Tight Quicklink system on the drinking tube
- Compatible with Lifestraw filters
Camelbak M.U.L.E. On-Bike 1 Saddle Pack in test
The small Camelbak M.U.L.E. saddle can be perfectly adapted to different saddle and post shapes. The Velcro strap is only a little short with 34.9 mm thick seat posts. The blue elastic band - the stabiliser - effectively ensures that the saddlebag doesn't dangle back and forth. However, we only tested the small 1-litre version, which naturally doesn't fit so much (heavy) stuff, even if you only fold the roll-top closure once. The Camelbak Saddle Pack is even said to be waterproof according to IPX5. We even strapped the little companion to our MTB because it's so compact, sits so stably and fits everything we need to take with us.
Camelbak M.U.L.E. 12 On-Bike Handlebar Pack in test
The 12 litre volume of the Handlebar Pack from Camelbak is not immediately obvious. But when you unroll it, a huge mouth opens up that can hold more than you want on your handlebars. The dimensions: maximum 40 x 35 x 10 cm. The compression straps are also designed for this: They are very long. Good for large items such as sleeping bags, down waistcoats, etc. - Too long if there is not so much inside. Then they have to be rolled up and stuffed away, otherwise they can flutter annoyingly. The two side pockets are also practical. One made of mesh, one sewn in and with a zip. The Camelbak handlebar bag is also said to be waterproof to IPX5. The sewn-in reinforcement and the aluminium strip on which the bag is attached to the handlebars is particularly stable; both with Velcro and with the rubber strips. The pack can also be secured with flexible cords.
Not included in our test were
Camelbak M.U.L.E. 9 On-Bike Saddle Pack - the large saddle bag
- Waterproof according to IPX5
- Stabiliser
- Roll-top expandable capacity
- Secured overflow
- Light-reflecting elements
- 9 litre capacity
- Price: 89,99 Euro >> available here at a reduced price
Camelbak M.U.L.E. On-Bike Stem Pack - the stem bag for snacks or water bottle
- Suitable for Camelbak Podium or other drinking bottles
- Cinch closure
- Secure attachments
- Light-reflecting elements
- Price: 29,99 Euro >> available here
Marc Strucken
Editor
