Camelbak is revising almost its entire range of bike backpacks for 2021 to make them lighter, more robust and more breathable. The Americans are also focussing on sustainability in the fabrics, a new back system, a women's version and many new details.
Camelbak Pro series for adventurers and e-bikers
True to the motto "All Day, Go Anywhere!", the new Pro series experienced bike adventurers and e-bikers. It includes the M.U.L.E. Pro 14 and the H.A.W.G. Pro 20. Camelbak seems to have tackled exactly the points that were the main problem with our last Backpack test have prevented an even better judgement. So the prospects are good.
Both backpacks come with reorganised compartments, a new carrying system, a removable tool roll and equipment pockets on the hip belt. The Pro series is explicitly aimed at bike adventurers and - thanks to the extra e-bike battery compartment - also at ambitious e-bikers.
Camelbak M.U.L.E. Pro 14: optimised success model
The Camelbak M.U.L.E. has been revised and is now called M.U.L.E. Pro 14. Tools, clothes, hydration bladder and food have to be taken on extended adventure tours. The successful model has been further optimised for this purpose and offers 14 litres of packing volume. Of this, 3 litres can be used as a hydration reservoir.
Both the materials of the M.U.L.E. Pro 14 and the luggage organisation have been revised. In addition to the large main compartment, the all-rounder comes with a removable tool roll, reflectors, a helmet holder and a Extra compartment for e-bike batteries.
The tool roll keeps the tools where they belong during the journey. In the event of a breakdown, it can be reached quickly and provides a good overview. To ensure that the e-bike does not run out of juice on the adventure tour, an additional battery must be taken along. The extra compartment in the M.U.L.E Pro is designed to prevent the battery from falling over. It should fit all standard battery models.
New carrying system from Camelbak
"Air Support Pro Back" is the name of the new carrying system from Camelbak. The straps with airy mesh fabric and a combination of mesh back with structural padding behind it are designed to combine the snug fit of the previous models with significantly more ventilation and a lower weight.
There will also be a women's version of the Pro series backpacks. The biggest difference to the men's model is the shape of the straps and the back support. These have been specially adapted to the female anatomy.
To offer maximum protection, the M.U.L.E. Pro 14 is Impact Protection Ready. Camelbak's CE protection class 2 Impact Protector Panel can be inserted into a concealed pocket. However, the protector is not included. The weight of the M.U.L.E. Pro 14 is said to be 845 grams (only 820 grams in the women's version) and it costs 149.95 euros.
Camelbak H.A.W.G. Pro 20: More storage space, new features
If the storage space of the M.U.L.E. Pro 14 is not enough for you, but you don't want to miss out on features such as the battery compartment or the tool roll on your adventures, you can opt for the 1015 gram Camelbak H.A.W.G. Pro 20*. It offers a full 20 litres of capacity including a 3 litre drinking reservoir. The large H.A.W.G. Pro 20 costs 169.95 euros.
Facts about the Camelbak Pro series:
- Total volume: 14 litres (M.U.L.E. Pro 14); 20 litres (H.A.W.G. Pro 20)
- Drinking reservoir: 3 litres
- Available in men's and women's versions
- Optional back protector with CE1621-2 certification (level 2)
- Weight: 845 grammes (M.U.L.E. Pro 14); 1015 grammes (H.A.W.G. Pro 20)
- Available from: mid-January 2021
- Prices (RRP): 149,95 Euro (M.U.L.E. Pro 14); 169,95 Euro (H.A.W.G. Pro 20)
Camelbak Light: Maximum versatility with minimum weight
The name says it all for the new Light series from Camelbak. All members of the Light family are designed to be the lightest on the market and still withstand the high stresses of extensive bike adventures.
The Camelbak Light series with the 7 litre capacity Rogue Lightthe 4 litre capacity Classic Light and the 2.5 litre Hydropak Light offers space for the essentials as well as proper hydration.
All-rounder: The Camelbak Classic Light
The new Classic Light day rucksack is the middle one of the three new lightweight backpacks. It weighs just 200 grams and comes with a 2 litre Crux hydration bladder. The 4 litre pack volume holds a rain jacket and the essentials for an extensive tour.
Tools can be stored in the integrated tool compartment. However, the decisive innovations are in terms of carrying comfort. The Air Support Light carrying system is designed to keep the back and shoulders dry and is a combination of airy straps and body mapping technology.
Compared to its predecessor, the Classic Light has an additional chest strap and a strap to secure the drinking tube. It can also hold a helmet and a light. Reflective strips increase safety at night. The Camelbak Classic Light will be available in both men's and women's versions and will cost 64.99 euros.
The slightly larger Rogue Light (225 grams) with 7 litre pack volume and 2 litre hydration reservoir and the smaller Hydropak Lght (170 grams) with 2.5 litre pack volume and 1.5 litre hydration reservoir have also been revised and equipped with the same details.
Facts about the Camelbak Light series:
- Total volume: 7 litres (Rogue Light); 4 litres (Classic Light); 2.5 litres (Hydropack Light)
- Drinking reservoir: 2 litres (Rogue Light + Classic Light); 1.5 litres (Hydropak Light)
- Available in men's and women's versions
- Weight: 225 grammes (Rogue Light); 200 grammes (Classic Light); 170 grammes (Hydropack Light)
- Available from: mid-January 2021
- Prices (RRP): 74,95 Euro (Rogue Light); 64,95 Euro (Classic Light); 54,95 Euro (Hydropak Light)
