ABOUT THE CAMELBAK M.U.L.E. 5L WAIST PACK
The CamelBak M.U.L.E. 5L Waist Pack is designed for riders who want to ditch the bulk and carry only the essentials on their rides. It offers packing flexibility, capable of running one or two water bottles, or using the included 1.5-litre Crux Lumbar reservoir. This allows you to tailor your setup depending on the length of your ride and how much water, snacks and tools you need.
Storage is well thought out. The main compartment houses the hydration bladder and features a mesh organiser and internal divider to keep everything in place. On the outside, a large quick-access rear pocket provides space for tools and trail essentials, while a bungee overflow on the top is perfect for stashing a jacket or baguette. Small, zippered pockets on each side of the waist belt are ideal for carrying items such as keys, earbuds or snacks, with easy access.
Construction is equally impressive. The pack is made from lightweight yet durable 200D nylon ripstop fabric, while the load-bearing hip belt uses a simple, secure buckle with easily adjustable straps for a comfortable fit. CamelBak has included a magnetic tube clip to keep the hydration hose neatly secured. The Air Support back panel then does an excellent job of improving airflow and keeping things cool on warmer rides, while offering useful padding to keep the pack comfortable on the back.
The CamelBak M.U.L.E 5L waist pack retails for £89.99 / $99 with the included 1.5L reservoir, and is offered in a selection of six colors.
THE DIRT
I’ve generally found myself to be the kind of rider who tries to carry the bare minimum wherever possible. Less stuff means fewer things to forget, fewer things to worry about, and a lighter setup on the trail. That philosophy hasn’t always worked in my favour though; there have been more than a few occasions where “keeping it minimal” has left me walking home after an unfortunate mechanical, usually involving a flat tyre.
That said, I still prefer a streamlined setup. For most rides, I want to carry the essentials without feeling weighed down, which is exactly where a lightweight waist pack makes sense. It offers enough space for the things you genuinely need, while keeping the freedom and simplicity of riding without a bulky backpack. When configured correctly, it can carry almost everything required for bigger days out, without the bulk and movement of a traditional pack.
My typical loadout when the reservoir wasn’t in use would consist of, but wasn’t limited to:
- Trail snacks (large packets and bars)
- Analog Shock pump
- OneUp Components EDC pump
- Tyre pressure gauge
- Tire levers
- Spare tube
- Tire pressure gauge
- My phone
- Glasses
- Car Keys
- And a single additional water bottle
I think the CamelBak M.U.L.E. 5L Waist Pack strikes the comfort and capacity balance well, and is a high-quality piece of kit. The materials, construction, and storage layout are all well thought out, with plenty of attention given to keeping the pack practical and comfortable on the trail. It also carries its weight extremely well: once riding, it feels light and unobtrusive, allowing you to focus on the trail rather than what you’re carrying. I never found myself worrying about a heavy bag moving around behind me.
The main limitation I found was the versatility when using the hydration bladder. Once the 1.5-litre reservoir was installed, the available storage space became noticeably reduced, making it less practical for carrying additional items on longer rides. Some competing waist packs manage to retain their storage capacity slightly better with a bladder fitted, giving them a little more flexibility depending on the type of ride.
For example, when the reservoir was in, the storable items were reduced down to essentials, requiring use of my pockets and on-bike carry where possible.
HOW DOES IT COMPARE?
The only other hydration waist pack I’ve spent enough time with to make a fair comparison is the EVOC Hip Pack 3. Compared with the CamelBak, the EVOC makes better use of its available storage when the hydration reservoir is fitted, thanks to a more flexible main compartment that adapts better as the bladder fills. However, the CamelBak feels noticeably lighter and less intrusive on the trail, making it the more comfortable option for riders who prioritise a low-profile setup. It also comes in at a lower price point, with the EVOC retailing for around £120, giving the M.U.L.E. a strong value advantage.
The Wolf’s Last Word
The CamelBak M.U.L.E. Waist Pack is a well-built, comfortable, and lightweight option for riders looking to ditch the bulk of a traditional backpack. Its thoughtful storage layout and barely-there feel on the bike make it a great companion for shorter rides and bigger days where carrying only the essentials is the priority. The main compromise comes when using the 1.5-litre bladder, which reduces available storage compared to some competitors. But for riders who value simplicity and a low-profile setup, it remains an excellent choice. 
Price: £89.99 / $99.99
Website: Camelbak.com
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ABOUT THE WOLF
Based in the North-East of Scotland, Michael’s day job is an engineer in the Oil and Gas sector. He also runs the mountain bike components brand Obsidian Components, which makes beautiful machined and anodized mountain bike parts. When he’s not at the office desk, you’ll find him sampling the best local coffee, or ripping his Forbidden Druid V1 and Specialized Levo on the trails.
Rank: Rookie
Size: 5’8” / 172.7cm | 161lbs / 73kg
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