Bottom Line
The CamelBak M.U.L.E. 12 Hydration Pack excels in its lightweight design, offering an efficient, compact solution for short hikes or active adventures. Its hydration system is user-friendly, with a large mouth for easy filling and a secure hose reattachment. However, the short handle makes it harder to fill the bladder. Also, there isn’t a hook to hang the bladder inside the pack, so it sloshes around the pack. Additionally, the magnet for the hose tip gets easily knocked off.
The pack’s top pocket is deep and well-placed for easy access to small items, and its durable fabric ensures long-lasting use in moderate conditions. It also offers good weight distribution, keeping the load close to the body. If carrying lighter loads, this pack is great. However, with heavier loads, the hip belt isn’t supportive since it’s only a strap. The shoulder padding is also minimal, which can reduce comfort over a longer hike.For those seeking a lightweight, efficient pack for short, fast-paced adventures, the M.U.L.E. 12 offers great value but may not be the best choice for extended trips or heavy-weight use. If you’re seeking a pack with larger volume, check out one of our top rated hydration packs.
How We Tested
We took the pack out on a 7 mile winter hike up to Source Lake at Washington’s Snoqualmie Pass to test for comfort and ease of use for the hydration system. We tested water resistance using a showerhead and also assessed how effectively the pack carried snacks, gear, and other items for hiking.
Quick Specs
Camelbak M.U.L.E. 12
Best Small Hydration Pack
CleverHiker Rating: 4.5/5.0
Price: $130
Weight: 1 lb. 4 oz.
Capacity: 12L
Pros
- Slim and lightweight
- Easy-fill hydration bladder
- Convenient top pouch for small items
- Deep and roomy compartment
Cons
- Limited hip belt support
- Limited sizing
Comfort & Fit
The M.U.L.E. 12 offers a comfortable fit, particularly for those focused on light, fast adventures. The shoulder straps feature breathable mesh with minimal padding, which caused discomfort on our test hike. The hip belt provided some support but lacked additional structure, so it didn’t help with weight distribution as much as more robust hydration packs with padded hip belts. Compared to the sturdier HAWG, for example, the M.U.L.E. 12 feels more basic, with less padding and support. The fit is fine for short hikes or quick bike rides, where carrying a heavy load isn’t a priority. However, for extended wear or heavier loads, the lack of a well-supported hip belt and more padded shoulder straps might be uncomfortable. If you’re looking for a pack that prioritizes weight savings over cushioning and support, this will be a good fit.
Hydration System
The hydration system of the CamelBak M.U.L.E. 12 provides excellent performance with some minor drawbacks. We thought the panhandle design was great for easy filling. Although, its ergonomic properties decreased as the bladder started filling up. The handle is short but wide, which makes it hard for smaller hands to hold it securely. The large opening allows for quick refills and is compatible with water filters that fit over Nalgene bottles. The CamelBak system has one of the better user-friendly hose attachments that wasn’t too stiff to take on and off quickly.
At the same time, we weren’t completely thrilled with the hydration system. This pack does not have an outside pocket for Nalgene bottles – a limitation for users who like to carry both. They fit inside perfectly fine, though. We also found that it was easy to knock off the hose because the magnet is not as strong as it could be. Unlike other packs we tested, there was no bladder hook to keep the reservoir upright inside the pack. The bladder compartment felt like the smallest out of all packs, making it additionally difficult to slide in a full bladder. Overall, it is a good system, but it has a few ergonomic drawbacks.
Compartments
Storage on the M.U.L.E. 12 is surprisingly efficient for its slim profile. The top pocket is so deep and spacious. We found it a perfect place to secure small items, including our snacks, phone, and wallet. Plus, it’s located close to the back of the pack (as opposed to on the outer side), so items don’t easily fall out when opening the main compartments. The main storage area was deep and roomy enough for a jacket or maybe the 10 essentials. We also liked how Camelback separated it from the hydration bladder to keep everything more organized. The secondary main pocket let us store small items in the little pocket compartments, such as a quick snack or sunscreen.
The pack’s smaller size may limit capacity for users who want to carry extra gear. But for those focused on minimalism, the M.U.L.E. 12 offers a solid organizational layout that keeps everything secure and easy to access.
Waterproofing
Although the CamelBak M.U.L.E. 12 does a good job of offering some protection against light rain, it’s not fully waterproof. We tested the pack under a simulated rain storm by placing it under a shower faucet for 30 seconds. Where the hose exits the pack, water seeped through the hole and into the hydration compartment. Additionally, water seeped through the zippers, so we do not believe it is ideal in extreme weather conditions without extra protection. The outer mesh compartment can also trap water, which could affect any items stored in it during wet conditions.
For light rain or quick showers, the M.U.L.E. 12 provides reasonable protection, but it’s not built for heavy exposure. If you expect to face heavy rain on your adventures, you may want to consider a rain cover or use dry bags for your valuables.
Durability
The M.U.L.E. 12 is constructed from thick but lightweight fabric, ensuring it holds up well under regular use. The durable fabric resisted abrasions and tears when we tried to scratch it up on rocky terrain, making it suitable for most outdoor activities. The mesh shoulder straps and hip belt, however, did not feel as durable as the rest of the pack, especially if subjected to heavy loads or rough conditions. We preferred the Gregory 420D nylon to the sustainable nylon of the CamelBak M.U.L.E. 12. However, it should hold up well for the active adventurer looking for a lightweight, minimalistic pack.
Weight
The M.U.L.E. 12 stands out for its super slim and lightweight design, making it a great choice for those looking to carry small loads. Weighing in at just 20 ounces for the Women’s pack and 28 oz for the Men’s, it keeps the overall weight low while offering sufficient capacity for hydration and the essentials for your hike. The pack keeps the weight close to the body, offering a snug, stable fit that won’t bounce around during physical activities. It’s an ideal option for short trips where you don’t need to carry a lot of gear.
Though it excels in weight efficiency, the small, 12L capacity might be limiting for users who need to carry more than just the basics. It’s not designed for heavy loads. It’s better suited for those who prioritize lightweight, day-use gear over carrying extensive equipment.
Should You Buy the CamelBak MULE 12 Hydration Pack?
The CamelBak M.U.L.E. 12 Hydration Pack is an excellent choice for those who prioritize a lightweight, slim profile and efficient hydration during moderately active outings. It excels in its hydration system, compact compartments, and minimalist design, making it a great option for mountain biking, day hikes, or quick adventures. It particularly excels in the many internal compartments for easy organization. Though it may not be the most comfortable option for carrying heavier loads, it works well for those on a simple day trip in fair weather conditions.
What Other Hydration Packs Should You Consider?
If you’re looking for something different, consider the following options among the best hydration packs we’ve reviewed:
CamelBak HAWG Pro 20 Review: If you need more gear storage and a slightly larger hydration capacity, the CamelBak HAWG Pro 20 is a better option. With a spacious interior, multiple compartments, and robust design, it offers extra room for carrying gear on longer adventures while maintaining a close, stable fit.
Gregory Swift 16 / Inertia 18 H2O Review: For those seeking a lighter, more compact hydration pack with exceptional comfort, the Gregory Swift 16 or Inertia 18 H2O is a solid choice. These packs offer an efficient design for shorter hikes, with minimal weight and an ergonomic fit – and one of the best hydration bladders on the market.
Teton Oasis 18 Review: If you’re looking for a hydration pack with plenty of organization and a bit of extra storage at a budget price, the Teton Oasis 18L is a good pick. It’s slightly bulkier than the M.U.L.E. 12, but it still provides excellent capacity, a well-designed hydration system, and a durable build for day-long excursions.
