Camelbak envy

It’s no news that the 2009 range from Camelbak is now out there, and as per usual they are the best hydration backpacks around. However what isn’t obvious is exactly how good the re-designed M.U.L.E actually is. The standard M.U.L.E has always been a firm favourite (and is still available) as it’s just the right size, in terms of both fluid capacity and luggage space. This has made it a justifiable favourite with trail riders everywhere.

Sometimes when you hear ‘completely re-designed for 2009’ you think, ‘don’t fix what aint broke’, but fear not the 2009 M.U.L.E is every bit as good as it’s always been, just a bit better.

But that’s not what caught my eye. What did was the back system on the M.U.L.E NV. The development in question is N.V.I.S (next-generation integrated system). The name doesn’t really tell you much, and even Camelbaks own website makes very little attempt to describe it.

 All this is a little odd, as when you see, and try it, it quickly becomes apparent how good it is. I’ll let the pictures do the talking as it’s difficult to describe.

Basically it is so well ventilated that short of a killer climb in a jungle, you will not get a sweaty back; and whilst it’s not mentioned (likely for legal reasons) it appears to offer a fair amount of back protection thanks to the rigid plastic, corrugated plate behind the back system.

 It’s never going to replace proper body armour, but every little can help. Combine the protection aspect with the brilliant ventilation and all the usual M.U.L.E features; 3 litre bladder, 10 litre storage, organizer pocket, key clip, built in rain cover &etc and you have a seriously good piece of kit.