CamelBak M.U.L.E. 9 Handlebar Pack: My New Bikepacking Buddy (with a Few Caveats)
ReviewOkay, so I’m a bit of a bikepacking addict. If I can disappear into the woods on two wheels, I’m a happy camper. That means I’m always on the lookout for gear that can handle the miles, the bumps, and the occasional downpour. Enter the CamelBak M.U.L.E. 9 Sideload Handlebar Pack. I’ve put it through its paces on a few rides now, and I’m finally ready to spill the beans.
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Right off the bat, this thing feels well-made. The “Wolf Grey” is a nice, low-key color, and the nylon/polyester material just screams “durable.” Plus, living where pop-up thunderstorms are practically a daily occurrence, that IPX5 waterproof rating was a major selling point for me.
Mounting it? Seriously easy. The aluminum stay system feels super solid, and I had it strapped to my bars in minutes. No fuss, no muss. Capacity-wise, the 9 liters is just about perfect. I can easily cram in a light rain jacket, a pile of snacks (priorities, people!), my trusty camera, and a basic repair kit. On a recent overnighter, I even managed to shoehorn in my super-compact sleeping bag. And that little zippered pocket? Genius for stashing my phone and wallet where they won’t bounce out.
Out on the trail is where the M.U.L.E. 9 really shines. It didn’t budge, not even when I was bombing down some seriously rocky sections. I was a little worried about it messing with my brake cables, but the stay bar gave them plenty of room to breathe. And grabbing stuff while riding? A piece of cake. That sideload design is a game-changer.
Now, before you run off and buy one, there are a couple of things you should know. That IPX5 rating is great for splashes and light rain, but it’s not a full-on submarine. I learned this the hard way during one particularly epic downpour when I noticed a bit of dampness inside. So, if you’re expecting biblical rain, maybe throw your gear in a dry bag, just in case.
Also, I’ve seen some chatter online about the zippers getting gummed up by dust and sand. I haven’t had that problem myself yet, but I’ll definitely be keeping an eye on it.
So, bottom line? The CamelBak M.U.L.E. 9 Sideload Handlebar Pack is a fantastic piece of kit. It’s tough, it’s secure, and that sideload design is pure genius. Just be aware of its limitations in heavy rain and those potential zipper gremlins.
Who’s it for? Any bikepacker, gravel grinder, or anyone who just wants a safe and convenient way to haul gear on their handlebars.
The Good Stuff:
- Built like a tank
- Mounts like a dream
- Sideload access is a lifesaver
- Splash-proof (mostly)
- Holds a surprising amount of gear
- That zippered pocket? Clutch.
The Not-So-Good Stuff:
- Heavy rain can be a problem
- Zippers might get fussy in dusty conditions
Would I tell my friends to buy it? Absolutely, with the caveats. It’s become a staple on my bikepacking adventures, and I wouldn’t leave home without it. Seriously.