For our participation in the 500-mile Vegas to Reno Best in the Desert race, we are putting our faith in the reliability of the Camelbak M.U.L.E. Hydration System.
With some long-distance tests looming in the near future, the MCUSA crew would like nothing more than to escape from the deserts of Nevada and Baja, Mexico fully hydrated and in one piece. Whether or not we crash our brains out remains to be seen, but to avoid suffering a miserable, thirsty death, we hooked up with
CamelBak Products to see what our options were.
From about a gazillion different products, we narrowed our selection to two models: the
CamelBak M.U.L.E. (msrp. $80) and H.A.W.G. (msrp. $100) Both units are designed for mountain biking use, so the cross-over into motorized action was obvious.
We took delivery of several MULEs in the striking sunset orange motif. Carrying 100 oz. of fluid, that's three liters of water (or tequila depending on where you race) for an estimated three hours of use. The unit stays put with mesh harness straps for comfort and maximized air flow. A removable waist belt and sternum strap help secure the system which weights a claimed 8.10 pound when filled.
The back is lined with six mesh-covered pads to give riders ultimate comfort when toting the system for long distances. Three zippered pouches and an adjustable bungee cinch system combine for 439 cubic inches of storage space including a key strap.
We'll put the MULE to the test in the coming months, but we rest assured knowing that if worse comes to worst in the desert, at least we'll have a cool drink and a bright orange homing beacon for the search party to find.
For riders who feel like they may need more than just water, a poncho and a few tools, our Ruby Red HAWG looks to be a sure bet. Weighing only a half pound more than the MULE, the HAWG holds the same amount of fluid but up to 794 cubic inches of storage. With almost double the space, the larger pack uses "independent suspension" harness technology and a waist stabilizing system with a stowable strap to hold down the entire bundle.
The back panels are larger on the HAWG, especially at the lower back. Where the MULE has two independent supports, the oversized bag has one large pad for more lower-back support. Both units have the wide-mouthed "OMEGA" opening for an easy fill that can include ice. The valve is operated by biting the mouthpiece to allow water to flow from the tube, and leaks can be controlled through the use of a manual on/off valve to ensure that water stays in the pouch when not in use. CamelBak uses anti-microbial technology in the manufacture of its liquid pouch claiming that it eliminates up to 99.99 % of bacteria and fungus.
With safety and comfort in mind, CamelBak seems to offer something for everyone. In this case, we need the long-distance capabilities offered by the MULE and HAWG models. Keep a good thought for us as we venture into the desolate desert lands, and stay tuned to find out how we rate the actual performance of our nifty hydration systems.
