Like bringing a Pack Mule along

I love my M.U.L.E. pack. Not only do I bring along more than enough water for whatever ride I am on, I also have a place to stick my cell phone and keys. I have even brought along a few other items needed on these rides.

Aside from having this nice pack, I have a saddle bag under the seat and two water bottle cages if I am really in need of water. To date, I have yet to find a ride that takes me so far away from water or other fluid refreshment that I had to worry about running out. Certainly, that has nothing to do with having two water bottles, it is all due to the tank of water on my back.

One benefit of the M.U.L.E. is that I can actually cool myself some by putting very cold water in the bladder. When I put it on my back, I am able to feel the cool water through all of the insulation of the pack. This is especially nice when I am on a long ride in the heat of Houston's Summer. Well that would be almost all year so it's a definite plus.

To date, the M.U.L.E. has not failed me in any way. I have yet to have a leak or anything else that would make me dislike this pack. The straps and padding are comfortable and easily adjustable. With water, the pack is still reasonably light weight and comfortable on me. I find that having the water on my back is nice after the ride when I am cooling down and drinking water. I can drink and put the bike away at the same time.

My only dislike of this pack, and likely of all in the family, is the way it must be dried out. There is no simple way to just dry out the inside of the bladder and go on with life. One must hang out the pack and let it air dry, which is not too hard, but is just something else to have hanging around after a good ride. I also usually need to dry my riding attire.

Get a M.U.L.E. or one of the other packs from the same family and you will be happy you did. It certainly helps keep folks hydrated while outdoors, which is important for good health.