CamelBak is the creator of several awesome hydration backpacks. While all of these backpacks are created with high-quality materials, they all have different designs. Some are very similar to each other, such as with the CamelBak Mule and the Lobo.
If you are familiar with the Mule and the Camelbak Lobo, you may already be aware of the fact that the Mule is the bigger of the two. However, this is not specific enough to help you make a purchasing decision.
In this review, we will be covering the differences between the CamelBak Mule vs Lobo. Before we begin getting into specifics, we will first cover what makes them similar.
Similarities between the CamelBak Mule and the CamelBak Lobo
As you already know, both of these backpacks are specifically made to hold water reservoirs. Each of these backpacks holds a 3-liter Crux reservoir. Crux reservoirs dispense 20% more water per sip than the previous reservoir used by CamelBak.
Since both backpacks are made to be very slim, they are a great fit if you’re going to be cycling. In fact, you can use either one of these backpacks as your sustenance for cycling all day long.
Both have a tool organizer, helmet carry hooks, and a magnetic trap that keeps your reservoir tube secure.
But there are several differences that you need to be aware of. We will cover all of the differences and their importance below.
Differences Between the CamelBak Mule and the CamelBak Lobo
As mentioned above, the CamelBak Mule is the larger of the two. While both hold 3 liters of water in their reservoirs, the Mule holds approximately 6 more liters of gear. To be more specific, here are the specs below:
- Camelbak Mule gear capacity: 9 liters
- Camelbak Lobo gear capacity: 3.28 liters
Since the Mule holds 3 times more gear than the Lobo, it also takes up some more space on the back. But keep in mind that the Mule is still plenty comfortable on the back and has a very slim fit. But the Lobo does have a slimmer fit.
Despite the differences in size, they are both very light and the differences in weight is pretty negligible.
Another difference that you might want to take into consideration is that the torso length of the Mule is actually longer than the Lobo. While the Mule can fit a torso between 17 and 21 inches, the Lobo holds a good fit on a 16-inch torso. That being said, if you are not especially tall or short, chances are that both will fit you pretty well.
The Mule, holding more gear volume, also has 4 exterior pockets apart from the main compartment. In contrast, the Lobo has only two exterior pockets beside the main compartment. Some people feel the Mule handles better organization for multiple types of items.
The dimensions of these backpacks are also slightly different:
- CamelBak Mule dimensions: 19 x 10.5 x 3 inches
- CamelBak Lobo dimensions: 18.5 x 8 x 5 inches
The Mule is larger in every way except for the depth. The depth of the Mule is 2 inches smaller than the Lobo.
CamelBak Mule vs Lobo: Price Comparison
As you might have guessed, the Mule and the Lobo are differently priced. For the most current prices, please see the links below:
The Verdict
Both the CamelBak Mule and the Lobo have a lot of the same features. However, the Mule holds more gear and has more pockets than the Lobo. Usually, the choice to purchase either one of these depends on the amount of gear that you will be wanting to carry with you on your day trek.
Many CamelBak customers feel that the Mule is overkill, while others wish for a larger backpack that the Mule. The choice is really all relative. Some people prefer the Lobo because it is so slim and they don’t feel like they need to carry much more than what it holds.
The Lobo is enough to carry your wallet, your iPod, your keys, and some energy bars. But if you’re looking to hold a bit more than this, the Mule maybe for you.
We like the Mule because it gives the versatility that you would need to go on longer treks. But if you don’t foresee yourself cycling for an entire day, and you’re only going to be going out for an hour or two, then the Lobo may be all you need.
If you have a preference between these two backpacks and would like to share it with us, please leave your comment below. This will help others in their purchasing decision.
