The Camelbak and Osprey backpack companies both offer lines of hydration backpacks. These backpacks are some of the most popular in North America as far as hydration backpacks are concerned.
Both companies offer their own backpack design flavor. When deciding between the mule and the Raptor, there are a few things to take into consideration. This Camelbak Mule 100 oz vs Osprey Raptor 14 comparison should help you decide which of these hydration backpacks are the best for you.
Another Hydration Backpack Review you might like: CamelBak Classic vs Rogue: Slim Hydration Backpacks
Camelbak Mule vs Osprey Raptor
Gear And Water Capacity
Of all of the features of these backpacks, the gear capacity and the water capacity are likely the most important. Both the Raptor and the Mule have a water capacity of 3 liters.
However, the Osprey Raptor 14 has a lot more gear capacity than the Camelbak mule. While the Camelbak has a gear capacity of 9 liters, the Raptor can accommodate 14 liters of gear.
This means that you will be able to pack almost an entire day’s worth of clothing and rations inside of the Raptor.
Dimensions And Weight
Although the Raptor holds almost twice the amount of gear that the mule does, still manages to maintain a slim profile. Here are the dimensions and weight of both backpacks:
Dimensions
Osprey Raptor 14 : 19″ x 9″ x 10″
Camelbak Mule 100 oz: 19″ x 10.5″ x 3″
Weight
Osprey Raptor 14: 1 lb. 12 oz.
Camelbak Mule 100 oz: 1.9 lbs
The biggest difference in dimensions between these backpacks is depth. Although you can see that the Raptor is not much taller than the mule, it is 6 inches deeper. This is where it gets its extra gear capacity from. It does not feel that much bulkier on the back. That being said, the mule does have a slightly slimmer profile and will feel somewhat lighter.
Pockets And Attachments
The Mule and the Raptor both have approximately the same amount of pockets. They have four separate pockets apart from the main compartment. Feel so both have specific attachments for bicycle helmets.
The bicycle helmet attachment on the raptor is a lid lock attachment. However, you need to take off the backpack in order to attach the helmet. But with the mule, the attachment is placed in such a way that you do not need to remove the backpack.
Both have a stretch overflow storage pocket. In this pocket, you can store those extra layers of clothing or your wet rain gear. This way, the rest of your items will not get soaked.
The Osprey Raptor 14 also has side pockets for water bottles or smaller items. The mule does not have any side pockets.
Price Comparison
To get the best prices for the mule and the Raptor, please see below:
The Verdict
For some people, the choice between the Mule and the Raptor relies on the gear capacity. And the fact, this is their biggest difference. If you want a hydration backpack that gives you plenty of room to store a day’s worth of items, the Osprey Raptor 14 is a great choice. But if you want something with a slimmer profile, the Camelbak Mule 100 oz could be your thing.
The Camelbak Mule 100 oz has such a slim profile that some people forget that they are even wearing a backpack. Having a slimmer backpack like the mule eliminates some of the sweat build-ups. It also eliminates the possibility of your backpack swaying back and forth while riding a bicycle.
Both backpacks have the same amount of water capacity. A 3-liter water capacity is more than what most hydration backpacks actually hold. Most hydration reservoirs only hold two liters of water. So these backpacks are designed for the long haul.
