Looking for a reliable and weather-resistant backpack for your daily commute on your ebike?

CamelBak’s M.U.L.E.® Commute 22 Backpack is an everyday carry essential for the daily pedaler. The CamelBak’s H.A.W.G.® Commute 30 Backpack is designed for the long haul, accommodating all the necessities for your daily routine. These two backpacks are designed specifically for urban cyclists who need a reliable, comfortable, and weather-resistant pack for their daily commute. Here is our Camelback MULE and HAWG backpack review.

The Lab

CamelBak M.U.L.E.® Commute 22

With a 22 liter roomy, single-compartment design, the MULE 22 is great for a more minimal carry. It features a roomy single-compartment design with a weatherproof laptop sleeve, side pockets for beverage or U-lock carry, and safety-conscious details like a bike light loop and 360-reflective detail.

The Air Support™ Back Panel is designed with Body Mapping Technology to allow for maximum ventilation on the hottest areas of your back. The Command Center™ Harness offers easy and secure access to your essentials. The backpack also has a helmet carry feature, a light loop for added safety. The large side pockets can hold a water bottle and U-lock storage.

The MULE 22 backpack is built to last, with an exterior shell that is water-resistant and durable for years of daily miles. It is also reservoir compatible (reservoir not included) and has a removable waist strap for added stability when you need it.

CamelBak H.A.W.G.® Commute 30

The HAWG 30 backpack offers a separate laptop compartment with a weatherproof sleeve to help protect your laptop. The Air Support™ Back Panel is designed with Body Mapping Technology to provide you with maximum ventilation. The Command Center™ Harness offers easy and secure access to your phone, keys, or other essentials.

In addition to the laptop compartment there is a separate large compartment for your other items. The backpack has a helmet carry feature to stow and secure your helmet. The Light Loop provides added safety with the ability to clip on a light, while the 360 Degree Multidirectional Reflectivity offers reflective material on all sides of the pack for visibility in low light conditions.

The HAWG 30 backpack also has large side pockets for water bottle and U-lock storage. There is also a removable waist strap for added stability when you need it. The HAWG 30 is also reservoir compatible, but it does not include one.

Our Thoughts

CamelBak M.U.L.E.® Commute 22

On initial testing we liked the CamelBak MULE with its lightweight and compact design. It is perfect for carrying all of your essentials without adding any unnecessary weight or bulk. The CamelBak MULE has a simple yet effective design that is easy to use and very intuitive. The outside large pocket is great for storing your jacket or helmet. The comfortable straps around the shoulder keeps it off your mind when riding.

Another great feature of the MULE is its reflective accents and bike light loop. These features add an extra layer of safety when riding in low light conditions. The laptop storage is secure and there are plenty of smaller pockets for all your other gear. One downside is that the 22L capacity may feel small if you plan to do grocery runs. The laptop and hydration pouch go in the same large compartment, which made us think twice about putting a laptop in there. But, the laptop has its own weather-sealed area to keep it safe.

Overall, we believe that the CamelBak MULE is a great backpack for any cyclist looking for a lightweight and functional backpack. With its comfortable straps, secure laptop storage, and reflective accents, it is perfect for commuting, weekend rides, or even longer trips. It may not be ideal for grocery runs or for those who prefer more compartmentalization, but it is great for smaller daily carries.

CamelBak H.A.W.G.® Commute 30

Like the MULE, the CamelBak HAWG has a sleek design and minimal branding. The separate weather-sealed compartment for your laptop is a nice touch. Their are many other well-thought-out compartments make this pack a convenient for daily use. The clamshell design makes it easy to access all of your belongings, and the outside helmet strap is a convenient feature for when you are off the bike.

The HAWG 30 backpack also has a variety of safety features that we like. The reflective accents and bike light loop make it easy for you to be seen while cycling, even in low-light conditions. The straps are also comfortable, ensuring that you can wear this backpack for extended periods of time without experiencing discomfort. The HAWG also has enough space to accommodate work essentials and gym clothes or work essentials and small grocery runs.

There wasn't much we didn't like about the CamelBak HAWG 30 backpack. One thing worth noting is that it may be a bit larger on the back, which could make it less comfortable for smaller people.

Fusion™ Reservoir with TRU® Zip Waterproof Zipper

Another new offering from CamelBak we got to review is the Fusion Reservoir with TRU Zip.

The TRU® Zip technology offers a range of benefits that make it an excellent choice for anyone looking for a durable and waterproof hydration system. With the integrated handle, filling the reservoir is comfortable and easy, making it quick and efficient. The universal hanger for all hydration-compatible packs also makes it easy to use, no matter which backpack you choose to use.

The hydroguard™ technology inhibits the growth of bacteria in the reservoir and tube, ensuring that the water remains clean and safe for drinking. Additionally, the pinch grip allows for single-handed filling at sinks and refrigerators, making it easy to fill up on the go. With the Big Bite™ Valve, you can enjoy 20% more water per sip, and the on/off lever makes it easy to prevent leaks. Finally, the quicklink™ system allows for easy reservoir removal from your pack, making it simple and hassle-free to refill your hydration system when you're on the go. Overall, we like the TRU ZIP reservoir a lot more then the Crux Reservoir and think it is a worthy upgrade.

All of these offerings from CamelBak make commuting or running errands on your ebike a great experience. Not every ride using the MULE or HAWG commute will need a reservoir, but you they are capable of doing so. If you are looking to upgrade your backpack for the daily commute, these two CamelBak Commute backpacks are a great choice.