Mayhem vs Mule vs Something else

Jumping Bean

Thinking of getting myself one of the above packs. Both seem to have similar storage capacity and a similar price. Is there anything I should know about either of them? Is one better than the other in some way? Which one would you go for?

Cheers.

Jumping Bean

Anyone have an opinion? Also looking at the Dakine Nomad but have read some stuff about leaking bladders?

therealboyjones

I have a mayhem. They're great packs. I don't really think there's any drawbacks to either, down to which style you like really. I like that the mayhem has plenty of external webbing straps so you can attach other things to the outside of the pack if you need to and run out of room internally. Whether this realistically is necessary is a question mark because they're not multi-day trip packs but I've strapped my full face helmet to mine before now to save throwing in on the bars or riding one handed.

cat_with_no_tail

I have a Camelbak Scudo 2008. Great piece of kit it is too. Got mine from Merlin when they were on offer at £35 . Unfortunately, they are sold out now, but I believe that Cycle surgery still have a few at less than £40. (RRP £65)

Linky If you are interested.

The Camelbak blurb on it says:

A really useful bag for commuters or mountain bikers, the Scudo combines the design of the Mule and Blowfish with the cargo capacity of the Chaos. Additionally, the Scudo features lighter weight rip stop fabrics, an integral rain / mud cover and a helmet holder behind the front pocket.

v23

I have a Dakine Apex. A brilliant piece of kit, can't recommend it enough. If you've got concerns about leaking bladders you could always replace it with a camel back one.

Jumping Bean

Thanks for all the replies. Think I'll go have a look in my lbs. Anyone use the Mule MV? Worth the extra over the standard Mule?

BlackSpur

Jumping Bean wrote:

Thanks for all the replies. Think I'll go have a look in my lbs. Anyone use the Mule MV? Worth the extra over the standard Mule?

Not personally but reviews i have read tend to say the standard Mule is better - lighter, higher capacity, cheaper.

Surf-Matt

Got a Mule and can't fault it. Cool green colour too!

Zeroman_IR

Have the standard Mule myself and find it great. Carries everything I need.

bails87

I had a Hydrapak Big Sur for a while, that was pretty good, same size near enough as the Mule, but got it for about £25 from onyourbike.co.uk (in Wales, not related to the On Your Bike in London and Bham). The bladder kind of clamped shut across the top, so the whole thing could be opened up and turned inside out for cleaning.

Replaced it the other week with a North Face Hammmerhead, got it for £40, down from £60 or £70 in Blacks, formerly Millets. The bladder doesnt seem quite as good as the Hydrapak, but time will tell. The back is supported by a kind of tensioned net, so it keeps the pack off your back, to stop the sweaty back I got with the Hydrapak. Also neat little touches like a whistle built into the chest strap buckle and a magnet on the mouthpeice to keep it in place, matches up with a little metal tab you can move around the pack to stow the hose where you want it.

Both of them seem to have the same storage arrangement as the Mule, lots of pockets, zips, velcro, phone pockets, clips for keys etc.

Yan55

Yeah i was curious about the NorthFace Hammerhead. I seem to remember MBR rated it highly last year along with the Mule, but in this month's issue they didn't test it at all. The trampoline mesh looked fantastic for keeping your back cool and the features it boasted seemed well worth the money. Sounds like a steal at forty squids. Think I'll have a look myself if you rate it....