The CamelBak Mini M.U.L.E. is a robust hydration system designed for youth mountain biking and hiking. It uses a 200D polyester plain weave for the main body, providing a high strength-to-weight ratio that handles the vibrations of trail riding well. The core of this pack is the Crux Reservoir, which is designed to deliver 20% more water per sip than many generic systems, helping kids stay hydrated with less effort.
Safety features include a built-in emergency whistle on the sternum strap and a breathable air mesh back panel to help prevent overheating. To ensure the reservoir is leak-proof, it is important to align the large-bore cap perfectly with the threads; a quick tip is to flip the reservoir over and squeeze it before putting it in the pack to check for a vacuum seal. While the 1.5L reservoir takes up most of the internal space, there is still room for small essentials in the zippered pockets.
The HydroGuard antimicrobial technology in the reservoir helps maintain the cleanliness of the water system over time.
For a pack that offers a bit more cargo room for items like school folders or extra layers, the Osprey Daylite Jr. provides a 10L volume.
See more high-performance hydration options for your family in our hydration-pack style backpacks section.