Camelbak Comparisons

[TimW]

I pulled a bunch of product off the shelves, stuffed them with wadded newspaper and took pictures. I have pics of the HAWG v HAWG 500 and MULE v MULE 500, but honestly there is not enough difference between them to really see in pictures.

I did not have a "standard" BFM to compare to the BFM 500, but the basic difference is the addition of the upper pockets on the sides, and the "swap" of the two back pockets...the larger outer pocket was at the top, with a smaller rectangular pocket below that. Basically, take the "standard" Motherlode, and add a rectangular pocket below that, and you should have an idea. Weights below are empty, no water, and the volume (cubic inches) is cargo only.

Specs:
BFM: 21 in x 13 in x 10 in / 2551 c.i. cargo / 5.88 lbs empty (no water)
BFM 500: 21.5 x 13.5 x 14.5in / 3142 c.i. cargo / 4.6 lbs empty (no water)

Motherlode: 19 in x 13 in x 8 in / 2143 c.i. / 4.88 lbs
Motherlode 500: 20 in x 14.5 in x 13.5 in / 2592 cu in / 4.47 lbs

Trizip: 20 x 13 x 11.5 in / 1917 c.i. / 4.89 lbs (this is info on the tag...marketing materials say it's 2,318 c.i.)

HAWG: 1099 c.i. / (I don't have any other specs on it...pulled this from the website and I have none in stock so can't check tags)
HAWG 500: 20 in x 10.5 in x 12 in / 1291 cu in / 2.64 lbs

MULE : 18.5 x 10 x 5 / 540 c.i. / 2.27 lbs
MULE 500: 18 in x 10 in x 6 in / 492 cu in / 2.10 lbs


BFM 500 v Motherlode 500

They are that much different in size, physically, unlike the impression this picture gives. Remember that the BFM 500 has pockets on the sides, so it wasn't as close to the wall as the Motherlode 500. Since it was closer to the camera, the BFM-500 looks much larger than the ML-500. While it is a bit bigger, it's not as dramatic as the image suggests.

http://content.practicaltactical.net/Gear/CB/BFM-ML-500.jpg
http://content.practicaltactical.net/Gear/CB/BFM-ML-500-side.jpg


Motherlode 500 v Motherlode

http://content.practicaltactical.net/Gear/CB/Ml-ML500.jpg
http://content.practicaltactical.net/Gear/CB/Ml-ML500-side.jpg


Motherlode 500 v Trizip

http://content.practicaltactical.net/Gear/CB/ML-TriZip-Back.jpg
http://content.practicaltactical.net/Gear/CB/ML-TriZip-Side.jpg

Trizip v HAWG 500 v MULE 500

http://content.practicaltactical.net/Gear/CB/TrizipHawgMule.jpg
http://content.practicaltactical.net/Gear/CB/TrizipHawgMuleSide.jpg

[CLHC]

Cool comparison pictures! :cool:

[RAM Engineer]

Is the Tri-zip made of 500 denier material also? Thanks.

[TimW]

Is the Tri-zip made of 500 denier material also? Thanks.

Yes it is. Sorry about that oversight.

[BrianB]

Is the Tri-zip made of 500 denier material also? Thanks.

would any one on this forum want me to post my pic review of the tri-zip here ?

[SPARTAN HOPLITE ARMS]

I would love to see a review of some of these packs..I've been looking to set up some type of "bailout/assault pack" that I can use at work or even keep around the house "just in case" as a SHTF type of thing...ammo, mre's, water, meds and med kit..that sort of thing..something that won't kill my back..I have a regular little camelbak reservoir that I bought years ago and love it but it just carries water..nothing else...any suggestions on what to look for and what to put in it?

[Vic303]

Here's a link to dave5339's review of the Motherlode.

http://practicalpreps.com/forums3/viewtopic.php?f=24&t=212&p=801&hilit=motherlode#p801

[TimW]

would any one on this forum want me to post my pic review of the tri-zip here ?

I would.

[kaiservontexas]

I think of obtaining a 500 Mule to accompany my jumbo versipack. Any review on the Mule?

[TimW]

It's small...Think Ambush with another pocket up top.

What sort of review? It holds 3L of water and abt 500 c.i. of stuff.

[BrianB]

I would.

I will in a few days when I get time, but you already saw it on "another forum"

[Shelby]

Can you confirm whether the Hawg is wider than the Mule? My mule is about 1-1.5" too narrow for my needs. I need it to be able to hold a couple textbooks.

Also, do you know the difference between the Hawg, Hawg 500 and Hawg MG?

[TimW]

Can you confirm whether the Hawg is wider than the Mule? My mule is about 1-1.5" too narrow for my needs. I need it to be able to hold a couple textbooks.

Also, do you know the difference between the Hawg, Hawg 500 and Hawg MG?

I just measured my HAWG 500....10.5" wide across the backpanel.

HAWG is 1000D Cordura. HAWG MG is just another way to designate the military-style (vs. commercial/recreational) HAWG.

HAWG 500 is 500D Cordura

[Looey]

I would love to see a review of some of these packs..I've been looking to set up some type of "bailout/assault pack" that I can use at work or even keep around the house "just in case" as a SHTF type of thing...ammo, mre's, water, meds and med kit..that sort of thing..something that won't kill my back..I have a regular little camelbak reservoir that I bought years ago and love it but it just carries water..nothing else...any suggestions on what to look for and what to put in it?

I have the Tri-Zip over here in afghanistan right now, i love the pack. it was my carry bag on the flight over here, it has a lot of room in it.
i was able to fit my 16.5 mac computer in it with out a problem, had two change of clothes including another set of shoes, hygiene kit, and some other electronic devices.
there is a couple of mesh pockets on the inside that allow you to organize and keep better control of other items that you want to secure more.
the top pocket(supposed to be for NVG) was great for things that i needed to get into quickly(Ipod, snack, book) the side pockets allow you to also keep pens and other articles in a place that is secure but easy to get too.
the outer straps allowed me to compress the pack and make it very comfortable to carry, the adjustable back pack strap are awesome.
It has a lot of molle attachment all over the pack to turn in into a five day pack if needed.
If would use it as a vehicle bug out bag(have in the pack as much as you would need for two to three man to survive if need be), i think it is a little to big for one person to use as a vehicle bug out bag unless you are going to need to stay out there for a week or so(I am talking about bare necessities).
I like the Motherlode better for a bug out bag(individual) in a vehicle, that is what i used in IRAQ as my bug out bag. it was just big enough to have in it what i need it for two days, including ammo and pyro.
My Tri-Zip sit in my room as my get it and go bag(we are leaving our camp and we are E&E back to somewhere safe) I have all of my personal info(anything that i dont want to leave behind, address sensitive info) a full bladder food for a day three layers of clothing.
I love the Try-Zip, I would recommended to a friend.
one of our medics over here is going to get one and use it as his AID bag, he like the how easily you can access the main body of the pack.

[ST911]

one of our medics over here is going to get one and use it as his AID bag, he like the how easily you can access the main body of the pack.

I have heard that Camelbak is working on a drop-in organizer/utility pack for the tri-zip (think: Medbak) for medical and other uses. That would be handy.

[BrianB]

I would love to see a review of some of these packs..I've been looking to set up some type of "bailout/assault pack" that I can use at work or even keep around the house "just in case" as a SHTF type of thing...ammo, mre's, water, meds and med kit..that sort of thing..something that won't kill my back..I have a regular little camelbak reservoir that I bought years ago and love it but it just carries water..nothing else...any suggestions on what to look for and what to put in it?

well since this thread was brought back from the dead I guess I'll post some pics of my Tri-Zip

next to my grizzly
http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc44/bb868/GEDC0411.jpg

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc44/bb868/GEDC0404.jpg

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc44/bb868/GEDC0407.jpg

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc44/bb868/GEDC0406.jpg

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc44/bb868/GEDC0421.jpg

ports for main bladder ( brown hose ) and second bladder
http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc44/bb868/GEDC0418.jpg

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc44/bb868/GEDC0412.jpg

[nickdrak]

I just measured my HAWG 500....10.5" wide across the backpanel.

HAWG is 1000D Cordura. HAWG MG is just another way to designate the military-style (vs. commercial/recreational) HAWG.

HAWG 500 is 500D Cordura

Im confused on the specs of the HAWG a bit. Do you sell the 1000D version of the HAWG in Foliage Green?

I am thinking of picking up a HAWG as a daily commute pack for use on my daily bicycle ride to work. I need enough room for a pair of running shoes or hiking boots, a pair of pants, socks and a towel, along with a repair kit for my bike: inner tube, pump, etc.

[TimW]

Im confused on the specs of the HAWG a bit. Do you sell the 1000D version of the HAWG in Foliage Green?

I am thinking of picking up a HAWG as a daily commute pack for use on my daily bicycle ride to work. I need enough room for a pair of running shoes or hiking boots, a pair of pants, socks and a towel, along with a repair kit for my bike: inner tube, pump, etc.

Not any more. I am closing down shop. I've been out of HAWGs for a while, and stopped selling the 1000D version about a year ago.

A HAWG in either style will not be big enough to carry everything you want. You'll need at least a Motherlode or Talon size. The HAWGs are only about 1100 cubic inches.

[nickdrak]

Thanks!