Cabelas has the Camelback M.U.L.E. "Military SPEC" Hydration Pack on sale for $49.99 reg $125.00. Price is effective 08/21/2008 through 08/27/2008. Appears to be B&M only.

Link

CamelBak's MULE is still the most efficient and compact way to carry your water and field essentials. You will appreciate our Independent Suspension Harness during fast-paced, high-action missions – it stabilizes the load as you move. And the Air Director™ back panel keeps you cool as you push onward.

Use D-ring attachment points to place unit anywhere. Includes HydroLink™ Modular Connection System with positive shut-off HydroLock™.

Nearly 9 L (540 cu. in.) of convenient storage. Perfect for MREs, communications, and first aid.

Includes OMEGA™ Reservoir – fill and clean easier than ever.

Easily load your reservoir with our enhanced zipper access.

Independent Suspension Harness keeps load stable as you move.

Air Director™ ventilated back panel for keeping cool.

Integrated MOLLE/PAL attachment system.

Capacity: 100 oz (3.0 l)

Dimensions: 18.5 in x 10 in x 5 in (470 mm x 254 mm x 127 mm)Volume: Cargo Only – 540 cu in (8.84 l) • Including Water – 720 cu in (11.8 l)

Weight: Empty Reservoir – 1.81 lbs (0.82 kg) • Filled Reservoir – 8.06 lbs (3.65 kg)

Hi, any links for reference?

Thanks, sounds like a good deal!

I got one of these off of feabay a while back and they are darn handy little hydration packs. I don't know how "mil-spec" they are but the construction is very rugged and mine came in desert camouflage. I'm a big fan of Camelbak products and own several sizes including the little MULE and the roomy Commander. The MULE is primary intended for hauling water, lunch and a first-aid kit and really only has two pockets for storage but it's great for day hikes and hunting.

that's pretty heavy 8lbs, but then again i'm not military

fvfquaker said:that's pretty heavy 8lbs, but then again i'm not military

Well, 100 oz is 6 pints and 4 oz. and "a pint's a pound the world around", so 6.25 pounds of water and about a pound and a half to hold it is pretty good. You can decide how much water you want!

sholling said:ellisd said:This one?
Link

$59.99 at Campmor on-line
Campmor
The one you show at campmor is the civilian version. Here's a link to a photo of the military version .

I stand corrected, thanks, would one pay more for the color? not being a military person, I mean?

ellisd said:I stand corrected, thanks, would one pay more for the color? not being a military person, I mean?It depends on if you want the camouflage or not. I bought mine for hunting so yes it was worth it to me. It's also supposed to be a bit quieter in the brush - again a hunting consideration. It also appears to be a quite a bit more ruggedly constructed (thicker material) than my bicycling oriented HAWG. Of course that may add an ounce or two.

I'm bummed. I missed out on this deal.

I've been shopping for a military version, and the best I could find was $70 (includes tax/shipping) on eBay.

To clarify the difference between the military and retail versions. The military version is usually not so pretty (no mesh, no relectors), and the pockets are slightly different. The straps and materials used on the military version seem a bit more sturdy than the retail versions (I have both versions of the smaller watermaster).

The biggest difference is the insulated drinking tube with covered cap. You can add these to the retail versions, but the kit is usually around $15-20.

I live in Arizona, and I've enjoyed using a military version with the insulated tube for years. I've been shopping for a bigger hydo-pack (the M.U.L.E.), so it seems worth it to me to pay $10-15 more for the military version.

I've used my military verison Camelbak Watermaster 2 days a week for 9 years with no issues. I've never has any mold or mildew anywhere on the pack. Bought it new for $20... what a deal that was