CamelBak Motherlode Review

It’s perfect for multi-day adventures out in the wild, and it has all the specs to back up that claim. This is actually the newest version of this backpack, and it’s probably the best that the Motherlode pack has ever been.

To learn more about this pack, and find out if it is the right choice for you, read our detailed review below!

Materials And Weight

The CamelBak Motherlode is a hydration backpack for rugged outdoor adventures. It’s definitely not your basic everyday backpack – this pack was designed for people who spend a lot of time in rugged conditions outdoors.

It is made from 500D Double-rip Cordura Fabric, which is very durable and sturdy. It has a water repellent coating, so the backpack has pretty good water resistance even without a rain cover.

The gear capacity of the Motherlode is 40 liters, which is plenty of space for everything you might need in your adventures. And that capacity does not account for the 3-liter Crux Lumbar reservoir, which is included in the purchase of the backpack.

The new Motherlode weighs just around 4 lbs, which is pretty amazing, considering how large the backpack is. It’s almost a pound lighter than its predecessor, and you will soon see why.

The backpack is available in three colors – Black, Coyote (beige), and MultiCam (camo). All three look really good, and one I think I really like is that the tube of the reservoir matches the color of the shoulder straps. This is very in tune with CamelBak’s rugged and incognito vibe, especially when you compare it to their old bright blue Crux tube.

There is no size variety when it comes to this backpack, which is a shame. And since it’s available in only one size, there’s a chance that not all of you will find it to be a perfect fit. Especially because the length of the torso is not adjustable. That’s pretty much the only reason why the backpack didn’t score a perfect 5 in this segment – otherwise, it gets an A+ for the materials and their durability.

Now, let’s talk a little bit about how the new Motherlode is different from the previous one, and whether or not you should upgrade.

What’s New?

The Motherlode backpack got the redesign. And not only did its exterior change but so did the hydration bladder, as you’ll soon see.

CamelBak completely dropped their old Crux reservoir and replaced it with the Mil-Spec Crux. They changed its color, the design of the valve, and the overall efficiency of the water delivery system.

The new Motherlode backpack is also taller, narrower, and thinner. And it is lighter by nearly a pound, which really enhances your carrying comfort.

But not all changes are great. The hipbelt changed, and in my opinion, for the worse. The old Motherlode pack featured a removable hipbelt that was padded, and very comfortable to wear. The new Motherlode only has thick webbing for the hipbelt. There’s no padding on it, so it’s not going to feel as comfortable as the old pack.

But I think that’s pretty much the only downside to the new redesign. The new hipbelt is not removable anymore, but you can stow it when not in use.

The opening of the backpack also completely changed. The old backpack was a top-loading pack, with a pretty basic opening of the main compartment. The new Motherlode, on the other hand, now features a clamshell opening. This allows you easier access to all your gear in the main compartment and makes packing stuff inside it much more convenient.

Another big difference is the attachment points. The old CamelBak was equipped with daisy chain webbing on the front, and on the sides. They completely dumped that on the new backpack, and instead went for laser-cut MOLLE panels. These are supposed to be more durable, and they are incredibly lighter than webbing. Plus, now you actually have more attachment points for your gear, which is pretty great.

In addition to that, the side compression straps are a bit more functional now. They go all the way to the front pocket, and they completely cover the zipper of the main compartment. The old Motherlode also had side compression straps, but the bottom ones were kind of useless since they didn’t really go over the zipper.

Now, not only can you easily tighten up the backpack when it’s not filled to capacity, but you can also use them as an anti-theft feature. Just position the zipper pullers to the side, so that the main compartment can’t be opened without undoing the compression straps.

Last, but not least, is the design of the front panel. The old backpack had two front pockets – a small one on the top, and a larger one that took up most of the front panel of the backpack.

The new Motherlode also has two pockets, but they are vastly different. The main front pocket takes up most of the front panel, and features an additional zip pocket on it. So, you don’t have a top and bottom pocket anymore, but instead, you have a large front compartment with an organizer panel and a zippered external pocket on it.

This results in the backpack being narrower, so I’m not really complaining.

So you see, that’s actually quite a lot of changes. You will be able to read about them in more detail in the following sections, starting with the new and improved Crux reservoir!

If you’re due a new backpack anyway, then you might as well upgrade to the new Motherlode. It’s got everything you loved about the old one, but it’s really improved in so many ways.

The carrying comfort of the new backpack is on a whole new level, because of its slimmer and lighter design. And you get more space for your gear, a better hydration bladder, and more rugged exterior materials.

But, that’s only if your old Motherlode is on its deathbed. If it’s still going strong, then I think you should wait. Especially because the new backpack has such a hefty price tag. If your old CamelBak hydration pack is still perfectly usable, then stick with it for as long as you can to get the most value for your money.

Hydration System

The brand new Motherlode backpack features CamelBak’s brand new hydration reservoir – Mili Spec Crux. Is it better than the old one, and what new features does it have? Let’s see.

Mil Spec Crux Reservoir

CamelBak completely redesigned all of their hydration reservoirs – gone are the old blue Crux bladders. At first glance, it appears that all they did was change the color of the reservoirs to a brown-beige one, and add a badass skull to them. The shapes of the actual reservoirs remain exactly the same.

But they did improve some features that are not visible to the naked eye, so let’s talk about those. The new and improved Crux delivers 25% more water per sip, so it will be easier for you to stay hydrated throughout your adventures.

Another thing that’s new is the angled exit port. Now, it is optimized for attaching purifiers and similar accessories. Useful if you’re ever in the wilderness for so long that you have to turn to water sources that aren’t the safest.

The things we loved about the reservoir stayed the same – it still features HydroGuard technology that inhibits the growth of bacteria inside the reservoir. And it still has an ergonomic fill handle, which makes it really easy to refill the reservoir without it slipping out of your hands.

The Motherlode backpack comes equipped with the Lumbar version of the reservoir – it’s wider, and not as tall as the other Crux variants. But, it fits into the hydration sleeve perfectly, and it sits against your lower back, so you won’t even feel it when wearing the Motherlode.

Hose & Valve

The valve of the reservoir is probably what changed the most. It is still a self-sealing bite valve, which prevents it from leaking even a single drop on you. The new thing about it is that now it has a cap that allows you to fully close it.

The old valve of the Crux featured a lever, which didn’t always work as expected. The cap is a much safer bet – there’s no way any water will leak if the valve is completely covered.

However, that also makes hydration a bit fussier. Even though it is designed so that you can take off the cap with one hand, it will take some time to get used to it. As it does with everything new. Especially if you’re used to that level from the old valve.

One thing that’s new about the tube is that it comes with a cover, which is either black or beige, to match the color of your backpack. I actually like this – it no longer stands out like the plastic blue tube of the old Crux used to.

Also, the tube cover is insulated, and it protects your water from nasty UV rays. This also means that, even though the tube is exposed, it won’t get hot that easily, and the water inside it should stay cool for a longer time.

Additionally, the HydroGuard technology is also applied to the inside of the tube, ensuring that no bacteria can stay alive inside it.

The tube still connects to the reservoir with the QuickLink system, so it is pretty easy to (dis)connect it – just press the button. This feature allows you to refill your reservoir without having to remove the tube from the body of the pack, which saves you a lot of time.

One-Handed Hydration

Unfortunately for all cyclists, hands-free hydration is not possible with the CamelBak reservoirs. If you were hoping for that, I suggest you go check out some Osprey Hydration packs – their magnetic attachment system actually allows you to set up hands-free hydration.

The Crux allows for one-handed hydration, which is perfectly fine for me. The tube is threaded through the reservoir compartment and through loops on the right shoulder strap. When you feel like taking a sip, all you need to do is lift it up to your mouth, pop off the cap and start drinking.

And you should always remember to put the cap back onto the valve when you’re done, to avoid any leaks.

Maintenance

Even with the HydroGuard antibacterial coating, you still need to properly clean your reservoir every so often.

And at least that’s one thing they haven’t really changed – your old cleaning kit (if you have one) should work perfectly fine with the Mili Spec Crux reservoir.

The “new” kit features a reservoir brush, a small hanger, a tube brush, and a couple of cleaning tabs that allow you to keep your reservoir pristine and taste-free. The hanger that comes with the CamelBak cleaning kit is compatible with all Crux reservoirs, including the lumbar one.

Be sure to check that before you buy a cleaning kit if you’re going to get a third-party one. The shape of the Lumbar is very specific, and most third-party hangers are actually not compatible with it. The cleaning kit I’ve linked here is specifically designed for the maintenance of the new Mil-Spec Crux reservoirs.

Comfort

Carrying comfort is important with every backpack. And it’s particularly important in a backpack that was designed for adventures that last several days.

So, in this section, we will focus on the features that make the Motherlode (not so) comfortable to carry for hours and days on end.

Padded Backpanel

The backpanel of the Motherlode backpack features some really thick padding. It will feel soft against your back, and you definitely won’t feel any of the contents of your pack while you are wearing it.

That is especially important because the reservoir is in the compartment just behind the backpanel. And it has some hard, bulky parts, which would really annoy you if the backpanel was thin.

Additionally, the external part of the backpanel is water-resistant, which is great for two reasons. One, in case of the hydration bladder leaks, the material will stop it from soaking your back. And two, in case you get sweaty, the backpack won’t absorb the moisture.

The only issue is that there is no ventilation to speak of in the backpanel. That is going to be a problem on warmer days, especially if you take CamelBak for their word and wear this for several days.

However, the padding on the backpanel is designed so that there is some airflow when you’re wearing the pack. It doesn’t lie fully flat against your back, and the air can circulate a bit. But not enough to keep you cool and dry in scorching July heat.

Another thing I was disappointed by is that you cannot adjust the torso height. Because of that, not everyone will find the Motherlode to be a perfect fit for their body. This does impact your comfort a little bit, but not too much. It will be fine for the person of average build, but if you’re on the shorter or taller side, you might struggle a bit with the overall fit of the backpack.

Adjustable Shoulder Straps

The harness/shoulder straps of this backpack are fully adjustable, which allows you to make them fit your body just right. The straps are heavily padded so that they feel soft and comfortable against your body.

But there’s not really any ventilation on them – so the same issue as with the backpanel. When it gets really hot outside, there’s a chance you will sweat in the areas where the backpack is touching your body.

The straps of the Motherlode backpack feature attachment points that you’re supposed to use to secure the hose of the Crux bladder. I really like that they included the attachment points on both straps since that allows you to set up the hydration however you prefer. Plus, it gives you attachment points for your other gear, on the strap that you’re not using for hydration.

And there is another really cool feature on these shoulder straps. They have quick-release buckles, which allows you to just take off the pack in a matter of seconds. This is actually much faster than taking off the normal way, but it does come with some downsides.

If a buckle of a shoulder strap gets damaged, then that strap pretty much becomes useless. Therefore, you should always be careful how you’re handling your backpack, to ensure that all the plastic parts remain intact.

Stowable Webbing Hipbelt

The hipbelt is probably the only part of this backpack that did not receive a significant improvement. At least in terms of what I consider to be a comfortable hipbelt.

In the previous versions of this backpack, the hipbelt was removable and padded. With the new Motherlode, it’s just a plain webbing strap. But it is slightly wider so that it doesn’t really cut into your skin.

It’s not removable, but it is stowable. There are two loops just above the straps, that you can use to stow away the hipbelt when you’re not using it.

A hipbelt is an important feature of any larger backpack since its main job is to transfer the weight of the pack to your hips, which are the largest muscles in your body. That’s how you are able to stay comfortable even with 40lbs+ on your back. Whenever your Motherlode backpack is at full capacity, you will want to use that hipbelt, in order to ensure that you don’t feel any pain or soreness.

But if the pack is practically empty, feel free to stow away those belt straps if they’re annoying you.

Even though this backpack doesn’t have a huge capacity, 40 liters is still a lot of weight. The lack of padding on the sides of your hips will impact your comfort level to a degree, and that is one of the reasons why the Motherlode got a lower score in this section.

The Sternum Strap

The sternum strap is also important for your comfort. It ensures that the shoulder straps remain in the exact place you want them to be throughout your adventure.

And it also helps with transferring the load away from your shoulders, so that you don’t feel sore later. This is very important in backpacks that have a large capacity since they get pretty heavy when you fill them up. And 40lbs on your shoulders is not really a comfortable feeling, so you will want to utilize both the sternum strap and the hipbelt.

It is adjustable, so you can tighten/loosen it until you find that it fits you perfectly.

Gear Capacity And Accessibility

The Motherlode was designed for people who spend a lot of time outdoors in rugged conditions. And those people usually need plenty of gear to keep them going for a few days.

Will it fit everything you need? And will you be able to keep your gear organized, and access it easily whenever you want? Let’s find out.

The Main Compartment

The main compartment of the pack is one of the things that got a major update this year. It used to be a regular top-loading main compartment, which was fine. But now the main compartment of the Motherlode features a clamshell opening, which is even better.

It makes packing so much easier, and it allows you to organizer your gear however you want. In addition to that, there are also three lash points inside it, which you can use to attach any smaller items that might otherwise get lost amongst the other contents of the pack.

And in case you’re not a fan of the clamshell opening, don’t fret. You can adjust the lower compression straps over the zipper so that the compartment only opens halfway!

There’s a zippered mesh pocket on the compartment’s front panel, which is great for any items you want to have really handy. And one thing worth mentioning is the material that the interior is lined with – it is water-resistant. So, in case the hydration bladder leaks, your belongings inside the backpack should not get wet.

Front Compartment

The Motherlode also features a zippered front compartment with an organizer panel. It’s great for all smaller items, and just generally things you want to have easy access to.

The organizer panel features two zippered mesh pockets, a slip pocket, and a couple of pen slots. It’s large enough to fit a notebook or a tablet, your phone, wallet, and a couple of other things.

Hydration Bladder Compartment

The hydration bladder compartment is just behind the backpanel. This is great for several reasons – for one, it doesn’t take away any space from the main compartment. And in case of the bladder leaks, it’s totally separate from all your other gear.

Another reason why this is awesome is that you actually get an additional compartment that you can use for whatever you want. Going out for a couple of hours and you don’t really need to bring a hydration bladder? Use that compartment for your laptop instead – with all the padding in it, your tech will be perfectly safe.

There are two holes at the top of this compartment, one on the left and one on the right. These are there so that you can pull the bladder hose through them, and attach it to the shoulder strap.

Oh, and another thing I really like is the material inside this compartment. It is water-resistant, so if the Crux leaks, the water shouldn’t soak through the material. Overall, a very useful feature of this backpack.

Zippered Front Pocket

The Motherlode features an additional zippered pocket on the very front. It’s pretty thin, and it can’t really fit too many items.

But it’s great for the things you want to keep separate from the gear in the main compartment, or just any small items that you want to have handy at all times.

Laser Cut MOLLE Panels

One of the new additions to the Motherlode is the laser-cut MOLLE panels. These used to be daisy chain straps, but by substituting those for MOLLE panels, CamelBak managed to reduce the weight of the backpack significantly.

And the best part is they are just as durable (if not more) than the daisy chains. There is a total of 50 holes on the front of the pack, so you can technically attach 25 different pieces of gear with carabiners to the exterior of the backpack. And then you also have some MOLLE panels on the sides of the pack. Now that’s pretty amazing!

The great thing about this is that they are designed for your bulky gear. Take anything that’s too bulky for the main compartment – a helmet or a tripod – and loop it through the holes, or use a carabiner. It won’t budge, and you’ll have more space inside the backpack for your other gear.

Overall, these panels are definitely one of the reasons why the Motherlode gets an A+ for gear accessibility.

Compression Straps

The Motherlode has a total of 4 compression straps; two on each side. I think that amount is perfect for the size and shape of this backpack, and its positioning is flawless.

Not only do they allow you to cinch in the main compartment of the backpack when it’s half-empty, but you can also use them as an anti-theft feature. Just make sure that the zipper pullers are hidden behind them, and no one will be able to tamper with your Motherlode without you noticing.

The only thing that bothers me a bit is that they interfere with the laser-cut MOLLE panels on the sides of the pack. So, if you actually wanted to attach something to the side of the pack, the lower compression straps won’t be as effective. But with 30+ other spots for a carabiner, I’m sure you can figure something out.

Value For Money

CamelBak backpacks are usually on the pricey side. And the Motherlode is no exception, with a three-digit price tag.

It’s really hard to talk about value for money with these pricier backpacks. That’s because this is going to be different for everyone. If you’re a student who lives on a tight budget and needs a cool everyday backpack, then you won’t get great value for money with this backpack. In fact, you’re better off buying a cheap anti-theft pack for your day-to-day activities and just stay away from CamelBak at all.

If you’re an explorer, you will probably find this backpack to be pretty cheap for everything it has to offer. And for you, this will be excellent value for money.

That’s why it’s not easy to say just yes this is worth your money, or no it is not.

So, let’s look at the average person. Someone who is looking for a rugged backpack with awesome hydration capacity and plenty of gear capacity. Something they can take on a two-day camping trip and not have to bring anything else.

I think this backpack is perfect for those people, and if they choose to buy it, they won’t regret it. They’ll get excellent value for money, especially because you get $50+ hydration equipment along with the fact.

But all of that doesn’t change the fact that the price tag of this pack is pretty hefty. And that you can buy last year’s version on Amazon for $80.

However, keep in mind that with the Motherlode, you’re paying for the premium materials, durability, and quality. You’re buying a backpack that you will be able to use for years to come and that will always perform as well as it did on day one. Because of that, I think that the price tag is mostly justified.

CamelBak Motherlode: Final Thoughts

When CamelBak redesigned the Motherlode, they really did change a lot of things. That resulted in the backpack I told you about in this review – a sleek, sturdy backpack that is designed for hydration on-the-go, but that can also fit plenty of other gear.

If you were looking for this kind of rugged outdoor backpack, then by all means go get the Motherlode. I think you will love it – I was particularly impressed by the functionality and versatility of the laser-cut MOLLE panels.

The pack has excellent organization capabilities, plenty of space for all your gear, and everything is easily accessible. The hydration aspect of this pack is also amazing since you are getting the new and improved lumbar Crux reservoirs along with the Motherlode. If you can easily afford this backpack, then it might just be the best thing you buy this summer.

But if you can’t, then skip it. There are so many other hydration backpacks out there, that it is simply not worth it if you have to pinch pennies and save in order to buy this. They might not be as rugged or as good-looking as this one, but they will do their job just fine.

Head over to Amazon to see the prices and color options for CamelBak’s Motherlode backpack. And check out our related posts to see some other awesome packs for hydration on the go!

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