I didn't think that a rucksack could technically overwhelm me. But it was, for a few moments. I've since learned how to handle the Camelbak M.U.L.E. Pro. 

The offer was unbeatable. The M.U.L.E. Pro from Camelbak already comes with a hydration bladder, which can cost an extra 30 francs for others. A tool bag - sorry, organizer - is also included. My old rucksack is a collection of holes, broken buckles and zippers that no longer close. I'm going for it.

As I take it out of the packaging, I'm not sure which way is up and which way is down. It's hard to imagine with a rucksack, but the way the straps are looped into each other and around the whole bag, it's really quite confusing at first. The chest strap fastener also looks special. Is it a bayonet fastener? When a part of the drinking tube sticks to it by itself, I realize that it's a magnetic buckle like the ones I remember from my children's first helmets.

So slowly the fog clears. Some things about this rucksack are different to others. For example, the zipper of the compartment that holds the hydration bladder. Did they have to reinvent as much as possible here, I wonder? I remember that the larger Camelbak backpack I already own has two sternum straps for reasons I can't understand.

How a zipper improves the touring experience

On the trail, the M.U.L.E. really comes into its own: It is extremely light, the special shape allows air to flow between the back and the rucksack. But the cherry on the cake is the phone compartment. It is located on the lower back, with the opening on the side. The smartphone can be pulled out with the left hand and stowed away again. With all previous backpacks, I either had to carry it in my trouser pocket, which is impractical for me and dangerous for the device. Or I had to put it in a compartment on the backpack that I couldn't reach without taking it off.

On new trails that require diligent consultation of the Map, this compartment on the back - where the phone is also well protected - is a game changer. Even when riding at full speed, I can pull the device out effortlessly with gloves on and put it back in a matter of seconds. From now on, I'll miss the phone slot on any backpack that doesn't have one. Unfortunately, the Ride Trail Map doesn't fit in by a few centimetres. If you fold it once, this problem is also solved.

Because I find this cell phone compartment so handy, it's not a bad thing that the idea with the magnetic holder for the hydration tube doesn't perform as intended. The magnetic buckle on the chest strap is also the dock for the hydration tube. However, because the magnet is not quite as strong, perhaps out of consideration for people with a pacemaker, the tube comes loose if you shake it a little more. On rough trails and when fiddling around before the tour or during a break, the tube likes to dangle a little in front of your stomach.

Another plus point are the spartan carrying straps and the hip belt, both of which allow as much draught to reach the body as possible, while other backpacks with over-fat straps make hot days even hotter. All in all, the M.U.L.E. Pro is pure joy on the back. And that's mainly because of the compartment that puts everything in the bag.