CamelBak Motherlode

Every once in a while you come across a piece of equipment that sticks with you for years, and no matter what happens you don’t abandon it for whatever shiny new version you might come across. There is a certain feeling of a weight lifted off your shoulders when you know that at least one piece of equipment is covered; kind of like when Edward Norton was happy he didn’t have to worry about couch in Fight Club, which he of course lost when his apartment exploded…I digress. I have found that feeling in the Camelbak Motherlode, and I continue to use the exact same bag after over 14 years.

How I Got My CamelBak Motherlode

As a young paratrooper stationed in Fort Polk, Louisiana I was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 509th IN(ABN). This unit was, and is the dedicated OPFOR, or opposing forces for the Joint Readiness Training Center. What that means in human words is that I was part of a team that played the role of the bad guy in the world’s largest and most complex game of laser tag against military units getting ready to deploy overseas, usually to Iraq or Afghanistan. In this role, I spent roughly two weeks of every month in the swamps of central Louisiana practicing guerrilla tactics and basically living out of whatever bag I could carry on my back. Somebody really smart made the decision that everyone in my unit would be issued a CamelBak Motherlode.

How Tough Is It?

The hours I have had the Motherlode on my back are beyond my comprehension at this point. I stuffed this bag to the gills with batteries, chow, clothes, ammo, smoke grenades, sleep systems, bug spray, etc. for well over three years, two weeks of almost every month, and I never had a single failure of the zipper or the MOLLE loops. This bag always had just enough room to fit everything I needed to survive out of for short duration until I could find resupply, without letting me pack so much equipment that I made myself immobile. Fort Polk was a real test on the bag, but I wasn’t done there.

In 2009, I was with 4th BCT, 25th Infantry Division (ABN) when we deployed to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. This was a year long stay in the province of Paktya where we lived relatively clandestine for most of our tour. Spending most of our year living at a glorified patrol base and conducting operations from there, I elected to use the CamelBack Motherlode again because it was just slightly larger, and had more pockets, than the standard issue assault pack. I also appreciated the dedicated location for the water bladder associated with nearly all CamelBak products. Again, the Motherlode performed flawlessly for over a year through countless patrols through the deserts and mountains of Afghanistan.

Now I tend to use it for much more pedestrian purposes. It acts as my range bag, I carry things to work with it, I stuff it with gear when I go deer hunting, or I throw it on my back for storage when I’m riding my motorcycle. I don’t abuse the bag as bad as I once did, but I find it impressive that the CamelBak Motherlode is still in perfect working condition after all of these years of hard use.

What Makes CamelBak Motherlode So Tough?

The CamelBak Motherlode is constructed with Cordura nylon and YKK zippers. Both of these materials are world class materials that, in my experience, withstand the test of time. The outer storage straps and shoulder straps are firmly sewn in; mine have never needed repair. The MOLLE loops are also firmly affixed, and hold plenty of accessories.

What Do I Recommend The Motherlode For?

Basically anything. For those who want a high quality bag that is going to last through the harshest conditions, the CamelBak Motherlode is an easy recommendation. Whether you want it for hunting, military applications, as a bug out bag, or even to carry your books to class I think that this is an investment that you will be pleased with.

If you want to get your own check it out on Amazon below, or for more content click here.

CamelBak Motherlode 100 Ounce 3 Liter Long Mil Spec Hydration Backpack, Black

If you have specific questions about my experience with the the CamelBak Motherlode, click here.