Mystery Ranch Urban Assault 21 // EDC, Weekender, or Day Hiker?? How I Use It

Hey guys! The Mystery Ranch Urban Assault is a unique design and fantastically comfortable day hiker. In this video I pack it out in different modes and describe the function and features. Thanks for watching!! -JB
Shortcuts: 00:00 Let's GO!
00:32 Overview of the Urban Assault 21
02:04 Outside Features
06:47 Inside Look
09:03 Packing Out in Different Modes
13:50 How I'll Use It
16:05 Wrap-Up
Gear from this video:
⭐️ Mystery Ranch Urban Assault: www.mysteryranch.com/urban-as...
⭐️ GORUCK GR1: goruck.go2cloud.org/SH395 (affiliate)
⭐️ GORUCK Wire Dopp: goruck.go2cloud.org/SH3B1 (affiliate)
⭐️ Amazon Basics Packing Cubes: amzn.to/3ICOh41 (affiliate)
⭐️ Step 22 Tenkile Tech Pouch MCB: step22gear.com/collections/al...
⭐️ Evergoods CAP 2L: evergoods.us/collections/pack...
I recorded this episode using:
⭐️ Canon M6 Mark II w/15-45mm Lens: amzn.to/3EDehdB (affiliate)
⭐️ Rode VideoMicro Microphone: amzn.to/3EEVv5H (affiliate)
⭐️ SmallRig Cold Shoe Plate for Canon M6: amzn.to/3w7xqRU (affiliate)
⭐️ Sigma 16mm f/1.4 EF-M Lens: amzn.to/2ZQfGi8 (affiliate)
⭐️ Apple iPhone 13 Pro Max: amzn.to/3EJL4xX (affiliate)
⭐️ DJI OM 5 Smartphone Gimbal: amzn.to/3mDj0pK (affiliate)
⭐️ Insta360 ONE X2: amzn.to/3u3Rm9A (affiliate)
⭐️ I do almost everything on this tablet: Apple iPad Pro 12.9: amzn.to/3EF8lAQ (affiliate)
⭐️ I carry all my gear in GORUCK Rucks and Field Pockets: goruck.go2cloud.org/SH39F (affiliate)
FOLLOW ME: Instagram: / jb.outside
Facebook: / jboutside1
Twitter: / jb__outside
DISCLAIMER: This video and description contain affiliate links which means I receive a small commission on a purchase without additional cost to you, if you buy something through my links. Thank you for supporting the channel!
#MysteryRanch #MysteryRanchUrbanAssualt #UrbanAssault21

[@erichanson5628]

Thanks JB!

[@JBOutside1]

😁

[@714SNF]

thx for the video!

[@JBOutside1]

As they say at Chick-fil-A, “my pleasure!” 😜

[@ProtoMarcus]

I fell in love when I saw videos and reviews of this bag, but upon trying it out at an outdoors store, not so much - it lacks some organisation, strap keepers/savers, some bottle pocket _(either inner or outer, as long as there's one to keep a bottle in place)_ and some additional security features - putting some mini straps close to the nexus area of the tri-zippers to allow clipping a carabiner or the like would allow us to clip and secure the zipper tabs, to bring some theft-reduction features. For the 21ℓ I'd also remove the load lifters, it makes it look too busy in my opinion EDIT - I'd also split the inner side pockets, as like you said, since they go the entire length, they can't really fold or bend/curve with the bag, once closed. It is so unfortunate, I really love the look and feel! This colour variant also has that ''inconspicuous'' factor, which I really like

[@JBOutside1]

I had the same thoughts after a few days. Great color and a ton of potential. Ultimately it wasn't for me either.

[@robm846]

I think the laptop sleeve strap doubles as a strap for a hydration bladder (the double velcro pad on the end can be used to fold over the horizontal slit found in a lot of hydration bladders).

[@JBOutside1]

That makes sense! Thanks Rob!

[@blackhatbushcraft]

Nice review, thanks! You remind me of James Tolkan aka Mr. Strickland! Take care and keep up the good work.

[@JBOutside1]

Haha, I prefer his work in Top Gun!!! 😎

[@robbiemoore4714]

So I saw this bag and was attracted to it for its unique look and just wanting to switch up my EDC from a 10L bullet here and there just for fun. Buuuut after your video I feel like it is worth it at this time to swing for the new 16L laptop bullet. Just wish there was a way to add the quick access pocket to these things. Thank you for your reviews they do save a lot of time and $$ for some of us. Although the GovX $100 isn't a bad price to even have for a fun bag.

[@JBOutside1]

Totally agree. It’s worth a shot at that price. I also love that pocket. So useful. Rumor is there may be a heritage bullet…with a top pocket?? 🤷🏼‍♂️

[@jkamp]

Glad to see this review. I just swapped from the UA24 in the same Waxed wood color - which is gorgeous - as my EDC to Goruck, largely because of your reviews. I did use the UA24 for about a year and while I also have the UA21, I agree with it findings. It’s just too small and no laptop compartment (which the 24 fixed and I do recommend checking out!) My EDC load in the UA24 was a maxpedition fatty pouch for utility stuff like multi tool, flashlight, gloves, etc. and a Peak Designs tech pouch fit electronics goodies laid side by side at the bottom. Water bottle in the left inside tall pocket and first Aid kit and hand wipes on the right. In the leftover top space I kept a small cinch bag with a spare shirt in case of spills/sweat/etc (in AZ). Top lid pocket kept my MacBook charger, headphones, and a hank. The laptop compartment on the 24 is pretty generous. No problem with 15” mbp, IIIA plate, notebook, and a shemagh with room to spare. I was pretty surprised how much more I like the 24 I’ve the 21. I just use the 21 as my trucks emergency medical/trauma bag. I got the 26L Heritage and the 21L regular GR1. Still working out if I can do just the 21L size. I really want to use the Heritage as my edc. But I was a little shocked at how much more space it has vs the 24 urban assault.

[@JBOutside1]

Nice, as I plan future gear acquisitions, I'll add the UA24 to the list! I really do like this bag for comfort and feel but for ease of use the nod definitely goes to the GR1! Thanks for watching Joshua!

[@lewistalmadge6703]

Was curious about all the Mystery Ranch hype and does look to be a unique bag. However, I use my bag more for every day carry and not as a hiker so believe my Bullet 15L Kaiden is still best for me.

[@JBOutside1]

I think you're right...that Bullet is 🔥

[@dansouthcomb5439]

I agree the GR1 is probably a more convenient EDC and has the better warranty, but when you can buy the MR Urban Assault for $100 vs $325 for the GR1, it may be difficult for many to justify spending the extra $225.

[@JBOutside1]

Yep. Totally true.

[@ANDHereWeGo]

Agree very awkward to get access. Thanks for sharing.

[@JBOutside1]

Thanks for watching!

[@mjzangenberg]

I just ordered one in Woodwaxed.... Hard to come by atm for some reason in that colour and only the other colours available in EU in stock, many sold out etc. But I found one from Spain, despite I wanted to find something closer to Northern part of Europe, Scandiavia part.

[@JBOutside1]

Hope you enjoy it!

[@user-cm9nh6ic4s]

자세하게알려주셔서 감사합니다 반가워요^^*

[@JBOutside1]

괜찮아요! 시청 해주셔서 감사합니다!

[@machsi1900]

For edc its bigger brother the MR UA 24 is a better all around bag than this because it has external water bottle pockets and has a separate laptop compartment that is even better than the GR1. For day hiking i always choose my Vanquest ibex 26 over the UA 24 or the GR1 because its much more versatile and comfortable. Cheers and God bless.

[@JBOutside1]

Awesome, yeah that 24L is now on my list. The Ibex looks awesome. I'll add that to the list too!

[@starfoggs]

I don’t fully agree. I have both, but the 21 is my favorite. To me, the 24 only makes sense in case you really edc a laptop daily or almost daily. On every other day it just gives you some extra weight and the laptop compartment makes it somehow bulky. Almost like some turtle shell on your bag. External bottle pockets take space from the inside. So therefore they don’t provide any benefits to me except getting to your bottle 20 seconds faster. The 21 allows me to place two Nalgene bottles inside and under the two mesh pockets. Those keep them in position and they don’t move around in my bag. Both are fantastic bags and the UA24 offers some more features. But as those come with a price, I simply prefer the 21.

[@FlynnMcTaggart]

So I ended up deciding to get this pack in the camo 500d cordura, and I love it it's the perfect size for work, day to day edc, or a dayhike for me, BUT I want to add a strip of hook and loop on the top part of the backpack for morale patches. What is the best method of adding hook and loop velcro for patches without sewing? Or would I have to sew it in?

[@JBOutside1]

MagnePatch. They make magnetic loop panels you can put anywhere. I haven't seen one in person but want to get some for some of my slick bags.

[@FlynnMcTaggart]

@@JBOutside1 I saw that a new batch is coming in July but they will be pretty scarce I'll have to see if I can grab one

[@YTusercomment]

I would not see the Mystery Ranch's Urban 21 pack's lack of being a weekender backpack as a "negative." It was obviously not the intent of its' original design - a Business or EDC backpack. A person needing a robust day hike and / or 2 - 3 day backpack has other options with Mystery Ranch that they should be looking at. The MR Scree and MR Coulee as just two examples. Another option, for EDC, that should be considered, that also addresses some of your EDC carry concerns with this MR UA 21 pack, would be the Mystery Ranch District 18L or 24L.

[@JBOutside1]

Thanks!

[@FlynnMcTaggart]

How's the rainproofness? Would I have to worry in a decently heavy downpour with tech in the bag?

[@JBOutside1]

Depends on how new the bag is and the duration of the exposure. You’d be good for a bit if it was new.

[@DaemonViews]

I have used weight in my evergoods cpl and mpl22 but don't seem to get on good terms with the harness. It's always pinching somewhere or pushing in my back. How does this one compare? More comfortable with weight?

[@JBOutside1]

Not really much different. The Mystery Ranch bags with the Futura harness though are amazing

[@DaemonViews]

@@JBOutside1 from a search on their site I only find the asap as an option. Have you tried the coulee?

[@hsientsay]

I bought one today from Huckberry for 80 bucks to try the harness system….I was trying to make it an EDC bag but not sure if it will work for me

[@JBOutside1]

Let me know!

[@XbeaverNationX]

I’ll buy it if you don’t want it lol

[@JamesQHolden]

How is it now

[@scm1716]

Would this work well for weighted rucking (i.e., filling with plates or sand)?

[@JBOutside1]

Absolutely!

[@scm1716]

How many pounds do you think it could handle?

[@JBOutside1]

@@scm1716 I’d guess 30lbs for sure. Anything more and who knows 🤷🏼‍♂️