Mystery Ranch Urban Assault 21L review (3 zips, unique look, worth the price?)

🎒 Get this pack → go.nomadsnation.com/mystery-r...
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00:00 - Intro
0:42 - Gist of the Pack
3:50 - Front of the Pack
6:38 - Middle of the Pack
10:55 - Back of the Pack
14:28 - Pros and Cons
15:48 - Alternatives
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Join our email list to get a behind-the-scenes look and to be able to vote on key features of the bag.
Learn more 👉🏼 nomadsnation.com/building-a-b...
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Check out the Nomads Nation Marketplace! A secure hub where bag enthusiasts can buy, sell, and connect. Discover amazing deals and join the community today 👉 district.net/nomads
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Built with a purpose, Mystery Ranch backpacks are believed to match the boldness of those who use them. As the company claims, their packs are made "to minimize the burden on your back," whether you are a mountaineer, exhibitionist, firefighter, hunter, or soldier.
The Mystery Ranch Urban Assault 21 is a pack with a unique zipper system that we can dissect into two categories- The AESTHETIC it brings and the FUNCTION it offers. The 3-zip technology of this pack looks great for outdoor activities and at the same time cool for urban getaways. Talking about its functionality, this pack is unbelievably waterproof even with its design.
If you think that every backpack is not complete without a water bottle holder, then you might reconsider getting this one.
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Get the Mystery Ranch Urban Assault 21 if…
✅ You love the aesthetics and the functionality of its 3-Zip Technology.
✅ You love how comfortable the shoulder straps are.
✅ You like how they offer a ton of color options.
Updated link - get the best price here → go.nomadsnation.com/mystery-r...
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DO NOT get the Mystery Ranch Urban Assault 21 if…
❌ You like the thought of having an urban-outdoor pack fusion but you don't dig the look of this pack. Below is another alternative... 👇🏼
Boundary Supply Prima System → Perfect for both adventure and city travel, 25L to 30L
Watch our review → bit.ly/3Dk6CRi
Check out their website → go.nomadsnation.com/bs-prima-...
❌ You are looking for another urban/adventure pack but sleeker. Check below for another pack alternative… 👇🏼
Wandrd Duo Daypack → City/Adventure/EDC pack with a ton of feature *DISCLAIMER: The WANDRD Duo is now discontinued, check out the WANDRD PRVKE instead! They are both great weather resistant bags for photographers.
Watch our review → bit.ly/3osBmcD
Check the best price → go.nomadsnation.com/wandrd-prvke
❌ This backpack is okay but you prefer a simple yet still quirky pack. Check below for another pack alternative… 👇🏼
Able Carry Daily Backpack → 13 liters with great functionality
Watch our review → bit.ly/3C8ltNm
Check out their website → go.nomadsnation.com/able-carr...
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Specs/Features/Summary
To get the best price, use this link → go.nomadsnation.com/mystery-r...
• Available as a 21 liter
• 500D CORDURA® fabric
• YKK® zippers
• Can fit a laptop up to 15”
• Fixed harnessing
• Color options: Black, Camo, Garnet, Grape, Shadow, Techno, Woodwaxed, and many more!
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Looking to have YOUR backpack reviewed? Contact Aaron at [e-mail]
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Affiliate Disclosure: We hope you enjoyed our Mystery Ranch Urban Assault 21L review! To support our channel, we use affiliate links in our content. Clicking on these links and making a purchase helps us keep creating great videos (at no extra cost to you!)
Free Gear Disclosure: We often receive free gear for our reviews, but this does not influence our opinions. We always provide honest reviews-if a product isn't up to par, we'll tell you.

[@Nomads.Nation]

Do you want to help me build a game-changing backpack? 👉🏼 nomadsnation.com/building-a-backpack

[@spinnindat13]

I've owned this bag in the for four years, primarily for International travel. The simplistic layout and easy of use was my main reason behind the purchase years ago and could not have been more true to this day. As much as I love and appreciate an organization layout, on the go; quick and direct just proves to be more effective for my load outs. A passport/wallet, pen, chapstick and AirPods in the top pocket is my go to. Also a nice tech organizer, jacket packed in A eagle creek bag, water bottle in the main cabin with room for a lot more. A small topo design pouch fits perfect in the side pockets and a small 10k amp charger in the other. I can't explain how great this bag is for me and my travels. The only thing not to like is to see someone else with the same bag.

[@Nomads.Nation]

Love this comment, and totally agree - if you want a simple travel bag that will get the job done for years, this is a solid choice

[@tobiassmith402]

Hey I have this backpack and it's great as a city commuter. Bungee = dangle fix. You can use the bungee on the sternum straps to get rid of the dangling shoulder strap nylon. Just loop it back up and under the bungee and the sewing on the ends of the shoulder strops prevents them from falling out. Likewise depending on your size (aka. excess nylon) you can do a similar thing on the sternum strap, however you could also use a third party clip to keep it dangle free. For me this bag is a perfect city commuter. It fits my 15" laptop perfectly. It's slim profile makes it easy to dart between people at a packed train station. Lack of external water bottle pockets means you don't have you worry about anything slipping out when you're booking it. If you're worried about thieves you can tuck the middle zipper up into the bag so you have to unzip a top zipper first (which could be locked together). The ventilation is the biggest con in my opinion. Here in Australia is gets pretty toasty so you'll be sweating against that back panel for sure. Loved the review as always, Keep at it

[@Nomads.Nation]

Thanks for the epic comment from down under Tobias! 🇦🇺

[@Andy7447m]

I just discovered this channel this week and already ordered three things. Great reviews. Makes me miss Hong Kong though!

[@Nomads.Nation]

Thank you so much and Hong Kong misses you too 🇭🇰

[@jamesloh2010]

Recently purchased the wildfire version of this pack for school and work use and its been really good! I dont bring that much to work or school mainly a laptop, charger and jacket with some smaller items and its perfect!

[@Nomads.Nation]

Great to hear! It’s a truly quality bag, I was impressed with it

[@laeonflux]

I have this one too in an eggplant purple color and I love it. It's simple but sturdy and really comfortable. I solved the excess dangle by looping the excess strap through the bottom webbing loops. You have to get used to it but I honestly love this backpack and the 3 zippers become really useful when you get used to it. It's def not for everyone but I believe it's a really solid pack.

[@Nomads.Nation]

I agree, I was really impressed with the pack. Minimalist yet functional and just had a great feel (and look obviously)

[@adamsarwar]

Great color

[@Nomads.Nation]

@@adamsarwar agreed!

[@rlfstr]

I've kinda moved on from the UA21 but it really is the most comfortable backpack I've ever used. I also had the Wood Waxed color and it feels/looks great. My only gripe with the bag was that if there's some stuff in the pockets at the top and nothing at the bottom then the bag starts looking kind of weird cuz the top is a little bulky while the bottom is compressed.

[@Nomads.Nation]

That makes sense about the pockets and yea when it comes to comfort with this bag I was very pleasantly surprised

[@nellatrab]

Actually I wonder why you would put stuff in top pockets and leave the bottom of the main part of the bag empty, seems you should just use a small sling...?

[@Nomads.Nation]

@@nellatrab sometimes I have more gear and need more space

[@unfi6798]

Yay..! You actually found the bottle compartment..!! Bottle holder does not have to be on the outside. Cowabunga matey! That key holder is to keep keys etc safe & it'll be exactly where you left it. You can always attach a retractable key tag to it. That elastic on the sternum strap is for that extra length of shoulder strap, use the elastic to secure strap so "no more dangler". US 21 is a great B.O.B or Get home Bag etc. It can be use as you probably know for indoors, outdoors & outback adventures. Modification can be made to the pack to hold a H2O bladder. We did some mods to our pack to make it suit our functionality. Also I feel that it would be more attractive & attentiveness if your review any pack "fully loaded" so we can see its actually shape & its function more clearly. Thought we throw that out there mate.

[@Nomads.Nation]

I need to get better at making modifications to packs - def not my strength. And great suggestion on filling out the bags! We should we just get lazy sometimes lol

[@flyleaf6510]

I am a big fan of your reviews, thanks for your work. Сould you ever review Black Ember shadow backpack?

[@Nomads.Nation]

Thanks so much! And yes, I’m literally testing out the Shadow right now. Review coming soon

[@GabooN]

I’ve been using this same bag/colour as my weekend bag for almost a year now. My partner had to move 2 hours away due to her work posting, so lots of weekend trips. I have a full sized Grid-It panel that fits into the laptop section, holding charging cables for phone, watch, etc, some other edc items. I have a nalgene water bottle, stuff sack with my changes of clothes, sunglasses case, etc in the main area. Inner organization pockets I keep mini first aid kit, emergency blanket, Outlery set. In the top I have a little edc organizer with knife/pen/flashlight and a few smaller items. I also throw a small sling pack with my dogs own items and treats into the bag at times. Bag still seems brand new. Have worn it for some short motorcycle trips to the store when I don’t want to use my Kreiga bags.

[@Nomads.Nation]

Thanks for the comment Kyle and great to hear your thoughts on this bag. Also I Googled ‘grid it panel’ and I totally want one now lol

[@GabooN]

@@Nomads.Nation They are great to keep things tidy instead of a pile of small items. I also have a 5x10 grid-it in my smaller Chrome sling, and it easily transfers into other bags as needed - holds things like mini flashlight, folding knife, pen/sharpie, chap stick, earbuds case, etc...

[@Nomads.Nation]

@@GabooN I'm 99% sure I'm getting one now lol

[@elliotwhite5324]

It`s very interesting backpack, i like this design! I`m so thankfull for your job! I learned a lot of things to pay attention to when choosing a backpack :)

[@Nomads.Nation]

Glad you enjoyed Elliot!!

[@FlynnMcTaggart]

Where do you run the tube through for a hydration bladder if you want to get it on the outside of the pack and lashed to the shoulder strap?

[@Nomads.Nation]

I’m not 100% sure, this might be a good question for Mystery Ranch customer support

[@PierricDescamps]

I was very curious about this bag until now. It does look great and from this unpacking video i was positively surprised by the rather slim profile when empty. But when I saw you using the Tri zip thing, my first thought was: meeeh. Opens fast enough but closing will be slower! And even the opening seems less fun than I thought due to the resistance of the weather resistant zips. Funnily i thought: id rather have magnetic buckles that work well like on the prima - which is exactly what you ended up recommending. The straps look really great. But agree on ventilation and dangle, at this price it's a flaw.

[@Nomads.Nation]

Totally agreed. It’s a great bag, and judging by the comments in the video some people are in love with it. That’s what I love about backpacks so much - there’s so many options and there’s a bag for everyone

[@jonathin5852]

What's a good everyday carry/tech backpack that is water resistant for commuting via bike (maybe can be expanded for groceries)? (I like the 20L Belroy Transit for example)

[@Nomads.Nation]

Can’t help you with the expansion part but Evergoods CPL24 might be worth checking out

[@mrkojak-ci1zm]

Alright i was reserving the "like" until the end but when you covered the "suspended bottom" that's when. Never seen it covered before. Video's really good and im new to mystery ranch

[@Nomads.Nation]

glad we passed your test ;) welcome to the community!

[@henryc33]

Hey Aaron, long time no talk! Great review again. The material of the mystery ranch urban assault backpack looks like the material of the Bellroy Apex backpack. Could you double check it for me?

[@Nomads.Nation]

Great to hear from you! Unfortunately I don’t have the Bellroy Alex so I’m not sure

[@pao_banaag]

Been waiting for this one for a while. We got the same color, nice!

[@Nomads.Nation]

It’s a great color! I had lots of choices and fell in love with this one right away

[@rlfstr]

@@Nomads.Nation The Wood Waxed one is also made of a different material than the other ones. The Wood Waxed is apparently a cotton/polyester blend with a dry wax finish while the others are 500D Cordura if I'm not mistaken.

[@Nomads.Nation]

@@rlfstr ahh that makes sense. I really loved the materials

[@JeffBecker1]

Love my UA21- super minimal, low key and unique - but nowhere near waterproof. The Aquaguard zips are better than regular zips but will seep water throughout the day, especially down the main zip as the design funnels water down it! All seams also leak like any other school backpack. FYI. Laptop users may take review the wrong way.

[@Nomads.Nation]

Thanks for that Jeff!

[@FlynnMcTaggart]

What do you mean seap water? Would someone have to worry in decently heavy rain?

[@rlfstr]

Are you throwing it in the river Jeff? I had the Wood Waxed colorway , I wore it in heavy rain for 45 mins and nothing inside got moist let alone wet, not even in the top pocket. It's incredibly water-resistant. That being said, the other colorways might be less so, the Wood Waxed I believe is made of cotton/polyester and has a water-resistant dry finish of some sort that gives it a nice patina.

[@MVirnig3D]

Do you think you can revew some Tumi bags? It seems like Tumi never really gets any reveiws.

[@Nomads.Nation]

I’d love to review Tumi packs - hopefully soon!

[@intellectualesemv]

You got the waxed canvas version, the most premium of the UAs.

[@Nomads.Nation]

Good to know! I really loved the material

[@todaysgrailtomorrowsbeater]

Got the catalyst 22 and it’s kind of like a duffel pack, use it for my boxing gear like a gym duffel.

[@Nomads.Nation]

I wanna review that one

[@intersonic]

Say HI from Hong Kong. i'm going to choose between Mystery Ranch 21 or arcteryx arro 22

[@Nomads.Nation]

Lay ho! I’ve never reviewed Arcteryx so by default I’d recommend MR 🇭🇰

[@marianthelibrarian2274]

How giant do they think a person is going to be to have to expand the arm holes that much? Able Carry Daily really is an awesome bag. Always enjoy your reviews.

[@Nomads.Nation]

Thanks so much! And yea, Able Carry is becoming one of my all time faves - love all their packs

[@ernestr1327]

I be that giant 🥹

[@marianthelibrarian2274]

@@ernestr1327 Now I know and stand corrected 😀

[@Brandon-0028]

Aaron! What's happening man? It's been forever since I've seen a backpack review from you guys. The only MR bag I have is the Dragon and I am with you. The mesh on the inside is durable, but unfortunately it "feels" durable. Not a huge fan of that. And so many questions... like who's Margaret? Where's Tav? How've you been? I hope well!

[@Nomads.Nation]

Great to hear from you Brandon! Margaret is our new videographer (we’re growing!) and Tav is still with us but focusing more on photography reviews and some new types of content (Fjallraven storytelling video coming soon - let us know what you think once it’s live)

[@pittwm]

I love mine, it holds more than my. Offer 5.11 pack…

[@Nomads.Nation]

It’s a really great pack

[@MrPinpoint007]

I’m sure it’s fine, but it seems like if you yank the top open each time the zippers will soon break.

[@Nomads.Nation]

they are CHUNKY YKK zips and they should last the test of time, hell they might even last through the apocalypse they should be that durable.

[@donkeylzc]

Man i want this bag badly. But its usually out of stock or shipping to malaysia is ridiculous

[@Nomads.Nation]

Can’t find it locally in retail? They are in a lot of shops in Hong Kong

[@user-xe7oc7fq5c]

I heard someone says the chest straps is for holding the water pipe ,I think….. but there is no area for the pipe go outside from the bag inside 😩

[@Nomads.Nation]

Yea doesn’t make sense…

[@user-xe7oc7fq5c]

@@Nomads.Nation maybe they just make it for decorations 💀

[@Nomads.Nation]

@@user-xe7oc7fq5c could be haha

[@verynearlypure]

2:18 thank you I thought I was going to rip the zipper seal off.

[@Nomads.Nation]

😎

[@robbobstone]

With the way it zips I call mine the Demigorgon from Stranger Things haha

[@Nomads.Nation]

👏

[@danmarly5173]

REF: color ; please

[@Nomads.Nation]

🤔

[@user-xe7oc7fq5c]

I’ve bought it but I found that the colour is not brown ,it’s green, but the photo on MR web is brown😂

[@Nomads.Nation]

Oh shit! Hope you like green lol

[@user-xe7oc7fq5c]

@@Nomads.Nation although it’s doesn’t matter for me. But I prefer brown, but green look more outdoor style,so it’s still great

[@user-xe7oc7fq5c]

@@Nomads.Nation I want to ask you a question: are the zipper so tight?is this normal

[@landons2k907]

easy to pull the zipper down specially to for pick pockets lol

[@Nomads.Nation]

Ur not wrong!

[@gihigugma2003]

cool backpack but most cool 24L ver. peace

[@Nomads.Nation]

✌️

[@peterwong3420]

this backpack everywhere in Hong Kong. YesXD stylish, yes functional, no

[@Nomads.Nation]

It’s literally everywhere 😂

[@andrewkrieger1736]

Picked it up for $40

[@Nomads.Nation]

STEAL!

[@verynearlypure]

I'm calling the police.

[@Nomads.Nation]

@@verynearlypure 😏

[@fabriziogargiulo7435]

For me the real problem about this bag is for the pickpockets... I don't know but 3 zip that open all of my backpack like a knife with the bread, don't make me feel secure

[@Nomads.Nation]

While I see your point I don’t completely agree. I think if a thief is committed enough to grab this bag and rip it open while you are wearing it then it doesn’t matter what bag you have.

[@MrAfiqasyran]

Dont you just love it when the bag is not ship to your country, when they manufactured the bag in Vietnam. Just a missile throw away from you my country Malaysia. Anyone know how to source this bag?

[@Nomads.Nation]

Take a flight to Vietnam and grab one from their factory lol. Also check out Suburban - they ship to Malaysia

[@MrAfiqasyran]

@@Nomads.Nation The joy or shopping online where you placed the order, credit card charged and nobody gave a personal update whether the model requested are in stock or not. Order placed from Outdoor Life Sg. Tq bro, subscribed.

[@Nomads.Nation]

@@MrAfiqasyran nice !

[@fantasypad7861]

Residence of HK is here too. This brand is heated.

[@Nomads.Nation]

literally every other dude on the MTR is wearing one lol

[@asalamw]

👍😊✌️

[@Nomads.Nation]

❤️❤️❤️

[@jimmybutler5683]

you are living in China？

[@Nomads.Nation]

Hong Kong so no, but yes, but no, but also yes. It’s confusing lol.

[@Nomads.Nation]

Also I’m the biggest Miami heat fan in the world, love your 2-way game and what you have brought to the Heat culture over the past few years. I feel great about our chances this season - let’s get you the ring you finally deserve and bring the trophy back to Biscane!!! 🔥

[@RK-um9tu]

You can tell from the water bottle comments the people with a job vs. those with a professional career🤣😂🤣

[@Nomads.Nation]

what's the difference? 🤔

[@RK-um9tu]

@@Nomads.Nation If you have to ask, it is clear which group you identify with.

[@Nomads.Nation]

@@RK-um9tu still no idea what you’re talking about lol

[@MoonRoomOfficial]

no water bottle holder wow. EASY pass.

[@Nomads.Nation]

Best of luck!

[@MS-ge2jb]

The dumbest design I've ever seen. Why do people have to bother dealing with 3 Zippers just to access the main compartment? I don't get it.

[@Nomads.Nation]

its definetaly unique and not my favorite, but this backpack is crazy popular, so clearly there's demand for it

[@carbonoxx]

this bag make nonsense, unless u only need it for fashion............

[@Nomads.Nation]

I agree that it's overhyped due to fashion BUT I was actually pretty impressed by it. Cool UX, different design, and some fun features

[@mikeestevez5047]

is this video about a backpack or about a dude that likes to hear himself talk

[@Nomads.Nation]

Mostly a backpack but also a bit of hearing myself talk ;)