Mystery Ranch Urban Assault 24 Review | Durable 24L EDC Backpack With A 3-ZIP Opening (UA24)

The Mystery Ranch Urban Assault 24, or UA24 for short, is a durable backpack with a comfortable harness system-once you get the hang of it. View Our Full Review: packhacker.com/travel-gear/my...
0:00 - Intro
0:48 - Material & Aesthetic
2:43 - External Components
6:06 - Inside the Pack
11:53 - Durability & Testing
12:41 - Pros & Cons
13:33 - The Verdict
Comfort is huge when looking for a backpack that you plan on hauling around your next trip. What comes after comfort? Durability. Of course, these may not be your top priorities, but they definitely are for the Mystery Ranch Urban Assault 24-UA24 for short.
The folks at Mystery Ranch have been in the bag-making game for quite some time. They're known for creating high-quality, durable packs that can take a beating in the most extreme conditions-from forest fires to the frontlines to mountaintops. And if you’re looking for comfort and durability, then the UA24 might be the bag for you (if you don’t mind a slightly tactical look).
We’ve been testing this backpack for a little over two weeks in Detroit, Los Angeles, and San Francisco, including four flights and the first-ever Pack Hacker meetup-it’s been a busy two weeks!
The Mystery Ranch Urban Assault 24 is an excellent companion for minimalist travelers-especially if you don't mind slightly more tactical aesthetic. There’s a lot of attention to detail put into the way this bag carries, which you’ll appreciate on those long travel days or all-day adventures. Although we have gripes with the laptop compartment and the lackluster top handle, we like the unique 3-ZIP opening and solid materials-and did we mention it was comfortable? If you prioritize carry comfort, organization, and durability the UA24 could be a great choice.
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View more reviews on our website: packhacker.com/travel-gear/
SHOW NOTES:
In this video, Tom Wahlin of Pack Hacker reviews the Mystery Ranch Urban Assault 24, a durable 24L backpack with a 3-zip opening.
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[@PackHacker]

Do you like the 3-ZIP opening?

[@01cthompson]

I have the 21L UA that works okay. But, I tried two 18L ones at a store and on both packs the long zipper got hung up on the seams that reinforce the shorter zippers. I could see that being an issue with use.

[@marianthelibrarian2274]

Nope

[@PackHacker]

Thanks for sharing your experience with the community, Chris! 🙌👍 - Rebecca

[@KeepNashvilleFriendly]

Pack Hacker Yep. I dig the increased access.

[@suckafree97]

Is there anyway that you guys could do a comparison with the Yeti Crossroads and other comparable bags? I would def like to know more about it and others before shelling out $200 + on a new backpack. For daily and weekender use. (Probably not the right place to add this comment) Thanks! -Will

[@redforrori]

THANK YOU for showing how it flops over! My biggest complaint with my North Face Borealis bags. :(

[@tobiasf4782]

Yeeees finally a video on that pack

[@PackHacker]

👍👍👍 - Rebecca

[@carnold.knowledge]

How many times does Tom say “Going On”? But I still love Pack Hacker Videos...

[@senseipyro1409]

Absolutely amazing review. I've been searching and looking at backpack reviewers but yours are by far the best. Please don't change the way you make videos. Super informative. 1 Question for a recommendation from you - what would you suggest for a backpack for me? I will use it everyday for work but also grocery shopping to carry my groceries. I will also need it for train travel between cities to carry at least 1 pair of shoes and clothes, also my laptop, book, kindle, and overhead headphones. I have a budget of about £250. I am thinking of getting this one - what do you think?

[@uncatila]

I got the 27 mystery 2 day assault for edc. I dropped a 511 Molly panel in to supper organize. With edc rations I have room for a light sleep kit. A strong poncho that is fitted to be a hammock and a swagman role. It's got Molly on the sides and back so that gives it some expandability.

[@PackHacker]

Hey Patrick, sounds like you have an awesome system going on there, thanks for sharing your experience with us! We're glad that you've found a pack that's working well for you. 😊🙌 - Rebecca

[@uncatila]

@@PackHacker now I'm withe the SOG 33

[@stebesplace]

It looks SUPER comfortable higher up. I got the play with this at our local REI, and it took a bit to get used to the zipper configuration, and I wonder if being used as a daily, if it would get annoying? Regardless, I like the look, and I'm glad to see them in more retail locations like REI. Also, good to know you can slide a Bellroy sling in that bad boy!

[@PackHacker]

Hey Steve - we get what you're saying about the 3-ZIP opening, but so far, we haven't had any issues as it's made accessing our items quicker and easier (but we'll keep you updated if anything changes). Thanks for sharing your thoughts with us! 😊 - Rebecca

[@minervali631]

In the past 9 years I lived in 3 different continents and many places because of work and school, and my backpack was the only thing still with me and hasn't change. It's a arcteryx but the inside of it is worn out. I'm looking for a replacement with great quality for everyday use that can last for years. Any recommendation folks? I like this 3zip design but unfortunately I carry standard cycling bottles most of the time and this isn't going to fit.

[@maysdogus]

Really good looking pack, love that gray too. Think I'd have to try out that tri-zip to see if I like it, but I'd give it a shot. Also think I'd sacrifice the streamlined exterior to have some elastic water bottle pockets. Or some kind of side zip or something.

[@PackHacker]

Glad you're digging the aesthetic, Chris. We hear you, the 3-ZIP opening isn't going to work for everyone, so it might take some getting used to. Thanks for sharing your thoughts with us, we love hearing what would work for you! 😊🙌 - Rebecca

[@venom5809]

The name of that bag makes me constantly think of food, I don't know if that's a good or bad thing? LOL

[@chaosncheckt9356]

Recently saw this pack on sale at an REI. I think the price was around $140 and I almost pulled the trigger. After watching your video, I regret not making the purchase.

[@PackHacker]

Thanks for sharing your experience with us, CHAOSNCHECK T. Let us know if you decide to pick up this pack in the future. 😊👍 - Rebecca

[@chaosncheckt9356]

@@PackHacker Always interested in purchasing a new pack but I doubt REI has it for the sale price. Do you have a source?

[@PackHacker]

Hey CHAOSNCHECK T - we currently have no deals, but we have some links to check the price on the top of our written review packhacker.com/travel-gear/mystery-ranch/urban-assault-24/ - hope this helps! 👍 - Rebecca

[@Mrhenwii123]

i wonder if it can fit like a camera cube or ICU inside the bag? small? medium maybe?

[@drojim184]

You guys ever check out the kelty tactical 30 liter redwing model.very similar bag style. Basic but I think a good enough competitor

[@PackHacker]

Hey drojim184 - we hear you, there are some similarities between these two packs. Thanks for sharing! 😊👍 - Rebecca

[@01cthompson]

It looks like they took all the complaints about the 21L UA and tried to fix them with this bag. My biggest gripe with this bag is that the outside bottle holders use up space on the inside of the pack. a 32 oz bottle or two will put a big dent in the capacity. Also, those two upper internal pockets can only accommodate items that can bend as the pocket itself bends when the pack is zipped. Did you find that the pack tends to "kick" you in the lower back? My 21L does. I really wish they included the option of a belly strap.

[@PackHacker]

Hey Chris - thanks for sharing your thoughts and opinions with us! We haven't had any issues with this pack digging into our lower pack (but we have with other packs) as it seems to depend on the torso length. 😊 - Rebecca

[@123abc123jack]

Hi guys, would you like to make a review about the latest MR 2 day assault backpack?

[@PackHacker]

Hey Jack - we currently have no plans to review the Mystery Ranch 2 Day Assault Pack in the immediate pipeline, but it's on the list. 👍 - Rebecca

[@ev6377]

Is there a way to lock those zippers? Are those zipper pulls cut proof?

[@rebeccaw9656]

Reminds me of a Tardis, way more space inside than it looks. You wouldn’t be able to squish it all down like that with a clam shell opening.

[@PackHacker]

We get what you're saying, Rebecca and we're digging that description! 😄🙌 - Rebecca

[@sonny8085]

How much experience do you have using it in hot climates?...my concern is that the back panel doesn't appear to bother with any kind of airflow channels or ways of keeping the pack raised off your back to reduce sweating. Do you think back sweat would be a problem with this pack? (I travel a lot in hot countries, which is why I ask)

[@PackHacker]

Hey Sonny! We tested this pack out in Detroit, Los Angeles, and San Francisco, so we were able to use this bag in warmer climates. While back sweat when carrying a backpack is inevitable, the back panel on this pack offered a good amount of airflow and it feels like Mystery Ranch gave a lot of thought into how this bag rides over long stretches. However, as with every bag, your mileage may vary. Hope this helps! 😊 - Rebecca

[@ArnauViaM]

Man how do you fold you suit in that peak design packing cube without getting wrinkles? I have to deal with suit on my business travels pretty often and it is always uncomfortable

[@gorbypirogen]

Really great review and vid, thanks! (Just some feedback: maybe not use the phrase ‘going on’ that much 😊 )

[@raycontego3276]

You should look into Maxpedition entity series.

[@PackHacker]

Thanks for sharing, Ray. We'll check them out! 👍 - Rebecca

[@damionberv5074]

What is the red Tom Bihn pouch you have in the internal section of the pack?

[@PackHacker]

Hey Damion - that's the Tom Bihn Double Pouchkin packhacker.com/travel-gear/tom-bihn/double-pouchkin/ 😊 - Rebecca

[@praxis-cat870]

Which would you say is more comfortable; this or the Evergoods CP24?

[@PackHacker]

Hey Praxis-Cat - both packs are solid when it comes to a comfortable carry. The Urban Assault 24 has some seriously dense foam going on with the harness system, so the straps are very comfortable. Plus, it has great adjustment points to make it work for you. On the other hand, the EVERGOODS CP24 sits much higher on your back. This makes it work well for smaller frames and helps to distribute the load too. Hope this helps! 😊 - Rebecca

[@jellyvo]

Did you use it as a personal bag or a carry on(additional charge)?

[@PackHacker]

Hey Jeremy - while we were able to carry this pack as a personal item, it does differ from airline to airline, so it's not always possible. We recommend checking out our carry-on compliance feature that's available at the top of our full written review. packhacker.com/travel-gear/mystery-ranch/urban-assault-24/ You can use this feature as a guide because if the pack isn't carry-on compliant, it's not possible to use it as a personal item either. Hope this helps, let us know if you have any more questions! 😊👍 - Rebecca

[@themightyapefish]

Any plans on reviewing the LBT INC 14L day pack?

[@PackHacker]

Hey themightyapefish - we currently have no plans to review the LBT INC Day Pack (14L) in the immediate pipeline, but we'll check it out. 👍 - Rebecca

[@avrahamylevine9971]

Can this pack fit a water bladder?

[@patrickh7744]

I don't own this bag, and unfortunately I'm not inclined to purchase; simply because it's not hydration-compatible. My current every day bag is a Haley Strategic FlatPack Plus. It has enough room for my computer thanks to the Haley Laptop Sleeve. The hydration capability of that bag is a pro, but it's not the most comfortable if I want to take it on a day hike, as the Haley is centered around it's design compatibility with the Haley Chest Rigs. I may eventually pick up a UA 21 for day hikes, knowing I'll have enough room for an extra layer, IFAK and Nalgene but not for my daily commutes.

[@raycontego3276]

FYI gravel color (which you have) is 1000 D Cordura

[@PackHacker]

Hey Ray - we've been testing this pack in Shadow (which is 500D CORDURA Nylon) but it does look similar to the Gravel option. The Shadow color looks much lighter in the real world than it does on the Mystery Ranch site. 😊 - Rebecca

[@tarmiclara7965]

on MR website it says 500D for all colors. Could you please give the reference? It would be great if it is 1000D. thanks!

[@Hiluxtaco]

Buy a couple of ITW Web Dominators (or just use some velcro strips) to wrangle those dangling straps....

[@PackHacker]

Great tip Hiluxtaco, thanks for sharing! 👍 - Rebecca

[@wario7393]

Looks great with innovative design. But the fact that the whole weight/structure of the bag is held on by a single zipper reallu begs (lol) the question about it's durability and reliability

[@leeblind]

does it fit macbook 16"?

[@tardigrada6000]

calling those inner pockets "water bottle pockets" seems like a bit of an oversight. these could be used for a lot of things--- umbrella, large power brick, chargers etc.

[@PackHacker]

Hey tardigrada6000 - you sure can, it's great if you can find a versatile backpack to work for you and your travel style. Thanks for sharing your thoughts with us! 👍 - Rebecca

[@nirjorbiswas1237]

Whats the ID on the backpack next to the colorful one hung behind you in the video?

[@PackHacker]

Hey Nirjor! It's the Minaal Carry-on 2.0 Bag packhacker.com/travel-gear/minaal/carry-on-2-0-bag/ 👍 - Rebecca

[@CDines]

Is that a BLACK Heimplanet Transit Line on the wall?

[@PackHacker]

Hey Cornelius - it's the Heimplanet Transit Line Travel Pack in Castlerock Grey (but we get what you're saying, it can look black in some lights). 😊👍 - Rebecca

[@jchen966]

Can you measure the maximum width of laptop layer? My laptop is 39(W)x 26.6(D) x 1.99(H) cm. Don't know if it fit that. I would really appreciate that if you can help me!! I

[@PackHacker]

Hey J Chen! The laptop compartment is really stretchy, so it could roughly accommodate a 2" thick laptop. However, the thicker the laptop is, the more it’ll straighten out the curve of the back panel so you might feel it more, which may become an issue for the overall comfort. Hope this helps! - Rebecca

[@hide1986]

So the water bottle pouches are useless here 🤔

[@saltytroopa6578]

Does it fit a 15.6 inch laptop?

[@PackHacker]

Hey! We tested this pack out with a 15" laptop without a case and still found the access a little tricky so anything larger may be an issue. We recommend checking out our full written review for more info on this packhacker.com/travel-gear/mystery-ranch/urban-assault-24/ 😊 - Rebecca

[@shomk83]

Would be great if there was coyote colour

[@PackHacker]

Thanks for sharing your thoughts with us, Sho! 👍 - Rebecca

[@rjtwocircles]

I think "practical look" is a better description than ?tactical look”. If this exact pack came from a hiking pack maker, you might say utilitarian, plain, no frills with and unique zipper design, but not tactical. That description probably comes from having seen this pack's cousins decked out for tactical use.

[@J_heterodox]

I want to love this. But that laptop compartment just ruins the whole thing.

[@PackHacker]

Thanks for sharing your thoughts with us, Joshua. Is the access to the laptop compartment on this pack a deal-breaker for you? 😊 - Rebecca

[@jackchn23]

Joshua Mueller - get the smaller 21 liter Urban Assault. No external laptop compartment. No external bottle pockets too.

[@VanguardX]

Why are people so hard for these mystery ranch trizips. They dont even have front zip pockets for edc organization. You pretty much need to open the main compartment for everything you do. Why would you want this? lol

[@jatiyanon]

I have different opinion here. # all material in this bag is very hard like sandpaper that ready to scratch my stuffs all the time (even mesh pocket). # Shape of the bag can't be compressed and no flex. # Back panel without any air-flow, no innovation, can't carry well in hot climates such as every city in Asia. # Not for 165usd So confuse when people hyped this for city daypack.