Mystery Ranch Catalyst 26 Backpack Review - Updated Urban Assault Pack 24?

Review of the Mystery Ranch Catalyst 26 which is a worth successor to the Urban Assault 24 with an updated silhouette and internal layout, comfortable harness, and a versatile size that can work for edc and minimal travel.
What do you think of the Catalyst 26? What is your favorite bag of 2023 so far?
Mystery Ranch Catalyst 26: bit.ly/3OfkV1f
*The Mystery Ranch Catalyst 26 was provided as a sample for this review. All opinions are my own and do not represent any other parties.
Music: “Staycation” - Corbyn Kites
#minimaltravel #everydaycarrybag #whatsinmybag
00:00 - Intro
00:52 - Aesthetic and materials
01:55 - Water bottle pocket and compression straps
03:05 - Wearing the bag
03:34 - Harness
04:34 - Quick access pocket
05:21 - Laptop compartment
07:14 - Main compartment
11:59 - Pricing & Alternatives
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Items featured in video:
Wandrd Accessory Straps: shrsl.com/20qyz
Water Bottle: shrsl.com/275i3
Anker Battery: amzn.to/3thjWlU
Anger Wall Adapter: amzn.to/3UFkWMq
Tom Bihn Ghost Whale Pouch: shrsl.com/3sgw7
Evergoods CAP2 Pouch: bit.ly/3iecdAk
Tablet: amzn.to/3EptXny
Headphones: amzn.to/3Eo85cm
Sunglasses: prf.hn/l/jWbged9
Playing Cards: amzn.to/3fZ5GLH
Mini Medical Kit: amzn.to/3UKkL2k
Manicure Set: amzn.to/3UKkRXK
Flashlight: prf.hn/l/0GnaAwl
Notebook: amzn.to/3Fw9gqW
Portable Standing Desk: amzn.to/3NWYb4A
Harddrive: amzn.to/3A7Sc7j
Mouse: amzn.to/3WWy3L1
Packing Cube: prf.hn/l/0GBAlL1
Dopp kit: prf.hn/l/ER9ezGO
Hero Clip: amzn.to/3TvWfkz
Multitool: bit.ly/3UMw622
Rain Jacket: amzn.to/3A8BqVu
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[@lukepaulson3428]

Great review. Thanks!

[@dannypacks]

Thank you for watching and I’m glad the video was helpful!

[@C69hJc4]

Gotta love that smile 😊

[@daven.7685]

I just received this pack, and I’m impressed! I grew up with Cordura pack material, and I have always felt that it lent any pack a substantial, structured, and quality feel, like it was built to last. The build quality of this pack is outstanding (at 62, I may never have to replace it for the rest of my life). It has two pads: one on the back, and an internal one, both lending a welcomed structure to the bag. Contrary to what some others have said, I find the water bottle pockets to be good. The pockets will tightly carry a standard Nalgene bottle, and comfortably carry a Smart water bottle. Unless you are running with this pack and really jostling things around, you should not have a problem with your water bottles falling out. You can always tether a bottle to the zipper pull tab above the pocket if you are really concerned. Although I bought this bag primarily for EDC, I can easily see using it for a day hike. There are plenty of attachment points (the zipper pull tabs) for adding shock cord if you want to secure a damp layer on the outside. The suspension system is configured to keep the pack high on your back, and not sagging like a book bag, making the pack very comfortable to wear. The organization pockets are well thought out, leaving a lot of room in the “middle” of the pack for multiple layers and rain gear. I could not be happier with this purchase. Money well spent!

[@dannypacks]

Thank you for watching and for sharing your experience with the bag! Glad to what you have been liking it so far!:)

[@spacemonkey12981]

Really like your reviews.

[@dannypacks]

Thank you for watching and for the support!:)

[@kmfdm007]

Great review! I've had a UA24 for a while and one thing that was sometimes an issue for me was using the water bottle pockets when the bag was packed out. They are similar to the Catalyst in that they aren't stretchy but they are much more flush with the bag. So regardless of the size of the bottle you're eating into the capacity of the main compartment. I kinda like the look of the UA24 better, but the Catalyst probably has better functionality.

[@dannypacks]

Thank you for watching and I agree, I preferred the look of the UA24 but the updates on this one help make it a little easier to use

[@lvchubby]

it's a very nice bag overall. Unfortunately the shallow and inelastic water bottle pockets are deal breaker for me.

[@dannypacks]

Thank you for watching and that’s a fair point, definitely some room for improvement in those pockets

[@beulamack7219]

translation - I can't afford this backpage

[@davidt0713]

The water bottle pockets and the nonbreathable back are dealbreakers for me… good video. Thanks!

[@dannypacks]

Thank you for watching and I’m glad the video was helpful!

[@lyman135]

Its an edc backpack. You aren't supposed to be hiking the Sahara with it.

[@RK-um9tu]

@@lyman135 Facts!

[@raf1046]

Would you think the 22l of this would be good as an edc or does the 26l seem more usuable day to day?

[@MysTicZ7]

Love the catalyst, I wish they would include stretch water bottle pockets, or magnets so it doesn't stick out like that. It makes the bag look like a certain male body part 😅

[@dannypacks]

Thank you for watching and I agree it would be nice to have more streamlined water bottle pockets like their urban assault 24 used to have

[@funcee615]

Cool review as always. I gotta ask. This vs the Alpha One Niner Evade 1.5 Full 1050d ballistic nylon?

[@dannypacks]

Thank you for watching and for the support! Definitely a tough choice between the two, I would probably have to lean towards the evade as I like the clamshell opening and layout a bit more

[@Feemy]

I'm deciding between this and the Aer Pro Pack 24L

[@dannypacks]

Thank you for watching and definitely a tough choice! Both are great overall, I think it comes down to the aesthetic (sleek and professional: aer, more rugged: mystery ranch) and whether you like the tri zip opening or prefer the clamshell. Both are durable, comfortable and offer solid laptop protection. The pro pack does have a couple of additional features like the luggage pass through and side handles which could be nice

[@hectormanuelocampolopez1055]

Will you review the catalyst 18?

[@meridianmoda]

Great review! I tried to purchase one but they'll be back in stock in 03/2024 in Black :(

[@dannypacks]

Thank you for watching and I’m glad the video was helpful!

[@HenryHHHz14]

You think it’s a good everyday pack for someone who is in and out of their pack a lot? I usually carry a laptop, tablet, tech pouch, chargers, sweater, rain coat and feel like it would be a pain to keep opening and closing the trip zip to access . Thanks :)

[@dannypacks]

Thank you for watching! It’s tough to say as people have strong feelings in general towards the tri zip (either really like it or don’t). I think it works pretty well for getting in and out since you can quickly rip open the top and then it’s nice to have the additional front zipper if I want to see everything

[@nickseibert9963]

Can you please do a review on the arcido Saxon v2? Thanks you!

[@dannypacks]

Thank you for watching and great suggestion! That’s definitively on the wishlist of items to review!

[@davido4835]

How does this bag compare to the mystery ranch 2 day assault backpack

[@dannypacks]

Thank you for watching! Both are really awesome bags overall, the 2 day assault is going to offer slightly more space in the main area, the harness is offered in different sizes, it has a more tactical vibe, and it does not have a separate laptop compartment. The laptop compartment is a big deal for me so I prefer the catalyst a bit more and I just like it’s more streamlined aesthetic

[@thomasflippen4341]

I couldn't find the urban assault 24 is it still available?

[@dannypacks]

Thank you for watching! Unfortunately I don’t think so, likely replaced by this line

[@tmg6747]

Which do you prefer between this bag and the district24?

[@dannypacks]

Thank you for watching! Both bags are great overall and generally I prefer clamshell bags a bit more but between the two I might lean slightly towards the catalyst 26 as it has the separate laptop compartment and I like it’s simpler layout

[@tmg6747]

Thanks Danny!

[@storm7456]

The pockets for the bottles are not well thought out. It may fall out when running and bending over.

[@FactFinderGeneral]

Most water pockets are like that, which is why you get a running bag which uses a water bladder not an EDC bag.

[@0f556]

Seems like they've been adding these loose water bottle pockets to a lot of bags recently. Not really a fan. Also, as someone else mentioned, it seems the zipper doesn't extend all the way to the bottom now, which is a shame.

[@RK-um9tu]

Stuff would fall out of the Urban Assualt if you unzipped it all the way down to the bottom. This design is much better...

[@0f556]

@@RK-um9tu you know, in the months since I wrote that comment, I've come to change my mind. I agree with you. Also, to rectify my initial comment: the water bottles actually hold up really well, and I appreciate that they are not a stretch material. That makes them more durable, in line with the rest of the pack.

[@richardlucascronley5128]

Seems more like a downgrade overrall.. The new water bottle pockets are not very great, and the zipper doesn’t go all the way down.. And I can’t quite put my finger on it but the aesthetic is better on the UA That being said the load lift is nice..

[@dannypacks]

Thank you for watching and definitely some fair points. Although I liked this one overall I did prefer something about the shape / look of the UA24

[@acoolname8851]

Visually it looks all good besides the pockets... They stick out too much and it's a killer for me.

[@dannypacks]

Thank you for watching! Would have been nice to have the pockets be a little more blended into the bag like the UA24

[@warlantactical]

For me mystery ranch doesn’t fit my needs i do not like the entry of the pack . Drives me nuts . There packs have no individual organization which for me makes the pack way over prices for what they offer. This is why i prefer van quest or Tasmanian tiger tactical . Bag requirements for me must be 180 clam shell opening and great back and shoulder comfort

[@MrJed_s]

Pity the duffel style zipper no longer extends all the way to the bottom, looks like it limits access a bit. For me, this is more of a side-grade than upgrade.

[@dayulin3058]

yes is bad to see they lose the feature

[@0f556]

I was disappointed to see this.

[@beulamack7219]

Why can't KZbinrs fill these backpacks with clothing? Most people use these backpacks for travel, not to carry drones, or video equipment.