I must have watched this video at least 5 times in the past couple days waiting for my shadow UA 21 to arrive. I saw that Mystery Rach replacing the urban assault line with the catalyst line in an updated design this fall and had to have this version.
I have an Urban Assault 24 that is my IT work bag.. As a systems Administrator i find myself needing lots of random tools or connectors and other things and the 24 is fantastic! It has enough room to carry the things i need frequently PLUS the external laptop compartment. I am now trying to decide between the 18 and 21 Urban assault for my EDC bag i am going to start carrying. The 21 seems very similar to the 24, just minus the laptop compartment and internal "round" pockets, but i cannot seem to find much of anything on the 18. I figure my wife gets a purse, but doesn't actually carry anything useful :) so i should have my own thing i can bring everywhere i go to have actually useful items... Like she always seems to get headaches, but NEVER has any Tylenol or Ibuprofen. A thing i never hear talked about that i appreciate about the MR Urban Assault is that i feel like it is less likely to have things stolen out of it. I always feel like a normal backpack someone will just unzip one of the tons of external pockets and take whatever is inside without me ever knowing. I don't feel like this is a concern with my Urban Assault as the pocket style just doesn't lend itself towards easy unnoticed access from behind like many others.
Makes sense. I also don't know much about the 18 and have not really seen it in the wild. The thing about the 24 that has always made me steer clear is the fact it doesn't stand up very well on its own. That's a big deal breaker for me, although, I'm aware most people don't really care about it much. Another one to look at might be the Prize Fighter. It's built in a similar fashion, as the strap system of the UA24, and works great for daily carry. That said, it does have more "visible" pockets so your last point would kinda go away. I tend not to talk about security much in my reviews because I live in a country where you could literally put 10 grand on a park bench and the worst thing that would happen is someone would bring it to the police station and try to contact you. I probably should talk about these things more, it's just hard to considering the point of view I'm coming from. In any event, the UA21 is definitely a good bag. If the laptop carry isn't important to you at all on your daily carry, have a look at the MR Front. I've been wanting one of those for a long time, haha. No good for a laptop but great for everything else.
11 months ago, where’s the pangsu review??? But seriously, finally got a bag on order! The 500D A21 was in stock in my second choice color and they ship APO. Will pass it on to my own stylish wife as soon as I can score a GR2 or an Evade 1.5. So stoked I had to share.
Stumbled across your channel while looking for reviews on the Urban Assault 21. Wasn't aware you were on UA-cam, been following your IG for a few years now 😂
I had a Mystery Ranch Urban Assault 24 Pack. I really wanted to love it, but it wasn't for me, because of a few reasons. #1 I didn't like packing my stuff in a cylinder, and that is what Mystery Ranch bags feel like. #2 Tri-zip zipper is a pain in the arse because if you fully open the bag, you have to shut three zippers. The Assault 24 also has water bottle pockets... without any stretch, which is annoying but not a reason to hate on it. The #3 reason, I have had bags that don't like to stand on their own, but this bag doesn't even like to LEAN. On smooth floors? Like wood or a gym... it's going to slide and fall. Sold it. The only thing I miss was the world-class top quick grab pocket. I love the brand, I love the materials, I just want them to make a more 'normal' bag. The Prizefighter comes close, but if you're not going clamshell... why not have some stretchy water bottle holders?
I agree on some points, for sure. Completely get the feeling of the cylinder, although I don't mind that much in use. The standing on its own part would for sure drive me nuts. This one was okay with that, not great. I like the Prizefighter a lot. It's one of my favourite bags in the world under $150. I don't really ever carry water so haven't really felt the need for bottle pockets one way or another. I tend to use them for other stuff sometimes or just ignore them. You'd probably like the Mystery Ranch Java or the Super Slick. They are both Goruckian style clamshell bags that Mystery Ranch make although they might be limited to Asian markets.
@@jtinseoul7041 so after I posted this message I compared the 21l versus the 24l Assault packs and the slope on the bottom of the 24l is much more pronounced.
Can you please direct me where to buy that padded Nintendo Switch case? I want to use it for the same reason you showed us here in the video, great idea!
Im really interested in this backpack but worried that the triple y zip makes it very easy for others to open it while its on your back. Perhaps the Mystery Ranch Gallagator would be better with the couple straps in front of the y zip and with a lower price.
Great review! I've always liked the boxy shape of my GR1, which fits more than my Mystery Ranch 3DAP. However, I think the MR UA21 would be more functional (and less military) than my 15L Bullet. I 100% agree with the cannibalism the GORUCK pockets exhibit (especially outside slant pocket). Just haven't pulled the trigger yet. There's a sale going on now on "cheaper" UA21 colors but that shadow is niiiiiice.
Man, for me it was all about that 1000D. I think if I just ordered one and didn't have a chance to touch them I might have gone for a sale colour (similar deal here with less popular colours being on sale) but in person the 1000D version feels just... diffferent. I have a bullet 15 (the newest version) in 500D that I also like. It feels a lot smaller in use and definitely isn't as comfortable as the UA. The one thing that stops me from using the UA all it the time is the fact that in order to unlock my car I have to take the bag completely off my back since the only place to put my keys or on the top. This would be solved by the UA24 with the water bottle pockets but that guy has NO chance of standing up on its own haha.
Nice. I have 2. One in "gravel" (light gray beauty) and older model of UA21 in "slate". But i can swear that "gravel" one is also 1000D. I'm able to compare fabric thicknes with Goruck Rucker (1000D) and with UA21 (slate, 500D) or Camelbak Hawg Mil-Tac (500D), and this is much thicker than 500D, much more like Goruck or even thicker a bit. It is stiff and fat. Don't know what it is about ... :)
Hard to say on that one! Since materials (even of the same denier) tend to differ batch by batch perhaps your gravel UA is a thicker or stiffer batch of material. I don't know enough about materials to know what would cause that feeling but I can say for sure that all 500D isn't created equal. The 1000D on this Shadow is definitely very robust feeling.
@@jtinseoul7041 MR: "Thank you for reaching out to Mystery Ranch! Looking at our records, the Gravel colorway was made with 600D fabric." So "shadow" is 500D or 1000D, "gravel" 600D and the rest cordura colorways 500D. Great. Mystery solved :)
I finally pulled the trigger and bought one and I love it! I really like the Tri zip design. The bag is comfortable, tough and well made, Mystery Ranch makes awesome bags. Only downside so far is that the bag won't stand up on its own, but I knew that before ordering it so it's okay. Overall I can really recommend the bag, your review helped me decide :)
Do you know the brand of the tech pouch you showed in this video or maybe a link? I think I’m going to go with the UA21 after watching this video and I think it looks like a solid organizer for some of my gear.
Has anyone tried to use this bag as a personal item on a flight? Any issues? Dimensions are slightly outside what is allowed it seems, but should squish down.
I didn't buy the daypack because of the handle location. Some of the website pics show the handle between the shoulder straps like yours, which looks like it would be an annoyance. Other pics show the handle on top between the two zippers.
I'm a student and there are not many bags that stand out as much as the UA21 and I've been considering to buy this backpack for quiet a while. However there is only a minor thing that sets me back of getting one, as a student I need to carry my books and laptop with me and my question is (which I can't find an answer for on the internet) does the Macbook Pro 16 inch fit in the laptopcompartment? If yes, will it still be able to fit 2 or 3 more A4 size books (200 pages)? I know it's kind of an odd question to ask, considering it's more of a hiking backpack and not really an EDC pack, if you have other recommendations let me know!
I think if you don't mind the look, something like the Alpha One Niner Evade would be good for that setup. It's got a similarly comfortable layout. Another great one for that set up is one of my personal favourites, the DSPTCH DAypack. I have a couple of videos about it. It's an EXCELLENT pack with a lot of the same comfort as this bag. I think you'll find this bag would be a bit weird on the bottom for books and you'd probably end up with a lot of bent corners ha.
Hey!!! Thanks for your review, but I would like to see one of Mystery Ranch 21L vs Evergood Chz22 which for me is one of the best backpacks ( I also have a GR 21L), but in your review you show exactly what happens to me every day with the use of the pockets between a GR vs MR and all that. Although the use of a GR for a weekend trip, is great, especially if you use pouches as an organization system. I've been thinking for months about whether or not I should go for a Mystery Ranch 21L or 24L, but it's the zippers system that worries me, especially when I'm on the subway and all that, but everyone talks about the comfort of the MR backpacks. I would also like to know how waterproof it is, considering that where I live it rains a lot. Thanks again for your review! Patricio.
Hi! Thanks for the message. I would love to try an Evergoods product, but, they are quite expensive to get shipped here to Korea. Maybe one day! I will say, the CHZ is the one I would be interested in getting. The GR1 I find good for minimal travel too, but, I tend to reach for my Recycled Firefighter 24hr Plus if I'm going for more than a day as it basically is like two GR1s on top of each other. Great bag, if you've not checked one out :) I would say the way the zipper system on the MR bag would be great for commutes if you only use the top as a kind of top loader. The other zipper actually "hide" behind the others so someone would have to have TINY fingers to get at the zipper if you zip it up all the way. The top pocket is certainly less accessible to a passerby than the front pocket on the GR1. I have several MR bags and they are always great in bad weather. Better than the Goruck, per say. So if you feel comfortable with your Goruck in your areas weather the MR would be more than suitable. For me, the comfort is a huge thing. It's funny because this bag isn't even considered to be "comfortable" by MR folks. They do a lot more "comfortable" bags. This is like magic to me so I have no idea how comfortable their top end gear would be. I'm saving up for a 3dap for travel so maybe some day I'll know, haha. Best, and happy holidays. JT
@@WickdPerfekT Depends on which Recycled Firefighter and what the purpose is ;) This will generally be more comfortable to carry and more weather resistant. RF looks a bit more "urban." The one thing I didn't mention in this video that I discovered after is that when I want to sling my bag around to grab my keys or something I much prefer the RF style from pocket to the top style on this bag ;) Hope that helps!
Having owned a lot of both 'way better' certainly isn't the case. More like 'pretty close price considering' I'd say. They are nice bags but definitely not 'way better' than Goruck stuff.
Those straps don't look comfortable at all it looks like it would make your back sweat like crazy where are the air channels?? Check out the ones 35 from vanquest look at th we harness on that one! They did it it correctly. Also where is the Velcro on the inside ? Having everything just sitting in the bag at the bottom of it? That's kinda bad for your lower back and everything bounces around in there I could go on I don't hate mystery ranch at all but they should rethink a few things that's just my opinion
This is one of the more comfortable bags I've worn. I don't sweat a whole lot no matter what I'm doing. I don't tend to notice things staying at the bottom. I guess it really depends on the user and what a specific user needs.
I must have watched this video at least 5 times in the past couple days waiting for my shadow UA 21 to arrive. I saw that Mystery Rach replacing the urban assault line with the catalyst line in an updated design this fall and had to have this version.
I have an Urban Assault 24 that is my IT work bag.. As a systems Administrator i find myself needing lots of random tools or connectors and other things and the 24 is fantastic! It has enough room to carry the things i need frequently PLUS the external laptop compartment.
I am now trying to decide between the 18 and 21 Urban assault for my EDC bag i am going to start carrying. The 21 seems very similar to the 24, just minus the laptop compartment and internal "round" pockets, but i cannot seem to find much of anything on the 18.
I figure my wife gets a purse, but doesn't actually carry anything useful :) so i should have my own thing i can bring everywhere i go to have actually useful items... Like she always seems to get headaches, but NEVER has any Tylenol or Ibuprofen.
A thing i never hear talked about that i appreciate about the MR Urban Assault is that i feel like it is less likely to have things stolen out of it. I always feel like a normal backpack someone will just unzip one of the tons of external pockets and take whatever is inside without me ever knowing. I don't feel like this is a concern with my Urban Assault as the pocket style just doesn't lend itself towards easy unnoticed access from behind like many others.
Makes sense. I also don't know much about the 18 and have not really seen it in the wild. The thing about the 24 that has always made me steer clear is the fact it doesn't stand up very well on its own. That's a big deal breaker for me, although, I'm aware most people don't really care about it much.
Another one to look at might be the Prize Fighter. It's built in a similar fashion, as the strap system of the UA24, and works great for daily carry. That said, it does have more "visible" pockets so your last point would kinda go away. I tend not to talk about security much in my reviews because I live in a country where you could literally put 10 grand on a park bench and the worst thing that would happen is someone would bring it to the police station and try to contact you. I probably should talk about these things more, it's just hard to considering the point of view I'm coming from.
In any event, the UA21 is definitely a good bag. If the laptop carry isn't important to you at all on your daily carry, have a look at the MR Front. I've been wanting one of those for a long time, haha. No good for a laptop but great for everything else.
Just picked one up for a crazy price of 58€, super happy with it at that price point
EDC guy here, you are one of us with that leather man.
Good tip for improving the UA's top handle. Cheap and effective.
Definitely helps a lot ;) And Eshena sells them on their US website too. Think they are like $5.
11 months ago, where’s the pangsu review???
But seriously, finally got a bag on order! The 500D A21 was in stock in my second choice color and they ship APO. Will pass it on to my own stylish wife as soon as I can score a GR2 or an Evade 1.5. So stoked I had to share.
Ha, the bag is still sitting where it was after this video.
Thinking about this one or the Tom Bihn Synik 22. Or the UA 24. Tough call for me. Multi use purpose from walks/hikes/computer carry bag and so forth.
Stumbled across your channel while looking for reviews on the Urban Assault 21. Wasn't aware you were on UA-cam, been following your IG for a few years now 😂
I keep them pretty separate since my UA-cam is mostly Bagnerdia haha.
@@jtinseoul7041 😂 all good, seems like a lot of hobbies are intertwined. Bags, EDC, Film/Digital Cameras, Audiophile gear etc
100% ha.
I had a Mystery Ranch Urban Assault 24 Pack. I really wanted to love it, but it wasn't for me, because of a few reasons. #1 I didn't like packing my stuff in a cylinder, and that is what Mystery Ranch bags feel like. #2 Tri-zip zipper is a pain in the arse because if you fully open the bag, you have to shut three zippers. The Assault 24 also has water bottle pockets... without any stretch, which is annoying but not a reason to hate on it. The #3 reason, I have had bags that don't like to stand on their own, but this bag doesn't even like to LEAN. On smooth floors? Like wood or a gym... it's going to slide and fall. Sold it. The only thing I miss was the world-class top quick grab pocket.
I love the brand, I love the materials, I just want them to make a more 'normal' bag. The Prizefighter comes close, but if you're not going clamshell... why not have some stretchy water bottle holders?
I agree on some points, for sure. Completely get the feeling of the cylinder, although I don't mind that much in use. The standing on its own part would for sure drive me nuts. This one was okay with that, not great. I like the Prizefighter a lot. It's one of my favourite bags in the world under $150. I don't really ever carry water so haven't really felt the need for bottle pockets one way or another. I tend to use them for other stuff sometimes or just ignore them. You'd probably like the Mystery Ranch Java or the Super Slick. They are both Goruckian style clamshell bags that Mystery Ranch make although they might be limited to Asian markets.
@@jtinseoul7041 so after I posted this message I compared the 21l versus the 24l Assault packs and the slope on the bottom of the 24l is much more pronounced.
great video. im gonna get this thing
Can you please direct me where to buy that padded Nintendo Switch case? I want to use it for the same reason you showed us here in the video, great idea!
It is really a difference in the fabric from this color than the black?? Great video
Im really interested in this backpack but worried that the triple y zip makes it very easy for others to open it while its on your back. Perhaps the Mystery Ranch Gallagator would be better with the couple straps in front of the y zip and with a lower price.
Great review! I've always liked the boxy shape of my GR1, which fits more than my Mystery Ranch 3DAP. However, I think the MR UA21 would be more functional (and less military) than my 15L Bullet. I 100% agree with the cannibalism the GORUCK pockets exhibit (especially outside slant pocket). Just haven't pulled the trigger yet. There's a sale going on now on "cheaper" UA21 colors but that shadow is niiiiiice.
Man, for me it was all about that 1000D. I think if I just ordered one and didn't have a chance to touch them I might have gone for a sale colour (similar deal here with less popular colours being on sale) but in person the 1000D version feels just... diffferent.
I have a bullet 15 (the newest version) in 500D that I also like. It feels a lot smaller in use and definitely isn't as comfortable as the UA. The one thing that stops me from using the UA all it the time is the fact that in order to unlock my car I have to take the bag completely off my back since the only place to put my keys or on the top. This would be solved by the UA24 with the water bottle pockets but that guy has NO chance of standing up on its own haha.
Nice. I have 2. One in "gravel" (light gray beauty) and older model of UA21 in "slate". But i can swear that "gravel" one is also 1000D. I'm able to compare fabric thicknes with Goruck Rucker (1000D) and with UA21 (slate, 500D) or Camelbak Hawg Mil-Tac (500D), and this is much thicker than 500D, much more like Goruck or even thicker a bit. It is stiff and fat. Don't know what it is about ... :)
Hard to say on that one! Since materials (even of the same denier) tend to differ batch by batch perhaps your gravel UA is a thicker or stiffer batch of material. I don't know enough about materials to know what would cause that feeling but I can say for sure that all 500D isn't created equal. The 1000D on this Shadow is definitely very robust feeling.
@@jtinseoul7041 I just asked them (MR), if they made some batch of 1000D "gravel" version also, we'll see :)
@@jtinseoul7041 MR: "Thank you for reaching out to Mystery Ranch! Looking at our records, the Gravel colorway was made with 600D fabric."
So "shadow" is 500D or 1000D, "gravel" 600D and the rest cordura colorways 500D. Great. Mystery solved :)
Interesting! haha. 600D, kinda random!
Funny you should mention, my wife is using a pillow “rock” with a towel on the couch in our hotel room lol
I finally pulled the trigger and bought one and I love it! I really like the Tri zip design. The bag is comfortable, tough and well made, Mystery Ranch makes awesome bags. Only downside so far is that the bag won't stand up on its own, but I knew that before ordering it so it's okay. Overall I can really recommend the bag, your review helped me decide :)
I figured out how to get it to stand with something fat on the bottom, ha.
Do you know the brand of the tech pouch you showed in this video or maybe a link? I think I’m going to go with the UA21 after watching this video and I think it looks like a solid organizer for some of my gear.
The design of this bag reminds me of autopsies.
So between these 2 would you prefer the mystery ranch?
Your cat needs his own video
Awesome video man! Love your attention to detail :)
Appreciate that
Do you happen to have a link to that tech bag? Looks nice!
thx for the video! do you recommend the UA21 over the RipRuck 15?
Has anyone tried to use this bag as a personal item on a flight? Any issues? Dimensions are slightly outside what is allowed it seems, but should squish down.
Since I live in Asia, I wouldn't know. Hopefully someone answers though! I'll pin the comment :)
I didn't buy the daypack because of the handle location. Some of the website pics show the handle between the shoulder straps like yours, which looks like it would be an annoyance. Other pics show the handle on top between the two zippers.
The old version is on top and the new version is between the straps. Never bothers me at all and think it looks cleaner.
I'm a student and there are not many bags that stand out as much as the UA21 and I've been considering to buy this backpack for quiet a while. However there is only a minor thing that sets me back of getting one, as a student I need to carry my books and laptop with me and my question is (which I can't find an answer for on the internet) does the Macbook Pro 16 inch fit in the laptopcompartment? If yes, will it still be able to fit 2 or 3 more A4 size books (200 pages)? I know it's kind of an odd question to ask, considering it's more of a hiking backpack and not really an EDC pack, if you have other recommendations let me know!
I think if you don't mind the look, something like the Alpha One Niner Evade would be good for that setup. It's got a similarly comfortable layout. Another great one for that set up is one of my personal favourites, the DSPTCH DAypack. I have a couple of videos about it. It's an EXCELLENT pack with a lot of the same comfort as this bag. I think you'll find this bag would be a bit weird on the bottom for books and you'd probably end up with a lot of bent corners ha.
Is that the Targus Citysmart pouch?
Hi, may i know the size of the camera case?
I have the UA21 in Wood Wax....it's an awesome bag. nice vid...
Lovely colour.
I’m sold on the 3dap but I enjoy your vlogs, but I am always scared I’ll get excited and go buy the “bagdujour”
haha, that's always a tough one. These days I'm using the Mystery Ranch Dragon instead of the 3dap. Similar though.
Hey!!!
Thanks for your review, but I would like to see one of Mystery Ranch 21L vs Evergood Chz22 which for me is one of the best backpacks ( I also have a GR 21L), but in your review you show exactly what happens to me every day with the use of the pockets between a GR vs MR and all that.
Although the use of a GR for a weekend trip, is great, especially if you use pouches as an organization system.
I've been thinking for months about whether or not I should go for a Mystery Ranch 21L or 24L, but it's the zippers system that worries me, especially when I'm on the subway and all that, but everyone talks about the comfort of the MR backpacks.
I would also like to know how waterproof it is, considering that where I live it rains a lot.
Thanks again for your review!
Patricio.
Hi!
Thanks for the message. I would love to try an Evergoods product, but, they are quite expensive to get shipped here to Korea. Maybe one day! I will say, the CHZ is the one I would be interested in getting. The GR1 I find good for minimal travel too, but, I tend to reach for my Recycled Firefighter 24hr Plus if I'm going for more than a day as it basically is like two GR1s on top of each other. Great bag, if you've not checked one out :)
I would say the way the zipper system on the MR bag would be great for commutes if you only use the top as a kind of top loader. The other zipper actually "hide" behind the others so someone would have to have TINY fingers to get at the zipper if you zip it up all the way. The top pocket is certainly less accessible to a passerby than the front pocket on the GR1.
I have several MR bags and they are always great in bad weather. Better than the Goruck, per say. So if you feel comfortable with your Goruck in your areas weather the MR would be more than suitable.
For me, the comfort is a huge thing. It's funny because this bag isn't even considered to be "comfortable" by MR folks. They do a lot more "comfortable" bags. This is like magic to me so I have no idea how comfortable their top end gear would be. I'm saving up for a 3dap for travel so maybe some day I'll know, haha.
Best, and happy holidays.
JT
@@jtinseoul7041 this or recycled fireman?
@@WickdPerfekT Depends on which Recycled Firefighter and what the purpose is ;) This will generally be more comfortable to carry and more weather resistant. RF looks a bit more "urban." The one thing I didn't mention in this video that I discovered after is that when I want to sling my bag around to grab my keys or something I much prefer the RF style from pocket to the top style on this bag ;) Hope that helps!
Which brands are the small bags in the video?
Great review as always! Just got mine in the mail and was wondering if you could you possibly link that Switch case?
Hmm, I can't find a link but it's the official one from Nintendo.
@@jtinseoul7041 thanks!
okay now i want one bag like this!
Haha, it’s a great bag! Love to see one of my photo buddies comment too ;) I know it’s tough I’ve gone all bag nerdy.
What's your laptop sleeve in this video?
how about this one vs greenroom136 22L?
I finally have it!!
I'd like to know whether the fabric is 1000d or 500d? i know the other colors are made of 500d. Please ...your answer.
It's 1000D. I mentioned it in the video.
@@jtinseoul7041 thank you for your kindness.
@jtinseoul - Did you say that your wallet was made by "Ashina?" I'm curious about their gear but not sure if they ship to the US. Thanks!
The wallet is Kipling. I just removed all the branding and the zipper pull. I do have an Eshena bag if you mean those.
How was this bag holding up now? I am looking for this exact back.
Held up great. MR has a good lifetime warranty in any event. Just in case, you know?
Loved this! Just bought one. Thank you!
Nice, enjoy!
Bought one!
Should try the recycled firefighter 24 hour pack. Way better than go ruck and a lot cheaper!
If you check my other videos I've reviewed several RF products already.
Sceptical whenever I see "way better" what is good and great doesn't come cheap.
Having owned a lot of both 'way better' certainly isn't the case. More like 'pretty close price considering' I'd say. They are nice bags but definitely not 'way better' than Goruck stuff.
I hate the GR laptop compartments. Nothing like putting a large hard flat object against your nicely curved spine.
Has never bothered me per say but I tend to not use that pocket unless the bag is too packed to use the pouch.
Those straps don't look comfortable at all it looks like it would make your back sweat like crazy where are the air channels?? Check out the ones 35 from vanquest look at th we harness on that one! They did it it correctly. Also where is the Velcro on the inside ? Having everything just sitting in the bag at the bottom of it? That's kinda bad for your lower back and everything bounces around in there I could go on I don't hate mystery ranch at all but they should rethink a few things that's just my opinion
This is one of the more comfortable bags I've worn. I don't sweat a whole lot no matter what I'm doing. I don't tend to notice things staying at the bottom. I guess it really depends on the user and what a specific user needs.
Troll Alert, Troll Alert...
I have yet to see a bag that's better than my IBEX 35 in multi cam black. Check it out
I finally have it!!