Mystery Ranch

Catalyst 26 Backpack

Organization

My previous pack for work was top heavy and super annoying. This pack is very well built and has pockets inside that keep everything organized. The laptop sleeve even holds a dell tough book. This is definitely more of a commuter pack than daypack for hiking.

Great size and organization. Robust construction.

I’ve had the Catalyst 26 for a few weeks now, and overall have been loving it. I use it as an EDC and for weekend travel. Pros: -Size is great -Love the internal organization -Water bottle pockets fit 40 oz Hydroflask and 48 oz Nalgene -Love the narrow profile of the bag -Construction feels robust/bombproof Cons: -When there isn’t much in the main compartment, the brain and base of the bag keep their integrity, but the middle of the bag sags inward toward the laptop compartment. This makes the bag look weird. Perhaps this could be remedied with slightly stiffer/different fabric in that area. -Bag tends to lean/pull to one side significantly when only one of the water bottle pockets is used. This may be due to the physics/weight distribution of the bag itself, but I have a slightly larger bag that is able to stay even on the bag with one full water bottle in the side pocket. Overall, I love the bag and am confident that it will last for years to come. This is my first MR product, but I would not hesitate to purchase another!

Excellent update to the UA24

I had previously owned an UA24 and recently updated to the Catalyst 26. Everything previously familiar with the UA24 is back with a few minor pros and cons. Pros - If you pack it appropriately without being top heavy, the Catalyst stands upright on its own. I couldn't do it with the UA24. This is a really big deal especially if you have to air travel. Standing upright just makes your commute easier. - Some users may not like it, but the recycled Cordura is more crinkly than the UA24. Other than the crinkly sound, I like it as it feels smoother and higher quality. It won't catch as much lint. - interior colors are now brighter- it's like a floodlight now in your bag and finding your gear is so much quicker. ( I'm using the Black Catalyst 26) - top grab handle. It's a real upgrade from the flimsy single band of nylon in previous UA24. Now its double wrapped and it just feels good in your hand. - internal organization now comes with a very handy mesh zippered pocket in the top half of the bag. Very useful for stashing your EDC that you may need access often. Now for some cons. - due to the new panel design, the water bottle holders don't allow your bottles to sit as securely. The bottles are angled towards your body ( I suppose for easier access) but unless you are using the right sized bottle, they may slide out pretty easily. - the inner 2 water bottle pockets are no longer in the Catalyst 26. It's not a deal breaker for me. - interior organization has been improved ,but the layout may not be suitable for everyone - top brain pocket can be bigger. It's purely for your essentials. I managed to fit a long passport wallet, keys, and a phone in there. - I liked the stealthy Double Black colorway of my precious UA24. The Catalyst 26 in black comes with orange accents. Again, may not be to everyone's taste. - new zippers are S T I C K Y. Needs quite a bit of effort to open. All in all, a great EDC pack and I love using it for airport commutes. It rides tall and sleek and it's so easy to glide around public spaces. Love this piece of kit.

Good all around pack

I’ve enjoyed this bag over the past few weeks traveling through multiple countries and for outdoor activities. The organization inside is beneficial, as well as the top access zipper. One point of improvement I would suggest is the limitations and negatives with the exterior pouches, presumably for carrying water bottles. The pouches fit some of my skinner 32oz bottles, but I wish the pockets were wider and had a way to zip or tighter the opening to prevent bottles from sliding or falling out. This has happened on multiple occasion. Overall a good pack.

Catalyst

Another great pack from Mystery Ranch, can’t wait to use and abuse it on adventures

Great EDC Bag for the Money!

Excellent quality and great organization. I would recommend to anyone looking for a great edc bag.

Laptop sleeve is too small...

Familiarity:

I returned this product before using it

Bought this backpack to be my daily, hopping that can fit my Thinkpad P16v. I am disappointed. I am not sure hot they measure that 17" laptop can fit, when even 16" laptop barely fits and on top of that you need to be very careful when closing compartment not to scratch/damage laptop angles/sides because it is sticking out of sleeve. This is clearly made for some macbook or ultrabook, not for regular laptop. Maybe 14" or 15" can fit, but anything larger is no go. Unfortunately for me, laptop sleeve is too small. Other than that, backpack looks nice. Quality materials, zippers are little stiff. Too bad is useless for me as laptop carrier... So, Mystery ranch, next time you should actually try to fit laptop in sleeve, rather just writing some random numbers.

Catalyst 26 Backpack – The Ideal Teacher's Compani

The Mystery Ranch Catalyst 26 Backpack is a teacher's best friend, offering durability and ample storage in a sleek design. Its rugged build with high-denier nylon and reinforced stitching ensures it can withstand the demands of a school year, whether you're carrying textbooks, lesson plans, or a laptop. The weather-resistant coating is a practical touch for those sudden rain showers during your commute. Comfort is key for teachers, and the Catalyst 26 delivers with its adjustable harness system and padded shoulder straps. The ergonomic design ensures the backpack stays comfortably on your shoulders, even when fully loaded. The top-loading design and multiple internal pockets help keep you organized, making it easy to find what you need between classes. For a teacher, having a dedicated laptop compartment is crucial, and the Catalyst 26 provides just that. The secure laptop sleeve keeps your device safe from bumps and scratches, while the main compartment offers plenty of space for binders and other materials. Exterior stretch pockets are perfect for a water bottle and other quick-access items, ensuring you're always prepared for a busy school day. The Catalyst 26 does come with a higher price tag compared to other backpacks, reflecting its superior quality and durability. While the cost might be a concern for some, the investment is worth it for a backpack that can withstand daily use and still look great. If you're willing to pay a bit more for a reliable and long-lasting backpack, this is an excellent choice.

Great Quality

I have been carrying mine daily for a little over a month. I love the quality definitely the nicest backpack I’ve owned. The laptop sleeve is a little small for my laptop but because it’s a rugged laptop with a permanent handle that doesn’t fold out of the way. If it was a normal laptop it would fit perfectly. I use some of the mystery ranch pouches and they go perfectly in the bag and help keep you organized. I have black which looks awesome but it does get dirty quick. That would be my only complaint.

Convenient Sections

Excellent design overall. Very durable. The upgraded pockets are a value add.