Why We Like The Mystery Ranch Catalyst 26 Backpack
Mystery Ranch has quickly climbed to the top of the backpack game, due in no small part to the Mystery Ranch Catalyst 26 Backpack. This versatile and comfortable backpack handles urban commutes and rural hikes with equal aplomb thanks to the durable Cordura construction and 3-zip rapid-access design.
Details
- Versatile pack ready to keep you organized and ready for anything
- Durable CORDURA fabric handles daily wear and tear with ease
- 26L capacity offers comfort and plenty of storage for day missions
- Unique 3-way zipper makes for quick and easy access
- Laptop pocket keeps your important data securely nearby
- Dual waterbottle pockets keep hydration within arms reach
- Item #MYTD03Y
- Responsible Collection
- Recycled/Repurposed
- Material
- 500D Recycled CORDURA
- Volume
- 25.8L (1575cu in)
- Shoulder Straps
- padded
- Waist Belt
- none
- Access
- zippered top, 3-zipper front
- Pockets
- 2 side waterbottle, laptop, internal accessory
- Laptop Sleeve
- yes, external access, 17in
- Dimensions
- 20 x 11.5 x 9.75in
- Claimed Weight
- 2lb 10oz
- Activity
- hiking, commuting, travel
Reviews
Q&A
Overall Rating
4.5 based on 25 ratings
Review Summary
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Selecting an option will reload the available reviews on the pageApril 9, 2024
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.
Originally reviewed on mysteryranch.com
April 4, 2024
Convenient Sections
Excellent design overall. Very durable. The upgraded pockets are a value add.
Originally reviewed on mysteryranch.com
March 18, 2024
Great updates
This is the second Catalyst bag that I've had. the first was a 22liter which was tough to get everything I needed into for a full day of work and travel. This updated 26liter back is just right. laptops, lunch, water bottle and all the EDC stuff I usually carry fits. The side pockets have been enlarged too so they actually fit a nalgene/other 20oz bottles. the pack is a little bit taller than the 22 liter but it still fits my back and is comfortable.
Originally reviewed on mysteryranch.com
March 12, 2024
Backpack that finally works!
First time using my new pack. Been traveling for nine+ days with this backpack…hotel to hotel. It holds all my regular gear, but also makes everything VERY easy to access. The little pocket on top has a quick stash pocket for keys, phone, earbuds, etc., could be slightly bigger, but great when walking through airports and quickly storing your items that will set off the alarm bells at tsa. The back pouch for my laptop and iPad are seamless, plus easy access while crammed into an airplane seat. The main storage pocket holds it all, plus organizes things a bit. My only gripe is that the main zipper of the three tends to stick, but I’m hoping that will loosen with more use. Also, my regular size Nalgene water bottle fits easily into the water bottle pouch. My previous pack had to many compartments, which sounded good, but was a huge pain when you had to open the entire bag to find something and can’t remember which zipped compartment it’s in. This bag simplifies everything, wish I had it years ago. For work/vacation travel, it’s ideal. Thanks for thinking of the end users needs and producing a quality product that checks many boxes!
Originally reviewed on mysteryranch.com
March 2, 2024
Designed for the role, purchased 4
Bag is designed for its role. The role was a 3dap pack, which is tfsa compliant and has enough load suspension to be used as a E+E or executive travel bag. In this situation the bag has worked as designed and intended. I've used it at full capacity for 1 year of intensive work in Ukraine and the middle east, and I have issued this to my key employees for their work use. No failure, no stress points and outlasted MR 3 competiors for the role. Cheap enough to be mass issued, durable enough to be used in field conditions and does not stand out unlike the assault line of bags or hiking color palates. Hope this bag configuration continues on with the recent acquisition by Yeti. Thanks D3 for approving this design and getting it out to field before the acquisition
Originally reviewed on mysteryranch.com
February 13, 2024
Just what I needed
I bought this pack to haul some things home from my dad's. I was hesitant to buy it because of the price but quickly decided I had made the right choice. First off I love it stands up on its own, second the laptop sleeve is awesome and an absolute must have. The water bottle pockets work great, and I like the fact they are easy to access ie: no elastic to deal with. The interior of the pack has very useful pockets and places to pit pens and what not. Overall a very well thought out and well built pack.
Originally reviewed on mysteryranch.com
February 9, 2024
Fantastic Excursion Bag
I bought this right before a trip to the Dominican and it worked great for all of our excursions. Usually carried the day’s essentials for 4 couples. I also received multiple compliments on it as well.
Originally reviewed on mysteryranch.com
February 5, 2024
Great materials
Impressed with the overall build quality of this pack. Love how spacious it is. Works great for me as an everyday pack as I always have my laptop, iPad, and associated chargers/docks. Plenty of room for a couple days worth of clothes and a toiletry bag as well.
Originally reviewed on mysteryranch.com
February 4, 2024
Perfect every day commuter bag
I’ve been using this as my every day commuter bag for a month or so. This was a huge upgrade from my generic backpack – I love the organization built in as well as the storage space for additional items. This works well for a last minute camping/outdoor items as well. Highly recommend
Originally reviewed on mysteryranch.com
January 13, 2024
My Ultimate EDC
So... As a disclaimer, I am a longtime MR tester and user. I have been using the wildland fire line gear since it was in the prototype stages (early 2000s) and it's all I will use. I have also had the briefcase and for my medical work each year in remote areas of Nepal I use the 3-Day Assault Pack, 2-Day Assault Pack, my large backpack (can't remember the name), several beanies and the Med Lid. The Catalyst 26 (C26) is weather proof, the zippers might be stiff at first, but that's normal and they lighten-up with use. The laptop sleeve is perfect for my MacBook with a cover on it as well. Everything I need to hop on my scooter, bike, truck or feet in Kathmandu, Some people complain about the external water bottle pockets not being stretchy and I can see that. However they hold my two water bottles. I might opt to (since I have an industrial sewing machine) add some room to the pockets and attach a strap to contain a bottle. Otherwise it does everything I need, maintains low profile in comparison to packs that have external billowing pockets. I've had for extensive time in drenching rain and ZERO issues with water leaking inside - although I put sensitive items in additional waterproof bags. I do, and have recommended this pack to many and have had nothing but positive feedback. I also operate a guide business in Nepal and this is a staple staff and customers.
Originally reviewed on mysteryranch.com
Need Expert Advice?
Our Gearheads Can Help
March 4, 2024
What are the dimensions of the laptop pocket? I understand it fits a 15" laptop but some companies measure laptops diagonally while others publish length measurements as the "size" of the laptop. Knowing the LxWxH would be the best information for me.
February 9, 2024
Is there any kind of luggage passthrough?
December 18, 2023
Would this be too big for a woman with a short torso (18 inch Torso in Length)?
December 18, 2023
Will this bag fit under an airline seat as-shipped? If not, is the HDPE sheet removable so that the bag can be more easily compacted to fit a small space?
December 17, 2023
Can the laptop compartment fit a 15.5 inch Macbook Pro?
October 17, 2023
How water resistant is this pack? Maybe compared to the District 24?
October 7, 2023
Is there other colours coming out ?
September 25, 2023
Is there a frame sheet?
September 20, 2023
Is the Tiger Eye color is more of a orange color or similar to the Urban Assault's wax wood color you had previously. If no, will there be a wax wood version soon?
September 19, 2023