Catalyst 26 Backpack
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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
What do you think about this product?
Overall Rating
4.5 based on 51 ratings
Review Summary
Fits Small
Screen reader users: the following list provides a visual scale to illustrate the product fit. Please refer to the heading above for the fit type in text.Customer Images
Here's what customers have to say
The backpack is generally well-received, with many positive reviews highlighting its quality design, workmanship, and organization. Customers appreciate the large capacity, padded laptop sleeve, and vertical zipper for easy access. The backpack is described as durable, comfortable, and suitable for everyday use, commuting, and travel. However, some customers have noted minor issues such as small water bottle pockets, stiff zippers, and a laptop sleeve that may be too small for larger laptops. Overall, the backpack seems to be a versatile and well-made option that meets the needs of many customers, though a small number have experienced some fit and functionality issues.
AI-generated from the text of customer reviews.
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Selecting an option will reload the available reviews on the pageAugust 19, 2025
Great all around compact backpack for travel.
Been using this for over a year ranging from local 1 day trips to overseas 16 day trips in austere conditions. I also use all three VOID bag sizes to organize. VERY HAPPY with this backpack. RECOMMEND.
Originally reviewed on mysteryranch.com
June 28, 2025
So much room.
This pack is amazing, it keeps taking abuse. Best travel pack I’ve ever had.
Originally reviewed on mysteryranch.com
June 24, 2025
Great for trips with kids
I received this backpack as a swag. Love it. I take it everywhere for trips with the family. It holds a lot of snacks, activities, and my laptop. It does get quite heavy with all those things and barely fits under the airplane seat in front of me. I would recommend buying some void bags for the compartment since things tend to get jostled in there. Oh, I ended up putting a lot of iron on patches to the backpack as flare which looks great.
Originally reviewed on mysteryranch.com
May 25, 2025
Great bag!
I bought the Catalyst 26 a few weeks ago. It’s great - these packs actually have a vibe. It’s comfortable with lots of room for my nomadic lifestyle.
Originally reviewed on mysteryranch.com
May 19, 2025
Unusable zipper and bottle pockets
Man, i really wanted to like this bag. Watched pretty much every review of the Catalylst 26 and was convinced this was the bag for me. In the end, i ended up returning it. - The vertical zip was getting snagged all the time at the top. Not sure if i got a defective bag but essentially it would get snagged where the vertical zipper tried to get past the "sew points" of the two other zippers. You had to either pull really really hard or finagle the zipper in the right position to get past the seams of the other zippers - Unless you have a perfectly sized water bottle for the outside pockets, your bottle will definitely fall out or wont fit. A lot of reviews pointed that out and i thought i could deal with it ..but nope. Way too shallow of a pocket to fit most modern bottles these days. Giving it 2 stars because the inside organization and laptop pocket were great. But the struggle with the zipper was so bad i just had to return it.
April 11, 2025
Best pack I’ve had
I bought this pack and have been using it for almost a month and have zero complaints. Very easy to pack and unpack. Fit is phenomenal.
Originally reviewed on mysteryranch.com
March 27, 2025
Simple, functional, perfect!
As a long-time loyal Arc’teryx customer, I’ve always appreciated their build quality. However, recent experiences pushed me to explore other brands, leading me to the Mystery Ranch Catalyst 26 after extensive research. I’ve been using this bag as my daily EDC for the past few months, and I have nothing but good things to say. Design & Accessibility The tri-zip access is outstanding, allowing incredibly easy entry into the main compartment. The zippers feel solid, smooth, and well-engineered—Mystery Ranch clearly put thought into every detail. Build Quality & Durability No surprises here—the craftsmanship is fantastic. From the materials to the stitching, everything feels built to last. I have no doubt this pack will withstand the test of time as an EDC workhorse. Comfort & Fit At 5’7” and 175 lbs, the Catalyst 26 fits me perfectly. The weight distribution is spot-on, and the padding makes it extremely comfortable, even when fully loaded. Ventilation is another huge plus—unlike my experience with Arc’teryx, my back stays noticeably drier even after hours of hiking. Minor Drawback: Water Bottle Pockets The only shortcoming for me is the water bottle pockets—they’re a bit too loose to securely hold a standard bottle, especially when bending over. That said, I personally prefer carrying my bottle inside, so this isn’t a dealbreaker. Plus, this design choice contributes to the pack’s sleek, streamlined look. Final Verdict: 5/5 Stars The Catalyst 26 is an absolute winner. With its thoughtful design, top-tier build quality, and exceptional comfort, I highly recommend it to anyone looking for a reliable EDC or hiking pack.
Originally reviewed on mysteryranch.com
March 10, 2025
Great Pack
Overall a great EDC pack. I like all of the organization and the separate laptop pocket. I actually bought the pack because I bought a larger laptop (older eyes). The one downside is that it won’t stand on its own without something in the bottom of the pack.
Originally reviewed on mysteryranch.com
March 5, 2025
Exactly what I was looking for except one problem
I bought this bag when it was on sale, and I was extremely happy with its quality and features. Unfortunately, it has one flaw in my opinion: the water bottle pockets on the sides are a bit too small for my Nalgene 32 oz bottle. It fits, but just barely. I have to set the bag down and use both hands to stretch and push the water bottle in. As a result, I returned it and opted for the Dragon 2.0. Although it is much more expensive, the water bottle pockets on that model should be standard on every MR bag.
Originally reviewed on mysteryranch.com
February 19, 2025
Great Bag
Bought this bag for Medical School, fits everything I need and more, and keeps it organized and easy to access.
Originally reviewed on mysteryranch.com
Do you have a question about this product?
March 10, 2025
What is the design purpose of the loops at the ends of the zipper tracks?
Originally reviewed on mysteryranch.com
November 27, 2024
Will the Mystery Ranch Catalyst 26 fit a size M/L Ops Core Bump Helmet in the main compartment?
Originally reviewed on mysteryranch.com
September 21, 2024
Are any of the catalyst models hydration bladder compatible?
Originally reviewed on mysteryranch.com
August 19, 2024
What is the thickness of the laptop sleeve? Could two thin laptops fit in there?
Originally reviewed on mysteryranch.com
August 6, 2024
Is there a warranty on this?
Originally reviewed on mysteryranch.com
July 17, 2024
Was wondering what kind of weight it can confidently hold. I like to do ruck workouts but living the city I dont like to use a backpacking or big tactical ruck. most I would put in it would be about 45-50 lbs. Thank you!
Originally reviewed on mysteryranch.com
May 25, 2024
I like the 26 better in design than the 18 or 22. I was like to pick one up for my daughter but the colors in the 26 are all wrong for her. Any chance you’ll make the 26 in the Noble Fir color?
Originally reviewed on mysteryranch.com
May 19, 2024
Is a 24L model ever going to come out?
Originally reviewed on mysteryranch.com
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.
Originally reviewed on mysteryranch.com
February 9, 2024
Is there any kind of luggage passthrough?
Originally reviewed on mysteryranch.com
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