tldr; 2 Day DNA in EDC size. Tri-zip goodness, lighter build. Urban-ready workhorse.
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Best praise vs top criticism for Mystery Ranch Urban Assault 21
“**Why the Raven 28?** The [Raven 28](https://www.fjallraven.com/uk/en-gb/bags-gear/backpacks-bags/laptop-bags/raven-282) is admittedly a backpack that I’ve been curious about for over a year, mostly because of its great organization and materials. Fjallraven’s G-1000 waxed canvas might not be as durable as something like Cordura, but I consider it to be nicest materials out there, and the Raven 28 seemed to be like Fjallraven’s most versatile backpack made in this material. Their Ulvo backpacks use BERGSHELL (also nice and water-resistant but not as thick) and their more sporty-looking Skule 28 is made of generic polyester. I really like waxed canvas and I figured it would be nice to check out a bag that uses such a comfortable earthy material, but is also tech-friendly, spacious and has lots of pockets. I didn’t get the Raven 28 sooner because of a huge drawback: the lack of back padding. This is generally a dealbreaker for me because I like to have at least some padding, ventilation and/or mesh on the back panel. The Raven 28 had none of that and that was my only reason for not pulling the trigger. However, ***this year Fjallraven released an updated version of the Raven 28*** that comes with a mesh back panel and also some other minor updates. So that gave me the green light to get the new updated version and I’ve been very happy with it so far! It’s cool that Fjallraven is a company that listens to customers and they enthusiastically gave a promising backpack such a needed upgrade. ​ **Materials** I already admitted my love for the G-1000 material. It’s soft, supple and feels quite strong, although I’ve seen comments about the older Raven 28 model that the bottom of the bag tends to wear out after a few years. Maybe the updated version has some reinforced stitching there, I don’t know, but Fjallraven definitely recommends re-waxing the material with their Greenland Wax occasionally to protect the material and maintain its durability. I think waxing canvas is a nice process and if I decide to keep the Raven 28, I’ll be sure to re-wax mine early next winter and add a few extra layers to the bottom just in case. It should be noted that G-1000 picks up lots of hair and lint, so dog owners beware. It also gets creases easily. The G-1000 should be highly water-resistant and while the YKK zippers are not AquaGuard or anything, there are flaps covering each zipper to keep water out. There are some nice leather accents on the bag too, including the carry handle and the logo on the front. These touches make the bag feel more premium. The leather arctic fox logo on the front is one of the nicest branding touches I've seen on a backpack, it's super cute yet classy. My Raven 28 is the in the dark olive color. I like Fjallraven’s earthy colors a lot. When I was getting familiar with the Raven at the store, the Terracotta Brown and Foliage Green colors really caught my eye as well. They just pop! ​ **Comfort** I was worried about ”
“I've been hunting for a daily carry backpack that's relatively large, but not too unwieldy. Thoughts: **Mystery Ranch Urban Assault 24L** * Flimsy top handle * Very stiff zips which could catch on the bag, and found three zip set up awkward * Laptop compartment not easy to use * \+ Great construction * I wouldn’t say this is overly bulky **Evergoods Civic Half Zip (CHZ) 26L** * Picks up so much lint, pet hair, etc * Uncomfortable straps * Falls over when top pocket full * Side pouches not very secure * \+ Loved the Velcro patch and construction * I would probably avoid this if you have carpet or pets or go to anywhere where it will pick up fluff – unless that doesn’t bother you Might be worth checking out: **Mystery Ranch Rip Ruck 24L** * Picks up lint and pet hair, not as much as CHZ26 * Narrow front pockets, can just about force a narrow water bottle in * \+ Really great construction, and the most comfortable bag I've tried so far * I would try this if you like the style! **Patagonia Refugio 28L** * Slightly fiddly front pocket, doesn’t store much especially when other compartments are full * Shoulder straps are a bit slippery if you wear on one shoulder * \+ Stretchy water bottle pockets! * \+ Nice construction There is also the Patagonia Chacabuco 30L and Thule Subterra 30L – but can’t give any opinions as I’ve not tried them yet!”
478 Reddit opinions analyzed • Last updated 2/24/2026