Review: Mystery Ranch District 24

Most of us outdoor enthusiasts repurpose our hiking packs as day bags for use around town, and for good reason: they’re designed better and built sturdier, and they have plenty of pockets and good ventilation. But what if an outdoor-gear company made a pack specifically for the town commute? That’s what you have with the Mystery Ranch District 24. The main pouch holds up to a 17-inch laptop, with plenty of room for extras such as lunch, a pair of shoes, and workout clothes. Two stretch-woven water-bottle pockets make staying hydrated easy when on the go, and a flip-open front pocket allows for easy access to essentials you might need on the fly, like a pen and notepad. A small pocket on top—perfect for keys and a wallet—rounds out the pouches. Padded shoulder straps and back panel make for a comfortable carry that sits relatively high on the back—a good position for biking. And because it’s made by Mystery Ranch, I can count on the top-notch durability—from the buckles and zippers to the thorough stitching. Overall, another solid, well-thought-out pack from Mystery Ranch.

$170; mysteryranch.com.