Away Active Convertible 25L vs. Black Ember Forge Max
Two carry-on travel backpacks, compared spec for spec.
Away Active Convertible 25L
| Capacity | 25 L |
| Weight | 1.1 kg |
| Dimensions | 43×33×19 cm |
| Airline fit | 95% |
| Price | $180 |
Feature by feature
| Away Active Convertible 25L | Feature | Black Ember Forge Max |
|---|---|---|
| Storage | ||
| 4 | Compression | 4 |
| None | Expanded Capacity | 30L |
| 1 | Opening | 1 |
| back | Passport | back |
| Y | Passthrough | Y |
| Carry | ||
| hideable | Backpack | hideable |
| N | Hip Belt | N |
| N | Sternum Strap | removable |
| Inside | ||
| 13in | Laptop | 15in |
| 4 | Main Compartments | 4 |
| N | Organizer | Y |
| Outside | ||
| × | Hard Shell | × |
| N | Rain-fly | N |
| 1, side | Water Bottle Holder | N |
| Y | Water Resistant | Y |
| Material | |
| 100% recycled polyester | 500D CORDURA re/cor RN66 AIR TEXTURED MATTE FINISH 1000D HYPALON |
Black Ember Forge Max
| Capacity | 20 L |
| Weight | 1.6 kg |
| Dimensions | 46×31×15 cm |
| Airline fit | 94% |
| Price | $343 |
Key differences between the Away Active Convertible 25L and Black Ember Forge Max
- Sternum strap: No on the Away Active Convertible 25L; Removable on the Black Ember Forge Max.
- Laptop sleeve: 13in on the Away Active Convertible 25L; 15in on the Black Ember Forge Max.
- Built-in organizer: No on the Away Active Convertible 25L; Yes on the Black Ember Forge Max.
- Water bottle pockets: 1, side on the Away Active Convertible 25L; No on the Black Ember Forge Max.
Both have: compression straps, passport pocket, luggage passthrough, backpack straps, water resistant.
Which airlines take each bag as a carry-on
We checked both bags against the carry-on size limits of 189 airlines. 177 accept both. 2 accept only the Away Active Convertible 25L, and 0 accept only the Black Ember Forge Max.
Only the Away Active Convertible 25L fits
Air Tahiti, Gulf Air.
Away Active Convertible 25L vs. Black Ember Forge Max: which should you pack?
The Away Active Convertible 25L carries 5L more than the Black Ember Forge Max (25L vs. 20L), while the Away Active Convertible 25L is the lighter pack at 1.1kg (vs. 1.6kg). For carry-on flexibility, the Away Active Convertible 25L fits 95% of the airlines we track — the higher of the two. If you prioritise packing volume, choose the Away Active Convertible 25L; if you want to travel lighter, the Away Active Convertible 25L is the better call.