Patagonia Tres Backpack 25L vs. Black Ember Forge Max
Two carry-on travel backpacks, compared spec for spec.
Patagonia Tres Backpack 25L
| Capacity | 25 L |
| Weight | 0.9 kg |
| Dimensions | 48×31×17 cm |
| Airline fit | 92% |
| Price | $129 |
Feature by feature
| Patagonia Tres Backpack 25L | Feature | Black Ember Forge Max |
|---|---|---|
| Storage | ||
| N | Compression | 4 |
| None | Expanded Capacity | 30L |
| 1 | Opening | 1 |
| N | Passport | back |
| Y | Passthrough | Y |
| Carry | ||
| hideable | Backpack | hideable |
| N | Hip Belt | N |
| Y | Sternum Strap | removable |
| Inside | ||
| 15in | Laptop | 15in |
| 1 | Main Compartments | 4 |
| Y | Organizer | Y |
| Outside | ||
| × | Hard Shell | × |
| N | Rain-fly | N |
| N | Water Bottle Holder | N |
| Y | Water Resistant | Y |
| Material | |
| 630-denier 100% nylon, 200-denier 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 Patagonia Tres Backpack 25L and Black Ember Forge Max
- Compression straps: No on the Patagonia Tres Backpack 25L; 4 on the Black Ember Forge Max.
- Passport pocket: No on the Patagonia Tres Backpack 25L; Back on the Black Ember Forge Max.
- Sternum strap: Yes on the Patagonia Tres Backpack 25L; Removable on the Black Ember Forge Max.
- Main compartments: 1 on the Patagonia Tres Backpack 25L; 4 on the Black Ember Forge Max.
Both have: luggage passthrough, backpack straps, laptop sleeve, built-in organizer, water resistant.
Which airlines take each bag as a carry-on
We checked both bags against the carry-on size limits of 189 airlines. 174 accept both. 0 accept only the Patagonia Tres Backpack 25L, and 3 accept only the Black Ember Forge Max.
Only the Black Ember Forge Max fits
American Eagle, easyJet, Ravn Alaska.
Patagonia Tres Backpack 25L vs. Black Ember Forge Max: which should you pack?
The Patagonia Tres Backpack 25L carries 5L more than the Black Ember Forge Max (25L vs. 20L), while the Patagonia Tres Backpack 25L is the lighter pack at 0.9kg (vs. 1.6kg). For carry-on flexibility, the Black Ember Forge Max fits 94% of the airlines we track — the higher of the two. If you prioritise packing volume, choose the Patagonia Tres Backpack 25L; if you want to travel lighter, the Patagonia Tres Backpack 25L is the better call.