GORUCK GR1 USA - X-PAC vs. Black Ember Citadel 18
Two carry-on travel backpacks, compared spec for spec.
GORUCK GR1 USA - X-PAC
| Capacity | 21 L |
| Weight | 1 kg |
| Dimensions | 46×29×14 cm |
| Airline fit | 94% |
| Price | $335 |
Feature by feature
| GORUCK GR1 USA - X-PAC | Feature | Black Ember Citadel 18 |
|---|---|---|
| Storage | ||
| N | Compression | N |
| None | Expanded Capacity | None |
| 1 | Opening | 1 |
| top | Passport | top |
| N | Passthrough | Y |
| Carry | ||
| Y | Backpack | Y |
| N | Hip Belt | N |
| N | Sternum Strap | removable |
| Inside | ||
| 15in | Laptop | 14in |
| 3 | Main Compartments | 3 |
| N | Organizer | N |
| Outside | ||
| × | Hard Shell | × |
| N | Rain-fly | N |
| N | Water Bottle Holder | N |
| Y | Water Resistant | Y |
| Material | |
| XPAC VX21 | 420 VELOCITY CORDURA re/cor RN66 |
Black Ember Citadel 18
| Capacity | 18 L |
| Weight | 1.3 kg |
| Dimensions | 43×29×16 cm |
| Airline fit | 95% |
| Price | $240 |
Key differences between the GORUCK GR1 USA - X-PAC and Black Ember Citadel 18
- Luggage passthrough: No on the GORUCK GR1 USA - X-PAC; Yes on the Black Ember Citadel 18.
- Sternum strap: No on the GORUCK GR1 USA - X-PAC; Removable on the Black Ember Citadel 18.
- Laptop sleeve: 15in on the GORUCK GR1 USA - X-PAC; 14in on the Black Ember Citadel 18.
Both have: passport pocket, 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. 178 accept both. 0 accept only the GORUCK GR1 USA - X-PAC, and 2 accept only the Black Ember Citadel 18.
Only the Black Ember Citadel 18 fits
Air Tahiti, Gulf Air.
GORUCK GR1 USA - X-PAC vs. Black Ember Citadel 18: which should you pack?
The GORUCK GR1 USA - X-PAC carries 3L more than the Black Ember Citadel 18 (21L vs. 18L), while the GORUCK GR1 USA - X-PAC is the lighter pack at 1kg (vs. 1.3kg). For carry-on flexibility, the Black Ember Citadel 18 fits 95% of the airlines we track — the higher of the two. If you prioritise packing volume, choose the GORUCK GR1 USA - X-PAC; if you want to travel lighter, the GORUCK GR1 USA - X-PAC is the better call.