FHF Gear EDC Pack vs. Black Ember Citadel R3 25
Two carry-on travel backpacks, compared spec for spec.
FHF Gear EDC Pack
| Capacity | 18 L |
| Weight | 0.9 kg |
| Dimensions | 46×27×15 cm |
| Airline fit | 95% |
| Price | $270 |
Feature by feature
| FHF Gear EDC Pack | Feature | Black Ember Citadel R3 25 |
|---|---|---|
| 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 |
| removable | Sternum Strap | removable |
| Inside | ||
| 15in | Laptop | 14in |
| 4 | Main Compartments | 4 |
| N | Organizer | N |
| Outside | ||
| × | Hard Shell | × |
| N | Rain-fly | N |
| 1, side | Water Bottle Holder | N |
| Y | Water Resistant | Y |
| Material | |
| ECOPAK 400 | 421 VELOCITY CORDURA re/cor RN66 |
Black Ember Citadel R3 25
| Capacity | 25 L |
| Weight | 1.6 kg |
| Dimensions | 50×31×18 cm |
| Airline fit | 91% |
| Price | $280 |
Key differences between the FHF Gear EDC Pack and Black Ember Citadel R3 25
- Luggage passthrough: No on the FHF Gear EDC Pack; Yes on the Black Ember Citadel R3 25.
- Laptop sleeve: 15in on the FHF Gear EDC Pack; 14in on the Black Ember Citadel R3 25.
- Water bottle pockets: 1, side on the FHF Gear EDC Pack; No on the Black Ember Citadel R3 25.
Both have: passport pocket, backpack straps, sternum strap, water resistant.
Which airlines take each bag as a carry-on
We checked both bags against the carry-on size limits of 189 airlines. 172 accept both. 7 accept only the FHF Gear EDC Pack, and 0 accept only the Black Ember Citadel R3 25.
Only the FHF Gear EDC Pack fits
Air Niugini, American Eagle, easyJet, Great Lakes Airlines, Ravn Alaska, Regional Express, Virgin Australia.
FHF Gear EDC Pack vs. Black Ember Citadel R3 25: which should you pack?
The Black Ember Citadel R3 25 carries 7L more than the FHF Gear EDC Pack (18L vs. 25L), while the FHF Gear EDC Pack is the lighter pack at 0.9kg (vs. 1.6kg). For carry-on flexibility, the FHF Gear EDC Pack fits 95% of the airlines we track — the higher of the two. If you prioritise packing volume, choose the Black Ember Citadel R3 25; if you want to travel lighter, the FHF Gear EDC Pack is the better call.