FHF Gear EDC Pack vs. Black Ember Citadel 18
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 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 |
| removable | Sternum Strap | removable |
| Inside | ||
| 15in | Laptop | 14in |
| 4 | Main Compartments | 3 |
| N | Organizer | N |
| Outside | ||
| × | Hard Shell | × |
| N | Rain-fly | N |
| 1, side | Water Bottle Holder | N |
| Y | Water Resistant | Y |
| Material | |
| ECOPAK 400 | 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 FHF Gear EDC Pack and Black Ember Citadel 18
- Luggage passthrough: No on the FHF Gear EDC Pack; Yes on the Black Ember Citadel 18.
- Laptop sleeve: 15in on the FHF Gear EDC Pack; 14in on the Black Ember Citadel 18.
- Main compartments: 4 on the FHF Gear EDC Pack; 3 on the Black Ember Citadel 18.
- Water bottle pockets: 1, side on the FHF Gear EDC Pack; No on the Black Ember Citadel 18.
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. 178 accept both. 1 accept only the FHF Gear EDC Pack, and 2 accept only the Black Ember Citadel 18.
Only the FHF Gear EDC Pack fits
Great Lakes Airlines.
Only the Black Ember Citadel 18 fits
Air Tahiti, Gulf Air.
FHF Gear EDC Pack vs. Black Ember Citadel 18: which should you pack?
The FHF Gear EDC Pack carries the same capacity as the Black Ember Citadel 18 (18L vs. 18L), while the FHF Gear EDC Pack is the lighter pack at 0.9kg (vs. 1.3kg). 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 FHF Gear EDC Pack; if you want to travel lighter, the FHF Gear EDC Pack is the better call.