---
url: "https://onebag.travel/compare/6w958bk3r3/nomatic-travel-backpack/706uqjomyt/black-ember-forge-max/"
title: "Nomatic Travel Backpack vs Black Ember Forge Max"
description: "Nomatic Travel Backpack vs Black Ember Forge Max: capacity, weight, dimensions and how many airlines accept each as a carry-on, side by side."
source: "https://onebag.travel/compare/6w958bk3r3/nomatic-travel-backpack/706uqjomyt/black-ember-forge-max/"
---
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2.  [Carry-On Travel Backpacks](https://onebag.travel/carryons/)
3.  Nomatic Travel Backpack vs. Black Ember Forge Max

# Nomatic Travel Backpack vs. Black Ember Forge Max

Two carry-on travel backpacks, compared spec for spec.

## [Nomatic Travel Backpack](https://onebag.travel/carryon/6w958bk3r3/nomatic-travel-backpack/)

by [Nomatic](https://onebag.travel/carryons/?brands=Nomatic)

![Front facing view of the Nomatic Travel Backpack](https://res.cloudinary.com/obt/image/upload/c_fill,w_400/v1601601926/carryons/nomatictravelbackpack_s0rp7a.webp)

<table class="table table-sm cmp-spec mt-2"><tbody><tr><td>Capacity</td><td>20 L</td></tr><tr><td>Weight</td><td>1.8 kg</td></tr><tr><td>Dimensions</td><td>47×30×13 cm</td></tr><tr><td>Airline fit</td><td>93%</td></tr><tr><td>Price</td><td>$330</td></tr></tbody></table>

## Feature by feature

| Nomatic Travel Backpack | Feature | Black Ember Forge Max |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Storage |
| N | Compression | 4 |
| None | Expanded Capacity | 30L |
| 1 | Opening | 1 |
| back | Passport | back |
| Y | Passthrough | Y |
| Carry |
| hideable | Backpack | hideable |
| N | Hip Belt | N |
| Y | Sternum Strap | removable |
| Inside |
| 15in | Laptop | 15in |
| 4 | Main Compartments | 4 |
| N | Organizer | Y |
| Outside |
| × | Hard Shell | × |
| N | Rain-fly | N |
| 2, side | Water Bottle Holder | N |
| Y | Water Resistant | Y |

<table class="cmp-material"><tbody><tr><td colspan="2">Material</td></tr><tr><td>Waterproof tarpaulin</td><td>500D CORDURA re/cor RN66 AIR TEXTURED MATTE FINISH 1000D HYPALON</td></tr></tbody></table>

## [Black Ember Forge Max](https://onebag.travel/carryon/706uqjomyt/black-ember-forge-max/)

by [Black Ember](https://onebag.travel/carryons/?brands=Black Ember)

![Front facing view of the Black Ember Forge Max](https://res.cloudinary.com/obt/image/upload/c_fill,w_400/v1788990475/carryons/black-ember-forge-max-706uqjomyt.webp)

<table class="table table-sm cmp-spec mt-2"><tbody><tr><td>Capacity</td><td>20 L</td></tr><tr><td>Weight</td><td>1.6 kg</td></tr><tr><td>Dimensions</td><td>46×31×15 cm</td></tr><tr><td>Airline fit</td><td>94%</td></tr><tr><td>Price</td><td>$343</td></tr></tbody></table>

## Key differences between the Nomatic Travel Backpack and Black Ember Forge Max

-   **Compression straps:** No on the Nomatic Travel Backpack; 4 on the Black Ember Forge Max.
-   **Sternum strap:** Yes on the Nomatic Travel Backpack; Removable on the Black Ember Forge Max.
-   **Built-in organizer:** No on the Nomatic Travel Backpack; Yes on the Black Ember Forge Max.
-   **Water bottle pockets:** 2, side on the Nomatic Travel Backpack; No on the Black Ember Forge Max.

Both have: passport pocket, luggage passthrough, backpack straps, laptop sleeve, 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. 1 accept only the Nomatic Travel Backpack, and 3 accept only the Black Ember Forge Max.

### Only the Nomatic Travel Backpack fits

Air Niugini.

### Only the Black Ember Forge Max fits

American Eagle, easyJet, Ravn Alaska.

## Nomatic Travel Backpack vs. Black Ember Forge Max: which should you pack?

The **Nomatic Travel Backpack** carries the same capacity as the **Black Ember Forge Max** (20L vs. 20L), while the **Black Ember Forge Max** is the lighter pack at 1.6kg (vs. 1.8kg). 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 Nomatic Travel Backpack; if you want to travel lighter, the Black Ember Forge Max is the better call.