Black Ember Forge Max vs. Patagonia Black Hole Micro MLC 22L
Two carry-on travel backpacks, compared spec for spec.
Black Ember Forge Max
| Capacity | 20 L |
| Weight | 1.6 kg |
| Dimensions | 46×31×15 cm |
| Airline fit | 94% |
| Price | $343 |
Feature by feature
| Black Ember Forge Max | Feature | Patagonia Black Hole Micro MLC 22L |
|---|---|---|
| Storage | ||
| 4 | Compression | N |
| 30L | Expanded Capacity | None |
| 1 | Opening | 1 |
| back | Passport | N |
| Y | Passthrough | Y |
| Carry | ||
| hideable | Backpack | hideable |
| N | Hip Belt | N |
| removable | Sternum Strap | removable |
| Inside | ||
| 15in | Laptop | 15in |
| 4 | Main Compartments | 2 |
| Y | Organizer | N |
| Outside | ||
| × | Hard Shell | × |
| N | Rain-fly | N |
| N | Water Bottle Holder | N |
| Y | Water Resistant | Y |
| Material | |
| 500D CORDURA re/cor RN66 AIR TEXTURED MATTE FINISH 1000D HYPALON | 8.7-oz 300-denier 100% postconsumer recycled polyester ripstop with a postindustrial recycled TPU-film laminate |
Patagonia Black Hole Micro MLC 22L
| Capacity | 22 L |
| Weight | 0.9 kg |
| Dimensions | 46×30×19 cm |
| Airline fit | 94% |
| Price | $150 |
Key differences between the Black Ember Forge Max and Patagonia Black Hole Micro MLC 22L
- Compression straps: 4 on the Black Ember Forge Max; No on the Patagonia Black Hole Micro MLC 22L.
- Passport pocket: Back on the Black Ember Forge Max; No on the Patagonia Black Hole Micro MLC 22L.
- Main compartments: 4 on the Black Ember Forge Max; 2 on the Patagonia Black Hole Micro MLC 22L.
- Built-in organizer: Yes on the Black Ember Forge Max; No on the Patagonia Black Hole Micro MLC 22L.
Both have: luggage passthrough, backpack straps, sternum strap, 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. 177 accept both. 0 accept only the Black Ember Forge Max, and 1 accept only the Patagonia Black Hole Micro MLC 22L.
Only the Patagonia Black Hole Micro MLC 22L fits
Air Niugini.
Black Ember Forge Max vs. Patagonia Black Hole Micro MLC 22L: which should you pack?
The Patagonia Black Hole Micro MLC 22L carries 2L more than the Black Ember Forge Max (20L vs. 22L), while the Patagonia Black Hole Micro MLC 22L 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 Black Hole Micro MLC 22L; if you want to travel lighter, the Patagonia Black Hole Micro MLC 22L is the better call.