Black Ember Forge Max vs. Timbuk2 Scheme
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 | Timbuk2 Scheme |
|---|---|---|
| Storage | ||
| 4 | Compression | N |
| 30L | Expanded Capacity | None |
| 1 | Opening | 1 |
| back | Passport | side |
| Y | Passthrough | Y |
| Carry | ||
| hideable | Backpack | hideable |
| N | Hip Belt | N |
| removable | Sternum Strap | removable |
| Inside | ||
| 15in | Laptop | 15in |
| 4 | Main Compartments | 6 |
| 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 | |
Key differences between the Black Ember Forge Max and Timbuk2 Scheme
- Compression straps: 4 on the Black Ember Forge Max; No on the Timbuk2 Scheme.
- Passport pocket: Back on the Black Ember Forge Max; Side on the Timbuk2 Scheme.
- Main compartments: 4 on the Black Ember Forge Max; 6 on the Timbuk2 Scheme.
- Built-in organizer: Yes on the Black Ember Forge Max; No on the Timbuk2 Scheme.
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 3 accept only the Timbuk2 Scheme.
Only the Timbuk2 Scheme fits
Air Niugini, Air Tahiti, Gulf Air.
Black Ember Forge Max vs. Timbuk2 Scheme: which should you pack?
The Timbuk2 Scheme carries 1L more than the Black Ember Forge Max (20L vs. 21L), while the Timbuk2 Scheme is the lighter pack at 1.2kg (vs. 1.6kg). For carry-on flexibility, the Timbuk2 Scheme fits 95% of the airlines we track — the higher of the two. If you prioritise packing volume, choose the Timbuk2 Scheme; if you want to travel lighter, the Timbuk2 Scheme is the better call.