---
url: "https://onebag.travel/compare/706uqjomyt/black-ember-forge-max/p1vxa73t99/timbuk2-scheme/"
title: "Black Ember Forge Max vs Timbuk2 Scheme - One Bag Travel"
description: "Black Ember Forge Max vs Timbuk2 Scheme: capacity, weight, dimensions and how many airlines accept each as a carry-on, side by side."
source: "https://onebag.travel/compare/706uqjomyt/black-ember-forge-max/p1vxa73t99/timbuk2-scheme/"
---
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3.  Black Ember Forge Max vs. Timbuk2 Scheme

# Black Ember Forge Max vs. Timbuk2 Scheme

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

## [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>

## 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 |

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

## [Timbuk2 Scheme](https://onebag.travel/carryon/p1vxa73t99/timbuk2-scheme/)

by [Timbuk2](https://onebag.travel/carryons/?brands=Timbuk2)

![Front facing view of the Timbuk2 Scheme](https://res.cloudinary.com/obt/image/upload/c_fill,w_400/v1788990446/carryons/timbuk2-scheme-p1vxa73t99.webp)

<table class="table table-sm cmp-spec mt-2"><tbody><tr><td>Capacity</td><td>21 L</td></tr><tr><td>Weight</td><td>1.2 kg</td></tr><tr><td>Dimensions</td><td>43×30×14 cm</td></tr><tr><td>Airline fit</td><td>95%</td></tr><tr><td>Price</td><td>$180</td></tr></tbody></table>

## 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.