---
url: "https://onebag.travel/compare/877l9d0o0i/5-11-rush-12/m0gizsp8la/black-ember-citadel-r3-25/"
title: "5.11 Rush 12 vs Black Ember Citadel R3 25 - One Bag Travel"
description: "5.11 Rush 12 vs Black Ember Citadel R3 25: capacity, weight, dimensions and how many airlines accept each as a carry-on, side by side."
source: "https://onebag.travel/compare/877l9d0o0i/5-11-rush-12/m0gizsp8la/black-ember-citadel-r3-25/"
---
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2.  [Carry-On Travel Backpacks](https://onebag.travel/carryons/)
3.  5.11 Rush 12 vs. Black Ember Citadel R3 25

# 5.11 Rush 12 vs. Black Ember Citadel R3 25

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

## [5.11 Rush 12](https://onebag.travel/carryon/877l9d0o0i/5-11-rush-12/)

by [5.11](https://onebag.travel/carryons/?brands=5.11)

![Front facing view of the 5.11 Rush 12](https://res.cloudinary.com/obt/image/upload/c_fill,w_400/carryons/l26eeyqiuk8signvcmpg)

<table class="table table-sm cmp-spec mt-2"><tbody><tr><td>Capacity</td><td>24 L</td></tr><tr><td>Weight</td><td>1.2 kg</td></tr><tr><td>Dimensions</td><td>46×28×17 cm</td></tr><tr><td>Airline fit</td><td>95%</td></tr><tr><td>Price</td><td>$105</td></tr></tbody></table>

## Feature by feature

| 5.11 Rush 12 | Feature | Black Ember Citadel R3 25 |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Storage |
| 2 | Compression | N |
| None | Expanded Capacity | None |
| 1 | Opening | 1 |
| top | Passport | top |
| N | Passthrough | Y |
| Carry |
| Y | Backpack | Y |
| removable | Hip Belt | N |
| removable | Sternum Strap | removable |
| Inside |
| N | Laptop | 14in |
| 4 | Main Compartments | 4 |
| N | 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>Water-resistant 1050D nylon</td><td>421 VELOCITY CORDURA re/cor RN66</td></tr></tbody></table>

## [Black Ember Citadel R3 25](https://onebag.travel/carryon/m0gizsp8la/black-ember-citadel-r3-25/)

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

![Front facing view of the Black Ember Citadel R3 25](https://res.cloudinary.com/obt/image/upload/c_fill,w_400/v1788990475/carryons/black-ember-citadel-r3-25-m0gizsp8la.webp)

<table class="table table-sm cmp-spec mt-2"><tbody><tr><td>Capacity</td><td>25 L</td></tr><tr><td>Weight</td><td>1.6 kg</td></tr><tr><td>Dimensions</td><td>50×31×18 cm</td></tr><tr><td>Airline fit</td><td>91%</td></tr><tr><td>Price</td><td>$280</td></tr></tbody></table>

## Key differences between the 5.11 Rush 12 and Black Ember Citadel R3 25

-   **Compression straps:** 2 on the 5.11 Rush 12; No on the Black Ember Citadel R3 25.
-   **Luggage passthrough:** No on the 5.11 Rush 12; Yes on the Black Ember Citadel R3 25.
-   **Hip belt:** Removable on the 5.11 Rush 12; No on the Black Ember Citadel R3 25.
-   **Laptop sleeve:** No on the 5.11 Rush 12; 14in on the Black Ember Citadel R3 25.

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. 172 accept both. 7 accept only the 5.11 Rush 12, and 0 accept only the Black Ember Citadel R3 25.

### Only the 5.11 Rush 12 fits

Air Niugini, American Eagle, easyJet, Great Lakes Airlines, Ravn Alaska, Regional Express, Virgin Australia.

## 5.11 Rush 12 vs. Black Ember Citadel R3 25: which should you pack?

The **Black Ember Citadel R3 25** carries 1L more than the **5.11 Rush 12** (24L vs. 25L), while the **5.11 Rush 12** is the lighter pack at 1.2kg (vs. 1.6kg). For carry-on flexibility, the **5.11 Rush 12** fits 95% of the airlines we track — the higher of the two. If you prioritise packing volume, choose the Black Ember Citadel R3 25; if you want to travel lighter, the 5.11 Rush 12 is the better call.