OpposeThis Invisible Backpack 3 vs. Black Ember Citadel R3 25
Two carry-on travel backpacks, compared spec for spec.
OpposeThis Invisible Backpack 3
| Capacity | 23 L |
| Weight | 0.9 kg |
| Dimensions | 49×35×19 cm |
| Airline fit | 90% |
| Price | $250 |
Feature by feature
| OpposeThis Invisible Backpack 3 | Feature | Black Ember Citadel R3 25 |
|---|---|---|
| Storage | ||
| N | Compression | N |
| None | Expanded Capacity | None |
| 3 | Opening | 1 |
| top | Passport | top |
| N | Passthrough | Y |
| Carry | ||
| Y | Backpack | Y |
| N | Hip Belt | N |
| removable | Sternum Strap | removable |
| Inside | ||
| 15in | Laptop | 14in |
| 5 | Main Compartments | 4 |
| N | Organizer | N |
| Outside | ||
| × | Hard Shell | × |
| N | Rain-fly | N |
| N | Water Bottle Holder | N |
| Y | Water Resistant | Y |
| Material | |
| 800x600D lightweight waterproof nylon-polyester blend | 421 VELOCITY CORDURA re/cor RN66 |
Black Ember Citadel R3 25
| Capacity | 25 L |
| Weight | 1.6 kg |
| Dimensions | 50×31×18 cm |
| Airline fit | 91% |
| Price | $280 |
Key differences between the OpposeThis Invisible Backpack 3 and Black Ember Citadel R3 25
- Opening: Top flap on the OpposeThis Invisible Backpack 3; Clamshell on the Black Ember Citadel R3 25.
- Luggage passthrough: No on the OpposeThis Invisible Backpack 3; Yes on the Black Ember Citadel R3 25.
- Laptop sleeve: 15in on the OpposeThis Invisible Backpack 3; 14in on the Black Ember Citadel R3 25.
- Main compartments: 5 on the OpposeThis Invisible Backpack 3; 4 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. 171 accept both. 0 accept only the OpposeThis Invisible Backpack 3, and 1 accept only the Black Ember Citadel R3 25.
Only the Black Ember Citadel R3 25 fits
Cayman Airways.
OpposeThis Invisible Backpack 3 vs. Black Ember Citadel R3 25: which should you pack?
The Black Ember Citadel R3 25 carries 2L more than the OpposeThis Invisible Backpack 3 (23L vs. 25L), while the OpposeThis Invisible Backpack 3 is the lighter pack at 0.9kg (vs. 1.6kg). For carry-on flexibility, the Black Ember Citadel R3 25 fits 91% 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 OpposeThis Invisible Backpack 3 is the better call.