Aer Go Pack 2 vs. Black Ember Citadel 18
Two carry-on travel backpacks, compared spec for spec.
Feature by feature
| Aer Go Pack 2 | Feature | Black Ember Citadel 18 |
|---|---|---|
| Storage | ||
| N | Compression | N |
| None | Expanded Capacity | None |
| 1 | Opening | 1 |
| top | Passport | top |
| Y | Passthrough | Y |
| Carry | ||
| Y | Backpack | Y |
| N | Hip Belt | N |
| N | Sternum Strap | removable |
| Inside | ||
| 16in | Laptop | 14in |
| 3 | Main Compartments | 3 |
| N | Organizer | N |
| Outside | ||
| × | Hard Shell | × |
| N | Rain-fly | N |
| 2, side | Water Bottle Holder | N |
| Y | Water Resistant | Y |
| Material | |
| 210D Cordura® crinkle nylon exterior | 420 VELOCITY CORDURA re/cor RN66 |
Black Ember Citadel 18
| Capacity | 18 L |
| Weight | 1.3 kg |
| Dimensions | 43×29×16 cm |
| Airline fit | 95% |
| Price | $240 |
Key differences between the Aer Go Pack 2 and Black Ember Citadel 18
- Sternum strap: No on the Aer Go Pack 2; Removable on the Black Ember Citadel 18.
- Laptop sleeve: 16in on the Aer Go Pack 2; 14in on the Black Ember Citadel 18.
- Water bottle pockets: 2, side on the Aer Go Pack 2; No on the Black Ember Citadel 18.
Both have: passport pocket, luggage passthrough, backpack straps, water resistant.
Which airlines take each bag as a carry-on
We checked both bags against the carry-on size limits of 189 airlines. 180 accept both. 1 accept only the Aer Go Pack 2, and 0 accept only the Black Ember Citadel 18.
Only the Aer Go Pack 2 fits
Great Lakes Airlines.
Aer Go Pack 2 vs. Black Ember Citadel 18: which should you pack?
The Aer Go Pack 2 carries 2L more than the Black Ember Citadel 18 (20L vs. 18L), while the Aer Go Pack 2 is the lighter pack at 0.6kg (vs. 1.3kg). For carry-on flexibility, the Aer Go Pack 2 fits 96% of the airlines we track — the higher of the two. If you prioritise packing volume, choose the Aer Go Pack 2; if you want to travel lighter, the Aer Go Pack 2 is the better call.