Patagonia Black Hole Micro MLC 22L vs. Black Ember Citadel R3 25
Two carry-on travel backpacks, compared spec for spec.
Patagonia Black Hole Micro MLC 22L
| Capacity | 22 L |
| Weight | 0.9 kg |
| Dimensions | 46×30×19 cm |
| Airline fit | 94% |
| Price | $150 |
Feature by feature
| Patagonia Black Hole Micro MLC 22L | Feature | Black Ember Citadel R3 25 |
|---|---|---|
| Storage | ||
| N | Compression | N |
| None | Expanded Capacity | None |
| 1 | Opening | 1 |
| N | Passport | top |
| Y | Passthrough | Y |
| Carry | ||
| hideable | Backpack | Y |
| N | Hip Belt | N |
| removable | Sternum Strap | removable |
| Inside | ||
| 15in | Laptop | 14in |
| 2 | Main Compartments | 4 |
| N | Organizer | N |
| Outside | ||
| × | Hard Shell | × |
| N | Rain-fly | N |
| N | Water Bottle Holder | N |
| Y | Water Resistant | Y |
| Material | |
| 8.7-oz 300-denier 100% postconsumer recycled polyester ripstop with a postindustrial recycled TPU-film laminate | 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 Patagonia Black Hole Micro MLC 22L and Black Ember Citadel R3 25
- Passport pocket: No on the Patagonia Black Hole Micro MLC 22L; Top on the Black Ember Citadel R3 25.
- Backpack straps: Hideable on the Patagonia Black Hole Micro MLC 22L; Yes on the Black Ember Citadel R3 25.
- Laptop sleeve: 15in on the Patagonia Black Hole Micro MLC 22L; 14in on the Black Ember Citadel R3 25.
- Main compartments: 2 on the Patagonia Black Hole Micro MLC 22L; 4 on the Black Ember Citadel R3 25.
Both have: luggage passthrough, 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. 6 accept only the Patagonia Black Hole Micro MLC 22L, and 0 accept only the Black Ember Citadel R3 25.
Only the Patagonia Black Hole Micro MLC 22L fits
Air Niugini, American Eagle, easyJet, Ravn Alaska, Regional Express, Virgin Australia.
Patagonia Black Hole Micro MLC 22L vs. Black Ember Citadel R3 25: which should you pack?
The Black Ember Citadel R3 25 carries 3L more than the Patagonia Black Hole Micro MLC 22L (22L vs. 25L), while the Patagonia Black Hole Micro MLC 22L is the lighter pack at 0.9kg (vs. 1.6kg). For carry-on flexibility, the Patagonia Black Hole Micro MLC 22L fits 94% 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 Patagonia Black Hole Micro MLC 22L is the better call.