Black Ember Citadel R3 25 vs. haize project Clamshell 25
Two carry-on travel backpacks, compared spec for spec.
Black Ember Citadel R3 25
| Capacity | 25 L |
| Weight | 1.6 kg |
| Dimensions | 50×31×18 cm |
| Airline fit | 91% |
| Price | $280 |
Feature by feature
| Black Ember Citadel R3 25 | Feature | haize project Clamshell 25 |
|---|---|---|
| Storage | ||
| N | Compression | 4 |
| None | Expanded Capacity | None |
| 1 | Opening | 1 |
| top | Passport | top |
| Y | Passthrough | N |
| Carry | ||
| Y | Backpack | Y |
| N | Hip Belt | N |
| removable | Sternum Strap | removable |
| Inside | ||
| 14in | Laptop | 15in |
| 4 | Main Compartments | 4 |
| N | Organizer | N |
| Outside | ||
| × | Hard Shell | × |
| N | Rain-fly | N |
| N | Water Bottle Holder | 1, side |
| Y | Water Resistant | Y |
| Material | |
| 421 VELOCITY CORDURA re/cor RN66 | 1680D RPET polyurethane |
haize project Clamshell 25
| Capacity | 25 L |
| Weight | 1.4 kg |
| Dimensions | 50×29×17 cm |
| Airline fit | 92% |
| Price | $333 |
Key differences between the Black Ember Citadel R3 25 and haize project Clamshell 25
- Compression straps: No on the Black Ember Citadel R3 25; 4 on the haize project Clamshell 25.
- Luggage passthrough: Yes on the Black Ember Citadel R3 25; No on the haize project Clamshell 25.
- Laptop sleeve: 14in on the Black Ember Citadel R3 25; 15in on the haize project Clamshell 25.
- Water bottle pockets: No on the Black Ember Citadel R3 25; 1, side on the haize project Clamshell 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. 0 accept only the Black Ember Citadel R3 25, and 1 accept only the haize project Clamshell 25.
Only the haize project Clamshell 25 fits
Air Niugini.
Black Ember Citadel R3 25 vs. haize project Clamshell 25: which should you pack?
The Black Ember Citadel R3 25 carries the same capacity as the haize project Clamshell 25 (25L vs. 25L), while the haize project Clamshell 25 is the lighter pack at 1.4kg (vs. 1.6kg). For carry-on flexibility, the haize project Clamshell 25 fits 92% 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 haize project Clamshell 25 is the better call.