Black Ember Citadel R3 25 vs. GORUCK GR1 26
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 | GORUCK GR1 26 |
|---|---|---|
| Storage | ||
| N | Compression | N |
| None | Expanded Capacity | None |
| 1 | Opening | 1 |
| top | Passport | top |
| Y | Passthrough | N |
| Carry | ||
| Y | Backpack | Y |
| N | Hip Belt | N |
| removable | Sternum Strap | N |
| Inside | ||
| 14in | Laptop | 17in |
| 4 | Main Compartments | 3 |
| N | Organizer | N |
| Outside | ||
| × | Hard Shell | × |
| N | Rain-fly | N |
| N | Water Bottle Holder | N |
| Y | Water Resistant | Y |
| Material | |
| 421 VELOCITY CORDURA re/cor RN66 | 1000D Cordura |
Key differences between the Black Ember Citadel R3 25 and GORUCK GR1 26
- Luggage passthrough: Yes on the Black Ember Citadel R3 25; No on the GORUCK GR1 26.
- Sternum strap: Removable on the Black Ember Citadel R3 25; No on the GORUCK GR1 26.
- Laptop sleeve: 14in on the Black Ember Citadel R3 25; 17in on the GORUCK GR1 26.
- Main compartments: 4 on the Black Ember Citadel R3 25; 3 on the GORUCK GR1 26.
Both have: passport pocket, 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. 169 accept both. 3 accept only the Black Ember Citadel R3 25, and 0 accept only the GORUCK GR1 26.
Only the Black Ember Citadel R3 25 fits
Belavia, Etihad Airways, Qatar Airways.
Black Ember Citadel R3 25 vs. GORUCK GR1 26: which should you pack?
The GORUCK GR1 26 carries 1L more than the Black Ember Citadel R3 25 (25L vs. 26L), while the GORUCK GR1 26 is the lighter pack at 1.5kg (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 GORUCK GR1 26; if you want to travel lighter, the GORUCK GR1 26 is the better call.