Black Ember Citadel R3 25 vs. Aer Pro Pack 24L
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 | Aer Pro Pack 24L |
|---|---|---|
| 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 |
| removable | Sternum Strap | Y |
| Inside | ||
| 14in | Laptop | 16in |
| 4 | Main Compartments | 4 |
| N | Organizer | Y |
| Outside | ||
| × | Hard Shell | × |
| N | Rain-fly | N |
| N | Water Bottle Holder | 2, side |
| Y | Water Resistant | Y |
| Material | |
| 421 VELOCITY CORDURA re/cor RN66 | 840D CORDURA re/cor recycled nylon |
Key differences between the Black Ember Citadel R3 25 and Aer Pro Pack 24L
- Sternum strap: Removable on the Black Ember Citadel R3 25; Yes on the Aer Pro Pack 24L.
- Laptop sleeve: 14in on the Black Ember Citadel R3 25; 16in on the Aer Pro Pack 24L.
- Built-in organizer: No on the Black Ember Citadel R3 25; Yes on the Aer Pro Pack 24L.
- Water bottle pockets: No on the Black Ember Citadel R3 25; 2, side on the Aer Pro Pack 24L.
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. 172 accept both. 0 accept only the Black Ember Citadel R3 25, and 2 accept only the Aer Pro Pack 24L.
Only the Aer Pro Pack 24L fits
Regional Express, Virgin Australia.
Black Ember Citadel R3 25 vs. Aer Pro Pack 24L: which should you pack?
The Black Ember Citadel R3 25 carries 1L more than the Aer Pro Pack 24L (25L vs. 24L), while the Aer Pro Pack 24L is the lighter pack at 1.3kg (vs. 1.6kg). For carry-on flexibility, the Aer Pro Pack 24L 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 Aer Pro Pack 24L is the better call.