Timbuk2 Scheme vs. Black Ember Citadel 18
Two carry-on travel backpacks, compared spec for spec.
Feature by feature
| Timbuk2 Scheme | Feature | Black Ember Citadel 18 |
|---|---|---|
| Storage | ||
| N | Compression | N |
| None | Expanded Capacity | None |
| 1 | Opening | 1 |
| side | Passport | top |
| Y | Passthrough | Y |
| Carry | ||
| hideable | Backpack | Y |
| N | Hip Belt | N |
| removable | Sternum Strap | removable |
| Inside | ||
| 15in | Laptop | 14in |
| 6 | Main Compartments | 3 |
| N | Organizer | N |
| Outside | ||
| × | Hard Shell | × |
| N | Rain-fly | N |
| N | Water Bottle Holder | N |
| Y | Water Resistant | Y |
| Material | |
| 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 Timbuk2 Scheme and Black Ember Citadel 18
- Passport pocket: Side on the Timbuk2 Scheme; Top on the Black Ember Citadel 18.
- Backpack straps: Hideable on the Timbuk2 Scheme; Yes on the Black Ember Citadel 18.
- Laptop sleeve: 15in on the Timbuk2 Scheme; 14in on the Black Ember Citadel 18.
- Main compartments: 6 on the Timbuk2 Scheme; 3 on the Black Ember Citadel 18.
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. 180 accept both. Every airline that takes one takes the other.
Timbuk2 Scheme vs. Black Ember Citadel 18: which should you pack?
The Timbuk2 Scheme carries 3L more than the Black Ember Citadel 18 (21L vs. 18L), while the Timbuk2 Scheme is the lighter pack at 1.2kg (vs. 1.3kg). For carry-on flexibility, the Timbuk2 Scheme fits 95% of the airlines we track — the higher of the two. If you prioritise packing volume, choose the Timbuk2 Scheme; if you want to travel lighter, the Timbuk2 Scheme is the better call.