Pakt Stash Packable Backpack 16L vs. Black Ember Citadel 18
Two carry-on travel backpacks, compared spec for spec.
Pakt Stash Packable Backpack 16L
| Capacity | 16 L |
| Weight | 0.4 kg |
| Dimensions | 43×26×12 cm |
| Airline fit | 96% |
| Price | $95 |
Feature by feature
| Pakt Stash Packable Backpack 16L | Feature | Black Ember Citadel 18 |
|---|---|---|
| Storage | ||
| N | Compression | N |
| None | Expanded Capacity | None |
| 1 | Opening | 1 |
| Passport | top | |
| N | Passthrough | Y |
| Carry | ||
| Y | Backpack | Y |
| removable, optional | Hip Belt | N |
| removable | Sternum Strap | removable |
| Inside | ||
| 15in | Laptop | 14in |
| 3 | Main Compartments | 3 |
| N | Organizer | N |
| Outside | ||
| × | Hard Shell | × |
| N | Rain-fly | N |
| N | Water Bottle Holder | N |
| Y | Water Resistant | Y |
| Material | |
| 70D x 160D recycled nylon Tasland ripstop fabric PFAS-free durable water resistant coating | 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 Pakt Stash Packable Backpack 16L and Black Ember Citadel 18
- Luggage passthrough: No on the Pakt Stash Packable Backpack 16L; Yes on the Black Ember Citadel 18.
- Hip belt: Removable, optional on the Pakt Stash Packable Backpack 16L; No on the Black Ember Citadel 18.
- Laptop sleeve: 15in on the Pakt Stash Packable Backpack 16L; 14in on the Black Ember Citadel 18.
Both have: 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. 180 accept both. 1 accept only the Pakt Stash Packable Backpack 16L, and 0 accept only the Black Ember Citadel 18.
Only the Pakt Stash Packable Backpack 16L fits
Great Lakes Airlines.
Pakt Stash Packable Backpack 16L vs. Black Ember Citadel 18: which should you pack?
The Black Ember Citadel 18 carries 2L more than the Pakt Stash Packable Backpack 16L (16L vs. 18L), while the Pakt Stash Packable Backpack 16L is the lighter pack at 0.4kg (vs. 1.3kg). For carry-on flexibility, the Pakt Stash Packable Backpack 16L fits 96% of the airlines we track — the higher of the two. If you prioritise packing volume, choose the Black Ember Citadel 18; if you want to travel lighter, the Pakt Stash Packable Backpack 16L is the better call.