Matador ReFraction vs. Black Ember Citadel 18
Two carry-on travel backpacks, compared spec for spec.
Matador ReFraction
| Capacity | 16 L |
| Weight | 0.2 kg |
| Dimensions | 43×25×19 cm |
| Airline fit | 96% |
| Price | $60 |
Feature by feature
| Matador ReFraction | Feature | Black Ember Citadel 18 |
|---|---|---|
| Storage | ||
| N | Compression | N |
| None | Expanded Capacity | None |
| 0 | Opening | 1 |
| top | Passport | top |
| Y | Passthrough | Y |
| Carry | ||
| Y | Backpack | Y |
| N | Hip Belt | N |
| removable | Sternum Strap | removable |
| Inside | ||
| N | Laptop | 14in |
| 2 | Main Compartments | 3 |
| N | Organizer | N |
| Outside | ||
| × | Hard Shell | × |
| N | Rain-fly | N |
| 2, side | Water Bottle Holder | N |
| Y | Water Resistant | Y |
| Material | |
| Recycled nylon, Bluesign® approved | 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 Matador ReFraction and Black Ember Citadel 18
- Opening: Other on the Matador ReFraction; Clamshell on the Black Ember Citadel 18.
- Laptop sleeve: No on the Matador ReFraction; 14in on the Black Ember Citadel 18.
- Main compartments: 2 on the Matador ReFraction; 3 on the Black Ember Citadel 18.
- Water bottle pockets: 2, side on the Matador ReFraction; No on the Black Ember Citadel 18.
Both have: passport pocket, luggage passthrough, 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 Matador ReFraction, and 0 accept only the Black Ember Citadel 18.
Only the Matador ReFraction fits
Great Lakes Airlines.
Matador ReFraction vs. Black Ember Citadel 18: which should you pack?
The Black Ember Citadel 18 carries 2L more than the Matador ReFraction (16L vs. 18L), while the Matador ReFraction is the lighter pack at 0.2kg (vs. 1.3kg). For carry-on flexibility, the Matador ReFraction 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 Matador ReFraction is the better call.