---
url: "https://onebag.travel/compare/rrd96z4gxh/matador-refraction/vfr1o0y105/black-ember-citadel-18/"
title: "Matador ReFraction vs Black Ember Citadel 18"
description: "Matador ReFraction vs Black Ember Citadel 18: capacity, weight, dimensions and how many airlines accept each as a carry-on, side by side."
source: "https://onebag.travel/compare/rrd96z4gxh/matador-refraction/vfr1o0y105/black-ember-citadel-18/"
---
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3.  Matador ReFraction vs. Black Ember Citadel 18

# Matador ReFraction vs. Black Ember Citadel 18

Two carry-on travel backpacks, compared spec for spec.

## [Matador ReFraction](https://onebag.travel/carryon/rrd96z4gxh/matador-refraction/)

by [Matador](https://onebag.travel/carryons/?brands=Matador)

![Front facing view of the Matador ReFraction](https://res.cloudinary.com/obt/image/upload/c_fill,w_400/v1788990384/carryons/matador-refraction-rrd96z4gxh.webp)

<table class="table table-sm cmp-spec mt-2"><tbody><tr><td>Capacity</td><td>16 L</td></tr><tr><td>Weight</td><td>0.2 kg</td></tr><tr><td>Dimensions</td><td>43×25×19 cm</td></tr><tr><td>Airline fit</td><td>96%</td></tr><tr><td>Price</td><td>$60</td></tr></tbody></table>

## 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 |

<table class="cmp-material"><tbody><tr><td colspan="2">Material</td></tr><tr><td>Recycled nylon, Bluesign® approved</td><td>420 VELOCITY CORDURA re/cor RN66</td></tr></tbody></table>

## [Black Ember Citadel 18](https://onebag.travel/carryon/vfr1o0y105/black-ember-citadel-18/)

by [Black Ember](https://onebag.travel/carryons/?brands=Black Ember)

![Front facing view of the Black Ember Citadel 18](https://res.cloudinary.com/obt/image/upload/c_fill,w_400/v1788990474/carryons/black-ember-citadel-18-vfr1o0y105.webp)

<table class="table table-sm cmp-spec mt-2"><tbody><tr><td>Capacity</td><td>18 L</td></tr><tr><td>Weight</td><td>1.3 kg</td></tr><tr><td>Dimensions</td><td>43×29×16 cm</td></tr><tr><td>Airline fit</td><td>95%</td></tr><tr><td>Price</td><td>$240</td></tr></tbody></table>

## 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.