---
url: "https://onebag.travel/compare/ut39o0uw8z/aer-day-pack-3/vfr1o0y105/black-ember-citadel-18/"
title: "Aer Day Pack 3 vs Black Ember Citadel 18 - One Bag Travel"
description: "Aer Day Pack 3 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/ut39o0uw8z/aer-day-pack-3/vfr1o0y105/black-ember-citadel-18/"
---
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3.  Aer Day Pack 3 vs. Black Ember Citadel 18

# Aer Day Pack 3 vs. Black Ember Citadel 18

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

## [Aer Day Pack 3](https://onebag.travel/carryon/ut39o0uw8z/aer-day-pack-3/)

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

![Front facing view of the Aer Day Pack 3](https://res.cloudinary.com/obt/image/upload/c_fill,w_400/v1788990291/carryons/aer-day-pack-3-ut39o0uw8z.webp)

<table class="table table-sm cmp-spec mt-2"><tbody><tr><td>Capacity</td><td>14 L</td></tr><tr><td>Weight</td><td>1.3 kg</td></tr><tr><td>Dimensions</td><td>44×30×14 cm</td></tr><tr><td>Airline fit</td><td>95%</td></tr><tr><td>Price</td><td>$160</td></tr></tbody></table>

## Feature by feature

| Aer Day Pack 3 | Feature | Black Ember Citadel 18 |
| --- | --- | --- |
| 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 |
| Y | Sternum Strap | removable |
| Inside |
| 16in | Laptop | 14in |
| 3 | Main Compartments | 3 |
| N | Organizer | N |
| Outside |
| × | Hard Shell | × |
| N | Rain-fly | N |
| 1, side | Water Bottle Holder | N |
| Y | Water Resistant | Y |

<table class="cmp-material"><tbody><tr><td colspan="2">Material</td></tr><tr><td>1680D Cordura® ballistic nylon exterior (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 Aer Day Pack 3 and Black Ember Citadel 18

-   **Sternum strap:** Yes on the Aer Day Pack 3; Removable on the Black Ember Citadel 18.
-   **Laptop sleeve:** 16in on the Aer Day Pack 3; 14in on the Black Ember Citadel 18.
-   **Water bottle pockets:** 1, side on the Aer Day Pack 3; No on the Black Ember Citadel 18.

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. 180 accept both. Every airline that takes one takes the other.

## Aer Day Pack 3 vs. Black Ember Citadel 18: which should you pack?

The **Black Ember Citadel 18** carries 4L more than the **Aer Day Pack 3** (14L vs. 18L), while the **Aer Day Pack 3** is the lighter pack at 1.3kg (vs. 1.3kg). For carry-on flexibility, the **Aer Day Pack 3** fits 95% 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 Aer Day Pack 3 is the better call.