Black Ember Citadel 18 vs. Aer Tech Pack 2
Two carry-on travel backpacks, compared spec for spec.
Black Ember Citadel 18
| Capacity | 18 L |
| Weight | 1.3 kg |
| Dimensions | 43×29×16 cm |
| Airline fit | 95% |
| Price | $240 |
Feature by feature
| Black Ember Citadel 18 | Feature | Aer Tech Pack 2 |
|---|---|---|
| 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 |
| removable | Sternum Strap | Y |
| Inside | ||
| 14in | Laptop | 16in |
| 3 | Main Compartments | 3 |
| N | Organizer | Y |
| Outside | ||
| × | Hard Shell | × |
| N | Rain-fly | N |
| N | Water Bottle Holder | N |
| Y | Water Resistant | Y |
| Material | |
| 420 VELOCITY CORDURA re/cor RN66 | 1680D CORDURA® ballistic nylon exterior (bluesign® approved) |
Key differences between the Black Ember Citadel 18 and Aer Tech Pack 2
- Sternum strap: Removable on the Black Ember Citadel 18; Yes on the Aer Tech Pack 2.
- Laptop sleeve: 14in on the Black Ember Citadel 18; 16in on the Aer Tech Pack 2.
- Built-in organizer: No on the Black Ember Citadel 18; Yes on the Aer Tech Pack 2.
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. 179 accept both. 1 accept only the Black Ember Citadel 18, and 0 accept only the Aer Tech Pack 2.
Only the Black Ember Citadel 18 fits
Air Niugini.
Black Ember Citadel 18 vs. Aer Tech Pack 2: which should you pack?
The Black Ember Citadel 18 carries 6L more than the Aer Tech Pack 2 (18L vs. 12L), while the Aer Tech Pack 2 is the lighter pack at 0.8kg (vs. 1.3kg). For carry-on flexibility, the Black Ember Citadel 18 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 Tech Pack 2 is the better call.