---
url: "https://onebag.travel/compare/vfr1o0y105/black-ember-citadel-18/wxgfrb6sfi/aer-tech-pack-2/"
title: "Black Ember Citadel 18 vs Aer Tech Pack 2 - One Bag Travel"
description: "Black Ember Citadel 18 vs Aer Tech Pack 2: capacity, weight, dimensions and how many airlines accept each as a carry-on, side by side."
source: "https://onebag.travel/compare/vfr1o0y105/black-ember-citadel-18/wxgfrb6sfi/aer-tech-pack-2/"
---
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3.  Black Ember Citadel 18 vs. Aer Tech Pack 2

# Black Ember Citadel 18 vs. Aer Tech Pack 2

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

## [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>

## 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 |

<table class="cmp-material"><tbody><tr><td colspan="2">Material</td></tr><tr><td>420 VELOCITY CORDURA re/cor RN66</td><td>1680D CORDURA® ballistic nylon exterior (bluesign® approved)</td></tr></tbody></table>

## [Aer Tech Pack 2](https://onebag.travel/carryon/wxgfrb6sfi/aer-tech-pack-2/)

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

![Front facing view of the Aer Tech Pack 2](https://res.cloudinary.com/obt/image/upload/c_fill,w_400/v1620267788/carryons/Aer_Tech_Pack_2_osxnne.webp)

<table class="table table-sm cmp-spec mt-2"><tbody><tr><td>Capacity</td><td>12 L</td></tr><tr><td>Weight</td><td>0.8 kg</td></tr><tr><td>Dimensions</td><td>45×31×8 cm</td></tr><tr><td>Airline fit</td><td>95%</td></tr><tr><td>Price</td><td>$125</td></tr></tbody></table>

## 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.