Black Ember Citadel R3 20 vs NEMO Equipment Vantage 20L
The Black Ember Citadel R3 20 is 20L and 1.25kg2.8lb; the NEMO Equipment Vantage 20L is 20L and 1.23kg2.7lb. The NEMO Equipment Vantage 20L is 0.02kg0lb lighter. The NEMO Equipment Vantage 20L costs $65.05000000000001 less. The Black Ember Citadel R3 20 fits the carry-on limit of 36 of 36 major airlines and the NEMO Equipment Vantage 20L fits 36; under the seat, 7 and 7 of 26.
| Spec | Black Ember Citadel R3 20 | NEMO Equipment Vantage 20L |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $245 | $179.95Best |
| Volume | 20L | 20L |
| Weight | 1.25kg2.8lb | 1.23kg2.7lbBest |
| Carry-on compliance | 100% | 100% |
| Personal-item compliance | 27% | 27% |
| Dimensions | 44×30×17cm17.5×12×6.5in | 45×26×20cm17.5×10×8in |
| Laptop | 14" | 16"Best |
| Bottle pockets | n/a | 1 |
| Opening | main compartment zip, separate suspended laptop sleeve | Top-loading, top loading main compartment, separate tech compartment, front stash pocket |
| Warranty | Lifetime | Lifetime |
| Organizer | Yes | Yes |
| Shoe compartment | No | No |
| Hydration sleeve | No | No |
| Frame sheet | No | No |
| Water-resistant | Yes | Yes |
| Rain cover | No | No |
| MOLLE | No | No |
| Hip belt | No | No |
| Sternum strap | Removable | No |
| Load lifters | No | No |
| Shoulder strap | No | No |
| Luggage pass-through | Yes | No |
| Camera compartment | No | No |
| Material | EmberTex PFAS-free 1220x600D nylon 6 with bonded laser-cut Hypalon panels, 200D ripstop nylon lining, YKK Aquaguard zippers, T6 anodized aluminum hardware | CERO recycled PET fabric, CCubed cushioning |
| Last checked | 2026-10 | 2026-10 |
Where their airline fit differs
Both bags pass and fail the same airline size limits.
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Specs come from each brand's own product page. Fit uses listed dimensions in any orientation. How we score carry-on fit.