Black Ember Citadel R3 20 vs Zero Halliburton ZEST3 Large Expandable Backpack
The Black Ember Citadel R3 20 is 20L and 1.25kg2.8lb; the Zero Halliburton ZEST3 Large Expandable Backpack is 20L and 1.32kg2.9lb. The Black Ember Citadel R3 20 is 0.07kg0.2lb lighter. The Black Ember Citadel R3 20 costs $305 less. The Black Ember Citadel R3 20 fits the carry-on limit of 36 of 36 major airlines and the Zero Halliburton ZEST3 Large Expandable Backpack fits 36; under the seat, 7 and 1 of 26.
| Spec | Black Ember Citadel R3 20 | Zero Halliburton ZEST3 Large Expandable Backpack |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $245Best | $550 |
| Volume | 20L | 20L |
| Expands to | n/a | 25L |
| Weight | 1.25kg2.8lbBest | 1.32kg2.9lb |
| Carry-on compliance | 100% | 100% |
| Personal-item compliance | 27%Best | 4% |
| Dimensions | 44×30×17cm17.5×12×6.5in | 46×28×15cm18×11×6in |
| Laptop | 14" | 15.6"Best |
| Compartments | n/a | 2 |
| Opening | main compartment zip, separate suspended laptop sleeve | n/a |
| Warranty | Lifetime | 10 years |
| Organizer | Yes | Yes |
| Shoe compartment | No | No |
| Hydration sleeve | No | No |
| Frame sheet | No | No |
| Water-resistant | Yes | No |
| 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 | Yes |
| 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 | 840-denier CORDURA twill nylon with smooth leather accents |
| Last checked | 2026-10 | 2026-10 |
Where their airline fit differs
| Airline | Limit | Black Ember Citadel R3 20 | Zero Halliburton ZEST3 Large Expandable Backpack |
|---|---|---|---|
| Allegiant Air | Personal item | Fits | Too big |
| American Airlines | Personal item | Fits | Too big |
| British Airways | Personal item | Fits | Too big |
| easyJet | Personal item | Fits | Too big |
| LATAM Airlines | Personal item | Fits | Too big |
| Volaris | Personal item | Fits | Too big |
Add more bags to this comparison
Specs come from each brand's own product page. Fit uses listed dimensions in any orientation. How we score carry-on fit.