Black Ember DEX30 vs KNKG APEX Backpack Medium
The Black Ember DEX30 is 30L and 1.8kg4lb; the KNKG APEX Backpack Medium is 30L and 1.85kg4.1lb. The Black Ember DEX30 is 0.05kg0.1lb lighter. The KNKG APEX Backpack Medium costs $149 less. The Black Ember DEX30 fits the carry-on limit of 31 of 36 major airlines and the KNKG APEX Backpack Medium fits 32; under the seat, 0 and 0 of 26.
| Spec | Black Ember DEX30 | KNKG APEX Backpack Medium |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $349 | $200Best |
| Volume | 30L | 30L |
| Expands to | n/a | 35L |
| Weight | 1.8kg4lbBest | 1.85kg4.1lb |
| Carry-on compliance | 86% | 89%Best |
| Personal-item compliance | 0% | 0% |
| Dimensions | 48×30.5×23cm19×12×9in | 45×32×22cm17.5×12.5×8.5in |
| Laptop | 16" | 16" |
| Bottle pockets | n/a | 2 |
| Opening | duffel style main compartment, top pocket with Fidlock V-Buckle, shoe pocket | Top-loading, Top lid style opening |
| Warranty | Lifetime | 25 years |
| Organizer | No | No |
| Shoe compartment | Yes | Yes |
| Hydration sleeve | No | No |
| Frame sheet | Yes | No |
| Water-resistant | No | No |
| Rain cover | No | No |
| MOLLE | No | No |
| Hip belt | No | No |
| Sternum strap | Removable | Removable |
| Load lifters | No | No |
| Shoulder strap | No | No |
| Luggage pass-through | No | Yes |
| Camera compartment | No | No |
| Material | 500D CORDURA re/cor RN66 recycled nylon, 1000D CORDURA nylon 66, 1680D ballistic nylon, laser-cut Hypalon, 300D ripstop lining, YKK Aquaguard zippers | 1680D ballistic nylon body, ripstop nylon lining, YKK Vislon zippers, powder-coated steel hardware |
| Last checked | 2026-10 | 2026-10 |
Where their airline fit differs
| Airline | Limit | Black Ember DEX30 | KNKG APEX Backpack Medium |
|---|---|---|---|
| Emirates | Carry-on | Too big | Fits |
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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.