Black Ember Forge 30 vs MindShift Gear Rotation 22L
The Black Ember Forge 30 is 20L and 1.8kg4lb; the MindShift Gear Rotation 22L is 22L and 1.8kg4lb. They weigh the same. The MindShift Gear Rotation 22L costs $25.25 less. The Black Ember Forge 30 fits the carry-on limit of 36 of 36 major airlines and the MindShift Gear Rotation 22L fits 31; under the seat, 1 and 0 of 26.
| Spec | Black Ember Forge 30 | MindShift Gear Rotation 22L |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $325 | $299.75Best |
| Volume | 20L | 22L |
| Expands to | 30L | n/a |
| Weight | 1.8kg4lb | 1.8kg4lb |
| Carry-on compliance | 100%Best | 86% |
| Personal-item compliance | 4%Best | 0% |
| Dimensions | 46×31×20cm18×12×8in | 52×32×22cm20.5×12.5×8.5in |
| Laptop | 16" | n/a |
| Bottle pockets | n/a | 1 |
| Opening | external fast access panel, separate laptop and tablet compartment, expansion zip | n/a |
| Warranty | Lifetime | Lifetime |
| Organizer | Yes | No |
| Shoe compartment | No | No |
| Hydration sleeve | No | No |
| Frame sheet | No | No |
| Water-resistant | Yes | Yes |
| Rain cover | No | Yes |
| MOLLE | No | No |
| Hip belt | No | Yes |
| Sternum strap | Removable | No |
| Load lifters | Yes | No |
| Shoulder strap | Insert sold separately | No |
| Luggage pass-through | Yes | No |
| Camera compartment | No | Yes |
| Bike-ready | No | No |
| Material | EmberTex PFAS-free 1220x600D nylon 6 with bonded laser-cut Hypalon panels, 210D ripstop nylon lining, YKK Aquaguard zippers, T6 anodized aluminum hardware | DWR-coated fabrics |
| Last checked | 2026-10 | 2026-09 |
Where their airline fit differs
| Airline | Limit | Black Ember Forge 30 | MindShift Gear Rotation 22L |
|---|---|---|---|
| Air Arabia | Carry-on | Fits | Too big |
| Air India | Carry-on | Fits | Too big |
| Frontier Airlines | Personal item | Fits | Too big |
| Qatar Airways | Carry-on | Fits | Too big |
| Ryanair | Carry-on | Fits | Too big |
| Vueling | Carry-on | Fits | Too big |
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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.