Black Ember Forge 30 vs Think Tank Retrospective Backpack 15
The Black Ember Forge 30 is 20L and 1.8kg4lb; the Think Tank Retrospective Backpack 15 is 20L and 1.8kg4lb. They weigh the same. The Think Tank Retrospective Backpack 15 costs $35.25 less. The Black Ember Forge 30 fits the carry-on limit of 36 of 36 major airlines and the Think Tank Retrospective Backpack 15 fits 36; under the seat, 1 and 8 of 26.
| Spec | Black Ember Forge 30 | Think Tank Retrospective Backpack 15 |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $325 | $289.75Best |
| Volume | 20L | 20L |
| Expands to | 30L | n/a |
| Weight | 1.8kg4lb | 1.8kg4lb |
| Carry-on compliance | 100% | 100% |
| Personal-item compliance | 4% | 31%Best |
| Dimensions | 46×31×20cm18×12×8in | 40.5×30×18cm16×12×7in |
| Laptop | 16"Best | 15" |
| Bottle pockets | n/a | 2 |
| Opening | external fast access panel, separate laptop and tablet compartment, expansion zip | Panel access, top + back panel access |
| 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 | Yes |
| MOLLE | No | No |
| Hip belt | No | Removable |
| Sternum strap | Removable | Yes |
| Load lifters | Yes | No |
| Shoulder strap | Insert sold separately | No |
| Luggage pass-through | Yes | No |
| Camera compartment | No | Yes |
| Material | EmberTex PFAS-free 1220x600D nylon 6 with bonded laser-cut Hypalon panels, 210D ripstop nylon lining, YKK Aquaguard zippers, T6 anodized aluminum hardware | Sand-washed cotton canvas with DWR and PU coating |
| Last checked | 2026-10 | 2026-09 |
Where their airline fit differs
| Airline | Limit | Black Ember Forge 30 | Think Tank Retrospective Backpack 15 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Allegiant Air | Personal item | Too big | Fits |
| American Airlines | Personal item | Too big | Fits |
| British Airways | Personal item | Too big | Fits |
| easyJet | Personal item | Too big | Fits |
| JetBlue Airways | Personal item | Too big | Fits |
| LATAM Airlines | Personal item | Too big | Fits |
| Volaris | Personal item | 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.