Black Ember Forge 40 vs Grams28 179 Seeker Backpack
The Black Ember Forge 40 is 30L and 2.25kg5lb; the Grams28 179 Seeker Backpack is 28.1L and 2.2kg4.9lb. The Grams28 179 Seeker Backpack is 0.05kg0.1lb lighter. The Black Ember Forge 40 costs $574 less. The Black Ember Forge 40 fits the carry-on limit of 35 of 36 major airlines and the Grams28 179 Seeker Backpack fits 36; under the seat, 0 and 1 of 26.
| Spec | Black Ember Forge 40 | Grams28 179 Seeker Backpack |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $375Best | $949 |
| Volume | 30L | 28.1L |
| Expands to | 40L | n/a |
| Weight | 2.25kg5lb | 2.2kg4.9lbBest |
| Carry-on compliance | 97% | 100%Best |
| Personal-item compliance | 0% | 4%Best |
| Dimensions | 51×31×20cm20×12×8in | 46×30.5×20cm18×12×8in |
| Laptop | 16" | 16" |
| Compartments | 3 | n/a |
| Opening | external fast access panel, top pocket, two exterior pockets that pass through to the interior, separate laptop and tablet compartment, expansion zip | fully open main compartment, side access, front pocket |
| Warranty | Lifetime | Lifetime |
| 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 | Insert sold separately | No |
| Sternum strap | Removable | Removable |
| Load lifters | Yes | No |
| Shoulder strap | Insert sold separately | No |
| Luggage pass-through | Yes | Yes |
| Camera compartment | No | Insert sold separately |
| Material | EmberTex PFAS-free 1220x600D nylon 6 with bonded laser-cut Hypalon panels, 210D ripstop nylon lining, YKK Aquaguard zippers, T6 anodized aluminum hardware | Italian pebbled bovine leather from Gruppo Mastrotto, environment certified tanning |
| Last checked | 2026-10 | 2026-10 |
Where their airline fit differs
| Airline | Limit | Black Ember Forge 40 | Grams28 179 Seeker Backpack |
|---|---|---|---|
| Frontier Airlines | Personal item | Too big | Fits |
| Qatar Airways | 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.