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Best Everyday Bag – The Sixth Annual Carry Awards
1st Place Black Ember Citadel Minimal Backpack When Black Ember first showed up on the scene, it sent shockwaves through the Carry World. Never before had a bag brand surfaced with such difference. Such individual flair, modernist aesthetics, and new thinking around exterior modularity. Since then, they’ve continued to grow and refine. And the Citadel Minimal is their most ‘universal’ and considered offering to date. Cleaner and stealthier in aes…
The Best Urban EDC Bags for Work, Travel, and Play
…s to play with too. Black Ember Citadel 20 (US$239) Clean and compact, the Black Ember Citadel 20 is a slick choice for carrying smaller loads. Built with proprietary EmberTex material and YKK AquaGuard zippers, this burly and weatherproof pack is ready to venture out whatever the weather holds in store. The lay-flat design makes packing and access a breeze, with an interior suspended laptop sleeve keeping up to 14″ tech devices safe on the go. To…
Best Carry-On Bag 2020
…t works across diverse travel settings. Bravo, Tom Bihn! Black Ember FORGE Black Ember have gone from strength to strength over the years, dialing in their mix of bleeding-edge innovation and sleek urban style. And that DNA is well on display with the FORGE, an impressive and versatile bag that plays in the everyday/travel niche. Its standard 20L expands easily into 30L for travel use, with plenty of options for organizing clothing, tech and small…
Best Carry-On Bag Finalists – The Eighth Annual Carry Awards
…fe on the go. Black Ember FORGE Right from the get-go, San Francisco-based Black Ember have stood out on the carry scene with their cutting-edge designs. Their gear is known for merging technical construction with premium materials and hardware, sleek urban aesthetics and versatility. And they’re showing no signs of slowing down with the Black Ember FORGE. This piece finds a sweet spot as a work and travel hybrid. The kind of bag that can accompan…
8 Everyday Carry (EDC) Backpacks You Need to Know
…With its technical construction, clean silhouette, and convenient access, Black Ember’s Citadel 25 is a solid pick for your everyday commute, with the versatility to double as a travel backpack too. The main compartment lays flat for easy packing and access, while an exterior-access laptop compartment provides quick access to tech on the go. Additionally for 2024, the Citadel 25 welcomes a new update with added load lifters. The pack is made with…
Week In Review ~ 22 March
…that’s hot property on the carry scene Formerly known as Ember Equipment, Black Ember lit up the carry world with their Modular Urban Backpack project on Kickstarter. Now they’re set to stoke the flames higher with their second-generation collection of packs. The collection features three packs that can be pre-ordered now. Minimalists will appreciate the 15-liter Slate Pack, while the top-loading TL Pack offers 20 liters of space and the Neoruk P…
Upgrade Your Setup | October’s Top New Gear Picks
…reflective logo and safety stripes for visibility in low-light conditions. Black Ember Magnetic Essentials Collection Black Ember are known for their stylishly minimalist yet functional bags, and now they’re taking charge of carrying the essentials with that same sleekly practical approach. The Magnetic Essentials Collection features the Magfold Wallet 2.0, the Magfold Travel Wallet, and the TKX. The Magfold Wallet 2.0 is a slim bifold with a nift…
Backpacks, Outdoor Gear and EDC | The Best Products to Buy from May 2024
…nally, a rear luggage pass-through adds travel-friendly functionality too. Black Ember Citadel 25 SS24 The revised Citadel 25 includes welcome updates for SS24 such as load lifters for a more personalized fit and a modular water bottle holder. The pack is constructed with CORDURA’s burly new RN66 Velocity fabric and YKK AquaGuard zippers, so you can carry in confidence knowing it will handle demanding use and inclement weather day in and day out….
Best New Gear: July 2020
…vironmentally certified leather. So you can feel good about your purchase. Black Ember TKS Tech Kit One incredible tech kit for your accessories. But wait… there’s more! The TKS Tech Kit from Black Ember transforms from an incredibly water resistant accessory organizer into a full features sling (and/or fanny pack if you’re fashionably brave). This pouch offers several magnetic closures (love that), a safe soft place for your smart phone or sungla…
Best New Gear: October 2020
…l its smaller everyday-sized glory. Black Ember SHADOW These blew us away. Black Ember really figured out the balance between simplicity and high-tech and bottled it all up in a form factor that is perfect for an everyday/travel cross-over (depending on the literage you choose; available in 22L and 26L). Add in the fact that there is essentially an included TKS organizer in the top interior of the packs and you’re looking at an instant classic. Hu…
The Best Backpacks for Everyday City Commuting
…s, and the lightweight and versatile design will keep you agile on the go. Black Ember Citadel Minimal Backpack (US$ 225) Black Ember’s Citadel Minimal Backpack delivers a sophisticated mix of quality craftsmanship, thoughtful organization, easy access and stylishly low-key looks to suit a variety of work settings. The durable and weatherproof pack will take a beating for years to come, while the ergonomic fit provides carry comfort day in and day…
Top 5: Best Carry-On Bag 2020
…er comfortable straps Lots of great fabrics options to customize your pack Black Ember FORGE The Black Ember team are also veterans of the Carry Awards, earning themselves a 1st place spot in the Everyday Bag category with their Citadel backpack. Clearly, they didn’t kick up their feet and bask in their own glory since then… they’ve been going hard. Enter, the FORGE. I’ve been using the FORGE-MAX since before it officially hit the digital pages of…
Instinct Pro Camera Sling Bag Review
…oes not look like a dedicated camera sling and can easily be used for EDC. Black Ember WPRT DSLR PACK – if you are looking for an even more structured and technical solution, this mod does not break the bank and can be used standalone and also in combination with other Black Ember products. The Good Good materials and build Custom metal hardware Tons of organization Not So Good The strap is finicky to adjust No stabilizer strap, making it necess…
The Most Popular Gear of 2020
…it? Is it a sling? Well, it’s both. And frankly, a darn impressive design. Black Ember delivers their signature burly build and pared-back aesthetics, partnered with a clever design that straddles the pouch/sling divide. Thoughtful organization keeps your daily essentials tidy and secure, while the stowable strap lets the TKS easily transition to sling mode when desired. Alpha One Niner EVADE 1.5 FULL We saluted the Alpha One Niner EVADE 1.5 FULL…
Mission Workshop Rhake VX Review
…ssion Workshop Rhake VX, you may be interested in the Black Ember Citadel. Black Ember is known for making technical and modular packs for everyday carry. The Triple Aught Design Axiom 24 backpack also carries a similar technical aesthetic to the Rhake while being a more traditional option. Verdict The Mission Workshop Rhake VX is a phenomenal display of craftsmanship. It has exceptional weatherproofing, remarkable external access and organization…
10 Best Travel Daypacks for Travel: Lightweight, Durable, and Ready for Any Journey
…after a minimalist urban/outdoor hybrid. Black Ember Citadel 18 (US$239) Black Ember’s Citadel 18 offers a thoughtful blend of pared-back aesthetics and considered features, resulting in a pack that works equally well for daily commutes and travel. Made with CORDURA’s re/cor RN66 fabric, the pack features a lay-flat main compartment with a suspended magnetic laptop sleeve and a separate magnetic tablet sleeve. Two external quick-access pockets s…
A Beginner’s Guide to Modular Packing
…uiver Filip Raboch Custom Pouch Filip Raboch Custom Packing Cube Mission Workshop Axis VX Mission Workshop Arkiv Side Pockets Tom Bihn 3D Organizer Pouch (clear) ; (all-fabric) Tom Bihn Ghost Whale Pouch The Brown Buffalo Porterpen Case The Brown Buffalo MOD 001/002 GORUCK Shooter Velcro Kit GR1 Black Ember Water Bottle Attachment CDH-TAC X Alpha One Niner Collaboration Wallet Camera Shown: Leica Sofort Camera used in filming: Sony RX100 VII A mas…
10 Must-Have Holiday Gifts for Tech Enthusiasts in 2024
…ce on the go, without weighing you down. Black Ember FORGE 30 (US$319) The Black Ember FORGE 30 takes inspiration from Japanese 3-way carry hybrid bags, offering multiple carry options including backpack and briefcase modes, as well as shoulder bag mode with an optional shoulder strap. The clamshell opening provides easy access to gear, while multiple compartments offer convenient organization for tech, EDC, clothing, and more, making this a usefu…
15 Essential Everyday Carry Gifts
…bility and flexible organization into a sleek pack that looks good in the office but is durable enough to embrace outdoor photography trips or travel use. And this exclusive Huckberry colorway looks darn fine wherever the day may take you. Black Ember V4M – Huckberry Exclusive Bundle (US$ 325) Black Ember’s V4M bundle employs modular design to let you quickly and easily tailor your carry setup to changing needs. The bundle includes the V4M pack an…
Which Bag Size Do I Need?
…issue to fit all the clothing in our second scenario. The next bag is the Black Ember Citadel with 25 liters and this is the perfect example that many factors come into play when it comes down to capacity. As you can see, I had some trouble to perfectly load the bag. Although this bag is by numbers way bigger than the Dayfarer, I had trouble fitting everything into it easily. The Citadel has a rounded back panel for carrying comfort; this can act…
Best Everyday Bag – The Sixth Annual Carry Awards
…its clean stealthy aesthetics, ergonomic fit and super durable build, the Black Ember Citadel Minimal Backpack is ready to tackle a variety of day-to-day needs. The pack is made with rugged 900D 3-Layer Micro-Hex, and features an IPX-06 waterproof-rated construction that can easily shrug off a torrential downpour. A range of pockets are on hand for organization, while the detachable side handle lets you carry the bag in briefcase mode too. ______…
Sixth Annual Carry Awards: Ultimate Carry Giveaway!
…Minimal An everyday bag should be able to go pretty much anywhere, and the Black Ember Citadel Minimal nails that brief superbly. Exceptionally tough and weatherproof, this pack takes the elements and demanding use in its stride. And with its clean aesthetics and considered pocketing it plays well in work settings and beyond. Our Best Everyday Bag winner offers excellent performance in a sleek design that handles a wide variety of day-to-day needs…
The Most Popular Bags and Backpacks of 2018
…8… Black Ember Citadel Minimal Worthy winner of our Best Everyday Bag, the Black Ember Citadel Minimal is on point in toughness, weatherproofness, urban sleekness and excellent versatility. Comfortable enough for all-day carry, durable enough to withstand regular use day in and day out, and offering an IPX-06 waterproof rating, it thrives in all weathers while zipping from work to play and back again. The Brown Buffalo Conceal Backpack The Conceal…
Best New Gear: July 2019
…y options that adapts to the commute and journeys further afield? Meet the Black Ember FORGE Pack. The bag can be carried as a backpack, shoulder bag or briefcase, allowing it to quickly adapt to changing work and EDC environments. But it also dishes up a clever feature with an expandable design that increases the volume from 20L to 30L. Ideal for overnight or weekend trips with just one bag. Clamshell-style access and multiple pockets keep your g…
10-Year Anniversary Giveaway!
…Black Ember Citadel Minimal Winner of our Best Everyday Bag award in 2018, Black Ember’s Citadel Minimal is a head-turner for all the right reasons. Sleek, tough and highly weatherproof, it’s a durable companion for your daily commute and weekend adventures alike. Its wide opening makes getting to gear a breeze, while its updated design offers even more functionality. Mission Workshop Vandal Mission Workshop challenged the bike carry scene to stri…
The Most Popular Gear of 2022
…combine easily for effortless all-in-one carry. Black Ember SHADOW 22 The Black Ember SHADOW 22 dishes up the brand’s technical prowess in a more compact offering for day-to-day use. The highly weatherproof, durable build and clean aesthetics make it a solid pack for commuting in all weathers, while clamshell-style access and thoughtful organization keep gear accessible and tidy on the go. Dan Matsuda Sample Pouch Dan Matsuda’s Sample Pouches are…
The Best Backpacks for Everyday Carry
…el Minimal Backpack (US$225) Minimalism meets tough everyday functionality Black Ember’s Citadel Minimal Backpack offers a head-turning combination of clean styling, practical design and trusty durability to get you through whatever the day or night brings. Made with highly weatherproof 900D 3-Layer Micro-Hex material, the pack fuses streamlined stealth and a rugged build to handle work and travel needs equally well. The clamshell opening and usef…
16 April Week in Review: Expandable Packs, Modular Adventure Gear, and Swiss-Inspired Style
…, the cubes can also be worn separately as shoulder bags when you just need to carry the essentials. Check out a quick look of the pack here and visit the Black Ember V4 Modular Adventure Travel Pack Kickstarter campaign for more details….
Best Active Messenger Finalists – The Fifth Annual Carry Awards
…ulder strap. Along with a choice of pockets, the bag can also be used with Black Ember’s range of optional modular accessories to quickly and easily tailor carry setups to different needs. _________________________________________________________ Firesign Brand The Waterman MSGR While weatherproof construction is suitable for most carry needs, sometimes you need extra protection. The Waterman MSGR is fully submersible, making it a handy option for…
Week In Review ~ 8 January
…ble for SS17 is the Citadel/DSLR Photo-Kit, featuring a combination of the Black Ember DSLR Case and Citadel Pack. The weatherproof bags are compatible with a range of Gen03 Mods (modular accessories), allowing carry setups to be customized for changing needs. SS17 bags and Mods can be pre-ordered at a discount price now, for shipping in February. Striking the right note with hard-wearing music carry If a bag designed to hold records is music to y…
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