Black Ember’s Citadel | A Masterclass in Modern Backpack Design

Black Ember has consistently set itself apart with its innovative approach to bag design and they’ve been a favorite of our community for a number of years – especially those looking for something just a bit different. The latest additions to their lineup, the Citadel 18 and Citadel 25, exemplify the brand’s commitment to merging sleek aesthetics with unparalleled functionality.

The Citadel 18 and Citadel 25 impress with their minimalist yet sophisticated design. Crafted from CORDURA’s new 420D Velocity, from their fully recycled re/cor™ RN66 collection, these packs are durable, water resistant, and repel dust, dirt, and grime. The matte-shine finish adds an extra touch of refinement, making them ideal companions for both casual outings and professional settings.

The YKK Aquaguard zippers, adorned with theft-deterrent hypalon pulls, check a few more boxes, adding a heavy waterproofing for use in all elements.

The newest size, the Citadel 18, strikes a perfect balance between size and functionality. Ideal for those of us who prefer a more agile approach to their daily commutes and adventures. This was my favorite of the two, since I don’t often carry a ton unless I’m traveling, and I really liked the laptop compartment.

The two exterior front panels of the Citadel 18, both providing their own volume, can hold quite a bit; I’d guess 3-5L with some napkin math. The top even has a nice padded divider, for a phone, small e-reader, or notebook. There’s also a Fidlock key strap.

The main compartment features a clamshell opening for easy loading, with a laptop sleeve that’s really fun to use. Seriously, it’s basically a fidget toy and works really well. The back panel has two magnets near the top that you can pull down to access your 14” laptop, and snaps back into place afterwards. It’s a really intuitive way to introduce a separate laptop compartment into a small, compact pack.

The front organizational panel, which the 18 (mostly) shares with its larger sibling, has a lot going on, but it works. The magnetically secured tablet sleeve is easy to access even if your bag is packed full, and the other pockets all have their own volume, which is a hallmark of the Citadels design elements.

Transitioning to the Citadel 25, the larger sibling in the series, it caters to those that need a bit more space, whether about their day or for travel. The additional space allows a bit more organization, making it an ideal choice for those who carry larger laptops, extra clothing, or gym gear.

The Citadel 25 inherits the design principles of its smaller counterpart but expands on the concept – or maybe a better way to see it is that the Citadel 18 shrinks the concept of the 25. The laptop compartment, which is accessed from the top-rear of the bag, comfortably accommodates devices up to 16 inches.

The most notable difference between the 25 and 18 is the 25’s inclusion of multiple attachment points, for any of Black Ember’s available compression straps or modular handles on the top, sides, and front of the bag. Other changes you’ll notice; a document sleeve on the back wall and an extra slip pocket on the front wall.

Comfort is a make or break point with any backpack and Black Ember has it dialed here. The Citadel series incorporates a molded back panel, utilizing durable EVA foam for a solid balance of support and breathability. The ergonomic shoulder straps, padded with high-density foam, distribute weight evenly, ensuring a comfortable fit even during extended wear. I also really liked the hypalon loops where the sternum strap is attached. Last thing to note; both bags have a vertically oriented luggage pass-through.

I found the new Citadel series to be a really lovely set of bags to use. The intuitive use of space and compact design of the Citadel 18 suited my day-to-day, providing easy access to my essentials while, in my opinion, looking great. On days when my schedule demanded more, the Citadel 25 seamlessly accommodated my additional camera equipment and gear, all while maintaining a sleek profile. The attention to detail in each of these bags is truly superb. From the discreet branding to the precision patterning, every aspect exudes a sense of craftsmanship.

Put the Black Ember Citadel 18 and Citadel 25 on your radar. The modularity, durability, and considered design make this set more than worth a try, especially if you’ve been finding your bags a bit boring as of late. There’s something new and different here. The Citadel 18 and 25 retail for $239 and $279 respectively and are available directly from Black Ember.

This is a Curated Sponsor Article from our friends at Black Ember.