Citadel R3 (25L)
A minimalist, waterproof commuter pack measuring 50 cm x 31 cm x 18 cm and weighing 1.6 kg. It uses laser-cut and bonded Hypalon panels embedded in its shell to add structure and extreme weatherproofing for electronics.
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United States · EST 2012
Black Ember
Last assessed 1 Jan 2026
Recommended
A leader in technical "techwear" aesthetics with industry-leading water resistance. While build quality is high, the reliance on specialized bonded construction makes them difficult to repair locally, and the brand's small team size often results in slow customer support response times.
Black Ember is a San Francisco-based carry brand founded by Chris Gadway, a former global creative director at Nike and The North Face. The brand is known for a modular, "urban-tactical" design language and the use of proprietary Bond-Stitch construction. Their products prioritize extreme weatherproofing and technical textiles like EmberTex™ and laser-cut Hypalon.
Brand History
History
2012
Founded in San Francisco by Chris Gadway and Mark G. Harris.
2014
Launched first successful Kickstarter for the Modular Urban Backpack.
2016
Released the Citadel series, establishing the "Bond-Stitch" aesthetic.
2019
Launched the Forge, a 3-way modular bag that became their flagship model.
2022
First brand to utilize Cordura re/cor™ RN66 (recycled high-tenacity nylon).
2024
Released the Citadel R3 using EmberTex™ PFAS-free nylon 6.
Warranty & Returns
- Functional Defects: Lifetime. Coverage is limited to the original owner.
- Exclusions: Normal wear, cosmetic aging, or washing machine damage.
Returns: 30 Days, brand new condition with tags. Logistics: US returns incur a $15 fee for the return label. International customers are responsible for all shipping and duties.
Why They're Listed
Black Ember is listed for its Technical Performance and Textile Innovation. They were among the first global brands to adopt Cordura re/cor™ RN66 (a recycled high-tenacity nylon 6,6) and use a unique combination of laser-cutting and ultrasonic bonding to minimize traditional sewn seams. This results in bags that are significantly more water-resistant than standard stitched luggage and maintain their structural "box" shape even when empty.
Noteworthy Products
Forge (20L-30L)
A 3-way bag (briefcase, shoulder, backpack) that expands from 20 Liters to 30 Liters. It measures 46 cm x 30.5 cm x 15 cm (expanding to 20.5 cm). It is notable for its ability to maintain a professional profile while offering the durability of a tactical pack.
Important Context
Delamination Risks: The brand’s signature Bond-Stitch technology uses high-strength adhesives and welding alongside traditional stitching. While highly durable, all bonded constructions carry a long-term risk of delamination (the glue failing) after 8–12 years, especially in high-humidity environments. Unlike a burst seam, delamination is nearly impossible for a local cobbler to fix.
Aquaguard Friction: The use of YKK Aquaguard zippers across all models provides excellent water resistance but creates significant friction. Users should expect a "break-in" period where zippers feel stiff or difficult to operate with one hand.
Customer Service "Black Hole": Customer data and BBB profiles (where the brand holds a C+ rating) indicate slow responsiveness. The company operates with a very small core team in San Francisco; consequently, warranty claims or support inquiries can take 14 to 21 days for a human response.
Weight Penalty: The modular hardware and dense technical fabrics make these bags heavy. A kitted Forge or Citadel R3 can weigh between 1.6 kg and 2.2 kg empty, which is high for daily-use backpacks.
Manufacturing: Designed in San Francisco and manufactured in Vietnam (Saigon) using specialized laser-cutting and bonding machinery.
Further Information
Bond-Stitch Technology: This is a hybrid construction method. Black Ember laser-cuts every panel, bonds them using high-frequency welding or adhesives, and then adds structural stitching at high-stress points. This creates a more "sculpted" look and eliminates the needle holes where water typically leaks through.
EmberTex™ Fabric: Introduced with the R3 series, this is a twisted Nylon 6 fabric with an abrasion-resistant matte finish. It is specifically designed to be PFAS-free ("forever chemical" free) while maintaining the waterproof ratings required for technical urban carry.
Laser-Cut Hypalon: The modular attachment points (the "dashes" on the front of the bags) are made of Hypalon, a synthetic rubber used in military inflatable boats. These are virtually impossible to stretch or tear, making the modular accessories extremely secure.
T6 Aluminum Hardware: Unlike many brands that use plastic buckles (Acetal/Duraflex), Black Ember utilizes aircraft-grade T6 Anodized Aluminum for its load-bearing hardware and modular hooks, ensuring the hardware will not crack under cold temperatures or heavy impact.