I have the Citadel R1 and it's an amazing looking bag. I bought the 25L bundle and the orange compression straps add to the aesthetic's. I've had it for a few years now and it is still in pretty good shape and my go to bag. I would definitely buy black ember again as they've quality products.

Can’t wait to use it

Amazing!!

I’m extremely impressed with the build quality of the Citadel R3. The materials feel premium, and the overall design is both durable and highly functional for my daily use. If I had one suggestion, it would be the addition of a few smaller organizational features for items like cords and power bricks—but that’s a minor point in an otherwise excellent design. More importantly, I want to highlight my experience with Black Ember as a company. About four years ago, I purchased my first pack from Black Ember (the Shadow-26), which quickly became an essential part of my daily routine for school and work. The organization, design, and durability were outstanding—I liked it so much that I ended up buying the same bag for multiple family members, all of whom still use and love it. After several years of consistent use, I experienced an unexpected zipper failure that appeared to be a simple malfunction rather than wear or misuse. I reached out to Black Ember with modest expectations, assuming I might receive a standard, non-committal response. Instead, they exceeded expectations. Although the original model is no longer produced, they honored their lifetime guarantee by offering a credit toward a new backpack. That level of integrity and commitment to their product is rare. Black Ember stands behind their gear in a way that genuinely builds trust, and it has earned my long-term loyalty. I fully intend to continue purchasing and using their products.

The right size and practical design

Perfectly good as always👍🏼

Perfect size and engineering

I have been searching every brand for an everyday bag and this one is my unicorn. The materials feel great quality, the strap isn't too long or uncomfortable, the organization of the pockets is perfect. My non negotiable gear includes wallet, keys, portable charger, hand sanitizer, tissues, lip balm, a tide pen, and a rather bulky sunglass case. I can fit all of it and still have a ton of space, yet I don't feel like I am lugging around an embarrassingly large mom bag. I love the pass through for the charger cable, I always had my cable sticking out of an open zipper in the past and it definitely wasn't the most ideal setup. I am also a huge fan of the grab handle and the minimalist branding. It's still easy to access everything on the go, the zippers aren't slippery enough that the bag is going to fall open, and with it partially open, you still have as much accessibility to the items as with any other vertical sling. If they ever released a 2. 0 of this bag, I would love to see the key leash in one of the exterior pockets rather than the lower section of the main one, it isn't really accessible easily to get your keys off of it without opening the entire bag. It's doable, sure. But I just think there might be a more efficient place for it. It would also be great if the back pocket fit a standard A5 notebook, it's so close that I really wish I could squeeze one in there. Overall I have 0 regrets and can't wait to get plenty of use out of this bag.

Everything is great! Thanks again

Love this backpack. People have complimented its looks almost everyday I’ve had it.

Arrived on time no issues.

Very well designed product with intelligent placement of inner pockets/zippers. Materials are top quality and the black design is elegant. Sleek design makes it perfect for EDC stuff like phone, wallet, keys, AirPods, etc. although you could easily add more.

Excellent support and responsive hotline.

Great quality ! Great versatily ! Great portablity ! Great style ! Love it 🩶

Amazing as always

Amazing as always!!!

Shipping was fast. First time also to avail of any lifetime warranty and you delivered fast and complete even though I got my forge from Kickstarter days. The whole customer experience was great

Coming from the forge 30, this really suits my needs for travel. Upgrades on hardware, fabric and design are highly appreciated!

These straps are well. Made a bit fiddly to put on the bag but once they're on they ain't coming off unless you want them off obviously but very good

Brilliant piece of kit. Best bag I've owned. It ticks all the right boxes and it's been everywhere. Once again thank you. Keep up the good work.