Black Ember Forge (30L→40L Expansion) Review
"Epic Expandable."
The Forge from Black Ember is a convertible backpack-briefcase-messenger with expandability from 20-30L.
3-way carry: backpack, briefcase, or shoulder bag. Expansion zipper adds 10L of capacity, and it’s built from EmberTex™ PFAS-free material with PU-coated YKK® Aquaguard zippers and bonded Hypalon® panels for genuine weatherproofing.
Praised as a versatile 3-way carry with premium materials and structured, suitcase-like organization; the main trade-off is weight (around 5 lb) and a feature set complex enough that some find it a bit much.
More on the Black Ember Forge (30L→40L Expansion)
What I like
- True 3-way carry: backpack, briefcase or shoulder bag
- Expands from a 20L daily carry to a 30L minimal travel bag, with clamshell access
- Over-engineered in a good way: laser-cut and bonded, Hypalon reinforcements, YKK Aquaguard zips, anodized aluminum G-hooks. Feels like something NASA made
- Great perforated mesh back panel and contoured straps
- Tons of organization, a padded pocket for a tablet or papers, even a secret compartment behind the padded panel
- Suspended, well padded laptop compartment
Watch for
- The plastic D-rings and clips are the one cheap-feeling spot
- Almost too much organization. In daily carry mode I want the main compartment to be a bucket, and it's laid out for clothes
- No small external quick access pocket
- Hangs off your back with a lot of girth when expanded, and no hip straps
- Spendy
Specs
- Forge 30: 20L expanding to 30L. Forge 40: 30L expanding to 40L
- EmberTex PFAS-free nylon, YKK Aquaguard zippers, bonded Hypalon panels, anodized aluminum hardware
Where I've covered it
- 3 Ways. (Black Ember Forge) at 1:07 (full review)
- 14 Killer Messenger Bags & Briefcases at 29:16
- 50 Favorite Daily Carry Bags at 34:02
- 10 Epic Minimal Travel Bags at 25:54
Similar Highly Rated Products:
Peak Design Travel Backpack (30L + 45L)
Intelligent Design.The Travel Bag from Peak Designs is an extremely well designed, quality bag for modern carry-on adventure, business travel and large camera carry.
Nomatic Travel Pack
Organized. SturdyThese Nomatic bags are chock full of pockets. There are 2 different bags here: the Travel Pack expands up to about 30L, perfect for short trips and minimal travel. The Backpack is 20-24L daily carry. Both are sleek, totally organized, and rocking the "jetpack" look.
Tom Bihn Synapse/Synik
Dad Bag Epic™One of the internet's most beloved backpacks due to its accessibility, organization, build quality and capacity. Dad-bag looks tho.
Bellroy Transit Workpack Pro (22L + 28L)
Calming CapabilitiesThe 28L Transit Backpack from Bellroy is nicely sized and well organized for big commutes, business travel and regular ol' adventure travel. Innovative and classy bag.
Topo Global Briefcase
Slimline. Classic.Converts from backpack to briefcase with external access and style for days.
Able Carry Max
Solid & SoftReally lovely and thoughtfully crafted bag. Tons of organization, excellent comfort (super cushy straps), large enough for bigger EDC and travel needs but designed in a way that doesn't make it look funky when it's not packed out. Looks excellent, in fact. Super unique in its "softness." Watch the vid to get a sense of what I mean.