Monos Baggage Evaluate: Hype or Value It?

You’re in all probability right here since you are searching for a high-quality suitcase to your travels and wish to know: is Monos baggage definitely worth the funding?

I’ve traveled to dozens of nations everywhere in the world, and have examined suitcases from most of the best luggage brands on the market, so consider me after I say I’ve discovered a factor or two about baggage.

I personal 4 totally different Monos suitcases in numerous sizes and fashions, and I’ve put them to the check on my travels. I’ve lots of perception to share on Monos, and I’ve seen firsthand the place their merchandise excel, in addition to when one thing else is perhaps a better option.

Monos affords a variety of polycarbonate hardside suitcases starting from compact carry-ons to massive checked baggage. With a smooth, minimalist design and dialed-in options, Monos baggage appears to be like incredible, however perform and sturdiness are extra necessary than appears to be like if you’re removed from dwelling.

On this Monos baggage assessment I’ll offer you my trustworthy suggestions from my expertise with their merchandise and make it easier to determine which one in all their suitcases is perhaps best for you.

Now, let’s get to the small print.

Monos Baggage First Impressions

At first look, the Monos suitcases I’ve tried seem like fairly customary polycarbonate suitcases. The general design aesthetic is nice: trendy, smooth, and minimal. I like the colour selections and the streamlined, timeless model.

Monos baggage appears to be like actually good and feels each sturdy and light-weight, however it was after I began wanting on the little particulars that I actually seen a distinction from many of the different suitcases I’ve tried.

The match and end of those merchandise is truthfully spectacular. They really feel dialed in and nicely put collectively. It’s apparent that they paid lots of consideration to particulars each within the design and within the manufacturing.

For instance, the telescopic deal with feels very sturdy in comparison with most different baggage I’ve used. I additionally love that they put the button to regulate it on the underside in order that your fingers naturally push it as you pull the deal with up. It slides easily and locks into place with a satisfying click on.

The wheels are additionally impressively smooth-rolling and quiet. I preferred them after I received my first Monos suitcase, and so they’re nonetheless going robust after years of use. I’m in no way afraid to pull one in all these instances throughout miles of cobblestone in Europe.

One factor I don’t love is the shortage of exterior pockets on most of their suitcases. You’ll be able to select to improve to the Carry-On Pro to get this characteristic, however I want it have been customary and never one thing it’s important to pay further for. Nonetheless, that’s fairly customary for hardside suitcases, so it isn’t a deal-breaker.

Who’s Monos?

Monos is a Canadian baggage model that’s all about promoting high-quality merchandise meant that can assist you focus extra on the journey expertise. Monos baggage is streamlined, thoughtfully designed, and rigorously examined.

They’re devoted to constructing luxury-level suitcases and promoting them at attainable costs for everybody. Their direct-to-consumer enterprise mannequin lets them supply high-end merchandise at decrease costs than you sometimes see for a similar stage of high quality.

The design ethos of Monos baggage is all about simplicity and performance. A Monos suitcase in all probability received’t stand out in a crowded airport, however the minimalist, timeless design won’t ever exit of favor.

Their dedication to high quality is spectacular. Monos suitcases undergo critical testing to make sure the wheels, shell, and elements are made to final.

I additionally love that Monos is putting emphasis on sustainability. It’s turn into frequent for manufacturers to speak about sustainability, however Monos appears to be taking it severely. They’re the primary baggage model to be licensed local weather impartial, with web zero carbon emissions. Additionally they donate 1% of their income to non-profits working to guard the pure world.

I don’t find out about you, however it’s necessary to me to assist manufacturers that need to make a constructive impression on the world, not simply make a buck. Monos is an organization I can get behind.

Monos Baggage Evaluate

For the primary part of this Monos suitcase assessment, I’ll cowl elements which might be frequent throughout the complete Monos line. Most of their totally different suitcases share comparable development, supplies, options, and total design.

The variations come all the way down to dimension and particular options. In order for you particulars on a selected mannequin, scroll all the way down to the place I break down every suitcase of their lineup.

Let’s dive proper in.

Supplies

Each Monos suitcase begins with an aerospace-grade polycarbonate shell. That is the gold-standard materials for hardside luggage as a result of it’s each robust and light-weight.

The suitcases shut with a YKK reverse-coil zipper with a water-proof outer coating. Waterproof zippers are frequent in rain jackets and mountain climbing backpacks, however it’s a fairly distinctive characteristic for baggage. Not solely is it purposeful, however it additionally appears to be like nice and provides to the general model.

I do want the zippers have been a bit bigger although. I’ve by no means had critical issues with them breaking, however they do snag sometimes, and a bigger zipper would give me a bit extra confidence.

Monos additionally has a set of “hybrid” instances that characteristic an aluminum body and nook bumpers. As a substitute of zippers, these instances use two latches and a hinged design.

Aesthetic

Each Monos baggage piece shares the identical smooth, minimalist styling, and I actually suppose this is likely one of the issues that units the Monos model aside. These suitcases look superb!

The polycarbonate laborious shell is has a really clear, streamlined look, and the vegan leather-based materials detailing completes the delicate model.

I like that Monos’ method is to present you all the pieces you want and nothing you don’t. This actually emphasizes that minimalist look. These suitcases are full of considerate particulars, from a TSA lock to a number of seize handles to the vegan leather-based baggage tag, however there’s nothing pointless to litter the aesthetic.

Each Monos suitcase additionally is available in an important collection of colours. It’s straightforward to choose one thing distinctive that matches your private model however doesn’t stick out like a sore thumb.

Have a look by way of their web site, and also you’ll see the clear, trendy model throughout all of the Monos baggage. And belief me, they solely look higher in individual.

Group

One of the necessary elements of any suitcase is its group system. I hate it when the within of my suitcase simply turns right into a jumbled mess throughout a visit, and good group options can actually assist tame the chaos, particularly on longer journeys.

The inside group of Monos baggage is extremely well-thought-out. It’s good for protecting all the pieces neat and in place.

On one aspect of the clamshell opening, you’ve gotten a big zippered divider that’s good for protecting clothes in place if you open the bag. It additionally works nicely in case you’re packing for 2 individuals in a single suitcase as a result of you possibly can divide the entire thing into two separate compartments.

On the opposite aspect, there’s a massive compression pad with straps to maintain all the pieces safe.

There’s additionally one other massive mesh pocket on the divider, a smaller pocket within the center, and even zippered pouches on the compression pad. I like having inside pockets to maintain smaller objects organized, and Monos does an important job. That stated, I wouldn’t thoughts having even just a few extra small zippered pockets.

Sturdiness

In comparison with most different manufacturers, the sturdiness you get from a Monos suitcase is excellent. In all my years of utilizing Monos baggage, I’ve by no means but had one crack or undergo harm past some scuffing on the outer shell.

Monos places all their suitcases by way of rigorous quality testing, from a drop check to a telescopic deal with jerk check. That is essentially the most spectacular testing I’ve seen from a baggage model, and it offers lots of peace of thoughts that Monos baggage will stand as much as the abuse of journey.

Worth

Baggage may be costly, particularly in case you’re searching for higher-quality suitcases, so it’s necessary to know if you’re getting the perfect worth to your cash.

Monos baggage is unquestionably not the most cost effective on the market. In case you are on a very tight funds, you’ll in all probability wish to try some extra affordable luggage.

In relation to premium high quality polycarbonate suitcases, although, Monos is cheaper than most different manufacturers on the market. And their high quality and sturdiness is basically laborious to beat.

In order for you a hardside suitcase that may final a lifetime, I haven’t been capable of finding a product that provides higher bang to your buck than Monos Baggage. For me, it hits an important candy spot between high quality, model, performance, and worth.

Guarantee and Returns

Since a high-quality suitcase is a fairly vital funding, it’s price contemplating the guarantee it comes with to know whether or not you’re coated whether it is ever broken.

All Monos baggage is backed by a lifetime guarantee, whether or not you buy straight from them or from a third-party retailer. The guarantee covers any cracks within the shell, damaged zippers, or purposeful harm to the handles or wheels.

It doesn’t cowl beauty harm or regular put on and tear that doesn’t have an effect on the performance. In my thoughts, that’s not an enormous deal, although. My predominant concern is that my suitcase all the time works, and it’s superior that they may restore it if it breaks.

Along with the restricted lifetime guarantee, Monos additionally affords free 100-day returns on any suitcase. In the event you don’t prefer it, ship it again. No questions requested.

Monos Baggage Options

Monos is designed with simplicity in thoughts, and their suitcases are designed to be streamlined and simple to make use of. They’re full of good options for group and useability, however don’t go overkill with unnecessarily difficult designs.

There positively are different suitcases on the market that include extra bells and whistles. Typically I like utilizing baggage that has extra pockets and options, however I believe Monos hits a very good steadiness of providing you with precisely what you want and nothing further.

360-Diploma Spinner Wheels

The Monos silent run wheels are a few of the finest spinner luggage wheels I’ve ever used. They’re {smooth}, quiet, straightforward to maneuver, and really sturdy. Monos designed them from the bottom as much as be the perfect, hardest spinner wheels on the market, and the robust ball-bearing design and outsized wheels go a good distance towards making these higher than the rest on the market.

In the event you want the best possible power and sturdiness for going over tough surfaces like cobblestones and unpaved paths, I believe you’ll be higher off with two-wheeled rolling baggage. So far as spinner wheels go, although, these are nice.

Telescopic Deal with

The adjustable telescopic deal with on all Monos baggage is sturdy and well-built, with 4 top settings. Another producers supply extra adjustability, so I’d choose to see that from Monos.

As a substitute of forged zinc tubes like most manufacturers use, Monos builds their handles from extruded aerospace-grade aluminum. This makes them stronger, lighter, and extra exact.

I additionally love that the deal with launch button is on the underside. It’s a small element, however it’s extra ergonomic and intuitive to make use of. This additionally makes the suitcase look extra smooth and minimal when the deal with is stowed as a result of there’s no large button protruding on high.

Compression Pad and Straps

Most suitcases have some type of compression system that’s meant to maintain your garments from shifting round. Usually it includes elastic straps that buckle collectively and might cinch down to carry all the pieces in place.

Monos suitcases have an revolutionary design with a big built-in compression pad. When you pack all the pieces in, you possibly can place the compression pad on high and cinch it down with the ballistic nylon straps to maintain all the pieces safe. Bonus? The compression pad additionally has a built-in pocket that’s good for smaller objects.

TSA-Accepted Lock

Each Monos suitcase comes with a built-in TSA-approved mixture lock that allows you to safe your belongings when you journey.

It’s not foolproof safety, as a result of thieves can nonetheless rip by way of the zipper, however it does add some deterrence for would-be thieves and peace of thoughts for you.

Extras

All Monos suitcases additionally include an anti-microbial laundry bag, two shoe baggage, and a vegan leather-based baggage tag.

Monos Baggage Evaluate by Mannequin

The Monos baggage lineup is split into two collections: Basic and Hybrid. Inside every assortment, there’s a full vary of sizes to select from, from compact carry-ons to large checked instances.

The totally different suitcase sizes within the Monos lineup are designed to nest completely inside one another. That is nice for packing your baggage away if you get dwelling out of your journey in order that they take up as little house as potential. 

Basic Assortment

The Basic Assortment suitcases are the most well-liked Monos baggage possibility. These Monos suitcases are hardshell designs with robust (but light-weight) polycarbonate shells and zippered closures.

The Monos carry-on baggage within the basic assortment are particularly good. They’re sturdy, well-designed, and pretty light-weight. If I have been to suggest one in all their fashions to anybody, it might be the Carry-On Pro, which mixes the sturdiness and high quality of their basic hardshell suitcases with an excellent handy exterior pocket.

Monos Carry-On

The Monos Carry-On is a reasonably easy laborious aspect suitcase that’s sized to suit overhead bins on most flights all over the world, however it has the sturdy development and considerate particulars that set Monos aside from different baggage manufacturers.

This Monos carry-on bag is light-weight, easy, and simply feels well-designed and well-built.

One factor to notice is that it doesn’t have any type of exterior pocket (like most hardside carry-on baggage). You’ll need to improve to the Professional mannequin to get that characteristic.

Monos Carry-On Pro

The Carry-On Pro is the upgraded model of the usual Monos Carry-On. It’s the identical dimension with the identical light-weight shell, smooth-rolling wheels, and inside group.

The distinction is that the Carry-On Professional has a zippered exterior pocket. For me, this exterior pocket is a game-changer. I like with the ability to hold my laptop computer, passport, electronics, and different important objects inside easy accessibility whereas I journey, and most hardside carry-on baggage doesn’t have exterior pockets to make that potential.

The entrance pocket on the Monos Professional zips open to present you quick access to a padded laptop computer sleeve and several other inside pockets for protecting small objects organized.

It’s tremendous handy to have the ability to get to smaller objects that you just use loads with no need to open and dig by way of the entire suitcase.

Monos Carry-On Plus

The Monos Carry-On Plus is similar to the conventional carry-on, just a bit greater. This greater carry-on is ideal for anybody who desires extra room than you get with an ordinary carry-on.

It’s designed to slot in the overhead bins for many flights throughout the US, however on some smaller planes chances are you’ll have to examine it. It’s positively price checking carry-on size restrictions for various airways.

Monos Carry-On Pro Plus

As you might have guessed from the identify, the Monos Carry-On Pro Plus combines the bigger dimension of the Carry-On Plus and the exterior pocket from the Carry-On Professional.

Monos Check-In Medium

The Monos Check-In Medium is Monos’ signature checked bag. It’s roomy sufficient for longer journeys with out being overly cumbersome and cumbersome.

Monos Check-In Large

The Monos Check-In Large has the identical design because the Test-In Medium bag, simply with more room. I like this case for prolonged journeys. It has a ton of house inside!

In the event you’re packing for a household, or simply want lots of room in your journey, this massive suitcase is the one for you.

Hybrid Assortment

The Monos Hybrid Assortment combines the signature polycarbonate hardshell with a tricky aluminum body and nook bumpers. This makes these suitcases harder and extra sturdy, although they’re additionally a bit heavier.

Whereas the aluminum nook bumpers positively make the hybrid baggage stronger, I’ve by no means as soon as had a crack or dent in a basic Monos bag, so I don’t know if the improved sturdiness is basically that needed.

One other distinction is the closure. The place the basic suitcases use a water-proof zipper, the hybrid Monos baggage has a hinged design, with two beefy aluminum clasps that may be locked for further safety.

This design might be extra resistant to break than zippers, which might snag, I’ve discovered it to be harder to make use of. When you unlatch the clasps, it’s laborious to get your fingers between the 2 sides of the lid to tug it open.

The hybrid suitcases are additionally considerably dearer than the basic ones, which solidifies my opinion that they aren’t actually price it.

One other factor to concentrate on is that there’s no Carry-On Professional suitcase within the hybrid assortment. In my thoughts, an exterior pocket is sort of a necessity, and because the Basic Carry-On Professional is cheaper than the Hybrid Carry-On, I don’t see a lot cause to go along with the hybrid.

Hybrid Carry-On

The Monos Hybrid Carry-On has the very same exterior dimensions because the hybrid carry-on. It has the identical smooth-rolling spinner wheels, sturdy deal with, and inside group.

The aluminum body and nook bumpers make it stronger, however it’s additionally virtually two kilos heavier. It additionally has a barely smaller storage capability (I’m not fairly positive why that’s, however it should have one thing to do with the beefier development).

I actually suppose the Monos Carry-On Professional is a a lot better alternative to your cash.

Hybrid Carry-On Plus

Identical to it sounds, the Monos Hybrid Carry-On Plus is only a bigger model of the smaller Hybrid Carry-On. It does have lots of house for a carry-on, however it has much less room than the Basic Carry-On Plus.

Hybrid Check-In Medium

Whenever you get to the check-in baggage, I believe the Hybrid instances begin to make a bit of extra sense. The Hybrid Monos Check-In Medium remains to be heavier and dearer than the basic model, however the beefed-up development can add some peace of thoughts that your belongings might be shielded from the tough use of airline baggage handlers.

Nonetheless, the basic checked baggage are loads robust, and I’ve by no means had a difficulty with one breaking. I wouldn’t get the hybrid until you actually like the additional safety of the aluminum body and locking latches (and are keen to pay extra for it).

Hybrid Check-In Large

No surprises right here! The Monos Hybrid Check-In Large is simply the larger model of their hybrid checked suitcase. It’s large, heavy, and robust.

Hybrid Trunk

The Monos Hybrid Trunk is basically the one hybrid Monos Baggage I personally would purchase and use. The opposite hybrid suitcases are dearer, heavier, and more durable to make use of than their basic counterparts, however in case you particularly need trunk baggage, this can be a incredible alternative.

Trunk baggage is longer and deeper than an ordinary suitcase, which makes it straightforward to pack cumbersome objects or for longer journeys. You’ll pay a premium worth, however it’s nice in case you want an ultra-protective large trunk-style case.

Monos Equipment

Monos doesn’t simply make baggage; in addition they supply a wide selection of equipment that complement their suitcases completely. Listed here are just a few of my high picks to get you totally outfitted for journey.

Monos Compressible Packing Cubes

It’s straightforward for the primary compartment of your suitcase to turn into a disorganized, jumbled mess. These packing cubes are incredible for organizing all of your necessities in your bag. You can even use one to maintain soiled garments separate from all the pieces else.

Constructed of a light-weight material, these packing cubes have a mesh entrance panel that allows you to simply see what’s inside.

They arrive in an array of sizes to suit all the pieces from socks to shirts. You should buy both a four-pack or a six-pack.

Monos Luggage Cover

Everyone knows that checked baggage isn’t essentially handled with care, and scuffs, scratches, and filth are a part of the cut price.

If you wish to hold your suitcase wanting nearly as good because the day you bought it, this luggage cover is completely designed to suit your suitcase and defend it from the abuse of journey.

Whereas they do promote a carry-on dimension, I personally would solely get a baggage cowl for a checked bag. I don’t suppose it’s needed for a carry-on that you just’ll simply be placing within the overhead bin, and I choose to have the ability to entry my belongings simply.

Monos Toiletry Case

Everybody wants a toiletry bag whereas touring. For some time, I’ve used an ultra-simple zippered pouch. It labored and held all the pieces I wanted, however it additionally doesn’t hold issues very organized.

The Monos Toiletry Case is easy and streamlined, however it affords nice inner separation to maintain all the pieces neat. It is available in a small or massive dimension, so you will get one that matches your wants.

Monos Metro Sling

I sometimes prefer to journey with a carry-on suitcase and a few type of smaller bag that I can keep it up my physique for smaller valuables like my telephone, passport, and pockets.

The Monos Metro Sling suits the invoice completely. It’s compact, easy, and simple to make use of. I like that it has a hidden again pocket throughout the size of the complete bag to maintain valuables safe however nonetheless simply accessible.

Monos Baggage Alternate options

Whereas Monos suitcases are nice, it’s positively price scoping out the competitors to see what is basically the perfect baggage for you.

There are just a few different luxurious baggage manufacturers that always come up in conversations about Monos. These embrace Away, July, and Beis. I’ve used merchandise from all these manufacturers, and have lots of perception into the similarities and variations between them.

Here’s a fast comparability between Monos and every of those options.

Monos vs. Away

Away is likely one of the hottest baggage manufacturers on the market proper now. Their advertising and marketing is basically good, and so they get lots of consideration on social media. If you wish to study extra about this model, you possibly can learn our full Away luggage review.

Away suitcases are stunning and well-built, however I believe Monos has lots of benefits.

Away suitcases usually tend to crack, whereas I’ve by no means damaged my Monos instances after years of use. They each use an identical polycarbonate laborious shell, however one thing about Monos’ design makes them stronger.

Whereas each manufacturers supply nice group with their instances, I believe Monos has an edge right here. Particularly with their Carry-On Professional, which has a ton of organizing dividers within the entrance pocket.

Away can also be only a bit dearer than Monos throughout their product line. You’ll be able to count on to spend about $20 further for an equal mannequin from Away.

One factor Away affords that you just don’t get from Monos is expandable baggage. They’ve a line of “flex” suitcases with a wrap-around zipper that allows you to add about two inches of depth. You do need to pay much more for that characteristic although.

Learn our full comparability of Monos vs Away luggage.

Monos vs July

July is an Australian-based producer that began their suitcase design course of by studying hundreds of critiques for different merchandise to find out about the commonest baggage complaints. They then got down to make baggage that solves these issues.

There are lots of similarities between Monos and July. Each make suitcases with a tricky polycarbonate shell. Each have a variety of sizes and baggage with or with out exterior pockets. Each have superior inside group and storage.

One factor I like about July is that the majority of their suitcases have full aluminum nook bumpers for further power. Once more, I’ve by no means had my Monos instances dent or crack, however these aluminum corners from July actually really feel bomber.

Each manufacturers are fairly comparable by way of worth level. Whereas the July Carry-on is a little more costly than the Monos Carry-On, July’s Carry-On Important (which doesn’t have the aluminum nook bumpers) competes head-to-head with Monos.

In order for you a carry-on with an exterior pocket, the Monos Carry-On Professional is the winner in my e book with it’s tremendous purposeful design.

In the end, these manufacturers have so many similarities, that I believe it comes down primarily to aesthetics, as there are some particular model variations.

Learn our full comparability of July vs Monos luggage.

Monos vs Beis

Beis is a boutique baggage firm that sells high-quality polycarbonate baggage that has lots of similarities to Monos suitcases.

Worth goes to be the fast distinction right here. Beis suitcases are all the time a bit lower than comparable Monos merchandise, however I do suppose there’s a trade-off in performance, high quality, and elegance.

Personally, I simply don’t actually just like the look of Beis baggage as a lot as Monos’ clear, minimal design, so I’ll throw that on the market.

Beis luggage additionally simply doesn’t really feel fairly as robust and sturdy to me. It’s laborious to compete with Monos on that entrance.

In the event you’re wanting to avoid wasting cash, I believe Beis delivers lots of bang to your buck with their high-value suitcases. Monos has higher total high quality, design, and efficiency.

Beis can also be positively marketed extra towards ladies, so in case you’re searching for the best men’s luggage, you is perhaps extra drawn to Monos.

Monos Baggage FAQs