Monos Baggage Evaluate: Hype or Value It?

You’re most likely right here since you are in search of a high-quality suitcase in your travels and need to know: is Monos baggage definitely worth the funding?

I’ve traveled to dozens of nations all around the world, and have examined suitcases from most of the best luggage brands on the market, so consider me once 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 plenty of perception to share on Monos, and I’ve seen firsthand the place their merchandise excel, in addition to when one thing else is likely to be a more sensible choice.

Monos presents a variety of polycarbonate hardside suitcases starting from compact carry-ons to massive checked luggage. With a modern, minimalist design and dialed-in options, Monos baggage seems unbelievable, however perform and sturdiness are extra vital than seems while you’re removed from house.

On this Monos baggage evaluation I’ll provide you with my trustworthy suggestions from my expertise with their merchandise and aid you determine which considered one of their suitcases is likely to be best for you.

Now, let’s get to the small print.

Monos Baggage First Impressions

At first look, the Monos suitcases I’ve tried appear like fairly commonplace polycarbonate suitcases. The general design aesthetic is nice: fashionable, modern, and minimal. I like the colour selections and the streamlined, timeless fashion.

Monos baggage seems actually good and feels each sturdy and light-weight, but it surely was once I began trying 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 actually spectacular. They really feel dialed in and properly put collectively. It’s apparent that they paid plenty 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 once I bought my first Monos suitcase, and so they’re nonetheless going robust after years of use. I’m under no circumstances afraid to pull considered one of these circumstances throughout miles of cobblestone in Europe.

One factor I don’t love is the shortage of exterior pockets on most of their suitcases. You possibly can select to improve to the Carry-On Pro to get this function, however I want it had been commonplace and never one thing you must pay additional for. Nonetheless, that’s fairly commonplace 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 will help 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 provide high-end merchandise at decrease costs than you sometimes see for a similar degree of high quality.

The design ethos of Monos luggage is all about simplicity and performance. A Monos suitcase most likely 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 severe testing to make sure the wheels, shell, and elements are made to final.

I additionally love that Monos is inserting emphasis on sustainability. It’s develop into frequent for manufacturers to speak about sustainability, however Monos appears to be taking it significantly. They’re the primary baggage model to be licensed local weather impartial, with internet 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, but it surely’s vital to me to assist manufacturers that wish 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 evaluation, I’ll cowl facets which are frequent throughout all the Monos line. Most of their totally different suitcases share related development, supplies, options, and general design.

The variations come all the way down to dimension and particular options. If you’d like 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 powerful and light-weight.

The suitcases shut with a YKK reverse-coil zipper with a water-resistant outer coating. Waterproof zippers are frequent in rain jackets and mountain climbing backpacks, but it surely’s a reasonably distinctive function for baggage. Not solely is it purposeful, but it surely additionally seems nice and provides to the general fashion.

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

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

Aesthetic

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

The polycarbonate onerous shell is has a really clear, streamlined look, and the vegan leather-based materials detailing completes the subtle fashion.

I like that Monos’ method is to provide you all the things 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 amazing choice of colours. It’s simple to select one thing distinctive that matches your private fashion however doesn’t stick out like a sore thumb.

Have a look by means of their web site, and also you’ll see the clear, fashionable fashion throughout all of the Monos luggage. And belief me, they solely look higher in particular person.

Group

Some of the vital facets 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 sensible 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 excellent for retaining all the things neat and in place.

On one aspect of the clamshell opening, you’ve got a big zippered divider that’s excellent for retaining clothes in place while you open the bag. It additionally works properly in the event 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 things 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 amazing job. That mentioned, I wouldn’t thoughts having even a couple of 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 means of rigorous quality testing, from a drop check to a telescopic deal with jerk check. That is probably the most spectacular testing I’ve seen from a baggage model, and it provides plenty of peace of thoughts that Monos baggage will stand as much as the abuse of journey.

Worth

Baggage will be costly, particularly in the event you’re purchasing for higher-quality suitcases, so it’s vital to know in case you are getting one of the best worth in your cash.

Monos baggage is unquestionably not the most affordable on the market. In case you are on a very tight funds, you’ll most likely need to try some extra affordable luggage.

On the subject of premium high quality polycarbonate suitcases, although, Monos is cheaper than most different manufacturers on the market. And their high quality and sturdiness is absolutely onerous to beat.

If you’d like a hardside suitcase that can final a lifetime, I haven’t been capable of finding a product that gives higher bang in your buck than Monos Baggage. For me, it hits an amazing candy spot between high quality, fashion, performance, and worth.

Guarantee and Returns

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

All Monos baggage is backed by a lifetime guarantee, whether or not you buy immediately 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 essential concern is that my suitcase at all times works, and it’s superior that they are going to restore it if it breaks.

Along with the restricted lifetime guarantee, Monos additionally presents free 100-day returns on any suitcase. In case 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 sensible 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. Generally I like utilizing baggage that has extra pockets and options, however I believe Monos hits a superb stability of providing you with precisely what you want and nothing additional.

360-Diploma Spinner Wheels

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

In case you want the very best 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 peak settings. Another producers provide extra adjustability, so I’d want to see that from Monos.

As a substitute of solid 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 modern and minimal when the deal with is stowed as a result of there’s no huge button protruding on prime.

Compression Pad and Straps

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

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

TSA-Authorized Lock

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

It’s not foolproof safety, as a result of thieves can nonetheless rip by means of the zipper, but it surely 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 luggage, 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 huge checked circumstances.

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 while you get house out of your journey in order that they take up as little house as attainable. 

Basic Assortment

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

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

Monos Carry-On

The Monos Carry-On is a reasonably easy onerous aspect suitcase that’s sized to suit overhead bins on most flights around the globe, but it surely has the sturdy development and considerate particulars that set Monos other than 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 form of exterior pocket (like most hardside carry-on baggage). You’ll must improve to the Professional mannequin to get that function.

Monos Carry-On Pro

The Carry-On Pro is the upgraded model of the usual Monos Carry-On. It’s the similar 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 maintain my laptop computer, passport, electronics, and different important objects inside quick access whereas I journey, and most hardside carry-on baggage doesn’t have exterior pockets to make that attainable.

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

It’s tremendous handy to have the ability to get to smaller objects that you simply use loads with no need to open and dig by means 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 a typical carry-on.

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

Monos Carry-On Pro Plus

As you could 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 Verify-In Medium bag, simply with extra space. I like this case for prolonged journeys. It has a ton of house inside!

In case you’re packing for a household, or simply want plenty of room in your journey, this huge suitcase is the one for you.

Hybrid Assortment

The Monos Hybrid Assortment combines the signature polycarbonate hardshell with a troublesome 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 traditional Monos bag, so I don’t know if the improved sturdiness is absolutely that obligatory.

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

This design might be extra resistant to wreck than zippers, which may snag, I’ve discovered it to be tougher to make use of. When you unlatch the clasps, it’s onerous to get your fingers between the 2 sides of the lid to drag it open.

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

One other factor to pay attention to 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 for the reason that Basic Carry-On Professional is cheaper than the Hybrid Carry-On, I don’t see a lot purpose 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, but it surely’s additionally virtually two kilos heavier. It additionally has a barely smaller storage capability (I’m not fairly certain why that’s, but it surely should have one thing to do with the beefier development).

I actually suppose the Monos Carry-On Professional is a significantly better selection in 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 plenty of house for a carry-on, but it surely has much less room than the Basic Carry-On Plus.

Hybrid Check-In Medium

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

Nonetheless, the traditional checked luggage 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 prepared 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 huge, heavy, and powerful.

Hybrid Trunk

The Monos Hybrid Trunk is absolutely 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 traditional counterparts, however in the event you particularly need trunk baggage, this can be a unbelievable selection.

Trunk baggage is longer and deeper than a typical suitcase, which makes it simple to pack cumbersome objects or for longer journeys. You’ll pay a premium worth, but it surely’s nice in the event you want an ultra-protective huge trunk-style case.

Monos Equipment

Monos doesn’t simply make baggage; additionally they provide a wide selection of equipment that complement their suitcases completely. Listed here are a couple of of my prime picks to get you absolutely outfitted for journey.

Monos Compressible Packing Cubes

It’s simple for the principle compartment of your suitcase to develop into a disorganized, jumbled mess. These packing cubes are unbelievable for organizing all of your necessities in your bag. You can even use one to maintain soiled garments separate from all the things else.

Constructed of a light-weight cloth, 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 things 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 discount.

If you wish to maintain your suitcase trying pretty much 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 obligatory for a carry-on that you simply’ll simply be placing within the overhead bin, and I want 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 things I wanted, but it surely additionally doesn’t maintain issues very organized.

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

Monos Metro Sling

I sometimes wish to journey with a carry-on suitcase and a few form of smaller bag that I can stick with it my physique for smaller valuables like my cellphone, 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 all the bag to maintain valuables safe however nonetheless simply accessible.

Monos Baggage Options

Whereas Monos suitcases are nice, it’s positively price scoping out the competitors to see what is absolutely one of the best baggage for you.

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

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

Monos vs. Away

Away is among the hottest baggage manufacturers on the market proper now. Their advertising is absolutely good, and so they get plenty of consideration on social media. If you wish to be taught extra about this model, you possibly can learn our full Away luggage review.

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

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

Whereas each manufacturers provide nice group with their circumstances, 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 be only a bit dearer than Monos throughout their product line. You possibly can anticipate to spend about $20 additional for an equal mannequin from Away.

One factor Away presents that you simply 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 must pay much more for that function 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 1000’s of critiques for different merchandise to study the commonest baggage complaints. They then got down to make baggage that solves these issues.

There are plenty of similarities between Monos and July. Each make suitcases with a troublesome 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 additional power. Once more, I’ve by no means had my Monos circumstances dent or crack, however these aluminum corners from July actually really feel bomber.

Each manufacturers are fairly related 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.

If you’d like a carry-on with an exterior pocket, the Monos Carry-On Professional is the winner in my guide 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 fashion 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 plenty of similarities to Monos suitcases.

Worth goes to be the speedy distinction right here. Beis suitcases are at all times 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 powerful and sturdy to me. It’s onerous to compete with Monos on that entrance.

In case you’re trying to avoid wasting cash, I believe Beis delivers plenty of bang in your buck with their high-value suitcases. Monos has higher general high quality, design, and efficiency.

Beis can be positively marketed extra towards girls, so in the event you’re in search of the best men’s luggage, you is likely to be extra drawn to Monos.

Monos Baggage FAQs