Monos Baggage Overview: Hype or Value It?

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

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

I personal 4 completely different Monos suitcases in several sizes and fashions, and I’ve put them to the check on my travels. I’ve quite a lot 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 better option.

Monos gives 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 appears implausible, however operate and sturdiness are extra essential than appears if you’re removed from house.

On this Monos baggage evaluate I’ll provide you with my trustworthy suggestions from my expertise with their merchandise and enable 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 to be fairly normal polycarbonate suitcases. The general design aesthetic is nice: trendy, modern, and minimal. I like the colour selections and the streamlined, timeless type.

Monos baggage appears 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 nicely put collectively. It’s apparent that they paid quite a lot 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 appreciated them once I obtained my first Monos suitcase, and so they’re nonetheless going robust after years of use. I’m in no way afraid to tug 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 characteristic, however I want it had been normal and never one thing you must pay further for. Nonetheless, that’s fairly normal 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 supply high-end merchandise at decrease costs than you usually see for a similar stage of high quality.

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

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 putting emphasis on sustainability. It’s turn out to be widespread for manufacturers to speak about sustainability, however Monos appears to be taking it critically. They’re the primary baggage model to be licensed local weather impartial, with internet zero carbon emissions. In addition they donate 1% of their income to non-profits working to guard the pure world.

I don’t learn about you, but it surely’s essential to me to help manufacturers that want to make a constructive influence on the world, not simply make a buck. Monos is an organization I can get behind.

Monos Baggage Overview

For the primary part of this Monos suitcase evaluate, I’ll cowl facets which are widespread throughout your complete Monos line. Most of their completely different suitcases share comparable development, supplies, options, and general design.

The variations come all the way down to measurement and particular options. If you would like particulars on a particular 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-proof outer coating. Waterproof zippers are widespread in rain jackets and climbing backpacks, but it surely’s a fairly distinctive characteristic for baggage. Not solely is it practical, but it surely additionally appears nice and provides to the general type.

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 sometimes, and a bigger zipper would give me a bit extra confidence.

Monos additionally has a group of “hybrid” circumstances that characteristic 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 exhausting shell is has a really clear, streamlined look, and the vegan leather-based materials detailing completes the subtle type.

I like that Monos’ method is to offer you all the things you want and nothing you don’t. This actually emphasizes that minimalist look. These suitcases are filled with 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 incredible collection of colours. It’s straightforward to select one thing distinctive that matches your private type 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, trendy type throughout all of the Monos luggage. And belief me, they solely look higher in particular person.

Group

Probably the most essential 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 facet of the clamshell opening, you will have a big zippered divider that’s excellent for retaining clothes in place if you open the bag. It additionally works nicely should you’re packing for 2 folks in a single suitcase as a result of you may divide the entire thing into two separate compartments.

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

There may be 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 incredible 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 injury 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 quite a lot of peace of thoughts that Monos baggage will stand as much as the abuse of journey.

Worth

Baggage may be costly, particularly should you’re searching for higher-quality suitcases, so it’s essential to know in case you are getting the most effective worth on your cash.

Monos baggage is certainly not the most cost effective on the market. In case you are on a extremely tight finances, you’ll in all probability need to take a look at some extra affordable luggage.

In terms of premium high quality polycarbonate suitcases, although, Monos is cheaper than most different manufacturers on the market. And their high quality and sturdiness is actually exhausting to beat.

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

Guarantee and Returns

Since a high-quality suitcase is a fairly 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 straight from them or from a third-party retailer. The guarantee covers any cracks within the shell, damaged zippers, or practical injury to the handles or wheels.

It doesn’t cowl beauty injury or regular put on and tear that doesn’t have an effect on the performance. In my thoughts, that’s not a giant deal, although. My most important 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 gives free 100-day returns on any suitcase. For those who 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 filled with sensible options for group and useability, however don’t go overkill with unnecessarily sophisticated 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 feel Monos hits an excellent stability 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 greatest 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 most effective, hardest spinner wheels on the market, and the powerful ball-bearing design and outsized wheels go a good distance towards making these higher than the rest on the market.

For those who want the very best energy and sturdiness for going over tough surfaces like cobblestones and unpaved paths, I feel 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 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 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 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 things in place.

Monos suitcases have an revolutionary design with a big built-in compression pad. When you pack all the things in, you may 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 when 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 Overview by Mannequin

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

The completely 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 house out of your journey so that they take up as little area as attainable. 

Traditional Assortment

The Traditional Assortment suitcases are the most well-liked Monos baggage choice. These Monos suitcases are hardshell designs with powerful (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 had been to suggest considered one of their fashions to anybody, it will be the Carry-On Pro, which mixes the sturdiness and high quality of their basic hardshell suitcases with a brilliant handy exterior pocket.

Monos Carry-On

The Monos Carry-On is a reasonably easy exhausting facet 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 type of exterior pocket (like most hardside carry-on baggage). You’ll must 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 similar measurement 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 having the ability to maintain 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 attainable.

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

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

Monos Carry-On Plus

The Monos Carry-On Plus is an identical to the traditional carry-on, just a bit larger. This larger carry-on is ideal for anybody who needs extra room than you get with a regular carry-on.

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

Monos Carry-On Pro Plus

As you will have guessed from the identify, the Monos Carry-On Pro Plus combines the bigger measurement 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 area inside!

For those who’re packing for a household, or simply want quite a lot 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 more durable 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 actually that crucial.

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 may snag, I’ve discovered it to be tougher to make use of. When you unlatch the clasps, it’s exhausting to get your fingers between the 2 sides of the lid to drag 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 Traditional Carry-On Professional is cheaper than the Hybrid Carry-On, I don’t see a lot purpose to go together 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 nearly 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 on your cash.

Hybrid Carry-On Plus

Similar to it sounds, the Monos Hybrid Carry-On Plus is only a bigger model of the smaller Hybrid Carry-On. It does have quite a lot of area for a carry-on, but it surely has much less room than the Traditional Carry-On Plus.

Hybrid Check-In Medium

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

Nonetheless, the basic 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 actually the one hybrid Monos Baggage I personally would purchase and use. The opposite hybrid suitcases are dearer, heavier, and tougher to make use of than their basic counterparts, however should you particularly need trunk baggage, it is a implausible selection.

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

Monos Equipment

Monos doesn’t simply make baggage; in addition they supply a big 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 straightforward for the primary compartment of your suitcase to turn out to be a disorganized, jumbled mess. These packing cubes are implausible for organizing all of your necessities in your bag. You too can use one to maintain soiled garments separate from all the things 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 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 shield it from the abuse of journey.

Whereas they do promote a carry-on measurement, I personally would solely get a baggage cowl for a checked bag. I don’t suppose it’s crucial 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 things I wanted, but it surely additionally doesn’t maintain issues very organized.

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

Monos Metro Sling

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

The Monos Metro Sling matches 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 your 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 actually the most effective baggage for you.

There are a couple of different luxurious baggage manufacturers that always come up in conversations about Monos. These embody Away, July, and Beis. I’ve used merchandise from all these manufacturers, and have quite a lot 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 actually good, and so they get quite a lot of consideration on social media. If you wish to study extra about this model, you may learn our full Away luggage review.

Away suitcases are stunning and well-built, however I feel Monos has quite a lot 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 an identical polycarbonate exhausting shell, however one thing about Monos’ design makes them stronger.

Whereas each manufacturers supply nice group with their circumstances, I feel 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 further for an equal mannequin from Away.

One factor Away gives 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 must 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 opinions for different merchandise to find out about the commonest baggage complaints. They then got down to make baggage that solves these issues.

There are quite a lot 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 energy. 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 comparable when it comes to value 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 would like a carry-on with an exterior pocket, the Monos Carry-On Professional is the winner in my guide with it’s tremendous practical design.

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

Monos vs Beis

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

Value goes to be the speedy 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 baggage additionally simply doesn’t really feel fairly as powerful and sturdy to me. It’s exhausting to compete with Monos on that entrance.

For those who’re trying to avoid wasting cash, I feel Beis delivers quite a lot of bang on 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 should you’re searching for the best men’s luggage, you is likely to be extra drawn to Monos.

Monos Baggage FAQs