Monos Baggage Overview: Hype or Value It?

You’re most likely right here since you are on the lookout for a high-quality suitcase in 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 lots of the best luggage brands on the market, so imagine 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 take a look at 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 more sensible choice.

Monos affords a spread of polycarbonate hardside suitcases starting from compact carry-ons to massive checked luggage. With a smooth, minimalist design and dialed-in options, Monos baggage seems improbable, however operate and sturdiness are extra necessary than seems while you’re removed from residence.

On this Monos baggage overview I’ll offer you my trustworthy suggestions from my expertise with their merchandise and allow you to resolve which certainly one of their suitcases is perhaps best for you.

Now, let’s get to the main points.

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, smooth, and minimal. I like the colour decisions and the streamlined, timeless type.

Monos baggage seems actually good and feels each sturdy and light-weight, nevertheless it was once I began trying on the little particulars that I actually observed 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 effectively 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 favored them once I obtained my first Monos suitcase, they usually’re nonetheless going robust after years of use. I’m under no circumstances afraid to pull certainly one of these instances throughout miles of cobblestone in Europe.

One factor I don’t love is the dearth 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 normal and never one thing it’s a must to pay additional 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 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 gained’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 parts are made to final.

I additionally love that Monos is putting emphasis on sustainability. It’s turn out to be frequent 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 web zero carbon emissions. In addition they donate 1% of their income to non-profits working to guard the pure world.

I don’t find out about you, nevertheless it’s necessary to me to help manufacturers that need to make a optimistic affect 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 overview, I’ll cowl elements which might be frequent throughout the complete 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. 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 mountaineering backpacks, nevertheless it’s a fairly distinctive function for baggage. Not solely is it practical, nevertheless it additionally seems nice and provides to the general type.

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

Monos additionally has a set of “hybrid” instances that function an aluminum body and nook bumpers. As an alternative 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 assume this is among the issues that units the Monos model aside. These suitcases look superb!

The polycarbonate arduous 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 provide you the whole lot 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 ideal number 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 way 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 individual.

Group

One of the crucial 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 excellent for holding the whole lot neat and in place.

On one aspect of the clamshell opening, you’ve a big zippered divider that’s excellent for holding clothes in place while you open the bag. It additionally works effectively if you happen to’re packing for 2 folks 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 the whole lot 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 gadgets organized, and Monos does an ideal 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 way of rigorous quality testing, from a drop take a look at to a telescopic deal with jerk take a look at. That is essentially the most spectacular testing I’ve seen from a baggage model, and it provides lots of peace of thoughts that Monos baggage will stand as much as the abuse of journey.

Worth

Baggage could be costly, particularly if you happen to’re purchasing for higher-quality suitcases, so it’s necessary to know if you’re getting the most effective worth in your cash.

Monos baggage is unquestionably not the most affordable on the market. In case you are on a extremely tight finances, you’ll most likely wish to take a look at some extra affordable luggage.

Relating to premium high quality polycarbonate suitcases, although, Monos is inexpensive than most different manufacturers on the market. And their high quality and sturdiness is de facto arduous to beat.

In order for you a hardside suitcase that may 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 ideal candy spot between high quality, type, performance, and value.

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 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 principal 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. 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 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 feel Monos hits stability of supplying 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, 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 robust ball-bearing design and outsized wheels go a great distance towards making these higher than the rest on the market.

For those who want the very best power 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 top settings. Another producers supply extra adjustability, so I’d favor to see that from Monos.

As an alternative 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 massive button protruding on high.

Compression Pad and Straps

Most suitcases have some kind of compression system that’s meant to maintain your garments from shifting round. Sometimes it entails elastic straps that buckle collectively and may cinch down to carry the whole lot in place.

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

TSA-Permitted Lock

Each Monos suitcase comes with a built-in TSA-approved mixture lock that permits 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, nevertheless 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 luggage, and a vegan leather-based baggage tag.

Monos Baggage Overview 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 while you get residence 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 choice. These Monos suitcases are hardshell designs with robust (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 certainly one of their fashions to anybody, it will 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 arduous aspect suitcase that’s sized to suit overhead bins on most flights around the globe, nevertheless 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 kind of exterior pocket (like most hardside carry-on baggage). You’ll need to 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 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 having the ability to preserve my laptop computer, passport, electronics, and different important gadgets 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 provide you quick access to a padded laptop computer sleeve and a number of other inside pockets for holding small gadgets organized.

It’s tremendous handy to have the ability to get to smaller gadgets that you simply use lots without having to open and dig by way of the entire suitcase.

Monos Carry-On Plus

The Monos Carry-On Plus is equivalent to the conventional carry-on, just a bit larger. This larger 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 you might have to verify 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 title, 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!

For those who’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 troublesome 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 traditional Monos bag, so I don’t know if the improved sturdiness is de facto that crucial.

One other distinction is the closure. The place the traditional suitcases use a water-proof 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 harder to make use of. When you unlatch the clasps, it’s arduous 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 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 for the reason that Basic Carry-On Professional is inexpensive than the Hybrid Carry-On, I don’t see a lot motive 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, nevertheless it’s additionally nearly two kilos heavier. It additionally has a barely smaller storage capability (I’m not fairly positive why that’s, nevertheless it will need to have one thing to do with the beefier development).

I actually assume the Monos Carry-On Professional is a a lot 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 lots of house for a carry-on, nevertheless it has much less room than the Basic Carry-On Plus.

Hybrid Check-In Medium

While you get to the check-in luggage, I feel the Hybrid instances begin to make a bit extra sense. The Hybrid Monos Check-In Medium remains to be heavier and dearer than the traditional model, however the beefed-up development can add some peace of thoughts that your belongings will probably be protected against 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 except 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 massive, heavy, and robust.

Hybrid Trunk

The Monos Hybrid Trunk is de facto 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 if you happen to particularly need trunk baggage, this can be a improbable selection.

Trunk baggage is longer and deeper than an ordinary suitcase, which makes it straightforward to pack cumbersome gadgets or for longer journeys. You’ll pay a premium value, nevertheless it’s nice if you happen to want an ultra-protective massive trunk-style case.

Monos Equipment

Monos doesn’t simply make baggage; additionally they supply a big selection of equipment that complement their suitcases completely. Listed below are a couple of of my high picks to get you totally outfitted for journey.

Monos Compressible Packing Cubes

It’s straightforward for the principle compartment of your suitcase to turn out to be a disorganized, jumbled mess. These packing cubes are improbable for organizing all of your necessities in your bag. You may also use one to maintain soiled garments separate from the whole lot else.

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

They arrive in an array of sizes to suit the whole lot 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 dust are a part of the cut price.

If you wish to preserve your suitcase trying 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 assume it’s crucial for a carry-on that you simply’ll simply be placing within the overhead bin, and I favor 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 the whole lot I wanted, nevertheless it additionally doesn’t preserve issues very organized.

The Monos Toiletry Case is straightforward and streamlined, nevertheless it affords nice inside separation to maintain the whole lot 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 kind of smaller bag that I can keep it up 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 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 de facto 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 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 among the hottest baggage manufacturers on the market proper now. Their advertising and marketing is de facto good, they usually get lots 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 stunning and well-built, however I feel 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 analogous polycarbonate arduous shell, however one thing about Monos’ design makes them stronger.

Whereas each manufacturers supply nice group with their instances, 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 count on to spend about $20 additional for an equal mannequin from Away.

One factor Away affords that you simply don’t get from Monos is expandable baggage. They’ve a line of “flex” suitcases with a wrap-around zipper that permits you to add about two inches of depth. You do need to 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 lots 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 almost all of their suitcases have full aluminum nook bumpers for additional 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 related by way of 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.

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 practical design.

Finally, 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 lots of similarities to Monos suitcases.

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

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 robust and sturdy to me. It’s arduous to compete with Monos on that entrance.

For those who’re trying to avoid wasting cash, I feel Beis delivers lots 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 if you happen to’re on the lookout for the best men’s luggage, you is perhaps extra drawn to Monos.

Monos Baggage FAQs