Monos Baggage Overview: Hype or Value It?

You’re in all probability right here since you are searching for 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 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 a variety of perception to share on Monos, and I’ve seen firsthand the place their merchandise excel, in addition to when one thing else could be a more sensible choice.

Monos provides a spread 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 to be improbable, however operate and sturdiness are extra necessary than seems to be while you’re removed from dwelling.

On this Monos baggage overview I’ll provide you with my trustworthy suggestions from my expertise with their merchandise and show you how to resolve which one in all their suitcases could 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 normal polycarbonate suitcases. The general design aesthetic is nice: fashionable, modern, and minimal. I like the colour decisions and the streamlined, timeless type.

Monos baggage seems to be actually good and feels each sturdy and light-weight, but it surely was once I began wanting on the little particulars that I actually observed a distinction from a lot 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 a variety 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 acquired my first Monos suitcase, they usually’re nonetheless going robust after years of use. I’m under no circumstances 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 may 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 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 degree of high quality.

The design ethos of Monos luggage 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 fashion.

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

I additionally love that Monos is inserting emphasis on sustainability. It’s grow to be 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 internet 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, but it surely’s necessary to me to assist manufacturers that wish 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 features which are frequent throughout the whole Monos line. Most of their totally different suitcases share related development, supplies, options, and general design.

The variations come right down to dimension and particular options. If you would like particulars on a particular mannequin, scroll right 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-resistant outer coating. Waterproof zippers are frequent in rain jackets and climbing backpacks, but it surely’s a fairly distinctive function for baggage. Not solely is it useful, but it surely additionally seems to be 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 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 modern, minimalist styling, and I actually suppose this is likely one of the issues that units the Monos model aside. These suitcases look wonderful!

The polycarbonate onerous 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 every thing 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 muddle the aesthetic.

Each Monos suitcase additionally is available in a fantastic choice of colours. It’s simple to choose 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, fashionable type throughout all of the Monos luggage. And belief me, they solely look higher in individual.

Group

One of the vital necessary features 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 maintaining every thing neat and in place.

On one aspect of the clamshell opening, you may have a big zippered divider that’s excellent for maintaining clothes in place while you open the bag. It additionally works nicely if you happen to’re packing for 2 individuals in a single suitcase as a result of you’ll be able to divide the entire thing into two separate compartments.

On the opposite aspect, there’s a massive compression pad with straps to maintain every thing 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 a fantastic job. That stated, I wouldn’t thoughts having even a number 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 endure 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 probably the most spectacular testing I’ve seen from a baggage model, and it provides a variety of peace of thoughts that Monos baggage will stand as much as the abuse of journey.

Worth

Baggage might be costly, particularly if you happen to’re looking 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. If you’re on a very tight finances, you’ll in all probability need 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 admittedly onerous to beat.

If you would like a hardside suitcase that may final a lifetime, I haven’t been capable of finding a product that provides higher bang in your buck than Monos Baggage. For me, it hits a fantastic candy spot between high quality, type, performance, and worth.

Guarantee and Returns

Since a high-quality suitcase is a fairly important funding, it’s value 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 useful 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 an enormous deal, although. My principal 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 provides 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 straightforward to make use of. They’re full of sensible options for group and useability, however don’t go overkill with unnecessarily difficult designs.

There undoubtedly 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 superb stability of supplying 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, simple 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 good distance towards making these higher than anything on the market.

In the event you want the very best energy 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 supply extra adjustability, so I’d desire to see that from Monos.

As an alternative 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 large button protruding on high.

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 may cinch down to carry every thing in place.

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

TSA-Accredited 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 way 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 huge 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 dwelling out of your journey so that they take up as little house as potential. 

Traditional Assortment

The Traditional 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 advocate one in all their fashions to anybody, it might 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 world wide, but it surely 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 form 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 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 having the ability to maintain my laptop computer, passport, electronics, and different important gadgets inside quick access 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 offer you quick access to a padded laptop computer sleeve and several other inside pockets for maintaining small gadgets organized.

It’s tremendous handy to have the ability to get to smaller gadgets that you just use rather a lot without having 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 a typical carry-on.

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

Monos Carry-On Pro Plus

As you might 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 Examine-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 a variety 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 undoubtedly 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 admittedly that mandatory.

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 further 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 tug it open.

The hybrid suitcases are additionally considerably dearer than the traditional ones, which solidifies my opinion that they aren’t actually value 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 nearly a necessity, and for the reason that Traditional Carry-On Professional is inexpensive 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 alternative 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 a variety of house for a carry-on, but it surely has much less room than the Traditional Carry-On Plus.

Hybrid Check-In Medium

While you get to the check-in luggage, I believe the Hybrid instances begin to make a bit 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 will probably be shielded from the tough use of airline baggage handlers.

Nonetheless, the traditional checked luggage are lots 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 large, heavy, and robust.

Hybrid Trunk

The Monos Hybrid Trunk is admittedly 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 traditional counterparts, however if you happen to particularly need trunk baggage, this can be a improbable alternative.

Trunk baggage is longer and deeper than a typical suitcase, which makes it simple to pack cumbersome gadgets or for longer journeys. You’ll pay a premium worth, but it surely’s nice if you happen to want an ultra-protective large 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 number of of my high picks to get you totally outfitted for journey.

Monos Compressible Packing Cubes

It’s simple for the principle compartment of your suitcase to grow 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 every thing 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 every thing 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 grime are a part of the cut price.

If you wish to maintain your suitcase wanting 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 dimension, I personally would solely get a baggage cowl for a checked bag. I don’t suppose it’s mandatory for a carry-on that you just’ll simply be placing within the overhead bin, and I desire 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 every thing I wanted, but it surely additionally doesn’t maintain issues very organized.

The Monos Toiletry Case is straightforward and streamlined, but it surely provides nice inner separation to maintain every thing neat. It is available in a small or massive dimension, 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 form of smaller bag that I can keep on my physique for smaller valuables like my cellphone, passport, and pockets.

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

Monos Baggage Options

Whereas Monos suitcases are nice, it’s undoubtedly value scoping out the competitors to see what is admittedly the most effective baggage for you.

There are a number 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 a variety 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 admittedly good, they usually get a variety of consideration on social media. If you wish to be taught extra about this model, you’ll be able to learn our full Away luggage review.

Away suitcases are stunning and well-built, however I believe Monos has a variety 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 the same polycarbonate onerous 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 may anticipate to spend about $20 further for an equal mannequin from Away.

One factor Away provides 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 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 hundreds of opinions for different merchandise to study the most typical baggage complaints. They then got down to make baggage that solves these issues.

There are a variety 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 almost all of their suitcases have full aluminum nook bumpers for further energy. 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 when it comes to 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 would like a carry-on with an exterior pocket, the Monos Carry-On Professional is the winner in my ebook with it’s tremendous useful design.

In the end, these manufacturers have so many similarities, that I believe it comes down primarily to aesthetics, as there are some particular type 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 a variety of similarities to Monos suitcases.

Value goes to be the quick 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 robust and sturdy to me. It’s onerous to compete with Monos on that entrance.

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

Beis can also be undoubtedly marketed extra towards girls, so if you happen to’re searching for the best men’s luggage, you could be extra drawn to Monos.

Monos Baggage FAQs