Monos is a Vancouver-based baggage model that was based in 2018. Their mission is to supply merchandise that enable you to focus much less in your stuff and extra on the (generally fleeting) experiences of journey. They consider in making easy, timeless baggage that’s constructed to final quite than stylish, cheaply-made merchandise that you simply’ll throw away in a 12 months.
I can get behind that concept.
There are two different issues that basically impress me about Monos.
First is their emphasis on high quality manufacturing and transparency about their course of. Each firm has some stage of high quality testing (no less than they need to), however I’ve hardly ever seen a model make that public the best way Monos does. Their quality testing is in depth (some would possibly say torturous), and offers me a variety of confidence of their merchandise.
Second is their dedication to sustainability. Monos donates 1% of their income to climate-related non-profits. They’re additionally the primary baggage model to attain internet zero carbon emissions and turn into Climate Neutral Certified.
For extra data, learn our full Monos luggage review.
Monos Baggage Supplies & High quality
As you’d count on from a model that’s devoted to constructing high-quality, sustainable merchandise, Monos baggage is actually well-built.
All of it begins with the sturdy polycarbonate shell. Polycarbonate is the gold customary materials for hardside luggage lately as a result of it’s light-weight, robust, and versatile sufficient to soak up impacts with out cracking.
Not all polycarbonate shells are created equal, although. The design and manufacturing course of additionally play an enormous roll within the sturdiness of arduous shell suitcases. Monos development is among the many finest. I’ve by no means seen a Monos shell crack, even with tough use. That’s higher than I can say for Away.
Monos additionally provides a hybrid suitcase assortment that mixes polycarbonate shells with an aluminum body and reinforcement within the corners and edges. As a substitute of zippers, the Monos Hybrid Luggage makes use of a hinge design with locking clasps. Truthfully, I don’t see a lot motive to purchase one in all their hybrid instances. They’re heavier, costlier, and tougher to make use of. The traditional Monos suitcases are lots sturdy.
The standard and sturdiness goes past the shell, too. Each Monos suitcase makes use of robust YKK zippers (the perfect within the enterprise) and high-performance spinner wheels that Monos designed from the bottom as much as be the perfect available on the market. Positive sufficient, that is a number of the best spinner luggage I’ve ever used. It’s clean, maneuverable, and handles cobblestones with (relative) ease.
Monos rounds out their supplies with premium vegan leather-based particulars and a gentle stain-resistant lining that’s straightforward to maintain contemporary journey after journey.
Monos Baggage Design & Options
The general design of Monos suitcases may be very easy and streamlined. The exterior is clean and doesn’t have any pointless frills. The modern, trendy aesthetic simply seems to be actually good (I personally a lot want Monos styling to Away).
Inside, you get loads of options for holding every little thing organized. On one aspect you get a big zippered divider with a built-in mesh pocket. On the opposite aspect there’s an inside compression system with a compression pad (detachable within the carry-on baggage and folding within the checked baggage). This compression pad goes excessive of your packed clothes, after which a pair of beefy compression straps cinch every little thing down.
The straightforward design doesn’t imply you don’t get some further perks although. Monos suitcases include an anti-microbial laundry bag, TSA-approved lock, two shoe baggage, and a vegan leather-based baggage tag.
Monos design and options are pretty constant throughout their whole vary of sizes. The checked Monos baggage has just a few extra pockets than the carry-on fashions, however that’s the primary distinction.
I like the variety of decisions Monos provides you for a carry-on. You’ll be able to choose the usual Carry-On which is sized to suit worldwide measurement restrictions or the Carry-On Plus, which is a much bigger carry-on for home flights. In addition they supply the identical sizes with an exterior pocket with their Carry-On Pro and Carry-On Pro Plus (that final title’s a little bit of a mouthful, however it will get the purpose throughout).
The Monos Carry-On Professional is among the best carry-on suitcases on the market. It has all the standard and options as the traditional Monos Carry-On, however it provides a zippered exterior zippered compartment. This pocket has a padded sleeve for a laptop computer and extra compartments inside for group. It additionally has a tough polycarbonate face to maintain all of your necessities protected. If you wish to purchase one Monos suitcase, that is the one to get.
Monos Baggage Professionals and Cons
There’s so much to like about Monos. It’s sturdy, purposeful, and trendy. Total, Monos has a variety of benefits over away when it comes to high quality and options, however there are some downsides, particularly in case you have particular wants like expandability or a small private merchandise suitcase.
Listed below are a number of the high professionals and cons of Monos in comparison with Away:
Professionals
- Monos baggage is extra sturdy than Away baggage
- Cheaper than Away baggage
- The Carry-On Professional is extra protecting than the Away Carry-On with Pocket
- Modern, minimal styling
- Extra pockets inside Monos suitcases than Away
Cons
- No expandable suitcases like Away’s Flex sequence
- No underseat carry-on measurement