Monos Baggage Overview: Hype or Value It?

You’re most likely right here since you are on the lookout 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 most of the best luggage brands on the market, so consider me once I say I’ve realized a factor or two about baggage.

I personal 4 totally different Monos suitcases in several sizes and fashions, and I’ve put them to the check on my travels. I’ve a number of perception to share on Monos, and I’ve seen firsthand the place their merchandise excel, in addition to when one thing else may be a more sensible choice.

Monos gives 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 appears to be like unbelievable, however perform and sturdiness are extra essential than appears to be like while you’re removed from residence.

On this Monos baggage evaluate I’ll offer you my sincere suggestions from my expertise with their merchandise and enable you to determine which one in all their suitcases may be best for you.

Now, let’s get to the main points.

Monos Baggage First Impressions

At first look, the Monos suitcases I’ve tried seem like fairly normal polycarbonate suitcases. The general design aesthetic is nice: trendy, smooth, and minimal. I like the colour selections and the streamlined, timeless type.

Monos baggage appears to be like 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 truthfully spectacular. They really feel dialed in and nicely put collectively. It’s apparent that they paid a number 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 acquired my first Monos suitcase, they usually’re nonetheless going robust after years of use. I’m in no way afraid to tug 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 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 you must 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 can assist 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 usually see for a similar stage 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 elements are made to final.

I additionally love that Monos is putting emphasis on sustainability. It’s grow to be widespread 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 essential 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 evaluate, I’ll cowl elements which are widespread throughout the whole Monos line. Most of their totally different suitcases share comparable development, supplies, options, and total design.

The variations come right down to measurement and particular options. If you need particulars on a selected 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 powerful and light-weight.

The suitcases shut with a YKK reverse-coil zipper with a water-resistant outer coating. Waterproof zippers are widespread in rain jackets and climbing backpacks, but it surely’s a fairly distinctive function for baggage. Not solely is it purposeful, but it surely additionally appears to be like 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 group of “hybrid” instances that function an aluminum body and nook bumpers. As a substitute 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 factor 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 provide you every little thing 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 choice of colours. It’s straightforward 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, trendy type throughout all of the Monos luggage. And belief me, they solely look higher in particular person.

Group

Probably the most essential 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 preserving every little thing neat and in place.

On one aspect of the clamshell opening, you’ve got a big zippered divider that’s excellent for preserving clothes in place while you open the bag. It additionally works nicely when 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 every little 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 objects organized, and Monos does an incredible job. That mentioned, I wouldn’t thoughts having even just a few 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 harm past some scuffing on the outer shell.

Monos places all their suitcases by way 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 a number of peace of thoughts that Monos baggage will stand as much as the abuse of journey.

Worth

Baggage might be costly, particularly when you’re looking for higher-quality suitcases, so it’s essential to know in case you are getting one of the best worth on your cash.

Monos baggage is unquestionably not the most cost effective on the market. In case you are on a very tight finances, 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 need 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 worth.

Guarantee and Returns

Since a high-quality suitcase is a fairly vital 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 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 a giant deal, although. My most important concern is that my suitcase all the time works, and it’s superior that they’ll restore it if it breaks.

Along with the restricted lifetime guarantee, Monos additionally gives 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 filled with good 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. Generally I like utilizing baggage that has extra pockets and options, however I believe Monos hits a great stability of supplying you with precisely what you want and nothing additional.

360-Diploma Spinner Wheels

The Monos silent run wheels are a few 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 one of the best, 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.

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 top settings. Another producers provide extra adjustability, so I’d favor 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 smooth and minimal when the deal with is stowed as a result of there’s no huge 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. Usually it includes elastic straps that buckle collectively and may cinch down to carry every little thing in place.

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

TSA-Authorised 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: 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 so that they take up as little house as doable. 

Basic Assortment

The Basic Assortment suitcases are the preferred 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 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 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 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 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 preserve 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 doable.

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 preserving small objects organized.

It’s tremendous handy to have the ability to get to smaller objects that you simply 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 an identical to the traditional carry-on, just a bit greater. This greater carry-on is ideal for anybody who needs 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 value 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 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 house inside!

In case you’re packing for a household, or simply want a number 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 needed.

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 break 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 costlier than the traditional ones, which solidifies my opinion that they aren’t actually value 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 nearly a necessity, and because the Basic Carry-On Professional is cheaper than the Hybrid Carry-On, I don’t see a lot motive 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 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 a lot better alternative 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 a number 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 instances begin to make slightly extra sense. The Hybrid Monos Check-In Medium continues to be heavier and costlier than the traditional model, however the beefed-up development can add some peace of thoughts that your belongings might be shielded from the tough use of airline baggage handlers.

Nonetheless, the traditional checked luggage are a lot 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 costlier, heavier, and tougher to make use of than their traditional counterparts, however when you particularly need trunk baggage, this can be a unbelievable alternative.

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

Monos Equipment

Monos doesn’t simply make baggage; in addition they provide a big selection of equipment that complement their suitcases completely. Listed here are just a few 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 grow to be a disorganized, jumbled mess. These packing cubes are unbelievable for organizing all of your necessities in your bag. You may as well use one to maintain soiled garments separate from every little thing 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 every little thing from socks to shirts. You should purchase 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 discount.

If you wish to preserve 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 measurement, I personally would solely get a baggage cowl for a checked bag. I don’t suppose it’s needed 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 every little thing I wanted, but it surely additionally doesn’t preserve issues very organized.

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

Monos Metro Sling

I usually wish 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 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 the whole bag to maintain valuables safe however nonetheless simply accessible.

Monos Baggage Alternate options

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

There are just a few different luxurious baggage manufacturers that always come up in conversations about Monos. These embrace Away, July, and Beis. I’ve used merchandise from all these manufacturers, and have a number 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 likely one of the hottest baggage manufacturers on the market proper now. Their advertising is absolutely good, they usually get a number of consideration on social media.

Away suitcases are lovely and well-built, however I believe Monos has a number 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 onerous shell, however one thing about Monos’ design makes them stronger.

Whereas each manufacturers provide 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 costlier than Monos throughout their product line. You possibly can anticipate to spend about $20 additional for an equal mannequin from Away.

One factor Away gives 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 need to pay much more for that function although.

Monos vs July

July is an Australian-based producer that began their suitcase design course of by studying 1000’s of opinions for different merchandise to study the commonest baggage complaints. They then got down to make baggage that solves these issues.

There are a number 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 instances dent or crack, however these aluminum corners from July actually really feel bomber.

Each manufacturers are fairly comparable 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 need 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 type variations.

Monos vs Beis

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

Value goes to be the quick 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 onerous to compete with Monos on that entrance.

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

Monos Baggage FAQs