Which is Higher in 2023?

For those who’re searching for a brand new suitcase that’s sturdy, practical, and trendy, you’ve most likely come throughout these two baggage manufacturers: July and Monos. Each manufacturers provide modern, feature-packed polycarbonate suitcases, however which is healthier?

My first baggage was a pair of low cost spinner suitcases that I used whereas dwelling overseas in Europe. They each broke inside just a few months. Now I’m much more picky about my suitcases, and Monos and July are two of my favourite manufacturers in the marketplace proper now. I’ve spent months digging into the main points to see how they examine.

July and Monos each make nice hardside luggage. Their designs look wonderful, are tremendous practical, are constructed to final, and compete immediately in worth. The distinction comes all the way down to the main points. Which model has higher options and group? Which is simpler to make use of? Which suitcase will maintain trying good after years of journey?

I’ll dive into the main points on these two manufacturers and present how they examine for real-world use. For those who’re searching for the final word comparability between July and Monos, you’re in the best place.

July Baggage Assessment

July is an Aussie model that began in 2018 with the mission of bringing higher design and pondering to the journey business. Their dedication to bettering the sturdiness and performance of their merchandise makes them one of many best luggage brands on the market.

My favourite a part of the July model is that fairly than beginning with a preconceived concept of what makes the perfect suitcases, they started their design course of by studying 1000’s of critiques of current merchandise.

From their analysis they seemed for the most typical areas of criticism individuals had with their baggage. They discovered the place different suitcases have been breaking and what options individuals wanted most, after which they got down to create a suitcase to unravel the issues they discovered within the journey market.

The design of July baggage is a direct results of their customer-focused strategy. They discovered the areas that wanted enchancment and labored to repair them. That perspective additionally carries over to the remainder of their enterprise. July customer support, return coverage, and guarantee are among the finest within the journey business. I like manufacturers that stand behind their merchandise with nice service and help.

July Baggage Supplies & High quality

July builds all of their suitcases with a high-quality German polycarbonate laborious shell. This has turn into the gold normal materials for hardside premium baggage as a result of it’s each light-weight and really sturdy.

The place July stands out from different luxurious manufacturers is that they add sturdy aluminum nook bumpers to their circumstances. These bumpers are seen on the surface of their normal suitcases, whereas their Carry-On Essential and Carry-On Pro have hidden inside bumpers. Corners are the almost certainly a part of a suitcase to crack or dent, and this design provides a ton of power on this susceptible space.

I’ve by no means seen a Monos laborious shell crack, however theoretically, July’s aluminum corners ought to make them extra affect and damage-resistant. One draw back is that the anodized coating on the exterior bumpers can scuff or scratch, displaying some beauty put on over time.

For those who’re searching for lightweight luggage, it’s value noting that July additionally makes a dialed-back model of their normal carry-on. At beneath 4 lbs, it’s the lightest hardside carry-on on the planet!

July Baggage Design & Options

Functionally, July suitcases are easy and streamlined, however they’ve a number of nice options that make for simpler packing and journey.

Inside you’ll discover a big zippered divider on one aspect and July’s Y-strap compression system on the opposite. With this technique there’s a compression pad that you just place over your packed clothes. Then you definately buckle the beefy Y-shaped strap excessive and cinch it all the way down to compress all the things and maintain it securely in place. The bonus is that the compression pad has a built-in zippered pocket.

Total, I do want there have been extra pockets inside July suitcases. That’s one space the place Monos positively has the benefit.

You additionally get a sturdy adjustable deal with with 20 completely different stopping factors, so it’s simple to get it set to the proper top. This is a bonus over Monos suitcase, which gained’t have as a lot adjustability.

Aesthetically, July baggage may be very minimal and understated—extra so than Monos. July suitcases are easy rectangles with rounded edges and a single molded-in line across the middle to interrupt up the profile. The one different notable stylistic element is the aluminum nook bumpers.

I personally love the easier look of July, although type is at all times a private choice.

July Baggage Professionals and Cons

Total, July baggage is admittedly spectacular. July suitcases look wonderful, are sturdy, and are actually well-designed. You’re right here to know the way July compares with Monos although, so we have to cowl the benefits and downsides.

These manufacturers are carefully matched, and there aren’t any overwhelming variations. It’s all going to be within the particulars right here. For instance, July carry-on suitcases include an ejectable battery financial institution to cost your telephone or laptop computer; you don’t get that with Monos. However, Monos has actually spectacular testing of their merchandise and wonderful construct high quality.

Listed here are the professionals and cons of July and the way it measures up towards Monos baggage:

For a extra in-depth look, take a look at our full July luggage review.

Monos Baggage Assessment

Monos is a contemporary journey model based mostly in Vancouver Canada. Their complete enterprise mannequin is constructed on providing the identical high quality and options you see in luxurious suitcase manufacturers at a cheaper price.

The factor that stands out most to me about Monos as a model is their obsession over high quality. They aren’t afraid to utterly redesign primary elements to make them higher and longer lasting. Monos luggage have improved handles, wheels, and shells which might be extra sturdy than different baggage choices.

Past simply designing their merchandise to be sturdy, Monos goes above and past with their rigorous quality testing (perhaps you could possibly name it baggage torture testing). They run their wheels for twenty miles on treadmills with jarring bumps, yank repeatedly on the baggage handles, drop loaded suitcases onto concrete, and tumble them round in a machine that appears like an enormous garments dryer. Critically, these individuals aren’t messing round.

What which means for you is that you just get a suitcase that’s designed and examined to outlive all the things you may throw at it.

I additionally love that Monos is dedicated to sustainability and lowering their affect. They donate 1% of their income to environmental non-profits, and the are licensed local weather impartial, with internet zero carbon emissions. Not solely are their merchandise well-made, however it’s also possible to be ok with shopping for them.

Monos Baggage Supplies & High quality

Like July, Monos baggage begins with a modern polycarbonate shell. They don’t have the aluminum nook bumpers of July, however I’ve by no means seen a Monos suitcase crack or dent, even with some fairly heavy abuse.

The inside of Monos luggage is made with a 100% recycled rPET cloth that’s delicate to the contact and stain- and waterproof. You additionally get sturdy, snag-resistant YKK zippers throughout.

Monos designed their telescoping deal with to be higher than anything in the marketplace. It’s made with aerospace-grade extruded aluminum tubing, and the upright telescoping tubes are positioned at a 45-degree angle, which suggests they will higher resist pulling and pushing forces. For those who’re coming from a less expensive suitcase, you’ll be blown away at how stiff and durable this deal with feels.

The standout factor of Monos baggage construct high quality is the wheels. After they couldn’t discover 360-degree spinning wheels in the marketplace that met their top quality and sturdiness necessities, Monos designed their very own from the bottom up, with bigger wheels and chrome steel ball bearings. I’m not an enormous fan of spinner wheels after destroying a number of on cobblestone streets in Europe, however these are among the solely ones I belief to final.

Monos Baggage Design & Options

The practical design of Monos baggage is similar to July general. For inside group, you may have a zippered divider on one aspect and a compression pad system on the opposite aspect. The compression is sort of similar to July. The one distinction is that there are two separate compression straps as a substitute of a giant Y-strap.

Monos does provide extra inside pockets of their suitcases, which is a win in my guide. The massive mesh pocket and smaller hinge pocket offer you extra locations to place issues and assist maintain your suitcase neat and arranged.

Each piece of Monos baggage, from the compact carry-on to their largest checked bag additionally comes with an odor-blocking laundry bag and two shoe luggage. It’s superior to see “bonus” options like this included.

For those who’re searching for essentially the most feature-packed Monos baggage, you’ll need to take a look at the Carry-On Professional. This modern carry-on bag has a zippered outdoors pocket constructed into the shell. The entrance compartment hinges open and is loaded with small pockets and pouches for conserving necessities organized and simply accessible. The Monos Carry-On Pro even has a padded laptop computer sleeve with room for laptops as much as 16 inches.

The type of Monos suitcases may be very minimalist and trendy, with only a bit extra visible detailing than July. One of the best half is that due to the high-quality supplies, Monos baggage will maintain trying good after years of use.

Monos Baggage Professionals and Cons

Monos baggage is well-designed and well-built, so how does it examine to the competitors (on this case, July)? Total, I’d say there are a whole lot of benefits in Monos’ favor, together with the superior sturdiness. It’s not all win-win although, as there are some tradeoffs when choosing Monos as a substitute of July.

Listed here are the professionals and cons of Monos when in comparison with July:

For a extra in-depth look, take a look at our full Monos luggage review.

July vs. Monos: Which Ought to You Purchase?

There’s so much to love about each July and Monos, they usually have so much in frequent. Each manufacturers use polycarbonate shells, designed their very own spinner wheels, have wonderful group, and provide luxury-level high quality at attainable costs. Most of their merchandise compete head-to-head on the subject of options and price.

So which is healthier?

You’re positive to be proud of a suitcase from both model, however in order for you the best possible high quality and sturdiness, Monos baggage is the place it’s at. Their rigorous high quality testing and obsession over particulars is spectacular. Don’t get me unsuitable, July circumstances are additionally very well-built, I simply suppose Monos takes it to the subsequent degree.

If I have been to advocate a single product from both of those two suitcase manufacturers, it might be the Monos Carry-On Pro. Monos carry-on baggage is simply actually well-designed. With its zippered exterior pocket, clever design, and bomber building, this carry-on bag is without doubt one of the finest in the marketplace.

There’s additionally a July Carry-On Pro; as a substitute of a zippered pocket, it has a detachable laptop computer sleeve. Whereas that is essentially the most modern baggage I’ve seen for carrying a laptop computer, it’s dearer, much less protecting, and fewer versatile. If you need an exterior pocket, I’d keep on with the Monos Carry-On Professional.

Whereas Monos excels at carry-on baggage, I believe it begins to make a bit extra sense to think about July in the event you’re purchasing for checked luggage. These sturdy aluminum nook bumpers may give you some peace of thoughts when your baggage is being tossed round by gung-ho airline baggage handlers.

Ultimately, it comes down to private choice. Monos has among the most sturdy hardside suitcases on the market, however For those who just like the extra minimal, streamlined styling of July suitcases (I positive do), go for it. I don’t suppose you’ll be upset both approach.

July vs. Monos FAQs