Monos Baggage Evaluation: Hype or Price It?

You’re in all probability right here since you are searching 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 lots of the finest baggage manufacturers 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 take a look at on my travels. I’ve a whole lot of perception to share on Monos, and I’ve seen firsthand the place their merchandise excel, in addition to when one thing else is likely to be a better option.

Monos provides a variety of polycarbonate hardside suitcases starting from compact carry-ons to giant checked luggage. With a glossy, minimalist design and dialed-in options, Monos baggage seems implausible, however perform and sturdiness are extra necessary than seems while you’re removed from house.

On this Monos baggage evaluate I’ll provide you with my trustworthy suggestions from my expertise with their merchandise and provide help to determine which one among their suitcases is likely to 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 appear to be fairly normal polycarbonate suitcases. The general design aesthetic is nice: fashionable, glossy, and minimal. I really like the colour decisions and the streamlined, timeless fashion.

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 truthfully spectacular. They really feel dialed in and effectively put collectively. It’s apparent that they paid a whole lot 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 appreciated them once I obtained my first Monos suitcase, and so they’re nonetheless going sturdy after years of use. I’m by no means afraid to pull one among 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 Professional to get this characteristic, however I want it have been normal and never one thing you need 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 provide 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 critical testing to make sure the wheels, shell, and elements are made to final.

I additionally love that Monos is inserting emphasis on sustainability. It’s turn into 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 web zero carbon emissions. Additionally 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 assist manufacturers that need to make a constructive influence on the world, not simply make a buck. Monos is an organization I can get behind.

Monos Baggage Evaluation

For the primary part of this Monos suitcase evaluate, I’ll cowl elements which might be widespread throughout the complete Monos line. Most of their totally different suitcases share related building, supplies, options, and total design.

The variations come all the way down to dimension and particular options. If you’d like 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 baggage 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 mountaineering backpacks, nevertheless it’s a fairly distinctive characteristic for baggage. Not solely is it useful, nevertheless it additionally seems nice and provides to the general fashion.

I do want the zippers have 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 characteristic 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 glossy, minimalist styling, and I actually assume this is likely one of the issues that units the Monos model aside. These suitcases look wonderful!

The polycarbonate laborious shell is has a really clear, streamlined look, and the vegan leather-based materials detailing completes the delicate fashion.

I really like that Monos’ strategy is to provide you the whole lot 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 muddle the aesthetic.

Each Monos suitcase additionally is available in an amazing collection of colours. It’s simple to choose one thing distinctive that matches your private fashion however doesn’t stick out like a sore thumb.

Have a look via their web site, and also you’ll see the clear, fashionable fashion throughout all of the Monos luggage. And belief me, they solely look higher in individual.

Group

One of the vital 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 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 good for protecting the whole lot neat and in place.

On one facet of the clamshell opening, you will have a big zippered divider that’s good for protecting clothes in place while you open the bag. It additionally works effectively for those who’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 facet, there’s a giant compression pad with straps to maintain the whole lot safe.

There may be additionally one other giant mesh pocket on the divider, a smaller pocket within the center, and even zippered pouches on the compression pad. I really like having inside pockets to maintain smaller objects organized, and Monos does an amazing 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 undergo injury past some scuffing on the outer shell.

Monos places all their suitcases via rigorous high 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 offers a whole lot of peace of thoughts that Monos baggage will stand as much as the abuse of journey.

Worth

Baggage might be costly, particularly for those who’re purchasing for higher-quality suitcases, so it’s necessary to know in case you are getting the perfect worth on your cash.

Monos baggage is unquestionably not the most cost effective on the market. In case you are on a very tight funds, you’ll in all probability need to take a look at some extra inexpensive baggage.

On the subject of premium high quality polycarbonate suitcases, although, Monos is inexpensive than most different manufacturers on the market. And their high quality and sturdiness is basically laborious to beat.

If you’d like a hardside suitcase that may final a lifetime, I haven’t been capable of finding a product that provides higher bang on your buck than Monos Baggage. For me, it hits an amazing candy spot between high quality, fashion, 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 immediately 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 predominant 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. If you happen to 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 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 very good stability of supplying you with precisely what you want and nothing further.

360-Diploma Spinner Wheels

The Monos silent run wheels are among the finest spinner baggage 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 perfect, hardest spinner wheels on the market, and the powerful ball-bearing design and outsized wheels go a great distance towards making these higher than the rest on the market.

If you happen to want the best possible 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 peak settings. Another producers provide extra adjustability, so I’d want 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 glossy and minimal when the deal with is stowed as a result of there’s no huge button protruding on prime.

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 might cinch down to carry the whole lot in place.

Monos suitcases have an progressive design with a big built-in compression pad. When you pack the whole lot in, you possibly can place the compression pad on prime 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 good for smaller objects.

TSA-Authorised 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 via 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 Evaluation 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 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 house out of your journey in order that they take up as little house as potential. 

Basic Assortment

The Basic Assortment suitcases are the most well-liked 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 basic assortment are particularly good. They’re sturdy, well-designed, and pretty light-weight. If I have been to suggest one among their fashions to anybody, it could be the Carry-On Professional, which mixes the sturdiness and high quality of their basic hardshell suitcases with a brilliant handy exterior pocket.

Monos Carry-On

The Monos Carry-On is a reasonably easy laborious facet suitcase that’s sized to suit overhead bins on most flights all over the world, nevertheless it has the sturdy building 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 should improve to the Professional mannequin to get that characteristic.

Monos Carry-On Professional

The Carry-On Professional 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 really like with the ability to maintain 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 potential.

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 protecting small objects organized.

It’s tremendous handy to have the ability to get to smaller objects that you just use lots while not having to open and dig via the entire suitcase.

Monos Carry-On Plus

The Monos Carry-On Plus is similar to the traditional 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 must verify it. It’s undoubtedly value checking carry-on dimension restrictions for various airways.

Monos Carry-On Professional Plus

As you will have guessed from the title, the Monos Carry-On Professional Plus combines the bigger dimension of the Carry-On Plus and the exterior pocket from the Carry-On Professional.

Monos Test-In Medium

The Monos Test-In Medium is Monos’ signature checked bag. It’s roomy sufficient for longer journeys with out being overly cumbersome and cumbersome.

Monos Test-In Massive

The Monos Test-In Massive has the identical design because the Test-In Medium bag, simply with more room. I really like this case for prolonged journeys. It has a ton of house inside!

If you happen to’re packing for a household, or simply want a whole lot 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 basic Monos bag, so I don’t know if the improved sturdiness is basically that needed.

One other distinction is the closure. The place the basic 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 break than zippers, which might snag, I’ve discovered it to be tougher to make use of. When you unlatch the clasps, it’s laborious to get your fingers between the 2 sides of the lid to tug it open.

The hybrid suitcases are additionally considerably dearer than the basic 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 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 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, nevertheless it’s additionally virtually two kilos heavier. It additionally has a barely smaller storage capability (I’m not fairly certain why that’s, nevertheless it will need to have one thing to do with the beefier building).

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

Hybrid Test-In Medium

If you get to the check-in luggage, I believe the Hybrid instances begin to make just a little extra sense. The Hybrid Monos Test-In Medium continues to be heavier and dearer than the basic model, however the beefed-up building can add some peace of thoughts that your belongings will probably be shielded from the tough use of airline baggage handlers.

Nonetheless, the basic checked luggage are lots sturdy, and I’ve by no means had a problem 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 keen to pay extra for it).

Hybrid Test-In Massive

No surprises right here! The Monos Hybrid Test-In Massive is simply the larger model of their hybrid checked suitcase. It’s huge, heavy, and powerful.

Hybrid Trunk

The Monos Hybrid Trunk is basically 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 basic counterparts, however for those who particularly need trunk baggage, it is a implausible alternative.

Trunk baggage is longer and deeper than an ordinary suitcase, which makes it simple to pack cumbersome objects or for longer journeys. You’ll pay a premium worth, nevertheless it’s nice for those who want an ultra-protective huge trunk-style case.

Monos Equipment

Monos doesn’t simply make baggage; additionally they provide a wide selection of equipment that complement their suitcases completely. Listed here are just a few of my prime picks to get you absolutely outfitted for journey.

Monos Compressible Packing Cubes

It’s simple for the primary compartment of your suitcase to turn into a disorganized, jumbled mess. These packing cubes are implausible for organizing all of your necessities in your bag. It’s also possible to use one to maintain soiled garments separate from the whole lot else.

Constructed of a light-weight material, 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 Baggage Cowl

Everyone knows that checked baggage isn’t essentially handled with care, and scuffs, scratches, and filth are a part of the discount.

If you wish to maintain your suitcase trying nearly as good because the day you bought it, this baggage cowl 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 needed for a carry-on that you just’ll simply be placing within the overhead bin, and I want 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 maintain issues very organized.

The Monos Toiletry Case is easy and streamlined, nevertheless it provides nice inside separation to maintain the whole lot neat. It is available in a small or giant dimension, 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 it up my physique for smaller valuables like my telephone, passport, and pockets.

The Monos Metro Sling matches the invoice completely. It’s compact, easy, and simple to make use of. I really 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 Options

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

There are just a few different luxurious baggage manufacturers that usually come up in conversations about Monos. These embody Away, July, and Beis. I’ve used merchandise from all these manufacturers, and have a whole lot 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 basically good, and so they get a whole lot of consideration on social media. If you wish to study extra about this model, you possibly can learn our full Away baggage evaluate.

Away suitcases are stunning and well-built, however I believe Monos has a whole lot 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 laborious 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 dearer than Monos throughout their product line. You possibly can count on 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 permits you to add about two inches of depth. You do should pay much more for that characteristic although.

Monos vs July

July is an Australian-based producer that began their suitcase design course of by studying hundreds of evaluations for different merchandise to find out about the commonest baggage complaints. They then got down to make baggage that solves these issues.

There are a whole lot 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 really like about July is that the majority of their suitcases have full aluminum nook bumpers for further 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 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’d 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 fashion variations.

Monos vs Beis

Beis is a boutique baggage firm that sells high-quality polycarbonate baggage that has a whole lot 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 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 powerful and sturdy to me. It’s laborious to compete with Monos on that entrance.

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

Beis can also be undoubtedly marketed extra towards ladies, so for those who’re searching for the perfect males’s baggage, you is likely to be extra drawn to Monos.

Monos Baggage FAQs