Monos Baggage Evaluation: Hype or Value It?

You’re most likely right here since you are in search of a high-quality suitcase on 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 greatest baggage manufacturers on the market, so imagine me once I say I’ve realized a factor or two about baggage.

I personal 4 completely different Monos suitcases in several sizes and fashions, and I’ve put them to the take a look at on my travels. I’ve loads 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 affords a variety of polycarbonate hardside suitcases starting from compact carry-ons to massive checked baggage. With a modern, minimalist design and dialed-in options, Monos baggage seems to be unbelievable, however perform and sturdiness are extra vital than seems to be if you’re removed from residence.

On this Monos baggage evaluation I’ll offer you my trustworthy suggestions from my expertise with their merchandise and provide help to resolve which one among 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 commonplace polycarbonate suitcases. The general design aesthetic is nice: trendy, modern, and minimal. I really 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 trying 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 loads 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 obtained my first Monos suitcase, they usually’re nonetheless going robust after years of use. I’m by no means afraid to tug one among these circumstances 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 Professional to get this function, however I want it had been commonplace and never one thing it’s important to pay further for. Nonetheless, that’s fairly commonplace 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 sometimes see for a similar degree of high quality.

The design ethos of Monos baggage 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 fashion.

Their dedication to high quality is spectacular. Monos suitcases undergo severe 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 grow to be frequent for manufacturers to speak about sustainability, however Monos appears to be taking it significantly. They’re the primary baggage model to be licensed local weather impartial, with web zero carbon emissions. In addition they donate 1% of their income to non-profits working to guard the pure world.

I don’t learn about you, but it surely’s vital to me to help manufacturers that want to make a optimistic impression 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 evaluation, I’ll cowl facets which are frequent throughout the whole Monos line. Most of their completely different suitcases share related building, supplies, options, and general design.

The variations come right down to dimension and particular options. In order for you 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 baggage as a result of it’s each robust and light-weight.

The suitcases shut with a YKK reverse-coil zipper with a water-proof outer coating. Waterproof zippers are frequent in rain jackets and climbing backpacks, but it surely’s a reasonably distinctive function for baggage. Not solely is it practical, 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 group of “hybrid” circumstances that function an aluminum body and nook bumpers. As an alternative of zippers, these circumstances use two latches and a hinged design.

Aesthetic

Each Monos baggage piece shares the identical modern, 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 arduous shell is has a really clear, streamlined look, and the vegan leather-based materials detailing completes the delicate type.

I really like that Monos’ strategy is to provide you every part 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 litter the aesthetic.

Each Monos suitcase additionally is available in a fantastic number of colours. It’s simple to select 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 baggage. And belief me, they solely look higher in particular person.

Group

One of the vital facets 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 conserving every part neat and in place.

On one aspect of the clamshell opening, you may have a big zippered divider that’s excellent for conserving clothes in place if you open the bag. It additionally works nicely should 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 part safe.

There’s additionally one other massive 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 a fantastic job. That mentioned, 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 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 loads of peace of thoughts that Monos baggage will stand as much as the abuse of journey.

Worth

Baggage might be costly, particularly should you’re searching for higher-quality suitcases, so it’s vital to know in case you are getting the very best worth on your cash.

Monos baggage is certainly not the most affordable on the market. In case you are on a extremely tight price range, you’ll most likely need to try some extra inexpensive baggage.

In relation to premium high quality polycarbonate suitcases, although, Monos is inexpensive than most different manufacturers on the market. And their high quality and sturdiness is de facto arduous to beat.

In order for you a hardside suitcase that can 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 a fantastic candy spot between high quality, type, performance, and worth.

Guarantee and Returns

Since a high-quality suitcase is a reasonably important funding, it’s price contemplating the guarantee it comes with to know whether or not you’re coated 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 practical 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 a giant deal, although. My fundamental concern is that my suitcase at all times works, and it’s superior that they’ll restore it if it breaks.

Along with the restricted lifetime guarantee, Monos additionally affords free 100-day returns on any suitcase. Should 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 full of good options for group and useability, however don’t go overkill with unnecessarily sophisticated 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 feel Monos hits a very good steadiness of providing you with precisely what you want and nothing further.

360-Diploma Spinner Wheels

The Monos silent run wheels are among the greatest 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 very best, hardest spinner wheels on the market, and the robust ball-bearing design and outsized wheels go a good distance towards making these higher than the rest on the market.

Should you want the very best energy and sturdiness for going over tough surfaces like cobblestones and unpaved paths, I feel 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 choose to see that from Monos.

As an alternative of forged 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 kind of compression system that’s meant to maintain your garments from shifting round. Sometimes it entails elastic straps that buckle collectively and may cinch down to carry every part in place.

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

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 baggage, 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 large checked circumstances.

The completely different suitcase sizes within the Monos lineup are designed to nest completely inside one another. That is nice for packing your baggage away if you get residence out of your journey so that they take up as little area as attainable. 

Basic Assortment

The Basic Assortment suitcases are the most well-liked Monos baggage possibility. These Monos suitcases are hardshell designs with robust (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 had been to advocate one among their fashions to anybody, it might 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 arduous aspect suitcase that’s sized to suit overhead bins on most flights around the globe, but it surely has the sturdy building 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 kind 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 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 hold my laptop computer, passport, electronics, and different important objects inside quick access whereas I journey, and most hardside carry-on baggage doesn’t have exterior pockets to make that attainable.

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 conserving small objects organized.

It’s tremendous handy to have the ability to get to smaller objects that you just use so much while not having to open and dig by way of the entire suitcase.

Monos Carry-On Plus

The Monos Carry-On Plus is equivalent to the traditional 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 throughout the US, however on some smaller planes you might have to verify it. It’s undoubtedly price checking carry-on dimension restrictions for various airways.

Monos Carry-On Professional Plus

As you’ll have guessed from the identify, 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 Examine-In Medium

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

Monos Examine-In Giant

The Monos Examine-In Giant has the identical design because the Examine-In Medium bag, simply with extra space. I really like this case for prolonged journeys. It has a ton of area inside!

Should you’re packing for a household, or simply want loads 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 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 de facto that vital.

One other distinction is the closure. The place the basic suitcases use a water-proof 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 may snag, I’ve discovered it to be tougher to make use of. When you unlatch the clasps, it’s arduous to get your fingers between the 2 sides of the lid to drag it open.

The hybrid suitcases are additionally considerably dearer than the basic ones, which solidifies my opinion that they aren’t actually price 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 because the Basic 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 building).

I actually assume the Monos Carry-On Professional is a a lot better selection on 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 loads of area for a carry-on, but it surely has much less room than the Basic Carry-On Plus.

Hybrid Examine-In Medium

If you get to the check-in baggage, I feel the Hybrid circumstances begin to make somewhat extra sense. The Hybrid Monos Examine-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 protected against the tough use of airline baggage handlers.

Nonetheless, the basic checked baggage are loads 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 Examine-In Giant

No surprises right here! The Monos Hybrid Examine-In Giant is simply the larger model of their hybrid checked suitcase. It’s large, heavy, and robust.

Hybrid Trunk

The Monos Hybrid Trunk is de facto 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 basic counterparts, however should you particularly need trunk baggage, this can be a unbelievable selection.

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

Monos Equipment

Monos doesn’t simply make baggage; additionally they provide a big selection of equipment that complement their suitcases completely. Listed below are a number of of my high picks to get you absolutely outfitted for journey.

Monos Compressible Packing Cubes

It’s simple for the primary 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 also use one to maintain soiled garments separate from every part 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 part 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 grime are a part of the cut price.

If you wish to hold your suitcase trying pretty much 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 vital for a carry-on that you just’ll simply be placing within the overhead bin, and I choose 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 part I wanted, but it surely additionally doesn’t hold issues very organized.

The Monos Toiletry Case is easy and streamlined, but it surely affords nice inside separation to maintain every part neat. It is available in a small or massive dimension, so you will get one that matches your wants.

Monos Metro Sling

I sometimes prefer to journey with a carry-on suitcase and a few kind of smaller bag that I can keep on my physique for smaller valuables like my telephone, passport, and pockets.

The Monos Metro Sling suits 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 whole bag to maintain valuables safe however nonetheless simply accessible.

Monos Baggage Options

Whereas Monos suitcases are nice, it’s undoubtedly price scoping out the competitors to see what is de facto the very best baggage for you.

There are a number of 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 loads 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 de facto good, they usually get loads of consideration on social media.

Away suitcases are stunning and well-built, however I feel Monos has loads of benefits.

Away suitcases usually tend to crack, whereas I’ve by no means damaged my Monos circumstances after years of use. They each use an analogous polycarbonate arduous shell, however one thing about Monos’ design makes them stronger.

Whereas each manufacturers provide nice group with their circumstances, I feel 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 be only a bit dearer than Monos throughout their product line. You may count on to spend about $20 further for an equal mannequin from Away.

One factor Away affords 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.

Monos vs July

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

There are loads 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 energy. Once more, I’ve by no means had my Monos circumstances 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.

In order for you a carry-on with an exterior pocket, the Monos Carry-On Professional is the winner in my e book with it’s tremendous practical design.

In the end, these manufacturers have so many similarities, that I feel 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 loads 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 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 robust and sturdy to me. It’s arduous to compete with Monos on that entrance.

Should you’re trying to avoid wasting cash, I feel Beis delivers loads of bang on your buck with their high-value suitcases. Monos has higher general high quality, design, and efficiency.

Monos Baggage FAQs