Ultimate Monos Suitcase Review – Is It Worth The Hype?
As someone who has been traveling extensively for the past 10 years, I have probably seen it all when it comes to luggage. I’ve experienced the emotional highs and lows of getting shiny new luggage only to have it returned to me in tatters at the airport. So now I have a pretty solid handle on what does and does not work for me in terms of luggage for my travels. I am here to give you my honest Monos suitcase review after having used these suitcases for my last 5 international trips and countless domestic trips.
I purchased the Monos Carry On Plus and Monos Check In Medium with my own money – the most I have ever spent on 2 pieces of luggage – and I have quite a few thoughts. From the cobblestones of Europe to the sandy roads of east Africa – my Monos suitcases have been through a lot. So I have a pretty good idea of how they hold up and if they’re worth the money.
Let’s get into this super honest Monos suitcase review.
Who is Monos?
Monos is a luxury brand and boutique luggage company shaking up the suitcase industry. Monos wants to be your go-to choice for premium quality suitcases that are nearly impossible to break – all while looking incredibly stylish.
The Monos price range is mid-tier (more than budget but less than premium) starting around $255. Monos prides itself on being a disruptor to the disruptors (well-known competitor Away) – it dares to be different and challenge the status quo. Whether you’re traveling for business or pleasure, Monos has a variety of suitcases to suit any need.
What’s the hype about?
The Canadian-based Monos range has been designed with sustainability in mind. They are Climate Neutral Certified (producing net zero carbon emissions), and a member of 1% for the Planet – donating 1% of their revenue to non-profit sustainability organizations. Monos’ hard-sided suitcases are made from a nearly unbreakable polycarbonate that is designed to stand up to the extreme wear and tear of travel.
The Monos collection also packs plenty of style and luxury into their suitcases at an accessible price point – something that’s rare in the industry today. Their feature-packed range is luxurious yet affordable, eco-friendly yet durable, and comes with a lifetime guarantee.
Plus, Monos suitcases do not come with a battery pack, making them even lighter and improving their packing capacity over those that do. Monos founders have they are not focused on smart luggage, but on high-quality and extremely functional luggage.
Key features of all Monos suitcases include:
- German polycarbonate hard shell
- Adjustable telescopic handle with 4 height settings
- Hinomoto Lisof Silent Run 360° wheels
- 350D anti-microbial polyester-lined interior
- YKK reverse coil zippers
- TSA-approved combination lock
- Limited lifetime warranty
- 100 day trial period to return luggage (as long as it’s unused)
Who are Monos Monos Suitcases for?
Monos suitcases are a great fit for luxury and leisure travelers who value style and design.
Whether you’re taking a relaxing vacation or attending an important business trip, Monos will make sure your travel experience both seamless and stylish. Their range of suitcases features practical designs with well-thought-out features that will make packing easier and more efficient.
Monos suitcases aren’t for everyone though; budget and value travelers may be better off looking elsewhere. Monos’ high-end products come at a premium price.
Similarly, adventurers and outdoorsy types might not find Monos’ suitcases very useful, as the designs and features prioritize style over ruggedness.
So if you’re a luxury or leisure traveler who values well-designed luggage, Monos may be just what you need! These suitcases also make an excellent gift for these kinds of travelers.
Monos Product Line Up
Monos has quickly made a name for itself in the travel luggage industry with its luggage lineup standing as one of the most comprehensive and well-crafted products on the market. This brand offers more than just suitcases, though. Whether you’re looking for a backpack, weekender bag, metro duffel bag, or a sling bag to carry your items on the go, Monos has you covered.
Plus, they offer plenty of accessories like compressible packing cubes, UVC sterilizers, water bottles, and even luggage covers to make sure your luggage is extra safe and secure while traveling. This Monos suitcase review includes my thoughts on their Kiyo water bottle as well.
Monos also carries a selection of travel and everyday clothing. This allows you to mix and match your outfit for any occasion. Monos takes pride in providing quality products that will last.
Where to Buy Monos Luggage
Monos suitcases can be purchased either directly from their website or from Nordstrom. They are planning to open a flagship store in Vancouver, Canada in the Spring of 2023.
Monos Suitcase Review (of my own personal Monos!)
Getting into my own Monos luggage review – I personally own the Monos Carry On Plus and the Monos Check In medium suitcases. I purchased these along with the matching Kiyo UVC water bottle. Keep reading for my pros and cons for each product and to find out which one I don’t even use anymore!
You’ll also find out a key mistake I made in picking out my Monos that you can avoid if you decide to purchase your own.
Specifications and Features of Monos Carry On Plus
I own the Monos Carry On Plus in the Desert Taupe color (my fiancé has the Stellar White). Its features include:
- Exterior measurements: 23″ × 15″ × 9.5″
- Interior measurements: 21″ × 14.5″
- Weight: 7.38 lb
- Volume: 48 L
- German polycarbonate hard shell
- Adjustable telescopic handle with 4 height settings
- Hinomoto Lisof Silent Run 360° wheels
- 350D anti-microbial polyester-lined interior
- YKK reverse coil zippers
- TSA-approved combination lock
Detailed Monos Suitcase Review of Monos Carry On Plus
Free Shipping
The free shipping to anywhere in the US and Canada seemed like an awesome perk… until it took 4 weeks for me to actually get my suitcases. On Monos’ website, it says that free shipping is 8-12 days business days, but my order (placed on 12/10) arrived over 30 days later on January 14th.
I’ll not that it was the holiday season when this happened and I got email communications about shipping delays from Monos throughout the 30 days. It seems they are no longer experiencing delays but it is worth checking into if you need your luggage by a certain date. Monos also offers expedited and express shipping.
First Impressions
My Monos Carry-On Plus came in a nice cloth dustbag and included a vegan leather luggage tag, an antimicrobial laundry bag, two antimicrobial shoe bags (LOVE these), and a cleaning sponge for the hardshell case.
The first point I’ll make in my Monos suitcase review is that these suitcases are really all they’re hyped up to be in terms of looks. The Carry On Plus has a sleek and elegant design, is both durable and lightweight, and is incredibly easy to maneuver. I was beyond excited to get this suitcase on the road. The size was also a huge upgrade from my old standard carry on, and can definitely accommodate much more clothes.
All Monos suitcases come with a 100 day trial. So if within 100 days of owning your new Monos you decide that you don’t love it, you can return it! Note that this offer is only valid if you have never actually traveled with the suitcase and only tried it out around your home. This isn’t necessarily ideal as I’m sure most would want to see how it holds up on a trip to make that call.
Initially, I was obsessed with the color of my Monos Carry On Plus. The desert taupe is such a unique color and matches my beige Beis weekender really well. It stands out from other suitcases and looks pretty sleek with most of my travel outfits. Then it came time to travel with it…
How It Held Up
The light color was unfortunately easily scruffed and scratched during my travels. Getting those scuffs out was no easy task either. The sponge provided does make it easier, but it still takes a bit of elbow grease to buff out those unsightly black skid marks from the suitcase. In hindsight, I would’ve opted for a darker color. Monos suitcases come in a variety of beautiful colorways including limited edition colors and patterns.
The Carry On Plus is extremely sturdy and has survived being checked several times really well. I’ve never had an issue maneuvering the bag in airports, across cobblestone roads, or even dirt roads. I did notice that the adjustable telescopic handle can be a little difficult to pull out and retract when my bag is stuffed to the brim. Mind you I was pushing it with the packing capacity… so this probably isn’t normally an issue.
Although I would still get the Carry On Plus model if I had to repurchase, it is worth noting that I was asked to check my bag a few times during my international travels as the Plus model is a little big for some international airlines. Even on some short domestic flights, my bag was checked due to the small size of the plane and it would not have fit in the overhead compartment.
The internal compression system with the built-in compression pad came in handy for really packing in a lot of items into my Carry On Plus. I have comfortably been able to pack for week-long trips with this bag.
Pros of Monos Carry On Plus
The pros of the Monos Carry On Plus include:
- Lightweight design, easy to carry
- Internal organization is great
- Antimicrobial shoe bags come in handy
- Super stylish and aesthetically pleasing
- Sturdy construction
- Awesome packing capacity, can fit 7 days worth of clothing
Cons of Monos Carry On Plus
Some cons of the Monos Carry On Plus include:
- Light colorways are easily scratched and scuffed, taking away from the stylish look
- Size is large for some international airlines’ or smaller domestic planes and may get checked at your gate
- Telescopic handle gets stuck if the suitcase is overstuffed
- Free Shipping took a super long time
- 100 day trial for the luggage is void if you use the luggage to travel
You may notice that I keep mentioning having the Monos Carry On Plus vs just saying Carry On. This is because there are a few types of Carry On suitcases at Monos.
What’s the difference between the Monos Carry On and Monos Carry On Plus?
The difference between the Monos Carry On and Monos Carry On Plus is the size. The Monos Carry On has 36 liters of internal volume compared to the 48 liters of the Monos Carry On Plus. This equates to an additional inch in width and height and an additional half inch in depth of the Carry On Plus dimensions. This extra space is ideal for when you want to use only your carry on for longer trips lasting between 5-7 days.
I personally have been able to easily pack for weeklong trips with my Carry On Plus suitcase. Here is my guide on exactly how I did it.
Mono Carry On Model Comparison
There are six different carry on models to choose from at Monos. Check out this quick comparison of them all and see which is the best fit for you.
Plus models come with additional space, but again it’s worth noting they may need to be checked in on smaller planes and for some international airlines. If this is something you want to avoid – it’s an important point to consider.
The Pro models have a padded zip-up laptop compartment in the front of the bag. Although I do not own one, I’ve had the chance to play around with one that a friend owns and observed that the laptop compartment is pretty tight. It also cannot accommodate laptops larger than 15 inches.
Loving both options? Then opt for the Pro Plus model to enjoy both features on your luggage.
Personally, as someone who prefers to have their laptop inside of a personal item for easy access, I skipped out on this feature this time. This is useful however if you would like to skip out on carrying a personal item and prefer packing lighter.
The Monos Hybrid Carry On materials are upgraded to be made with an aluminum frame, anodized aluminum corner guards, and paired with their signature polycarbonate shell.
Specifications and Features of Monos Check In Medium
I own the Monos Check In Medium in the Desert Taupe color (my fiancé purchased the Stellar White). Its features include:
- Exterior measurements: 26.5″ × 18.5″ × 10.5″
- Interior measurements: 24.4″ × 17.7″
- Weight: 9.59 lb
- Volume: 70 L
- German polycarbonate hard shell
- Adjustable telescopic handle with 4 height settings
- Hinomoto Lisof Silent Run 360° wheels
- 350D anti-microbial polyester-lined interior
- YKK reverse coil zippers
- TSA-approved combination lock
Detailed Review of Monos Check In Medium
First Impressions
The Monos Check In Medium is just as visually striking as its little brother the Monos Carry On Plus. I was in awe of how elegant the luggage was. I almost didn’t want to use it!
It comes with the same extras as the Carry On Plus which are the two antimicrobial shoe bags, an antimicrobial laundry bag, a cloth dust bag, and a vegan leather luggage tag.
How it Held Up
Because I am a Carry On Queen and try to do all of my travel with only a carry on and a personal item. It took me a while to get around to using this bag.
I haven’t gotten as much use out of my Monos Check In Medium as my Monos Carry On Plus – but for the three long haul trips I have taken it on – it has been AWESOME.
I 100% still experienced issues with scratching and scuffing which can be a real bummer when you pick up your suitcase at baggage claim. It really takes away from one of the main pros of these bags – their clean and effortless style.
This can be easily remedied, however, by selecting a darker color to begin with. Otherwise don’t forget to pack your cleaning sponge if you want to be able to freshen up the suitcase on the go.
Pros of Monos Check In Medium
- Lightweight design, easy to maneuver
- Internal organization is great
- Antimicrobial shoe bags come in handy
- Sturdy construction
- Super stylish and aesthetically pleasing
Cons of Monos Check In (Medium)
- Light colorway easily scratches and scuffs, takes away from the stylish look
- Free Shipping took a super long time
- 100 day trial for the luggage is void if you use the luggage to travel
Benefits of Owning Monos Suitcases
Monos suitcases are the perfect choice for travelers looking for stylish, lightweight, and secure luggage.
Monos’ unique design elements, adjustable handle heights, and range of colorways make these suitcases stand out from other brands.
The internal organization in Monos suitcases and compression padding is also impressive, making it easier to pack everything you need.
The Monos’ spinner wheels give travelers an effortless experience when navigating through airports, and the added security of TSA locks keeps your belongings safe from prying eyes.
Monos’ suitcases are lightweight yet incredibly durable, making them a great option for all kinds of trips.
Drawbacks of Owning Monos Suitcases
This is an honest Monos suitcase review – so although they are stylish and convenient, they’re not without their flaws.
Owning a Monos suitcase can have its drawbacks. Free shipping may seem convenient, but it can be slow and unreliable.
Additionally, Monos suitcases tend to get visible scuffs and nicks more easily on lighter colors when transporting them between destinations.
The laptop compartment in the Pro models is also too small for larger laptops, and the Plus models can be too large to meet some international carry-on regulations.
Kiyo UVC Water Bottle Review
First Impressions:
I know this is a Monos suitcase review, but I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention the other product I picked up from them – their Kiyo water bottle.
I instantly loved the aesthetics of the Kiyo water bottle. It is an excellent color match (I got Sandstone) for both of my Monos luggage bags. Unfortunately, I didn’t get as much use out of it as I thought I would. I found myself constantly having to charge the lid to use the water-cleaning feature. I also drink a ton of water (approximately a gallon a day) and was finishing the water quite quickly.
How it Held Up:
I was having no major issues with my Kiyo Water bottle and really using it sparingly as part of water bottle rotation. Then came the dreaded drop… My fiancé accidentally dropped my Kiyo when taking it out of the kitchen cabinet and the lid broke. Unfortunately, due to how to broke, I haven’t been able to use the water bottle since.
FINAL VERDICT – Is Monos Luggage Worth the Hype?
Their stylish design, strong construction, and practicality make Monos bags worth the hype.
Well, that concludes this Monos suitcase review! Monos’ suitcases are a great investment for travelers who value convenience and security. The adjustable handle heights and 360° spinner wheels make them easy to maneuver in busy airports, while the TSA locks keep your belongings safe from prying eyes.
I hope this Monos suitcase review helped you decide if Monos is the right brand for your next piece of luggage.
Frequently Asked Questions – FAQ
How long has Monos been in business?
Monos was founded in 2018. Monos had been in business for approximately 5 years.
Are Monos suitcases waterproof?
Monos suitcases are made of water-resistant polycarbonate.
Is Monos luggage a good brand?
Yes, Monos is a great luggage brand offering a wide range of stylish high-quality luxury suitcases. Their focus on sustainability and conscious manufacturing processes makes them stand out from other luggage brands.
Is Monos better than Away?
Monos outpaces Away in terms of durability and sturdiness of its luggage line. This is noticeable in the quality of the telescopic handle and Hinomoto silent run wheels. Monos does not offer battery packs in their luggage however this does not take away from the functionality of their suitcases.
Do Monos suitcases scratch easily?
Yes, Monos suitcases that are in lighter colorways like Desert Taupe, Stellar White, Blue Haze, and Rose Quartz show scratch and scuff marks quite easily. These scratches and scuffs can be removed with the cleaning sponge that comes with every suitcase.
If you would like to avoid cleaning marks off regularly, I recommend opting for darker colorways like Midnight Black, Ocean Blue, or Olive Green.
Is Monos luggage made in China?
No, Monos suitcases are not made in China and are currently manufactured in Vancouver, Canada.
Does Monos Carry On Plus fit on a plane?
Yes, the Monos Carry On Plus does fit in the overhead compartment of most US domestic flights and several international airlines. However, on smaller domestic planes and some international airlines, the Carry On plus will likely be checked at the gate if it is determined to be too big to fit in their overhead compartment.
