Monos vs Away
Let’s ask ourselves honestly: when was the last time the family luggage was updated? In most households, there are the cheap deals bought at the last minute before a big trip. We’ll come straight out and say it: that’s not sustainable.
Rather than focusing on price and deals, look to the features that a single piece of luggage can offer. From sustainably sourced materials to better packaging methods and locks, luggage manufacturers have been overhauling the format of standard luggage.
While there are a variety of companies to choose from, this Monos vs Away review focuses on two of 2021’s top contenders when it comes to travel bags.
We may not all be able to take the trips we’d hoped for just yet, but there’s nothing better than preparing for your next holiday to take the stress off when the time comes!
About Monos
Monos is a brand that focuses on simplicity and wants its pieces to outlast the fashions and trends that accompany travelling. With meticulous craftsmanship and timeless design, Monos is able to keep their prices below the competition, making them an affordable option made from durable materials.
While the company has a limited range, it has a central style that is used for each bag category and focuses on the options that each bag offers the customer, be it lightweight or hard-sided. In addition to bags, the brand has extended its ‘deep appreciation for the beauty of fleeting moments’ to accessories and clothing.
About Away
Away was founded with the goal of making a positive impact on the world around them. By partnering with various social organisations that address hunger, shelter, sexuality and much more, this brand is making a significant contribution to creating a better society for all.
When it comes to products, the brand doesn’t skip a beat to ensure a durable range of luggage and accessories with options for hard and soft-sided luggage. With a focus on sustainable sourcing and affordable costs, this brand is the first choice when it comes to travelling the world in a safe and smart way.
What to Consider
Before you decide to buy from this Monos vs Away review, you should look at the bigger picture. While both brands boast simplicity and manageable costs, there’s more to luggage than just those two elements. So what should you look for when you head to the checkout, and how do the different brands perform on each factor?
Product range
Monos’ product range actually consists of just 20 different products. Within this selection, the categories are divided into clothing, accessories, check-in and hand luggage.
Away has expanded beyond the original range of luggage, but still focuses exclusively on the travel industry. This means a collection of almost 20 travel bags and a further inventory of over 20 accessories for comfortable and casual travelling.
Target audience
We have to say that these two brands are really aimed at the same market – travellers who want to save money without sacrificing the quality of luggage or travel accessories.
Materials and durability
At Monos, durability is key to their design. They only offer polycarbonate hard shells. In addition to this sturdy material, this brand has reworked the typical handle and angle for luggage handles to ensure a smooth grip while moving through the streets.
Away comes to the market with a robust design that offers a few more details in the outer shell than the simple pieces from Monos. Away’s soft and hard shell options are designed to withstand the standard pressures and bumps of travelling, keeping all items inside safe even in the worst turbulence.
Sustainability
Both brands aim to produce high quality products that last a long time and don’t produce too much waste. In addition, both Monos and Away work with recyclable materials to reduce the impact of manufacturing when it comes to sourcing fabrics and plastics.
Accessibility
The prices for both brands are reasonable as they reduce costs by taking the middleman out of the process. For example, Away’s products are only available through the brand’s website, awaytravel.com, while Monos is available on both monos.com and through Nordstrom.
These two brands share some similarities when it comes to the most important aspects to consider when shopping. It can be difficult to decide between brands that offer similar features and price points, so let’s turn this Monos vs Away review into more specific products to see how things shake out when it comes to the details.
Monos Carry-On vs Away The Carry-On Review
Let’s start with a look at the Monos Carry-On. This polycarbonate hard case is available in 8 colours and 2 limited patterns. Equipped with 360-degree wheels that make travelling on the go as easy as possible, the real star of this brand and product is the handle.
The Monos handle adjusts to four different heights, providing a convenient range of options should the family wish to lend it to others who are more vertically challenged than those of average height.
In addition to these adjustments, the big winner of this brand is the ergonomic placement of the handles and buttons. Rather than joining the crowd and placing the adjustment knob at the top, Monos has placed the function at the bottom of the handle for easy adjustment at all times.
With its vegan leather details and antimicrobial interior, this case is all about comfort, easy access and convenient movement at the airport. As for price, this suitcase is normally in the $280 range, but is currently available for $225.
When it comes to The Carry-On by Away, this 8-colour case is all about extravagance in a simple package. We’ll explain, don’t worry.
This suitcase features a similar polycarbonate hard shell with an internal divider system for laundry, as well as a (nowadays standard) TSA-approved lock for a degree of security.
The leather detailing (with a leather luggage tag – chic) contrasts the neutral colours of this suitcase and allows its simple design to shine.
And what’s the star of the show here? An included USB charger that allows travellers to charge their phone on the go. We’ve all worried at one time or another because our mobile phone, which holds our tickets, hotel information and pretty much everything else for the trip, stops working.
Away calms your travelling fears with this TSA-approved device that provides an extra power boost any time of day. Add to that the compression technology that makes the bags fit more and look less, and we’re sold on this product at the $225 to $245 price point.
Both bags offer a roomy option when it comes to carry-on luggage, but this Monos vs Away test will have to go for the Away option, purely because of the battery power. We all love a backup, and what’s better than having it built in?
Monos Metro Backpack vs Away The Backpack Review
Starting with the Monos Metro Backpack, this sleek, water-resistant bag knows what it’s doing with form and function. This sleek and modern style keeps things simple when it comes to details, offering minimalist fashion available in both nylon and vegan leather.
Looking at the hidden details inside, this bag really does have everything we could need. The clamshell opening allows easy access to all compartments with a separate compartment for laptops up to 15 inches in length.
The backpack has waterproof, zipped and lined compartments for clothes, shoes or whatever is needed and also offers a hidden compartment for passports, cash or other essentials.
This backpack fits perfectly over the handle of any Monos luggage and is designed to ride on top of your suitcase to take the pain and stressful weight off your back when travelling. Let things roll and simply slide it on for a secure hold and easy transport.
The Zip Backpack from Away is another simple but impressive design that knows exactly how to maximise minimalism. This model is all about the layers, with item after item hidden inside the clamshell opening. Waterproof nylon protects all items inside from water damage (including the laptop in its own hidden zip section of the bag).
The exquisitely designed segments of this backpack are equipped with zip, slip and mesh pockets to keep items organised and secure while travelling. From bulky water bottles to keys and wallets, everything has its place in these compartmentalised pockets.
Speaking of everything being in its place, let’s come back to the laptop compartment, because it’s much more than just a simple compartment. This hidden compartment lies flat against the mesh-lined (and breathable) back of the bag to keep it as close as possible.
The zip compartment has a magnetic fastener to keep things secure. Oh, and there’s also a tablet compartment. So everything is in one place.
When it comes to price, both products are comfortably around $195, so this won’t affect your decision on which bag to buy. We lean more towards Monos because they come in nylon and vegan leather, but ultimately both products are pretty good for travel bags as well.
Monos Metro Duffel vs Away The Everywhere Bag Review
The perfect duffle bag for a weekend getaway belongs in every wardrobe at home for last-minute trips or souvenirs. What better way to celebrate spontaneity than with a shopping trip to find the perfect piece?
The Monos Metro Duffle completes the Metro collection, which focuses on an elegant look with timeless quality. Forget the latest trends, these nylon or vegan leather options are here to make an impression in any day and any time. Modern, minimalist and with maximum storage space, this bag knows how to keep the essentials safe.
One cool feature of the Metro collection that we forgot to mention above (sorry) is that these bags come with a Metro Classic Kit that can be attached to any Monos Metro bag for extra storage space. Perfect for toiletries, tickets or even a book to read when you’re bored. These small compartments are easy to attach and can be easily swapped between different products.
That’s not enough, you say? With the felt-lined laptop compartment, the trolley sleeve and the scratch-resistant coating, this bag is a real long-lasting favourite. Perfect for slinging over your shoulder or throwing on top of your luggage for a lighter ride, this $205 bag is a great addition to any trip.
Away joins the ranks of the Duffles with the Everywhere Bag. As the name suggests, this bag is really made for travelling, no matter where the journey takes you. It is available in two nylon versions and a leather model. Due to the limited choice of colours, this bag focuses more on its functions than its minimalist and universal look.
The pockets are the be-all and end-all of this product with its inner compartment, which has six divided compartments. The bag not only has a padded laptop compartment, but also a hidden pocket for quick access to your phone. This bag seems to have thought of all the needs and necessities that accompany any journey.
The bag is water-repellent and has an additional waterproof zip compartment for your umbrella. It slips easily onto any piece of luggage and is held securely in place by the trolley sleeve. For just $165, you can attach it to any piece of luggage to transport it safely.
When it comes to these two options, we love the colour options that Monos offers, but ultimately we have to go with Away because the bags are versatile and help with planning. It’s also the cheaper option and this Monos vs Away review is a big fan of top quality for reduced prices.
Monos vs Away: Quality
Every bag needs a quality check before it goes to the checkout. We say that neither of these options will disappoint when it comes to testing their quality. With rave reviews and joint sourcing of German and Japanese materials for their polycarbonate cases, these brands run pretty parallel.
Monos is pretty transparent when it comes to materials, durability and design. The big move by this brand was to redesign the handle and switch the standard zinc tube to high quality aluminium for a stronger grip on the angles and movement. As well as relocating the knob for a more natural grip and better function, it was also made clear that the handles are the company’s pride and joy.
As for the rest of the body, the polycarbonate shells promise not to damage the interior and the wheels are from a Japanese manufacturer known for the quietness of its movements.
Rounding off the quality case upgrade is the inner lining, which is not only soft and waterproof, but also contains anti-microbial properties to keep things clean and hygienic after hours of travelling.
Like Away, this brand is all about top quality at a low cost. Utilising many of the same techniques as Monos, these heavyweight nylon and polycarbonate shells keep things in check and provide solid rebound against anything that might come into contact with the case.
This brand eschews fancy customisation and sticks to simple, high-quality materials. They’re known for standing up to pressure and constant use, and while their liners aren’t antimicrobial, they’re incredibly soft and helpful with laundry separation.
When it comes down to it, we have to go for monos in this case as they offer a more self-contained approach to the standard case. However, Away is known for its top quality, so they are definitely not lacking in the strength and survival departments.
Monos vs Away: Price & Value
Considering that both brands are all about affordability, we had to take a look at price and value in this Monos vs Away review to see how they really perform. Since both use similar materials and designs (we love sleek brands that have a timeless, minimalist look), it’s not too surprising that the prices are actually in a similar range.
We have to say that the two brands seem to go back and forth. While some products (like the travel bag and carry-on) are cheaper at Away, other products, like the Medium Checked Luggage, are priced slightly higher at Away than Monos.
Rather than simply saying ‘this is better than that’, we’ll do some quick price comparisons to give readers a brief insight into what we’re talking about here:
- Carry-On
- Monos – $225 (regular $280)
- Outbound – $225
- Medium Checked Baggage
- Monos – $290 (regularly $363)
- Outbound – $395
- Large checked baggage
- Monos – $320 (regular $400)
- Outbound – $425
- Duffle bag
- Monos – $205
- Away – $165
We have to note at this point that at the time of writing this Monos vs Away review, more deals are popping up for Monos that reduce the prices to the same or less value than their Away counterparts. We have to keep in mind that these prices aren’t always this low, but it’s nice to see how far they’re dropping.
Since both brands are pretty equal in terms of value, durability, quality and design, it’s hard to decide who to go for when it comes to cost. Even the prices for larger items are only between $20 and $40.
That’s obviously a difference, but we have to keep in mind that any larger Away case that costs more also includes a portable USB charger as an added value.
So in this case, we’re even. Both have their advantages and the prices and value are really equal.
Monos vs Away: What Do Customers Think?
We are just as interested as you are in finding out what these brands have to offer. To continue our research, we turned to the available internet rating systems to see how these companies perform.
We’ll start with Monos, and we have to say that it’s already looking good. On their own website, there are 4.9/5 stars based on almost 3,000 customer reviews.
We have to admit that this brand doesn’t have many stars, but the coverage from Business Insider, Rolling Stone, Expert World Traveler and others speaks to the popularity of these products.
Customers are thrilled with the solid craftsmanship and quality of these pieces, especially when it comes to the detailed designs with zips, pockets and more.
Speaking of bags: The many slots and compartments in these bags are a major highlight for users, providing easy packing for any last-minute trip.
Don’t take our word for it though – read some of the best reviews:
- ‘Sturdy and reliable, smart looks, significantly more storage space in the Pro Plus, a clever front pocket that doesn’t protrude when packing in either version.’
- ‘Unbelievable how many zipped compartments there are for different things. Everything is of high quality.’
- ‘Feels very high quality, with lots of little details that make the design look very well thought out and a lot of attention to detail.’
As for Away, this brand has garnered a lot of attention on social media among millennials.
The New York Times, Insider, Business Insider, CNN and others have reported on this brand. There is no overall rating for the site, but the most popular items have 4.9/5 stars based on over 3,200 reviews (for the Carry-On) and 4.9/5 stars based on over 1,260 reviews (for The Medium).
TrustPilot is slightly lower with 3.7/5 stars based on more than 530 reviews, but the numbers speak for themselves when it comes to the high number of stars for individual items.
The answer to the question of what customers love is simple: quality. From the handle to the wheels to the solid shell, this bag is all about solid construction and quality use. In addition, the storage space, lining and multiple pockets have made this brand a household name for travellers.
- ‘Solid, well constructed and high quality and a stylish feel I get from using it. From the internal organisational elements that make it easy to pack, to the external components that make all the difference when using it.’
- ‘It fits so much more than I thought it would, and it’s just so darn cute! I’ve been getting compliments on it everywhere and that’s made me so happy!’
- ‘I fit so much in it and packed it the way they showed it. The rolls are great, the quality is fantastic! I love the availability of the battery!!! I love my bag and can’t wait to get the whole set.’
We have to say that both brands have received excellent reviews. It’s hard to pick just one brand based on equal customer reviews. Away seems to have more reviews, but the brand has been around since 2015, while Monos only launched in 2019.
Monos vs Away: Promotions & Discounts
As mentioned above, at the time of writing this Monos vs Away review, Monos is offering a number of discounts on their products for pre-sales and limited orders.
That’s not to say that Away doesn’t offer similar deals throughout the year, as they are known to do holiday and seasonal sales, but for now, Monos has the edge when it comes to discounts and holiday deals.
Monos vs Away: Shipping & Returns
Well, no one wants to make a purchase without the final dirty details – shipping and returns. So let’s take a look at what these brands have to offer.
When it comes to shipping at Monos, this brand can be summarised in a few short points:
- Products are shipped to the US and Canada.
- Delivery takes between 7 and 9 days
- Ground shipping is free (express shipping costs depend on location)
That’s pretty much all there is to the shipping information. As for returns, every product purchased comes with a 100-day return policy with a full refund. All customers need to do is send a quick email to customer service to initiate a return.
It should be noted that all returned products must be unused to be accepted for a refund. If there is the slightest sign of use, they are non-refundable.
As for Away, the fact that it has been on the market for four years means that this company has a bit more going for it when it comes to its shipping policy. When it comes to orders and delivery:
- Products are shipped in Canada, the USA and Europe
- Free ground shipping for all orders to Canada and the USA
- There are two levels of expedited shipping with a flat cost depending on the product
- Bags with expedited shipping – $35
- Second tier bags – $50
- Expedited accessories – $15
- Second tier accessories – $20
- Ground shipping is delivered within 1 to 5 days.
In addition to shipping options, Away also offers an enhanced return policy. The process starts with the online contact form in a few simple clicks and every purchase has a 100-day trial period. The highlight is that any product can be returned. This brand wants customers to go out, travel and really try the product before deciding if it’s worth it.
Based on the return policy alone, this Monos vs Away test would be in favour of Away in this case. Aside from the added restriction of what can be returned for a full refund, we have to appreciate the encouragement to try out luggage. Then when you consider the international shipping and expedited shipping options, there’s no going back.
Who Will You Shop With?
When it comes to the final purchase, it’s always a difficult decision to make. We’d like to say it comes down to price, features or quality, but the fact is that these brands are pretty much the same in many of their key elements. Honestly, you can’t go wrong with any of these premium choices.
