About Monos Luggage
Life is impractical, and travelling doesn’t always go according to plan – nor does it always go the way we planned. Although luggage seems like a small part of travelling, I’ve found that it has a big impact on how my trip goes.
Monos is a Canadian company that was founded in 2018. The people behind the brand believe in simple, streamlined and beautiful luggage that will last a lifetime. The company sells elite travel luggage.
Practical for keeping things tidy on unexpected trips to the airport, the catalogue of hand luggage and check-in luggage is so robust that it will last a lifetime for family holidays.
I admire the company’s sleek and functional design, which is heavily influenced by Japanese culture[1] – a great choice for those with an open mind and an eye for detail.
Monos also recognises its role as stewards of the earth. They say, ‘The planet gives us so much to discover, and it is our responsibility to protect it’. I was delighted to read that they are the first luggage brand to be certified carbon neutral and meet the challenging standard of zero emissions. The brand also donates 1% of its sales to organisations working to protect our planet.
Going on holiday alone or with the family? In this Monos travel bag review, I’ll detail the brand and its best-selling products, prices and small print so you can decide whether it’s worth taking the bags with you.
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Pros and Cons
Before I take a closer look at the Monos luggage, I would like to introduce you to some of the advantages and disadvantages of the brand’s products:
Advantages
- Durable construction: Monos luggage is made from high-quality materials such as polycarbonate, which makes it strong and durable.
- Elegant design: Monos luggage has a sleek and modern design that looks stylish and sophisticated.
- Good organisation: Monos luggage has multiple compartments and pockets to ensure your belongings are well organised and easily accessible.
- TSA-approved locks: All Monos luggage is equipped with TSA-approved locks to further secure your luggage.
- Expandable: Many of Monos’ luggage items are expandable, allowing you to increase the capacity of your luggage.
- Personalisation: Monos offers optional luggage personalisation with monograms, allowing you to add your initials or a custom message to your luggage.
Cons
- Expensive: Monos luggage is priced at the higher end of the market, which may make it prohibitively expensive for some travellers.
- Limited colour choice: Monos luggage is only available in a limited number of colours, which may not appeal to everyone.
- Limited size options: Monos luggage is only available in a limited number of sizes, which may not suit the needs of all travellers.
- Heavy luggage: Monos luggage can be heavier than some other brands, which may make it less suitable for travellers who prefer lightweight luggage.
Overall, Monos luggage offers a range of high quality, stylish and functional travel bags, but the higher price and limited colour and size selection may be a drawback for some travellers.
Materials
Monos luggage is made from high-quality materials that are designed to be durable, lightweight and resistant to scratches and dents. The materials used for Monos luggage include
1.Polycarbonate: Monos case shells are made from polycarbonate, a robust and lightweight material that is also impact resistant. Polycarbonate is known for its durability and resistance to scratches and dents, making it ideal for luggage.
2.Aluminium: Some Monos luggage has aluminium frames and handles, giving the luggage extra durability and strength. Aluminium is a lightweight and strong material that is often used in the aerospace and automotive industries.
3.Nylon: Monos luggage is made of high-quality nylon fabric that is water-repellent and durable. Nylon is a popular material for luggage as it is lightweight and abrasion resistant.
4.Leather: Monos uses genuine leather for the handles and panelling of its luggage, adding a touch of luxury and sophistication. Leather is a durable and elegant material that is often used for high-quality luggage.
Overall, Monos luggage is made from a combination of high quality materials chosen for their durability, strength and wear resistance.
The use of polycarbonate, aluminium, nylon and leather results in a piece of luggage that is both stylish and functional.
Features
Monos is a luggage company that offers a range of travel bags and accessories. Here are some of the features of their luggage:
1.Durable materials: Monos luggage is made from high-quality materials that can withstand the rigours of travelling. The luggage is made of polycarbonate, which is lightweight and durable.
2.TSA-approved locks: All Monos luggage is equipped with TSA-approved combination locks to ensure that your belongings are safe and secure when travelling.
3.360-degree spinner wheels: Monos luggage features four 360-degree spinner wheels that allow for smooth and easy manoeuvrability at airports and other destinations.
4.Expandable design: Many of the Monos luggage models are expandable, allowing you to increase the capacity of your luggage by up to 25%.
5.Internal organisation: Monos luggage is equipped with internal dividers such as zipped compartments, mesh pockets and garment straps to keep your belongings organised and secure during your journey.
6.Detachable laundry bag: Some Monos luggage comes with a detachable laundry bag that allows you to store dirty or wet clothes separately from your clean clothes.
7.Optional personalisation: Monos offers optional personalisation of luggage with a monogram, allowing you to add your initials or a personalised message to your luggage.
Overall, Monos luggage is designed for durability, functionality and style, making it a great option for travellers looking for a high-quality and reliable travel bag.
5 Monos Bestsellers
In this section of my Monos luggage review, I will examine some customer favourites. Since this brand has a limited catalogue, that means you’ll get the fine details on almost all of the best sellers.
I’ll cover pricing, design, and much more. Let’s get started.
Monos Carry-On Review
I can tell from the exterior alone that Monos has given the Carry-On a lot of fine-tuning and thought. For example, the zips can be locked with an adjustable code.
I don’t travel with a lot of valuables, but this feature gives me a sense of security when carrying jewellery.
The Carry-On is sturdy, slim and designed to fit perfectly in an overhead compartment on any flight. The 360-degree wheels are smooth and silent, and the handle is ultra-sturdy and adjustable in 4 heights. Tall? Then you no longer need to worry about slouching when carrying your new luggage.
This Monos Carry On Luggage is currently on sale for $225, down from $250, and you can choose from 8 colours and 2 limited edition patterns that slightly increase the price.
Monos Check-In Medium Review
Whenever possible I take my hand luggage with me, but for longer journeys I appreciate the extra space that check-in bags offer.
As the name suggests, the Monos Check-In Medium is a medium-sized piece of luggage wrapped in beautiful vegan leather and perfectly sturdy pieces made in Germany and Japan. I’m quite fond of the sleek, matte look.
With lockable exterior zips and a soft interior with pockets for everything you need, the design makes this a reliable travelling companion. Don’t be afraid to pack an extra pair of shoes.
The scope of delivery also includes a bacteria-resistant laundry bag, shoe bag and a stylish luggage tag. The Check-In Medium is available in 8 colours, including Desert Taupe, Rose Quartz, Olive Green and in 2 limited editions: Terrazzo and Terracotta, for those who prefer a little something extra.
The Check-In Medium is normally priced at $322, but is currently on sale for $290.
Monos Check-In Large Review
Travelling light is not always possible. If you can’t pack everything in a carry-on, consider the Check-In Large – the ultimate luggage for long journeys. With it, you’ll be prepared for all the elements, no matter what part of the world you’re in.
It’s available in the same colours and patterns as its smaller counterpart and comes with the bacteria-resistant laundry bag, shoe bags and luggage tag, which I love. The big difference is that this version offers maximum space for multiple outfits and shoes.
Here is a comparison of the Monos luggage sizes:
- Check-In Medium: Interior space of 24.4 inches x 17.7 inches, or 70 litres
- Check-In Large: Expanded to 28 inches x 20.5 inches, or 99.2 litres volume
The material quality, stability of the handles, quiet wheels and plush interior are the same – and like its sibling, the Check-In Large is on sale. You can buy it for $320 (originally $356).
Monos Metro Duffel Review
This is a bag for books – although technically it’s also suitable for your everyday shopping. The Metro Duffel gives you extra space and comfort without sacrificing mobility or style.
Unlike most duffels, I love that this model can be synchronised with other mono luggage by clipping it on top. I appreciate the way modern luggage bags are incorporating this feature into their collections. It’s the ideal way to stay (and look) organised on the way to the boarding gate.
You can rest assured that your luggage will stay secure, even on long walks through the airport or while tending to small children. No more annoying balancing acts where bags fall over or have to be awkwardly propped up against each other.
The nylon material is water repellent, while the vegan leather adds style. To improve my own sustainability rating, I like that the brand offers an eco-friendly leather option.
The Metro Duffle can be used as a standalone bag to carry your valuables around town, at work and of course when travelling. The bag fits a 15-inch laptop and has room for small personal items and bottles. Magnetic pockets keep everything securely closed. Get your bag for $205-$225.
Monos Metro Backpack Review
I tend to overload my rucksack, which puts a strain on my shoulders. Instead of carrying the weight, I could just use the Metro Backpack.
Thanks to the trolley sleeve, it fits perfectly with the Monos luggage without the risk of it slipping or falling off – and remains easily accessible.
Digging through the details of the bag, I was amazed by the waterproof inner compartments, pouches and secret compartments with magnetic closures for the most valuable items (e.g. the chocolate bar you want to hide from your children).
The Monos backpack is available in 2 materials and 7 colours. You can choose between vegan leather in ivory, saddle brown or mahogany and waterproof nylon in carbon black, oxford blue, juniper green or Dover grey.
My favourite part? A 15-inch compartment where you can store and retrieve your laptop without having to open the whole bag. Ingenious! This manoeuvrable backpack from Monos costs $195.
Where Is Monos Luggage Made?
Monos may be a Canadian brand headquartered in Vancouver, but I’ve read that their products are made in China. However, they apply high ‘standards and values’ to their manufacturing partners.
On the website, I learnt that the brand only works with factories that operate in a way that they deem acceptable for their employees. I wasn’t able to find third-party verification of these statements for this part of my Monos luggage review, but I think such a commitment to ethical business practices also fits with their eco-friendly mission.
I should also mention at this point that the parts that make up a piece of Monos luggage come from all over the world. For example, the polycarbonate shell that protects the hand luggage comes from Germany. Even though the bags are assembled in China, they are still made from high-quality materials.
How Do You Use A Monos Suitcase?
I have heard that a Monos hybrid suitcase is very convenient to use. It is considered carry-on luggage and should be filled with your most personal items as well as anything you want to use during the flight, whether out of necessity or for convenience.
I like to start with the outside and personalise the code for the zips, but you can also use the standard combination depending on what you prefer. Then pack the inside pockets with personal items (like a Kindle and eye mask) while reserving the main compartment for slippers, cardigans, socks, general clothing and larger items.
Strap everything down so nothing slips out of place, then use the included waterproof pouches to safely store beauty products, liquids and creams.
Monos Reviews: What Do Customers Think?
For this part of my Monos luggage review, I wanted to find out what shoppers are saying about the brand online. Unsurprisingly, I came across rave reviews on the official website and social media.
Verified customers on the Monos website give 5/5 stars to all of the brand’s luggage. They apparently love the brand for its thoughtful details that make travelling more enjoyable.
For example, one reviewer of the Metro Duffel says he appreciates that the bag can be securely connected to the Monos Carry-On, making both easy to transport. I’ve read that customers love the colours and stylish design, both inside and out.
One thorough 5-star reviewer shared this conclusion: ‘After looking through articles, reviews, YouTube videos, employee comments and the manufacturing facility, this company outshone all others. I felt like the investment in a luggage with Monos was worth the cost and I’m going home with an excellent piece of luggage.’
On Reddit, the normally critical social media users are actually very interested in Monos. One of them owns an Oliven Carry-On Plus and reports that it works very well for him and he plans to buy more luggage from the company. Their comment read:
‘I have the olive green set and the Carry-On Plus model has served me well on short trips. I would like to add the newer Carry-On Pro (with outer pocket) to my set.
Some other buyers were initially unsure about monos and hesitant to go with the new brand, but after purchasing, they couldn’t find any flaws. That’s a big win.
On Instagram, there are many reports about Monos luggage – and even some that refer to Monos’ collaboration with Drunk Elephant. Monos’ offerings are classically beautiful and camera-ready, making them perfect for selfies.
One Instagrammer writes: ‘Our first trip with our new luggage was a success! What’s better than lightweight, well-made, pretty luggage with lots of storage space?’ As far as stress-free travelling goes, nothing really.
While reviewing the Monos luggage, I only came across one common complaint from shoppers – late delivery. Many left comments on the brand’s social media pages explaining that they were still waiting for their order to be delivered weeks later, or that their favourite items were often out of stock. As the company was still relatively new when these comments were posted, Monos appears to be working to iron out these issues.
Is Monos Luggage Worth It?
In case you haven’t realised it yet: Monos is totally worth it. The boutique luggage designer makes stunning and streamlined travelling companions that turn what can be a chore into a relaxing adventure.
Customers on social media like to post pictures of their bags because they look both sturdy and stylish.
Is Monos a good piece of luggage? Yes, without a doubt. Aside from the visually appealing design, they are constructed with parts from Germany and Japan to be sturdy, spacious and comfortable to use inside and out.
Features like quiet 360-degree wheels, a variety of interior pockets and TSA-approved security locks are also a plus. If you’re looking to upgrade your luggage, you should definitely consider Monos. If it doesn’t work out, there’s always a 100-day guarantee.
Alternatives
If you’re looking for the perfect luggage for your next holiday and can’t decide on monos, check out these brands for more options:
1.Rimowa: Rimowa is best known for its iconic aluminium suitcases, but also offers lightweight polycarbonate versions, functional bags and packing accessories for carefree travel.
2.Lipault: The suitcases, rucksacks and shoulder bags from Lipault are as fashion-conscious as they are reliable. The Parisian brand designs for the modern fashionista who considers every part of her outfit.
3.July Luggage: Founded in 2019, the Australian-based company is reinventing classic luggage design to make it more thoughtful, versatile and stylish.
Monos Promotions & Discounts
While writing this Monos travel luggage review, I found out that you can get a free carry-on bag and a Metro backpack if you sign up to the brand’s mailing list.
And it’s not a one-off promotion – a winner is selected every month, meaning you automatically have a chance to win every 30 days. Everyone has an equal chance, no matter how long you’ve been on the mailing list.
As a review of Monos luggage wouldn’t be complete without a full list of offers, I’ve tracked down a few more current promotions:
- 10% off all luggage
- Refer a friend: you get $25, you get $25
- Become a Wayfarer and earn points to redeem discounts
- Become a Gold VIP member and save even more
- Free shipping to the USA and Canada
Where to Buy Monos
You can buy Monos luggage exclusively at monos.com.
FAQ
Where does Monos luggage come from?
Monos is a Canadian company based in Vancouver, British Columbia. The products are made in China and I was pleased to read about factories chosen for their ethical treatment of workers and high quality production.
Does Monos have a charger?
The only charger I found for this review of Monos luggage was the one that comes with the CleanPod UVC Steriliser. With this product, the batteries last for about 3 hours.
You know that the CleanPod needs to be recharged when the light gets weaker. With regular use, you can also recharge it every few days.
How long does it take to ship Mono’s luggage?
Shipping is a breeze. Monos takes care of everything via UPS (including the cost) if you order from the US or Canada.
International buyers will be shown a shipping cost at the checkout page, and they should keep in mind—along with US buyers—that goods over $800 trigger extra charges in duties. You can email Monos anytime for a quote.
- Expect up to 10 business days for Monos to process your order
- Canadian customers should receive their order within 10 business days
- For US customers, orders can take 14 days to arrive
- International shipping may take 14 days, but there is no guarantee
- Monos notes that UPS is at capacity, and to watch your tracking information
What is Monos’s Return Policy?
Monos is so confident in the quality of their travel luggage that you can send back your order “for any reason whatsoever” within 100 days of purchase. They only have a couple of requirements, and I’ll list them all below.
1. The person who purchased the luggage must be the one to contact Monos about the return
2. Don’t scuff up the luggage, as it should show “no signs of use” and look the same as when it was delivered
3. Keep the packaging, because Monos wants it back with the return
4. Email aftercare@monos.com to begin the return process
5. You must pay for the return shipping (Monos can print a shipping label for you)
