Interested in Monos luggage reviews? A suitcase brand focusing on classic, timeless, durable, and functional designs, Monos is a new player in the luggage industry but already making waves. Besides sourcing high-quality materials, this ethical brand also focuses on reducing its carbon emissions. So besides getting a resilient suitcase, you’ll also be making a purchase that’s eco-friendly.
This Monos luggage review will cover all you need to know about the brand and their suitcases. You’ll be able to make an informed decision on whether they have the next product you want to purchase for your travels.
Monos Luggage Reviews
Before jumping into the full review, here is an overview of what you can expect from Monos suitcases.
The Good
- Durable Exterior: All of their suitcases are made from the highly resilient and lightweight German Makrolon polycarbonate. The telescopic handles are also ergonomic and made from high-grade aluminum.
- Quality Interior: Monos uses very soft, durable 350 denier polyester fabric that is waterproof and anti-bacterial.
- Double Spinner Wheels: Expect great maneuverability and durability with the double spinner wheels that are Hinomoto’s Lisof Silent Run model.
- TSA-Approved Locks: All suitcases come with TSA-approved combination locks
- Environmentally Conscious: Monos suitcases are designed using alternative vegan materials. They also ship their products using recyclable and/or reusable packaging. This makes them the first Climate Neutral Certified luggage brand.
- Great Warranty: Enjoy a limited lifetime warranty on their suitcases, including a 100-day trial period.
The Not-So-Good
- Limited Designs: In fact, all their suitcase designs look almost identical, with differences in size and specific features.
- Purchase Limitations: They can’t ship to P.O. boxes and will only accept PayPal as a payment method for international buyers outside North America. You also can’t find their products on websites such as Amazon.
- Color Discrepancy: Some of the colors available don’t come as pictured online, such as Ocean Blue that is much darker and the Blue Haze that is more of a baby blue.
Overall Verdict
Although not the most affordable luggage brand, Monos offers classic, durable products that justify its mid-tier price range. You can expect all the standard functional features of quality suitcases, including TSA-approved locks, plenty of compartments, and double spinner wheels.
They might not have many designs to choose from, but there is still a wide variety of color options. Additionally, their philosophy to be eco-friendly provides an added benefit to environmentally conscious travelers.
As a new brand, you may be hesitant to purchase a Monos suitcase. However, they offer a great 100-day trial that gives you time to travel with your new suitcase and return it risk-free if you aren’t satisfied.
Specifications Overview of 8 Monos Suitcases
| Carry-On | Carry-On Plus | Carry-On Pro | Carry-On Pro Plus | Hybrid Carry-On | Hybrid Carry-On Plus | Check-In Medium | Check-In Large | |
| Cover Material | Polycarbonate | Polycarbonate | Polycarbonate | Polycarbonate | Polycarbonate | Polycarbonate | Polycarbonate | Polycarbonate |
| Exterior Dimension | 22 × 14 × 9 inches | 23 × 15 × 9.5 inches | 22 × 14 × 9 inches | 23 × 15 × 9.5 inches | 22 × 14 × 9 inches | 23 × 15 × 9.5 inches | 26.5 × 18.5 × 10.5 inches | 30 × 21 × 11 inches |
| Interior Dimension | 20 × 13.5 inches | 21 × 14.5 inches | 20 × 13.5 inches | 21 × 14.5 inches | 20 × 12.95 inches | 21 × 13.9 inches | 24.4 × 17.7 inches | 28 × 20.5 inches |
| Weight | 7.01 pounds | 7.38 pounds | 7.8 pounds | 8.38 pounds | 8.81 pounds | 9.25 pounds | 9.59 pounds | 10.58 pounds |
| Number of Wheels | 8 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 8 |
| TSA-Approved Lock | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Full Review
Monos is a relatively new brand founded in 2018. Although a Canadian company, they are highly influenced by Japanese culture. Even their name is inspired by the Japanese concept “mono no aware,” meaning the profound appreciation of the beauty of fleeting moments.
About the Monos Brand
Their philosophy is to support mindful traveling where you can immerse yourself in the present moment. Escape everyday life, grow, learn, and/or explore new places. They are also environmentally conscious. As the first luggage brand to receive a Climate Neutral certification, they’ve focused on measuring, offsetting, and reducing their carbon emissions in their business operations.
Monos is very selective on the manufacturing factories in China that they partner with to maintain the quality standards of their suitcases and ensure workers are treated ethically. They also source the best materials worldwide, including German Makrolon polycarbonate for their suitcase exteriors and the Japanese manufacturer – Hinomoto – for the top model Lisof Silent Run wheels.
Customer Feedback
Since Monos is a new brand, some people are hesitant to try them out. However, those who have purchased with them generally offer 5-star reviews. Most customers love the sturdy design of the exterior, zipper, and handle. They also say they love the classic design and the interior fabric is “smooth like butter.”
For those with complaints, Monos is pretty good at responding and offering solutions. They also provide a magic eraser that helps clear scratches since most complaints indicate the cases scratch easily.
Other common review complaints include:
- Late delivery after purchase and unable to deliver to P.O. boxes
- Carry-on handles sometimes don’t extend all the way and they had to contact customer support to fix it
- The exterior laptop compartments fit only a laptop and adding other small things makes it difficult or unable to close
Monos isn’t sold on sites such as Amazon, so we only have the reviews listed on their website to go by, which averages at 4.9 out of 5 stars, based on 1,330 luggage reviews.
Design
The Monos brand values simplicity and believes in designs they consider “timeless classics” that aren’t loud or flashy. For this reason, you won’t find a lot of different designs in their limited suitcase collections.
All of Monos’s suitcases look almost identical, varying only in size and specific features. The brand is more focused on practicality and durability than providing a wide range of aesthetically different suitcases. Instead, they focus on testing their products and including upgraded features, such as their more ergonomic telescopic handle. Their suitcases also nest inside each other for easy storage when you aren’t traveling.
Monos does offer limited edition colors for all suitcases except their Hybrids. The Terracotta collection is a red ochre and burnt sienna hues represent earthenware and ancient building materials. The Terrazzo collection is an organic pattern offering a stonelike appearance and matte finish – a design used for centuries, including in old Italian villas and the 120s Art Deco architecture.
Quality
Monos focuses on providing high-quality and durable suitcases. To achieve this, they put their products through 40 tests. For example, they conduct a mileage test by loading up a suitcase with weight and rolling it for 19.8 miles at a 45-degree angle at 2.48 miles per hour. They do this on a treadmill with bumps to simulate travel conditions.
Other tests they conduct include:
- Product safety
- Water repellency
- Tensile and tear strength
- Drop, tumble, crush, and burst test
- Telescopic handle cycling, jer, and swaying
- Stairs and road conditions
You can also expect materials from around the world that ensure quality, including Hinomoto Lisof Silent Run wheels, German Makrolon polycarbonate exteriors, and high-grade aluminum handles. Every Monos suitcase has an interior with 350 denier polyester that is soft, waterproof, durable, and anti-bacterial. For additional exterior protection, you can purchase their waterproof luggage cover add-on. However, you can’t open your suitcase when this cover is on.
Warranty
One of the best features Monos offers is their 100-day trial period for all their suitcases. If you travel and don’t like your purchase, you can send it back with no questions asked.
They also offer a limited lifetime warranty you can access by emailing [email protected]. Their warranty covers the following damages from normal handling and use:
- Breaks or cracks in the shell
- Broken or unusable wheels and handles
- Zippers that no longer open or close
This warranty doesn’t cover cosmetic damages, replacing non-defective parts, and damages due to modification, intentional abuse, or tampering. Another downside is for international buyers since the warranty only applies to Canadian and U.S. residents.
Notable Features
Here are five of the top features you can expect with every Monos suitcase.
TSA-Approved Locks
All Monos suitcases come with TSA-approved combination locks that either secure to YKK reverse coil zippers or a zipperless aluminum frame. This way you can secure your suitcase without having to purchase the additional approved locks.
Hinomoto Lisof Wheels
All Monos suitcases have double spinner wheels – meaning there are 8 wheels instead of 4, and it’s easier to maneuver. They also use high-quality Hinomoto Lisof Silent Run wheels for extra durability, quietness, and performance.
Polycarbonate Exterior
You can expect German Makrolon polycarbonate on all Monos suitcases. This highly resilient, lightweight, flexible, aerospace-grade material will spring back into shape after impacts.
Practical Storage Compartments
Most Monos suitcase interiors come with a packing side you can secure with a zippered flap and another with two buckles and a build-in compression pad so you can pack down extra belongings. For designs with an exterior laptop compartment, it also has inner pockets for smaller items. This front compartment also doesn’t protrude when packed.
Ergonomic Handles
Monos re-engineered the telescopic handle, so the release button is on the underside, making it more ergonomic to use. They also updated the handles to have high-grade aluminum and a design reducing lateral and torsional movement.
Price
Monos’ luggages have mid-tier suitcase prices, with brands such as Delsey and CoolLife much cheaper and other brands such as Arlo Skye and Rimowa, significantly more expensive. Monos suitcase prices on their website are:
- Carry-Ons: $275 to $347
- Carry-On Hybrids: $325 and $345
- Check-In Medium: $350
- Check-In Large: $375
If you purchase their limited edition colors, however, the price is slightly higher by around $30 more. You can commonly expect sales on the Monos website reducing prices by $50 to $60. Some of their suitcases also have a payment plan option through sezzle of 4 interest-free payments. Additionally, there is free shipping if you live in the U.S or Canada.
Monos Individual Suitcase Reviews
Carry-On
The Monos Carry-On has an award-winning and durable design that fits easily in overhead bins for worldwide flights. You can expect ultra-micro fiber vegan leather details, a telescopic handle with 4 adjustable heights, and wheels with easy 360-degree maneuverability. It also comes in eight different colors and two limited edition colors.
The interior holds a volume of 39.9 liters with the built-in compression pad secured by two straps and a zippered panel on the other side. It also comes with two shoe bags and an anti-microbial laundry bag.
Specifications
- Cover Material | Polycarbonate
- Exterior Dimensions | 22 × 14 × 9 inches
- Interior Dimensions | 20 × 13.5 inches
- Weight | 7.01 pounds
- Number of Wheels | 8
- TSA-Approved Lock | Yes
Pros
- Size fits international flights
- Hinomoto Lisof Silent Run 360° wheels
- TSA-approved combination lock
- Water-resistant, German polycarbonate hard shell
- Option for a 4 interest-free payment plan
- 100-day trial and limited lifetime warranty
Cons
- Laundry bag and shoe bags are small
- Lighter colors are easier to see scruff marks
Carry-On Plus
The Carry-On Plus offers additional room but still fits overhead bins of major U.S. airlines. It comes in eight different colors and two limited edition colors and has all the features that make the Carry-On an award-winning design. The adjustable ergonomic handle has 4 height settings and the double spinner wheels are quiet and durable to maneuver.
The interior holds a volume of 48 liters and is optimal for trips of 3 to 7 days. It comes with a built-in compression pad, two straps, a zippered panel, two shoe bags, a laundry bag, and a vegan leather luggage tag.
Specifications
- Cover Material | Polycarbonate
- Exterior Dimensions | 23 × 15 × 9.5 inches
- Interior Dimensions | 21 × 14.5 inches
- Weight | 7.38 pounds
- Number of Wheels | 8
- TSA-Approved Lock | Yes
Pros
- Hinomoto Lisof Silent Run 360 degree wheels
- TSA-approved combination lock
- Water-resistant, German polycarbonate hard shell
- Option for a 4 interest-free payment plan
- 100-day trial and limited lifetime warranty
Cons
- Might need to be checked in on smaller planes
- Larger volume also adds more weight when lifting into an overhead
Carry-On Pro
The Carry-On Pro features Mono’s typical durable design and double spinner wheels, with an added feature of an exterior laptop compartment measuring 15.3 × 10 × 1 inches. The compartment has three pockets to fit magazines, tablets, or a 15-inch laptop. There are also zippered pouches for batteries, passports, and other small items. You can secure the exterior compartment with a lockable YKK reverse coil zipper.
This suitcase comes in eight different colors and two limited edition colors. The interior holds a volume of 36 liters, suitable for trips lasting 2 to 5 days. Like other Monos carry-ons, it comes with a built-in compression pad, two straps, a zippered panel, two shoe bags, a laundry bag, and a vegan leather luggage tag.
Specifications
- Cover Material | Polycarbonate
- Exterior Dimensions | 22 × 14 × 9 inches
- Interior Dimensions | 20 × 13.5 inches
- Weight | 7.8 pounds
- Number of Wheels | 8
- TSA-Approved Lock | Yes
Pros
- Exterior laptop compartment
- Hinomoto Lisof Silent Run 360 degree wheels
- TSA-approved combination lock
- Water-resistant, German polycarbonate hard shell
- 100-day trial and limited lifetime warranty
Cons
- Heavier end of carry-on suitcases
- Hard to close the exterior laptop case if packed with too many things
Carry-On Pro Plus
If you want the functional addition of an exterior laptop compartment but with a larger interior volume, then the Carry-On Pro Plus offers the solution. The exterior compartment is 17 × 11.25 × 1 inches and easily fits a 15-inch laptop. You can also carry tablets or magazines in two other pockets and use the zippered pouches for smaller items, such as passports and phones.
The interior holds a volume of 46 liters in the zippered panel and a built-in compression pad secured with straps. It also comes with two shoe bags and a laundry bag. This suitcase comes in eight different colors and two limited edition colors.
Specifications
- Cover Material | Polycarbonate
- Exterior Dimensions | 23 × 15 × 9.5 inches
- Interior Dimensions | 21 × 14.5 inches
- Weight | 8.38 pounds
- Number of Wheels | 8
- TSA-Approved Lock | Yes
Pros
- Exterior laptop compartment
- Hinomoto Lisof Silent Run 360 degree wheels
- TSA-approved combination lock
- Water-resistant, German polycarbonate hard shell
- 100-day trial and limited lifetime warranty
Cons
- Doesn’t meet standard airline regulations for carry-ons
- Heavier end of carry-on suitcases
Hybrid Carry-On
The Hybrid Carry-On is an extra durable design compared to other Monos suitcases. On top of the polycarbonate exterior and sturdy adjustable telescopic handle, it also has anodized aluminum corner guards and a zipperless aluminum frame. You can get this suitcase in silver, obsidian, or champagne and with ultra-microfiber vegan leather details.
The interior holds a volume of 36 liters and is suitable for trips of 2 to 5 days. Like all Monos carry-ons, it comes with a built-in compression pad, two straps, a zippered panel, two shoe bags, and a laundry bag.
Specifications
- Cover Material | Polycarbonate
- Exterior Dimensions | 22 × 14 × 9 inches
- Interior Dimensions | 20 × 12.95 inches
- Weight | 8.81 pounds
- Number of Wheels | 8
- TSA-Approved Lock | Yes
Pros
- Hinomoto Lisof Silent Run 360 degree wheels
- TSA-approved combination lock
- Zipperless for easy locking
- Water-resistant, German polycarbonate hard shell
- Corner guards and aluminum frame
- 100-day trial and limited lifetime warranty
Cons
- Has only three colors
- On the heavier side for carry-ons
Hybrid Carry-On Plus
For a longer trip of 3 to 7 days, the Hybrid Carry-On Plus offers additional space with a volume of 43 liters. Similar to the Hybrid Carry-On, this suitcase has added durability with the aluminum corner guards and a zipperless aluminum frame. This suitcase also comes in silver, obsidian, or champagne.
The interior is lined with a soft anti-microbial fabric and has vegan leather details. It includes an anti-microbial laundry bag, two shoe bags, a built-in compression pad, two straps, and a zippered panel.
Specifications
- Cover Material | Polycarbonate
- Exterior Dimensions | 23 × 15 × 9.5 inches
- Interior Dimensions | 21 × 13.9 inches
- Weight | 9.25 pounds
- Number of Wheels | 8
- TSA-Approved Lock | Yes
Pros
- Hinomoto Lisof Silent Run 360 degree wheels
- TSA-approved combination lock
- Zipperless for easy locking
- Water-resistant, German polycarbonate hard shell
- Corner guards and aluminum frame
- 100-day trial and limited lifetime warranty
Cons
- Has only three colors
- Heavy as a carry-on
Check-In Medium
For trips lasting 7 to 21 days, the Check-In Medium has all the space you need to pack your belongings. Like all Monos suitcases, it has a durable hardshell, adjustable ergonomic handle with 4 height settings, and double spinner wheels.
The interior holds a volume of 70 liters and includes a zippered panel divider, dual Y-shaped compression straps, a laundry bag, and two shoe bags that fit into the divider pockets. This suitcase comes in eight different colors and two limited edition colors.
Specifications
- Cover Material | Polycarbonate
- Exterior Dimensions | 26.5 × 18.5 × 10.5 inches
- Interior Dimensions | 24.4 × 17.7 inches
- Weight | 9.59 pounds
- Number of Wheels | 8
- TSA-Approved Lock | Yes
Pros
- Reasonably priced for durable features
- Hinomoto Lisof Silent Run 360 degree wheels
- TSA-approved combination lock
- Water-resistant, German polycarbonate hard shell
- 100-day trial and limited lifetime warranty
Cons
- Need to position zippers at locking mechanism to lock
- Lighter colors are easier to see scruff marks
Check-In Large
The largest size in the sleek and durable Monos suitcase collections is the Check-In Large. All of the other Monos suitcases listed in this article can easily nest in this suitcase for convenient storage when you aren’t traveling. It also comes in eight different colors and two limited edition colors.
The interior holds a volume of 99.2 liters, suitable for trips lasting 7 to 21 days. There is also a zippered panel divider, dual Y-shaped compression straps, a laundry bag, and two shoe bags.
Specifications
- Cover Material | Polycarbonate
- Exterior Dimensions | 30 × 21 × 11 inches
- Interior Dimensions | 28 × 20.5 inches
- Weight | 10.58 pounds
- Number of Wheels | 8
- TSA-Approved Lock | Yes
Pros
- Lightweight with durable features
- Hinomoto Lisof Silent Run 360 degree wheels
- TSA-approved combination lock
- Water-resistant, German polycarbonate hard shell
- 100-day trial and limited lifetime warranty
Cons
- Need to position zippers at locking mechanism to lock
- Lighter colors are easier to see scruff marks
Hi! I am George and I am the Content Lead for Stasher.com. I love travel, writing, making music and meeting new and interesting people.