About Monos Luggage
Life is impractical, and a trip doesn’t always go our way – nor does it always go the way we planned. Although luggage seems like a small part of a trip, I’ve found that it has a big impact on how my journey 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 catalog of carry-on and check-in luggage is sturdy enough to last a lifetime for family vacations.
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 is also aware of its role as a steward 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 organizations working to protect our planet.
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Pros and Cons
Before going further into this Monos luggage review, let’s explore some 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 organization: Monos luggage has multiple compartments and pockets that ensure your belongings are well organized 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.
- Personalization: Monos offers optional luggage personalization with monograms, allowing you to add your initials or a custom message to your luggage.
Cons
- Expensive: Monos luggage is priced at the top end of the market, which could make it prohibitively expensive for some travelers.
- Limited color selection: Monos luggage is available in a limited number of colors, which may not appeal to everyone.
- Limited size options: Monos luggage is only available in a limited number of sizes, which may not meet the needs of all travelers.
- Heavy luggage: Monos luggage can be heavier than some other brands, which may make it less suitable for travelers who prefer lightweight luggage.
- Overall, Monos lugage offers a range of high-quality, stylish and functional travel bags, but the higher price and limited color and size selection may be a drawback for some travelers.
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
- 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.
- Aluminum: Some Monos luggage has aluminum frames and handles, which give the luggage extra durability and strength. Aluminum is a lightweight and strong material that is often used in the aerospace and automotive industries.
- 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.
- Leather: Monos uses genuine leather for the handles and trims 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, aluminum, 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:
- Durable Materials: Monos luggage is made from high-quality materials that can withstand the rigors of travel. The luggage is made from polycarbonate, which is lightweight and durable.
- TSA-approved locks: All Monos luggage is equipped with TSA-approved combination locks that ensure your belongings are safe and secure while traveling.
- 360-degree spinner wheels: Monos luggage features four 360-degree spinner wheels that allow for smooth and easy maneuverability at airports and other destinations.
- Expandable design: Many of the Monos luggage models are expandable, allowing you to increase the capacity of your luggage by up to 25%.
- Interior organization: Monos luggage features interior dividers such as zippered compartments, mesh pockets and garment straps to keep your belongings organized and secure during travel.
- 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.
- Optional personalization: Monos offers optional luggage personalization with a monogram that allows you to add your initials or a custom message to your luggage.
Where Is Monos Luggage Made?
While Monos is a Canadian brand headquartered in Vancouver, I’ve read that their products are made in China. However, they do apply high “standards and values” to their manufacturing partners.
On the website, I learned 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 aligns with their eco-friendly mission.
I should also mention at this point that the parts that make up a piece of Monos luggage are sourced 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 personalize the code for the zippers, 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 feedback 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 traveling 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 colors and stylish design, both inside and out.
One detailed 5-star reviewer shared this opinion, “After looking at articles, reviews, YouTube videos, employee comments, and the manufacturing facility, this company has outshined all others. I felt that investing in a piece of luggage with Monos would be worth it and I would go home with an excellent piece of luggage.”
On Reddit, the normally critical social media users are actually quite interested in Monos. One of them owns an Olive Carry-On Plus and reports that it works very well for him and that he plans to buy more luggage from the company. Their comment was:
“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.
There are many reviews of Monos luggage on Instagram – even some that reference Monos’ collaboration with Drunk Elephant. Monos’ offerings are classically beautiful and camera-ready, making them the perfect companion 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 travel goes, nothing really.
During this review of 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 favorite items were often out of stock. As the company was still fairly new when these comments were posted, Monos seems to be working to iron out these issues.
All in all, the feedback has been great for this brand. People love how the products look, feel and travel. End of story.
Is Monos Luggage Worth It?
In case you haven’t noticed: Monos is totally worth it. The boutique luggage designer makes stunning and streamlined travel 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 vacation and can’t decide on monos, check out these brands for more options:
- Rimowa: Rimowa is best known for its iconic aluminum suitcases, but also offers lightweight polycarbonate versions, functional bags and packing accessories for carefree travel.
- Lipault: Lipault’s suitcases, backpacks and shoulder bags are as fashion-conscious as they are reliable. The Parisian brand designs for the modern fashionista who considers every part of her outfit.
- July Luggage: Founded in 2019, the Australian-based company reinvents classic luggage design to make it more thoughtful, versatile and stylish.
Monos Promotions & Discounts
While writing this Monos travel luggage review, I discovered that you can get a free carry-on suitcase and Metro backpack if you sign up to the brand’s mailing list.
And this isn’t a one-off promotion – a winner is chosen every month, meaning you automatically get a chance to win every 30 days. Everyone has an equal chance, regardless of how long you’ve been on the mailing list.
Since no Monos travel luggage review would be complete without a full list of deals, I’ve tracked down a few more current offers:
- 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 US 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 Sterilizer. 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 charge 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) as long as you order from the US or Canada.
International shoppers will be shown shipping costs on the checkout page, and they should keep in mind – as should US shoppers – that additional customs fees will apply for goods over $800. You can always email Monos for a quote.
- Expect Monos to process your order within 10 business days
- Canadian customers should receive their order within 10 business days
- For US customers, it may take 14 days for the order to arrive
- International shipping may take 14 days, but there is no guarantee
- Monos advises that UPS is busy and that you should keep an eye on your tracking information
What is Monos’ return policy?
Monos is so confident in the quality of its luggage that you can return your order within 100 days of purchase “for any reason”. There are just a few conditions, which I list below.
. The person who purchased the baggage must contact Monos regarding the return.
- the luggage must not show any signs of use and must look as it was delivered.
- keep the packaging, as Monos will want it back when you return it
- send an e-mail to aftercare@monos.com to initiate the return process
- you must pay the return shipping costs (Monos can print a shipping label for you)
- exchange requests must be made within 7 days of placing the order.
In this Monos luggage review, I found out that the Metro Backpack and Duffel bags have a 30-day return window.
Contacting Monos
If you have any other questions that I haven’t answered in this Monos luggage review, I recommend getting in touch with the brand:
- Email: hello@monos.com
- Live chat on the website
A customer service representative will answer your questions weekdays from 9 AM-5 PM PST and weekends from 8 AM-4 PM PST.