As a luxury travel blogger, I’m sharing my honest Monos Luggage Review after taking my Monos Carry-On on dozens of trips around the world! If you are looking for a new suitcase, Monos Luggage is worth it and definitely a brand to consider!
I’ve never owned premium luggage—until now. At 32 years old, after traveling to over 20 countries with nothing but a trusty leather duffel bag and my North Face backpack from college, I decided it was time for an upgrade. These bags served me well, even fitting into the tightest airline cabins, but for my trip to Chilean Patagonia and Mendoza, Argentina earlier this year, I knew I needed something more versatile and durable.
That’s when my search for the perfect suitcase began. Like many, I initially considered an Away bag—they’re everywhere, thanks to their wildly successful influencer campaigns. But before spending $200+ on luggage, I decided to explore other options.
While brands like Roam and TUMI caught my eye, they were a bit out of my budget. That’s when I discovered the Canada-based Monos Luggage. Nine months and 22 flights later, my Monos Carry-On has proven its worth. In this Monos Luggage review, I’ll share my favorite features, how it stacks up against other brands, and my honest thoughts on why Monos might be the best travel companion I’ve ever had.
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9 Reasons I Love My Monos Carry-On Luggage
For this Monos luggage review, I’m breaking down the standout design features that make this suitcase a game-changer. These must-have details set Monos apart from other brands.
If you are short on time, here are the top things I love most about my Monos suitcase!
- Telescopic Handle – Crafted from high-grade aluminum, the telescopic handle is both durable and functional. The release button is thoughtfully placed on the bottom—where it feels intuitive. Plus, it adjusts to multiple heights, ensuring a perfect fit for travelers of any stature.
- Lightweight & Unbreakable Case – The shell is made from German Makrolon polycarbonate, a lightweight, aerospace-grade material that’s virtually unbreakable. Its soft-touch finish feels premium and is designed to absorb impacts and spring back into shape, so you can travel worry-free. Mine has definitely been scratched, but they easily wipe clean without any lasting damage.
- 360° Spinner Wheels – Wheels can make or break a suitcase, and Monos gets it right. These ultra-quiet spinner wheels glide effortlessly over most surfaces. Even on Copenhagen’s cobblestone streets, they held up beautifully for me (though not as quietly, of course!).
- Sensible Interior Details – The interior is as functional as it is stylish. It features waterproof, antimicrobial fabric and a compression pad that allows you to pack more than you’d expect. Thanks to this thoughtful design, I’ve packed for a 10-day trip to Greece in just this carry-on!
- Sustainability – Monos is certified Climate Neutral, actively working to reduce carbon emissions throughout its operations. They also donate 1% of revenue to environmental conservation initiatives, making them a planet-friendly choice.
- Vegan Materials – Monos uses vegan alternatives to animal-derived materials, making their products cruelty-free and eco-conscious which I really appreciate!
- Endless Color Options– Monos luggage comes in a stunning array of colors and prints. From classics like midnight black and stellar white to trendy shades like olive green, desert taupe, terracotta, and blue haze, there’s something for every aesthetic.
- Chic Design – The minimalist, high-end design feels luxurious without the premium price tag. Monos luggage looks far more expensive than it is!
- Bonus Items Included – Every Monos suitcase includes thoughtful extras like a protective luggage cover, laundry and shoe bags, a magic eraser for cleaning, a luggage tag, and a TSA-approved lock.
These features combine to make Monos luggage the best carry-on luggage —functional, stylish, and built to last.
Monos Carry On Luggage Review: My Experiences Around the World
Monos offers three size options for their carry-on suitcase line: the Carry-On, Carry-On Pro, and Carry-On Plus. They also have an expandable option in the Expandable Carry-On or Expandable Carry-On Pro. There are A LOT of options here!
Mine is the original Carry-On bag in shade Midnight Black. I chose this because it is really the only carry-on that is TRULY carry-on for most airlines in the US and Europe. The others could be slightly too large and cause issues.
My Monos Carry-On Luggage has already been on quite the adventure—and it hasn’t even been a year! From Florida and Phoenix to Argentina, Chile, Denmark, and the Faroe Islands, this suitcase has traveled far and wide with me. Over the past nine months, it’s been on 22 flights across various aircraft types, and I’ve never once had to check it.
What I love most about my Monos Carry-On is its sleek, luxury design that stands out yet feels understated. The suitcase glides effortlessly and quietly, and the telescopic handle adjusts seamlessly to the perfect height.
I chose the regular-sized carry-on, which has been fantastic for my travel style. Thanks to the compression pad, I’ve been able to pack for two 10-day trips without issue, and the divider helps keep everything organized.
Despite being fully packed, the suitcase is lightweight enough for me to lift easily into overhead bins. The well-placed handles also make it incredibly easy to maneuver, whether I’m navigating a crowded airport or lifting it into a taxi.
As for the color, I initially wanted the white suitcase but opted for black to be more practical. If I were buying now, I’d probably go for the new olive color—it’s stunning! While the suitcase has picked up some dirt and scratches, a quick wipe with a magic eraser makes it look nearly brand new.
The only minor issue I’ve encountered is that if the bag is packed too full, the telescopic handle can be tricky to adjust. It’s an easy fix, though: opening the bag slightly allows the handle to move freely again. Not a deal breaker for me, but worth mentioning.
All in all, my Monos Carry-On bag has been a game-changer for my travels, and I can’t wait to see where it takes me next!
All About Monos as a Company
Monos’ name is inspired by the Japanese concept of “mono no aware” which is the appreciation of beauty in fleeting moments. I love that. Further, their philosophy is to travel mindfully. To explore new destinations around the world with an open mind. To learn and grow as you open your eyes to new cultures and people. Yep, sounds like our values are aligned.
Monos luggage is designed to be classic and timeless with a high focus on quality. A piece thoughtfully designed so you can keep it long term to help reduce waste and overconsumption.
Monos Luggage Products and Sizing
Monos offers several different sizes for their suitcases so you can choose what works best for you. I love the flexibility they allow.
If you view on their site, they have a great comparison tool to help you choose the right sizes. It has all the specs from weight to how many days they recommend each bag.
Monos Carry-On $272
This is the one I purchased for my trips. The Carry-On is designed to fit in the overhead bin of basically any flight in any destination. It measures 22x14x9 which is the requirement for most airlines. I had no problem taking this on a major Delta Flight to Buenos Aires and then a smaller LATAM plane to Patagonia. It weighs in right at 7lbs making it incredibly lightweight. I was able to fill this bag for a 10 day trip and had no problems lifting it into the overhead bin myself.
Monos Carry-On Dimensions:
- 22 x 14 x 9
- 7.01lbs
Monos Carry-On Plus – $294
The Carry-On Plus is ideal for travelers who need a little extra packing space. It fits the carry-on size requirements for most major US airlines but might need to be checked on smaller planes. If you’re like me and prefer not to check bags, it’s something to keep in mind—but if it works for your flight, the added room is a bonus!
Carry-On Plus Dimensions:
- 23 x 15 x 9.5 inches
- Weight: 7.38 lbs
Monos Check-In Medium – $350
In my opinion, the Check-In Medium strikes the perfect balance between size and practicality. It offers plenty of room for extended trips without being overly bulky. Keep in mind, this suitcase will need to be checked.
Check-In Medium Dimensions:
- 26.5 x 18.5 x 10.5 inches
- Weight: 9.59 lbs
Monos Check-In Large – $383
The Check-In Large is Monos’ biggest option, making it perfect for family trips or anyone needing to pack multiple people’s belongings. It’s spacious enough to handle kids’ items and more. I can imagine with a suitcase this large, I would easily go over the 50lb weight requirement though and incur extra fees. Some small flights (like island hopping in the Greek Isles) don’t even allow you to check something that heavy so you have to be careful!
Check-In Large Dimensions:
- 30 x 21 x 11 inches
- Weight: 10.58 lbs
Monos Hybrid Collection – $325–$445
The Hybrid Collection combines the lightweight polycarbonate shell with an aluminum frame, creating a durable, high-quality suitcase. Featuring a zipperless design with two TSA-approved latch locks, this line is perfect for frequent travelers seeking extra durability and sophistication.
Available in stunning metallic shades like champagne, silver, and black, the Hybrid Collection offers both style and practicality. I recently got the champagne finish in the carry-on Monos Hybrid and LOVE it!
Hybrid Collection Styles and Dimensions:
- Hybrid Carry-On: 22 x 14 x 9 inches | 8.81 lbs
- Hybrid Carry-On Plus: 23 x 15 x 9.5 inches | 9.25 lbs
- Hybrid Check-In Medium: 26.5 x 18.5 x 10.5 inches | 11 lbs
- Hybrid Check-In Large: 30 x 21 x 11 inches | 13 lbs
Monos Hybrid Trunk – $445
The Hybrid Trunk is Monos’ first trunk-style suitcase, offering maximum packing space. It’s an excellent choice for long-term travel, extended trips, or even a big move abroad when you need extra capacity.
Hybrid Trunk Dimensions:
- 29.9 x 15.7 x 14.3 inches
- Weight: 13.2 lbs
Monos continues to innovate with stylish, functional designs that cater to a variety of travel needs. Whether you’re looking for a compact carry-on or a spacious trunk, there’s something in their lineup to suit every traveler.
Other Monos Products
Monos doesn’t stop at luggage—they also offer a collection of chic and functional bags for everyday use. I’m particularly a fan of their Metro Duffel and Metro Backpack, both of which pair beautifully with their carry-on and check-in luggage. These pieces are stylish yet practical, making them ideal for day trips, commuting, or as personal items on flights.
Additionally, Monos offers a line of packing cubes designed to fit perfectly within their luggage. These cubes are a game-changer for staying organized on the go, helping you maximize space and keep your belongings neat and tidy.
Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway or a long-haul trip, these thoughtfully designed accessories are the perfect companions to Monos’ core luggage collection.
Also read: My Monos Metro Duffel Review
Monos Luggage Durability
As a luxury travel blogger, I have certainly put my Monos luggage through the wringer! It’s been on dozens of trips at this point from South America to Europe and across the United States. My husband uses it too for work trips and it’s still in great shape three years later. To date it’s been with us to: Argentina, Chile, Greece, Denmark x 3, Italy, Switzerland, Faroe Islands, Germany, Mexico, and several US states.
Made with the German Makrolon polycarbonate we talked about earlier which is a lightweight, aerospace-grade material that’s very flexible. It really is a soft material that springs back into place and you can tell the flexibility it has compared to other hard shell luggage.
My Monos Carry-On really has not been dented – it has some scratches that wipe off, but nothing damaging. I also have a BEIS bag and it’s exterior shell literally has scuffs that have cut into the material.
The telescopic handle, wheels and interior details are all still working great after three years and countless flights later!
Monos Luggage Lifetime Warranty
Monos offers a lifetime warranty, giving you peace of mind when investing in their luggage. The warranty covers:
- Cracks or breaks in the shell
- Broken zippers
- Damaged or unusable wheels, handles, and telescopic handles
However, it’s important to note that the warranty does not cover cosmetic damages caused by normal wear and tear. For example, if you check a bag, it’s almost guaranteed to pick up scuffs or dents, and that’s not covered—understandable if you’ve ever seen how luggage is handled during loading and unloading!
Thankfully, since I opted for the carry-on size, I’ve avoided checking my bag and haven’t experienced any damage beyond minor scuffing. I specifically chose the black color to better hide marks and maintain its sleek appearance. Overall, Monos’ warranty and build quality give me confidence in the durability of my suitcase.
Monos vs Away?
When deciding between Monos and Away, I ultimately chose Monos because it felt like a higher-quality bag compared to Away and many other brands.
Away is undeniably a great brand, beloved by countless travelers for its functionality and sleek design. However, its popularity means you’ll see Away bags everywhere, which can make it harder to spot your checked luggage unless you add distinguishing features. I didn’t want to buy into the hype just for the name, and I’m so glad I went with Monos instead.
While Away is known for its built-in battery feature, I didn’t find that necessary for my needs. Honestly, I wanted to avoid the hassle of removing the battery pack during boarding—a common requirement on many airlines. We’ve all seen someone holding up the line for this, and I didn’t want to be that person!
As a frequent traveler, I can confidently say I’ve been thrilled with my Monos luggage. Its thoughtful design, superior quality, and excellent durability have exceeded my expectations. I’ll definitely be ordering from Monos again!
Monos vs. BEIS
If you are choosing between Monos vs BEIS, I have luggage from both brands so can share my thoughts. In short, Monos is truly superior in quality and durability over Beis.
Since having a baby, checking a bag has become unavoidable when we travel—there’s just no way around it! For our recent trip, I decided to try the popular BEIS luggage, a brand owned by Shay Mitchell (love her!). You can immediately tell the team behind Beis puts a lot of thought into the functionality of their products. I went with the Medium Check-In Roller in matte black.
What I love most about BEIS is the attention to detail. The cushioned handle adds extra comfort when maneuvering the bag, and the built-in weight indicator is a game-changer for avoiding overweight baggage fees. The interior is thoughtfully designed, featuring a laundry compartment and a waterproof section for wet items—perfect for tossing in a damp swimsuit when heading home.
Another highlight is the slim compression pad, which takes up less space than the one in Monos luggage. Plus, it’s detachable, offering flexibility for travelers who might not need it.
When it comes to choosing between Monos and BEIS, it really depends on your preferences. Both brands have great designs and are loved by travelers, including me. However, for checked luggage, there are some key differences:
- Monos bags: While they are often criticized for denting when checked, I’ve found that their polycarbonate shell takes impacts better, leaving fewer deep scratches.
- BEIS bags: My Beis hard shell bag unfortunately picked up significant and deep scratches after its first trip.
In a perfect world, I would combine the exterior durability of my Monos luggage with the interior features and weight indicator of my BEIS suitcase. You can tell that Monos luggage is made with premium materials that elevate the products. At the end of the day, scratches and scuffs are part of traveling with checked luggage. Both brands offer excellent features, and the choice comes down to what matters most to you—whether it’s durability, design, or specific functional features.
Cons of Monos Luggage
Sharing a few commons things people dislike about Monos luggage.
- SCRATCHES | People say the light colors pick up scratches. I have black and it does pick up scratches, but they mostly come off with the magic eraser. This is the nature of traveling!
- RETURN POLICY! | Unfortunately you have to pay for return shipping if you don’t love it. Do LOTS of research first and read reviews so you don’t encounter this problem! You can purchase from Nordstrom and avoid this problem.
- EXPENSIVE | The bag is expensive between $200 – $300. However, it is not as pricey as most luxury luggage brands. I waited for a sale and snagged the bag at 20% off, making it the same cost as Away 🙂
- 100 DAY TRIAL | The 100 day trial is great, but only valid if UNUSED and have to pay return shipping. So, it is really just a 100 day return period. I feel like they are a bit misleading in their marketing of this. However, you should note that Away has this same policy.
Pros of Monos Luggage
All of the best things about owning a Monos bag.
- Free Shipping
- Lifetime warranty – cracks in shell, broken wheels, handles or zippers only
- Nests inside each other to save space
- Clean easily with a magic eraser or a rag (if you have a dark color)
- Sleek design and smooth wheels
- Fits tons of things with the compression pad
- Lots of pretty colorways – but I would stick to black for a checked bag!!
- Comes with laundry and shoe bags to keep your items separated.
The Wrap Up: Monos Luggage is Worth It!
After three years and 30+ flights with my Monos Carry-On, I can confidently say this suitcase has exceeded my expectations. From its sleek design and durable construction to its spacious interior and thoughtful features, it has become my go-to travel companion.
Whether I’m heading to South America, navigating cobblestone streets in Denmark, or packing for long weekend trips in just a carry-on bag, Monos makes the process effortless and stylish.
Overall, I highly recommend Monos luggage for anyone looking for a dependable, chic suitcase that’s built to last. It’s the perfect blend of form and function, offering durability, easy maneuverability, and plenty of space to pack efficiently—even for extended trips.
If you’re ready to make the most of your next journey, check out my packing guides for even more inspiration:
Wherever your adventures take you, Monos luggage will have you traveling in style and confidence!
Please ask any questions in the comments below. I’m happy to help offer advice before you commit to making a purchase.
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