Honest Brand Reviews

Monos Luggage Review

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About Monos Luggage

Monos is a major luxury brand that sells elite travel luggage. It offers a limited catalog of carry-ons and check-in luggage, as well as a duffel bag, backpack, and a couple of additional accessories. Amassing over 260K Instagram followers, it has been featured by The Hollywood Reporter and Business Insider. 

Jetting off on your solo adventure or family vacation? This Monos luggage review provides an in-depth look at the brand and its best-selling products, prices, designs, materials, and fine-print policies in detail—so that you can decide if the bags are worth packing your belongings into.

Overview of Monos

Monos is a Canadian company founded in 2018. It believes in simple, streamlined, and beautiful luggage that will last a lifetime. Their products are not glittering and eye-catching, instead holding a powerfully sleek and classic look reminiscent of Tiffany & Co or Chanel. 

Monos doesn’t have to try to stand out, and it’s not striving to win anyone over. People with taste will know and appreciate the durability by sight, touch, and design.

The company uses the highest quality materials from across the world. Each piece of luggage has a bit of Germany and Japan in it and goes through rigorous testing, which Monos documents on their website. They are heavily influenced by Japanese culture and believe in supporting travelers who have an open mind and an eye for detail.

Monos is also conscientious of its role as a steward of the earth. As they put it, “The planet gives us so much to explore, and it’s our responsibility to protect…” 

It’s the first luggage brand to be Climate Neutral Certified and meet the difficult zero emissions standard. They also donate 1% of their revenue to organizations dedicated to healing the planet.

Before we get further into this Monos luggage review, let’s explore some pros and cons. 

Pros

Cons

Monos Luggage Review

In this section, the Monos luggage review examines 9 customer favorites. Because this brand has a limited catalog, that means you will get the fine details on nearly every bestseller. From their carry-on bags to the UVC Sterilizer, we will go over pricing, design details, and a whole lot more.

Monos Carry-On Review

From its very appearance, we see that Monos has given the Carry-On a great amount of polish and consideration. The zippers, for example, can be locked in place with a combination code that users can set. 

The Carry-On is sturdy, sleek, and designed to perfectly fill an overhead compartment on any flight. The 360 degree wheels are smooth and silent, while the handle is ultra-stable with 4 adjustable heights. 

This Monos Carry On luggage is currently on sale for $267, down from $356. You can choose from 8 colors and 2 limited edition patterns that slightly increase the cost.

Monos Carry-On Plus Review

The Monos Carry On Plus has all of the features of the basic Carry-On (color options and limited edition patterns included) but comes in a larger size. It will fit in the overhead compartments of large US airplanes, but may have to be checked in on flights from smaller airlines.

The sturdy interior has many pockets for convenient access, waterproof bags, and straps to hold everything in place, while the German-made shell keeps it all safe from harm. You can buy The Carry On Plus for $290, reduced from $386.

Monos Check-In Medium Review

Like the name suggests, Monos’ Check-In Medium is a mid-sized luggage encased in beautiful vegan leather and perfectly stable parts made in Germany and Japan. The design turns it all into a reliable travel companion with lockable exterior zippers and a soft interior with pockets for everything you need.

It also includes a bacteria-resistant laundry bag, shoe bags, and a fancy leather luggage tag. The Check-In Medium is available in 8 colors, including desert taupe, rose quartz, olive green, and in 2 limited editions patterns: terrazzo and terracotta, for a little extra. 

The Check-In Medium normally costs $447, but it’s currently on sale for $335.

Monos Check-In Large Review

The Check-In Large is the ultimate travel luggage for long overnight trips. It keeps you prepared for all the elements, no matter what part of the world you’re in. 

Available in the same colors and patterns as its smaller counterpart, it comes with the bacteria-resistant laundry bag, shoe bags, and luggage tag. The big difference is that this version provides maximum space for multiple outfits and shoes. 

Here’s a Monos luggage size comparison: 

The material quality, handle stability, silent wheels, and plush interior are all the same—and, like its sibling, the Check-In Large is on sale. You can buy it for $346 (originally $462). 

Monos Metro Duffel Review

The Metro Duffel gives you additional space and convenience without sacrificing mobility or style. Unlike most duffle bags, this model synchronizes with other Mono luggage by slipping into place on top. 

You can rest assured as it stays secure during long walks across the airport, or when you’re herding toddlers nearby. No more worrisome balancing acts with bags falling over and awkwardly propped against each other.

The nylon material repels water while the vegan leather brings style. The Metro Duffle can be used on its own for a smart everyday method to carry your valuables about town, or at your workplace, and of course while travelling. 

It can fit a 15-inch laptop with spare room for small personal items and bottles. Magnetic pockets keep everything safely shut in. It costs $249.

Monos Metro Backpack Review

The Metro Backpack pairs well with Monos luggage via its trolley sleeve, which allows it to fit perfectly on top without sliding around or running risk of falling, while also remaining easily accessible. 

The interior has waterproof compartments, pouches, and secret pockets with magnetic locks for your most valuable items (such as that chocolate bar to hide from your kids). 

This Monos Backpack comes in 2 materials and 7 colors. It’s your choice between vegan leather in ivory, saddle tan; or mahogany and water-resistance nylon in carbon black, oxford blue, juniper green, or dover grey. 

A 15 inch slot lets you store and retrieve your laptop without having to open your whole bag. This agile backpack from Monos costs $236.

Monos Luggage Cover Review

The tight-fitting Monos Luggage Covers are much loved by customers. Garnering great feedback on social media, the environmentally-friendly PEVA material protects your suitcases from nearly any form of damage during transit.

The Monos Luggage Cover is translucent and clean, allowing the expressive designs and colors of your luggage to show through. It is available at four different price points depending on size:  

Monos CleanPod UVC Sterilizer Review

The CleanPod UVC Sterilizer simply and easily sanitizes your area without the annoyance, waste, and wetness that comes with wipes, hand sanitizer, or any combination of the two. It works immediately upon activation and the batteries last for around 3 hours of use. 

This CleanPod UVC Sterilizer is battery-powered and kills 99.9% of germs in 30 seconds. It is a high-end option for cleaning your seat and surroundings in an airport, plane, rental car, or in any public space—yet it’s surprisingly affordable. 

Buy your own special Monos UVC Wand for $109. If the whole family is travelling with you, save 10% off on 2 of these, and 20% off on 3+. 

Monos Kiyo UVC Bottle Review

Currently on pre-order, the Kiyo UVC Bottle has an egg speckle pattern that stands out as a modern art piece, but in a non-intrusive way. The design is overall minimalist and refined, offered in castle rock, graphite, blue hour, salt spring, and more. 

Inside, the UVC technology kills 99.9% of bacteria at your touch with two options: Quick Clean, lasting 60 seconds, and Deep Clean, lasting 3 minutes. The battery will last around “1 month with normal use” while insulated walls keep your drink either hot or cold. 

The Kiyo normally costs $85, but you save 10% if you buy 2 and 20% with 3 or more. 

Where is Monos Luggage Made?

While Monos is a Canadian brand with headquarters in Vancouver, their products are manufactured in China. They extend high “standards and values” to their manufacturing partners.

According to the website, the brand will only work with factories operating in a way that they deem acceptable for their employees. This Monos luggage review cannot find a 3rd party verification of these statements, but such dedication to ethical business practices also fits with their eco-friendly mission. 

It should also be noted that the parts making up a piece of Monos luggage come from all over the world. For example, the polycarbonate shell that protects their carry-on luggage comes from Germany.

How do you use a Monos suitcase?

A Monos hybrid suitcase is a pleasure to use. It qualifies as carry-on luggage and should be filled with your most personal belongings, as well as any items you might want to use during the flight; whether by necessity or for comfort.

Start from the outside and personalize the zipper-locking code, or use the default combination, depending on your preference. Then, pack the interior pockets with any personal effects (like a Kindle and eye mask), while reserving the main compartment for slippers, cardigans, socks, general clothing, and larger items. 

Strap it all down so nothing shifts around, then use the supplied waterproof baggies to safely store beauty products, liquids, and creams.

Monos Reviews: What Do Customers Think?

This Monos luggage review wanted to find out what buyers were saying about the brand online. Not surprisingly, we came across glowing feedback from their official website and social media. 

Verified customers on the Monos website give 5/5 stars to all of their luggage options. They are won over to the brand by the thoughtful details that make for a more convenient travelling experience. 

For example, one Metro Duffel reviewer says they appreciate how the bag securely integrates with their Monos Carry-On, making both easy to move around. Customers love the colors and classy design, both inside and out.

One thorough 5-star reviewer shared this takeaway: “After going through articles, reviews, YouTube videos, employee comments and their production factory; this company blew the other one away. I felt investing in luggage with Monos was going to be worth the cost and walk away with a superior luggage.” 

On Reddit, 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 them, and that they plan to buy more luggage from the company: “I have their olive green set and their Carry-On Plus model has served me well for short trips. I’m looking to add their newer Carry-On Pro (w/ an external pocket) to my set.”

A few others were initially uncertain about Monos and were hesitant to dive into the new-ish brand, while also not finding any faults—which is a huge win.

Instagram is host to many Monos luggage reviews—even some that touch on Monos luggage collaborations, like with Drunk Elephant. Monos offerings are classically gorgeous and camera-ready. Influencers and regular folks both love posing next to it, talking about how beautiful it is, and also just how well it works as a travel companion.

As one Instagrammer puts it, “Our first trip with our new luggage was a success! What is better than light, well made, pretty luggage with lots of storage???”

This Monos luggage review came across only one common complaint from buyers—late delivery. Many left comments on the brand’s social media pages explaining that they were still waiting for their order to arrive after weeks, or that their favorites frequently went out of stock. As it is still a fairly new company, we hope that Monos irons out these kinks in the future. 

Is Monos Luggage Worth It?

Monos is absolutely worth it. The boutique luggage designer makes stunning and streamlined travel companions that turn what can be an annoying hassle into a chilled out adventure. Customers across social media love posting pictures of their bags because they look both sturdy and stylish.

Are Monos good luggage? Yes, without a doubt. Beyond the visually appealing design, they are engineered with parts from Germany and Japan to be robust, spacious, and convenient to use on the inside and out. 

Features like quiet 360 degree wheels, a multitude of interior pockets, and TSA-approved combination security locks are also a plus. For a luggage upgrade, you should strongly consider Monos. If it doesn’t work out, there’s always a 100 day guarantee

Monos Promotions & Discounts

This Monos luggage review found that you can get a free Carry-On and a Metro Backpack just by joining the brand’s mailing list. 

And this isn’t a one-off promotion—they choose a winner each month, meaning you automatically get a chance to win every 30 days. Everyone has an equal chance, no matter how long they’ve been on the mailing list.

The best deal at the time of this Monos luggage review is the “Say Hello to Spring Sale,” which gives us up to a 25% discount on the catalog. You can also save $20 when you buy two items or more in the same checkout cart.

Where to Buy Monos

You can buy Monos luggage exclusively at monos.com.

FAQ

Where is Monos luggage from?

Monos is a Canadian company that operates out of Vancouver, British Columbia. Their products are manufactured in China, from factories selected for their ethical treatment of workers and high-quality output.

Does Monos have a charger?

The only charger this Monos luggage review came across is in relation to the CleanPod UVC Sterilizer. For that product, the batteries will persist for around 3 hours. 

You will know the CleanPod needs to be charged when the light dims. Alternatively, if used regularly, you can charge it every couple of days.

How long does Monos luggage take to ship?

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 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.

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, listed 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)

6. Exchange requests must be made within 7 days of the order

This Monos luggage review found out that the Metro Backpack and Duffel bags have a 30-day return window.

How to Contact Monos

For any other questions, this Monos luggage review recommends reaching out to the brand via: 

A customer service representative will respond to your queries on weekdays from 9 AM–5 PM PST and weekends from 8 AM–4 PM PST


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