Looking for a new carry-on and check-in bag? Monos might just be what you are looking for.
One day, I was unpacking my suitcase from a recent trip and the realization hit me right then and there, I had a luggage set that that had seen better days. The constant on-and-off the plane, in and out of cars and Ubers, and zipping, unzipping and hauling stuff around finally took it’s toll.
It was time for a change. I wanted something a little sleeker compared to the black zip on zip on zip, front pocket canvas roller. It was a design very popular in the 1990s and 2000s and basically every time you went to the carousel, you wouldn’t know if the luggage coming off the plane was yours or not. I wanted newness and a more distinct look without the need to put an indicator or bandana around my suitcase to distinguish it from the others.
I am not a flashy traveller. I like understated, minimalistic and something with a good, multi-directional roll. If that sounds like you too, keep reading.
The Monos Carry-On and Monos Check-In Large luggage pieces aren’t just travel companions, I feel like for me, it’s like going from a flip to a smartphone with its design. Not to mention that they are designed in Canada as well.
A modern nomadic luggage set that brings a contemporary look to travel design.
Beauty in Restraint: The Monos Carry-On ($295 CAD)
Let’s start small. Small enough to fit above an airline overhead compartment. The Monos Carry-On offers great function following a beautiful form. The Black polycarbonate shell has a nice matte look to it. Just floats like a shadow with you. Very just under the radar. Up close, the attention to detail is more present. Aerospace-grade materials, sturdy YKK reverse coil zippers, and a TSA-approved lock that shuts with a clean click.
At just 7.01 pounds, it’s sturdy enough to survive the unpredictable ballet of aggressive and calm baggage handlers. Those 360° spinner wheels perform with the kind of smooth and can handle a lot of different surfaces
Inside the Monos Carry-On, the lining is anti-microbial and made from 100% recycled polyester carries a nice nod of eco-luxury. The built-in compression pad and silver ion-coated laundry bag are thoughtful touches that eliminate the old chaos of packing, replacing it with rhythm and order.
The Monos Carry-On’s design feels like it’s been stripped of every inessential gesture. Its telescopic handle, re-engineered for stability with four height settings, slides like a precision instrument. There’s an elegance here, not just in aesthetics but in philosophy: less is more, done perfectly. Although, I must say, I have seen more convenient handles, I find sometimes it gets stuck just a few inches up from it’s starting, tucked in position.
If you are looking for a larger version of the Carry-On, be sure to look into the Carry-On Plus, Carry-On Pro or the Carry-On Pro Plus.
Spacious Sophistication: The Monos Check-In Large ($435 CAD)
Then there’s its bigger sibling, the Monos Check-In Large, for when travel shifts from weekend to a week away. At 97.3 liters of volume, it feels spacious without feeling too bulky. It’s your fashion archive on wheels, filled up with your wardrobe and remaining poised and well managed when lifting it.
It mirrors its smaller twin in every detail, dent-resistant shell, high-performance spinner wheels, and that same nice glide to the wheels. The dual Y-shaped compression straps keep garments neat. You feel like someone has thought deeply about the subtle friction points of travel, and then solved them in a very intentional way.
I am glad I bought both at the same time and have a more unified look to my luggage. I think the only thing missing is a travel duffle bag, which Monos also sells as well. They seem to really be focusing on helping people carry their belongings in all different, elegant ways.
Luggage That Focuses On Craft and Design
Monos approaches their design with a nice level of refinement. The materials are solid and give the consumer plenty of colour options and material options as well.
The meaning of Monos itself, drawn from the Japanese concept mono no aware, the beauty of transient moments, comes through in how these luggage pieces feel. Every piece tells you this is design meant to come with you everywhere you go.
Why you should consider Monos For Your Next Luggage Set
Monos sells a quiet sophistication. I was looking at different options along my search. There are different competitive options, priced higher and lower, but I think this strikes a nice balance in the middle. The best way I can describe this luggage is that it’s sleek. That word and concept kept coming into my mind as I was using it.
I think it’s a nice overall package for the price point. I think there are design features that I would look it. The touches like the bag tag and bags that came with it were a nice touch but the handle not extending fully on a frequent basis is a bit more annoying to me and something to try for yourself.
The Monos Carry-On and Monos Check-In Large Black provide a modern design alternative from your very standard luggage and have a nicer design language than most out there.
For more information about Monos and their line-up of bags, luggage sets, and more, be sure to visit their website.
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