Here’s What I Like (and Don’t Like)

Is Monos luggage really worth the hype? As a full-time travel blogger and content creator who regularly flies, I’m always eager to test out travel products for myself and also to recommend to my audience. When it comes to bags, luggage and suitcases, I’ve just about seen it all.

I’ve had luggage arrive dented or cracked down the middle. Wheels have been broken. Wheels missing. Sometimes the airline will take responsibility and sometimes they won’t. If your suitcase doesn’t come with a warranty, you could be completely out of luck and need to replace it. Furthermore, if you’re halfway through a vacation, you might need to replace it anyway in order to transport your belongings around – and back home.

I’ve always been eager to test out Monos luggage and accessories. I’d heard such great things about this Canadian company and their business practices. Though Monos luggage comes with a lifetime warranty, I’ve heard that their suitcases are durable and built to last.

I’ll be reviewing three of their products in this article. First, I’ll share my firsthand experiences with their Hybrid Check-in Medium suitcase, the Metro Tote carry-on bag, and the Metro Belt Bag (ideal for travel or everyday life). Then, I’ll highlight a couple of minor critiques that I’ve noticed after testing the products across multiple flights.

Why Choose Monos?

Monos offers premium luggage at affordable prices. Their styles are clean, simple and timeless. The luggage will last for many years. While Monos sources their materials and parts from similar places as the high-end luggage companies, they’re able to sell their products at a fraction of the price directly through their ecommerce site.

They’re Proudly Canadian

I love the fact that Monos is a Canadian luggage brand. They’re a Canadian company established in Vancouver by three entrepreneurs, and they now have 61 employees in North America.

It’s always great to shop in Canadian dollars, especially when the exchange rate is not at its best. Shipping within Canada is also a breeze. There’s no additional customs or fees to worry about, and the package arrived at lightning speed.

They’re Sustainable

They are committed to ethical business practices and sustainability. Monos is one the first luggage brands that gained accreditation. Climate Neutral CertificationThey are members of 1% for the Planet.

While their manufacturing facilities are located in China they are committed to maintaining ethical standards. They’ve taken a proud stance against forced labour, child labour, and all forms of modern slavery.

They’re Vegan

Monos, last but not least, is a vegan company. They are committed to cruelty-free. Monos uses high-quality materials made from plants instead of animal products. From the bags to the smaller components such as tags and detailing, they use only the best. As someone who has been vegan for a long time, I love that I can shop with confidence. Monos luggageAcross their entire website.

Monos Luggage Review: Hybrid Check-In Medium

When it comes to finding the best check-in luggage, I am looking for the most durable bag that’s also the most lightweight. After all, I’m going to weigh it down with my own clothing and toiletries, and I don’t want to be weighed down by the actual suitcase itself.

But, I don’t want something flimsy because we know how the airline baggage handlers throw around our belongings without a care in the world. Monos Hybrid Luggage is the best choice for international travels. It offers a combination of lightweight luggage and durability.

Monos claims to be the original luggage manufacturer. “virtually unbreakable”, which is exactly what I’m looking for. They merged the most desirable features of aluminum and polycarbonate luggage into one sleek and stylish package.

I tested the Monos Hybrid Check-In Medium LuggageIn the champagne colour. First, I was amazed at how stylish and classy this suitcase looked. I love the color. You can also choose a classic silver or black suitcase.

I think the champagne color stands out against the other bags on the baggage carousel. I always opt for a piece of luggage that’s easier to spot (also, so someone doesn’t unsuspectingly roll away with my suitcase thinking it is theirs).

The TSA-approved locks are extra durable and feel secure. The telescopic handle glides effortlessly. The 360-degree spinner wheels glided across the airport and cobblestone roads without any problems. All in all, it feels like a sturdy piece of luggage that’s easy to maneuver no matter where you’re going.

Monos Luggage Review: Metro Tote

Monos Metro ToteIt’s my new favorite travel bag and I take it everywhere. If I’m looking for a larger purse or bag, it’s coming along for the adventure. It might be an outing across town or a weekend roadtrip. I chose to go with the Metro Tote shaded ivory.

I love that the Metro Tote can be placed under the seat in front, so you don’t have to use the overhead compartment. It’s also a very roomy bag that fits all of your essentials.

On my last trip I checked one bag, the Hybrid Check-In medium, and carried on a Metro Tote and Metro Beltbag. First, I didn’t care if I was in zone 2 or zone 9. I put this bag under the seat in front of me and didn’t need to battle for overhead space.

This meant I could board the aircraft without worrying about my carry-on bag being denied overhead space by the flight attendants and forced to become a checked bag.

Next, this bag really fits a lot! I had a bathingsuit, coverup, pair flip-flops a DSLR camera and DJI Pocket 3 Osmo Camera, water bottle, small toiletry bag, plane snacks, and much more. The bag has many pockets, both inside and outside. Metro Tote has a lot of logic. It can even fit a 14″ laptop!

Monos Luggage Review: Metro Belt Bag

Monos Belt Bag is such a fabulous accessory whether you’re traveling or going for a walk around town. This is something you can take anywhere. This belt bag was perfect for storing my smartphone, credit card, room key and lip balm when we stayed in a resort.

It’s compact and versatile, made from water-resistant, ultra-microfibre vegan leather. The interior fabric is made of recycled plastic bottles. With its adjustable straps you can wear it around your waist or cross-body.

When I flew, I wore the bag across my body. Sometimes, it was stored inside my Metro Tote. It’s a great replacement for a wallet and you can add any other items that you need to quickly access, such as your passport.

This is a cute and handy little bag with thoughtful details that’s coming everywhere with me from now on. It comes in 4 different colours: mahogany, tan (which I own), ivory and black. Metro Belt Bag can be matched with Metro Tote Bag.

Monos Luggage: My small criticisms

I’ve had the opportunity to travel with my Monos luggage twice now, so I will update this review if my opinions change over time. This luggage has lasted multiple flights and transfers. With stopovers, I’ve taken my Hybrid check-in medium luggage on six flights.

The carry-ons look like they are brand new. So, there is no need to worry. The check-in bag suffered some scuffs once I picked it at my first stop. The bag comes with some swag. “magic eraser”It helped to remove some of those scuff marks.

If you really want to keep your luggage in the best condition possible, you can purchase a luggage cover. In my case, I don’t really care if my luggage has some minor imperfections, just as long as it isn’t broken.

On my first flight back, my luggage tag completely disappeared from my checked-in bag. It’s not uncommon for luggage tags to get caught on objects and for suitcases to be thrown and handled by airlines.

On the other hand, I’ve had some luggage tags that have hung onto my bags for many years. My favorite is a luggage tag with a cat theme that I bought in France in 2018. It has been on my luggage all over the world since then.

What’s Covered in the Lifetime Warranty

All Monos luggage purchased from authorized retailers or directly from Monos is covered by the lifetime warranty. The warranty covers cracked or broken shells, broken zippers and wheels, or broken handles. You can get the parts replaced if anything breaks and makes your luggage unusable.

The warranty does NOT cover cosmetic damages such as scratches, scuffs or dents. It also does not cover normal wear and tears. If your luggage still works normally, then you are not eligible to receive any replacements.

If it’s a part that you’re missing, they’ll send you the missing piece with instructions on how to replace it. If there are defective components that can’t be replaced, Monos will send you a new piece of luggage. Contact their customer support through their website using your original order.

Trial for 100 Days

Monos luggage provides a 100-day trial so you can try out your new purchase before you travel. If you don’t like anything about your luggage, you can send it back. However, you can’t travel or fly with your luggage and send it back. The suitcase should be returned in perfect shape (you can roll it around your home, but no further).

You will also receive a refund less the shipping costs for returning the luggage. Even though there is a 100-day free trial, you will have to pay a small fee to return it and receive a refund. With that said, if you choose to keep your luggage, you’re always able to take advantage of the lifetime warranty should anything happen to it.

I must say that if my complaints come down to a luggage tag and a few minor scuffs, it’s really nothing in the grand scheme. I really love my Monos luggage and wouldn’t hesitate to eventually upgrade all of my suitcases and carry-on bags in the future to their durable and sustainable products.

Thank you very much MonosThank you for supplying these pieces for review. I always give my honest opinion.

Lauren is the full time travel blogger and creator of content behind Justin Plus Lauren. She started Justin Plus Lauren back in 2013 and has traveled to more than 50 countries. Lauren is one of the first vegan travel bloggers and an expert in vegan travel. She also focuses her attention on eco-friendly travel, outdoor adventure travel and creating incredible travel itineraries in cities and small towns.