Monos Luggage Review: Here’s What I Love (and Don’t Love)

Is Monos luggage 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. There have been broken wheels. Missing wheels. 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 simple, clean and timeless. The luggage is built to last for 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 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 a total breeze, too. There’s no additional customs or fees to worry about, and the package arrived at lightning speed.

They’re Sustainable

They are passionate about sustainability and upholding ethical business practices. In fact, Monos is one of the first luggage brands to gain Climate Neutral Certification and they are members of 1% for the Planet.

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

They’re Vegan

Last, Monos is a 100% vegan company. They are committed to being cruelty-free. Monos uses high quality materials made from plants in place of animal products, from the bags themselves to the smaller components like tags and detailing. As someone who has long followed a vegan lifestyle, I love how I can feel confident shopping for Monos luggage across their whole 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 Check-In Luggage offers the perfect combination of durable and lightweight baggage, making it the optimal choice for your worldwide travels.

Monos claims that this luggage is “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 Luggage in the champagne colour. First, I was impressed with how classy and stylish this suitcase looks; I really love the colour of it. You can also opt for a classic black or silver suitcase.

I feel that the champagne shade stands out a bit against the other bags coming out of 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 feel extra secure and durable, and the telescopic handle glides with ease. The 360 degree spinner wheels rolled across the airport and cobblestone streets without any issues. 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 Tote is my new favourite travel bag that is coming pretty much everywhere with me. If I’m looking for a larger purse or bag, it’s coming along for the adventure. It might be a trip across town for the day or a weekend road trip. I chose the Metro Tote in the shade of ivory.

In the case of airline travel, I love how the Metro Tote fits right beneath the seat in front of you with no need to take up space in 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 I carried on the Metro Tote and Metro Belt Bag. 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 that I could board the plane without the worry of having my carry-on bag denied overhead space and forced into becoming a checked bag by the flight attendants.

Next, this bag fits so much, for real! I had a bathing suit, cover-up, pair of flip-flops, DSLR camera, DJI Pocket 3 Osmo camera, water bottle, small toiletry bag, plane snacks, and more. There are numerous zipped pockets both on the interior and exterior of the bag. Everything about the Metro Tote just makes sense. 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. You can bring this with you everywhere. When we recently stayed at a resort, I brought this belt bag all over the resort and the island with me because it was great for storing my room key, credit card, lip balm and smartphone.

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

When flying, I wore it across my body and sometimes stored it inside my Metro Tote bag. 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 four different colours: black, ivory (I have this one), tan and mahogany. You can match the Metro Belt Bag to your Metro Tote bag.

My Small Critiques about Monos Luggage

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. For the most part, this luggage has withstood multiple flights and transfers. With stopovers, my Hybrid Check-in Medium luggage has traveled on six planes now.

The carry-on bags are looking fresh and just like new, so there are no concerns there. The check-in bag, however, endured some scuffs after I picked it up upon arriving in my first destination. The bag comes with a little “magic eraser” that helped get some of the scuff marks out.

If you are really concerned about keeping your luggage in pristine condition, 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 home, the luggage tag totally disappeared from my check-in bag. These things happen, of course, as luggage tags can get caught on things and suitcases get thrown around and manhandled by the airlines.

On the other hand, I’ve had some luggage tags that have hung onto my bags for many years. My favourite is a cat-themed luggage tag that I bought in France back in 2018 that has traveled on my luggage around the world ever since.

What’s Covered in the Lifetime Warranty

The lifetime warranty covers all Monos luggage purchased directly from the company and any authorized third-party retailers. The warranty covers cracks or breaks in the shell, broken zippers, broken wheels or broken handles. If anything breaks off and renders the luggage unusable, you can get those parts replaced.

The warranty does not cover any cosmetic damages like scratches, scuffs, dents, stains or normal wear and tear. Basically, if the luggage still functions normally, you are not eligible for anything to be replaced.

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. To make a claim, contact their customer service through their website with your original order number.

100 Day Trial

Monos luggage offers a 100 day trial where you can test your new purchase at home 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 must be returned in perfect condition (roll it around your house, but not beyond that).

Also, the shipping cost to return the luggage will be deducted from your total refund. While there is a free 100 day trial, it will still come at a small cost to return and receive the 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 so much to Monos for providing these pieces for review. My opinions are always completely my own.