When traveling, backpacks and carry-on bags can go “mano a mano” — which is best for a long weekend?
In our case, the Monos Metro backpack and the carry-on bag of the same brand are actually travel besties, working in harmony to get you where you need to go while staying organized the whole way.
Ahead of a long weekend in upstate New York, we wanted to put both bags to the test. As seen in our other luggage review, we packed the larger Béis suitcase to the brim, so being faced with a mini carry-on and a smaller backpack would be a challenge.
Starting with the Monos Metro, the viral bag has been spotted all over TikTok and Instagram, both for the aesthetic look of the sleek leather, but also for it’s ability to be used as a travel bag one day and an office commuter bag the next.
The carry-on we chose was a delicious one, as it came from the Monos x Magnolia Bakery color collection we write about a few months back. Same as above, the color was stunning and unique, plus the packing features made the suitcase really stand out.
Read on for the breakdown of the brand, pricing and our review while on the road.
- What is Monos and how does it compare to other brands?
- How much does Monos cost?
- Our review of the Monos Metro backpack and the Monos Carry-On
What is Monos and how does it compare to other brands?
All luggage brands are not the same. Our staff here at The Post has tried a whole bunch of bags, from Away to Béis, each with something else to offer.
In the case of Monos, a few things stand out. The company places value on simplicity, choice and sustainability. The streamlined design of their luggage and bags is purposeful, explained on their site as being for the mindful traveller with a timeless approach to luggage.
They also offer a few different choices for fabrics and design, but not too many as to be overwhelming. All their luggage comes in hard-shell, with options for carry-on, carry-on plus, check-in medium and check-in large. As for materials, they offer luggage made of polycarbonate as well as hybrid bags that also have aluminum for even more durability.
Lastly, to address sustainability you also need to take a look at the rest of their bags and materials. The Monos Metro backpack has vegan leather as an option, plus their whole operation has net zero carbon emissions and donate 1% of their revenue to non-profits in the environmental space.
Monos pricing
Monos’ pricing is pretty on par with the other new-wave luggage brands we’ve seen on the market. You have options for sizing, as seen above, as well as materials, as nylon may cost less than vegan leather and polycarbonates less than aluminum, for example.
The Monos Metro backpack comes in nylon for $200, while the vegan leather option we reviewed is $220 (but take note of on-sale colors, that actually drop below $200!)
The Monos hard-side luggage starts at $284 typically (again, watch for sales!) for the 22-inch carry-on, while the largest check-in bag starts at $395 typically. Should you opt for the Hybrid bags made with both polycarbonate and aluminum, the range goes up to $311 for the carry-on up to $435 for the largest check-in bag.
Our review of the Monos Metro backpack and the Monos Carry-On
April has been a busy one, huh? Immediately after my return from an international trip, I unpacked and traded in my larger bags for something best built for a weekend away.
This weekend in question was set to rain the entire time, so I was happy to see that both my Monos carry-on and the Metro backpack were water-resistant. Since the weekend was with my best girlfriends, I wanted to pack enough outfits and games but also be sure to have room for anything we may bring home, and of course, have enough room in the trunk to pack it all.
Starting with the Metro backpack, I immediately fell in love with the color and material, opting for the brown vegan leather. The bag felt soft, like I like my leather to be, but the actual structure of the bag was stiff enough to stand up on it’s own while I packed. It also felt supportive and protective enough for my belongings, including a padded laptop sleeve and zipper pockets that felt secure.
My favorite part of the backpack was the QuickSnap Modular Kit System, or the ability to remove the pouch on the front of the backpack and use it as a toiletry bag, tech kit or whatever else I needed. I kept it on the bag while we drove up, but then detached it with ease when I unpacked, so it could serve as a place to keep my phones and chargers on my nightside table.
The carry-on luggage already had a test drive when I packed for a Marie Kondo article and so I knew the small bag could really fit a lot, especially when you use packing cubes and tricks. The color is beautiful to look at, which is a perk already, but the matching wheels and interior make it that much more yummy.
Inside the bag is a mesh sleeve compartment, a standard compartment on the other side and a flat compression sleeve for flat objects and to protect the contents of the bag itself, once you secure the two adjustable straps and tighten them up. I also loved the TSA security lock for the zippers, which can be set easily to a three-digit passcode of your choosing.
Pros:
- Many options for colors in both the backpack and suitcase
- Fabric choices of nylon or vegan leather, or polycarbonate or aluminum
- Backpack is comfortable to wear and soft to the touch
- Plenty of compartments in both the bag and the suitcase, without being bulky or less streamlined
- TSA locks on the suitcase come in handy when flying
- Removable outer pouch on the backpack can be used or removed
- Fair prices and good quality
- The backpack has a luggage flap to easily attach to a suitcase
Cons:
- No options currently for soft-sided luggage
- The only size backpack is the standard Monos Metro — although there is a larger duffle bag
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