I just want to scream to let everyone know how amazing this particular luggage brand is. Dare I say it is even better than Samsonite, which is one of the best and most well-known luggage brands out there…

*I was not sponsored or paid for this review. This is my honest opinion and experience.

Monos, a minimalistic luggage brand originating from Canada, has won my heart. With their lifetime warranty, it is surely the best investment I have made for my travel journey. Their mission to be environmentally sustainable is honorable in my book as well. I proudly support brands that look out for our environment and the well-being of humans and animals.

My Suitcases Before Monos

I was in need of new suitcases even before I moved back to America from South Korea in May 2022. Before Korea and when moving to Korea, I used suitcases from my family. The suitcases that were passed down to me were fabric a.k.a softside. I went to Ross and purchased a large hardshell suitcase because I wanted to make sure my belongings would be well protected. So, I had a fabric carry-on, a medium fabric check-in bag, and a large hardshell check-in bag ready to bring with me for my move to Korea.

Four and a half years later, it became definite that I needed to buy new bags when I finished packing all of my belongings and had to purchase extra weight for both checked baggage. One of the wheels on the large hardshell bag was broken. The wire holding one zipper compartment together on the medium fabric suitcase had ripped out. Another zippered compartment had opened from the middle as it was overstuffed causing the zipper to explode open. Thankfully, my friend who is a packing expert, helped me move some things around and zipped that compartment back close. Lastly, the carry-on bag was holding on for dear life. I was very worried about how all of my bags would make it home safely. It would have been a nightmare if my suitcases got any more damaged and if all of my possessions poured out. Luckily, everything made it back to the states as I had shipped them.

I wish I took photos of my suitcases that ripped and were damaged. How could they be destroyed when I was simply packing and moving them? I do admit that I probably overstuffed them as I had accumulated a lot from my time living in South Korea. Nonetheless, shouldn’t they still hold up?

How I Discovered Monos

I wanted a matching set, not individual incoherent suitcases.

After moving back home from South Korea, I had plans to visit my boyfriend in South Africa about a month later. There was no way I was keeping the destructed suitcases for travel again. When I arrived home and unpacked everything, I threw the checked bags out. I kept the carry-on since the condition is still fine.

I started my Google and Amazon search for possibly my forever bags, or at least bags that would last me for 10 years. I was looking to buy one large suitcase for the time being as I did not necessarily need a set. To conserve money and space at home, I was okay with using the shared carry-on that my family has. I noted that if I see an affordable quality set of luggage, then I will consider buying a set. Besides that, my greatest desire while searching was to own my own set of luggage. I wanted a matching set, not individual incoherent suitcases. One of the factors in choosing a suitcase was the material. I decided to go with a hardshell suitcase so my belongings would be more protected. There were some decent and inexpensive bags on Amazon. But it was difficult to make a final decision even when I read reviews.

A brand that I saw quite a few influencers talk about a few years ago was Away. The brand is still popular today. But then, I found Monos, which I became more attracted to. Monos has a similar vibe to Away. However, I prefer the look and story of Monos.

The Luggage I Bought

At first, I was going to purchase one checked bag. I love a good deal on sets as well. But sadly, they do not offer a category of sets. You are able to make your own set and get a discount when you do. So, that is a plus that you can customize your set. I decided to go with a set of 3.

I bought the Carry-On, Check-in Medium, and Check-in Large suitcases in Stellar White. They are all so spacious with many compartments inside to help you organize and separate your things.

The interior features of the right side are a bit different in the medium and large check-in bags compared to the right flap of the interior in the carry-on. Instead of two separate compartments on one flap, there is one wide compartment with zippers that allow you to reach in from either side. Check out the interior of the carry-on here.

All of the suitcases that I purchased came with a canvas suitcase cover, a sponge for cleaning the outside shell, a vegan leather luggage tag, an anti-microbial laundry bag, and two shoe bags.

My Suitcase Got Damaged

On my way back home from South Africa, I flew with Qatar Airways. (Sidenote, I also highly recommend Qatar Airways! They have top-notch customer service. I love that they care about the quality of their airline and the sanitation of their airplanes.) Back to my damaged suitcase, when I arrived at my home airport and picked up my baggage. I noticed that the side with the TSA lock of my Medium checked bag was cracked. This was my first time traveling with these suitcases.

The best quick solution was to report the damage right away at Baggage Claim. I’ve read that usually if you report the damage and the baggage handlers find the damage or loss to be subject to their qualifications, then you can choose a suitcase of the same or similar value as your damaged bag in a storage room in the Baggage Claim area. I believe you can get a refund up to a certain value if you do not want to take home any of the suitcases they have.

My ride was waiting for me so I made the claim when I got home. I sent photos and documents of my luggage and trip to the corresponding service. But then I remember I can also report the damage to Monos! It was so easy to make a warranty claim! Located at the bottom of the website under the Help category, click on “Warranty”, and then “How do I make a warranty claim?”. I answered the questions that were asked and sent in photos of the damage. Within two days later, I got an email with the most sincerity and care I have ever gotten in customer service. The Monos Care Specialist confirmed with me that my address was correct and sent me a new suitcase! It was like I never lost a bag. I received my replacement within the same week. The specialist also gave me suggestions on what I could do with the old damaged bag. The interior features and the wheels can be taken apart and saved as replacements in the future. I loved how super helpful she was!

My Thoughts on the Luggage Set

I’m very happy with my purchase. I cannot express how much I appreciate the care for their customers and their product quality. You never know how rough the baggage handlers are with your bags and what possibilities there are when in transport. It’s unpredictable. I’m happy with the way Monos communicate in the emails.

I love how smooth the wheels are so they make rolling around easy. A lot of people don’t like white because it can get dirty easily. That’s where the magic sponge comes in! A little soap or wet wipe can remove scruffs too. There are many other colors you can choose of your liking. I love the interior features. I’m impressed with all the inner compartments! I was especially happy with the three bags! I have never seen other brands include laundry bags and shoe bags with their luggage. They are so convenient to have.

I would highly recommend this luggage brand Monos. What they stand for and their amazing quality products earn more than a ten out of ten from me.

Discount Link For You

Want to try Monos? You can take $20 off when you make a purchase of $200 or more with my link here! Don’t wait to take advantage of their sale as well!

Sincerely,
Amy♡