The Best Monos Luggage, Tested On The Road By Our Travel Team

To determine the best Monos luggage, we tested suitcases, weekenders and bags from the popular brand. Here are our favorites for 2025.

Share to Facebook Share to Twitter Share to Linkedin As a travel editor, I’ve used dozens of different suitcases, testing each for durability, capacity, maneuverability and more. Canadian brand Monos, one of the most popular luggage brands on the market today, often tops my list of favorites, which is why I embarked on a deeper dive of the best Monos luggage. Using my own experience and testing insights from four testers over twelve months, I narrowed down the top models from the line, including the Carry-On, the Check-In Medium and the Metro Backpack. Canadian brand Monos often tops our guides to the best luggage, which is why I decided to do a ... More deeper dive into the best Monos luggage. Illustration: Forbes / Images: Retailer To determine the best Monos suitcase, I consulted a travel expert and also enlisted a panel of expert testers (including myself) to give hands-on insights, with a focus on durability and craftsmanship. Our Top Recommendations Carry-On Suitcase: Monos Carry-On Bigger Carry-On Suitcase With Laptop Pocket: Monos Carry-On Pro Plus Mid-Size Checked Suitcase: Monos Check-In Medium Weekender Bag: Monos Metro Weekender Duffel Bag: Monos Carry-All Duffel Commuter Backpack: Monos Metro Backpack Along with its modern design and functional features, Monos differentiates itself from other brands on the market with a focus on sustainability. All of the suitcases and bags are crafted with vegan leather, partially recycled fabrics, and packaging that’s either recyclable or reusable. Below, our selections for the best Monos luggage of 2025. (Check out our guide to best luggage, according to our travel team.) Carry-On Suitcase Durable Exterior With Smooth-Rolling Wheels Monos Carry-On Forbes Vetted Forbes Vetted ratings are based on thorough evaluations by our editorial team to help you choose the best products with confidence. Dimensions: 22 x 14 x 9 inches | Weight: 7 pounds | Capacity: 28 liters | Materials: Aerospace-grade, water-resistant polycarbonate hard shell made from partially recycled materials Shorter trips (3 to 4 days) Stylish look Durable exterior You need an exterior pocket “Everything about this suitcase feels like there was serious thought behind it,” says our tester of the Monos Carry-On. “Its wheels roll smoothly over just about any surface, the polycarbonate shell is extremely durable while still looking very sleek and fashionable, and the TSA luggage lock is intuitive and keeps my belongings secure.” This suitcase is built with an ergonomic handle and also comes with laundry and shoe bags that make packing a breeze. Our tester was particularly impressed by its compression pad, which allows travelers to squeeze even more items in while also doubling as a garment bag. “As an over-packer, I also got a lot of mileage out of the internal compression system,” says our tester. "I was able to fit in a lot of outfits for a wedding weekend, and I still had plenty of room to spare." Bigger Carry-On Suitcase With Laptop Pocket Functional, Roomy And Business-Friendly Monos Carry-On Pro Plus Forbes Vetted Forbes Vetted ratings are based on thorough evaluations by our editorial team to help you choose the best products with confidence. Dimensions: 23 x 15 x 9.5 inches | Weight: 8.38 pounds | Capacity: 36 liters | Materials: Aerospace-grade, water-resistant polycarbonate hard shell made from partially recycled materials Mid-length trips (6 to 8 days) Business travelers Durable, hardside luggage You’re traveling on small planes with weight restrictions or limited overhead bin space Our tester was impressed with the durability, size and design details of the slightly larger Monos Carry-On Pro Plus, which comes with an extra eight liters of storage space compared to our top overall carry-on pick, the Carry-On, but still meets size restrictions on most major airlines. It also has an easy-to-reach laptop compartment: “Its built-in front compartment kept my 16-inch laptop protected—the easy access was a big time-saver as I went through security,” our tester says. With a hard shell crafted from Monos’ signature aerospace-grade, water-resistant polycarbonate material, this suitcase can also withstand wear and tear. Useful details—like the vegan leather grab handles, anti-microbial lining made from recycled polyester, three interior zippered pockets and 360-degree spinner wheels—make this suitcase as functional as it is good looking. Mid-Size Checked Suitcase Classic And Functional Monos Check-In Medium Forbes Vetted Forbes Vetted ratings are based on thorough evaluations by our editorial team to help you choose the best products with confidence. Dimensions: 26.5 x 18.5 x 10.5 inches | Weight: 9.59 pounds | Capacity: 70 liters | Materials: Aerospace-grade, water-resistant polycarbonate hard shell made from partially recycled materials Longer trips that call for a spacious but not too big option Classic, streamlined design Long-lasting, hardside luggage You want more or less packing space and want to size up or down For a classic style that provides a large enough size for an extended trip but not too large a size to add bulk, the Monos Check-In Medium earns high marks. “I traveled with this bag on a two-and-a-half-week trip to Australia and found it to be a great option that wasn’t overly big,” says our tester, who usually travels with just a carry-on bag. “I also liked that the brand’s smaller suitcases can nest nicely inside this piece for easy storage at home.” Like the many models from the line, this suitcase is quite durable and features the same great design details, like anti-microbial lining, a large interior pocket for shoes and toiletries and a divider with compression straps. However, our tester did find that it showed scuffs easily when checked; if that’s a concern, we recommend opting for a darker color. Weekender Bag Sleek And Soft-Sided Monos Metro Weekender Forbes Vetted Forbes Vetted ratings are based on thorough evaluations by our editorial team to help you choose the best products with confidence. Dimensions: 19.25 x 10.5 x 14.75 inches | Weight: 5.18 pounds (nylon) 5.34 pounds (vegan leather) | Materials: Water and scratch resistant premium nylon twill or ultra-microfiber vegan leather Weekend or short work trips Trips that requires compact, soft-sided luggage Those who appreciate many different compartments and pockets You want a lightweight weekender bag This soft-sided weekender is a solid option for shorter trips or journeys where hardside luggage isn’t necessary or allowed. (Some safari planes, for instance, have very specific baggage restrictions.) “I tested this bag on a recent weekend trip and especially liked its bottom zippered compartment lined with a water-resistant material, where I stored shoes, toiletries and a damp swimsuit that I didn’t have time to dry out on my last day,” says our tester. She notes that the interior offers a roomy main space as well as multiple pockets for smaller items. Versatile And Spacious Monos Carry-All Duffel Forbes Vetted Forbes Vetted ratings are based on thorough evaluations by our editorial team to help you choose the best products with confidence. Dimensions: 16.3 x 11.2 x 7.2 inches | Weight: 4.14 | Material: Vegan leather Work or weekend trips Using as a personal item bag You prefer a duffel that’s softer; the vegan leather material is pretty stiff The Metro Duffel is versatile enough to be used for work commutes, the gym or an overnight trip. It also features a detachable pouch on the front of the duffel to store a wallet and passport or e-reader. The trolley handle sleeve fits easily over any suitcase handle and converts to an extra pocket. “I ran through the airport with this bag over my shoulder and seamlessly made it to my gate without feeling like anything would fly out,” says our tester. “The bag is spacious, has plenty of pockets and securely slides over the handle of my carry-on when I’m traveling with a suitcase.” The duffel bag’s interior sleeve also holds a 15-inch laptop, and its side pockets can store a water bottle or compact umbrella. Commuter Backpack Great For Urban Getaways Monos Metro Backpack Forbes Vetted Forbes Vetted ratings are based on thorough evaluations by our editorial team to help you choose the best products with confidence. Dimensions: 11.5 x 16.5 x 6 inches | Weight: 2.4 pounds (nylon) / 3 pounds (vegan leather) | Materials: Water and scratch resistant premium nylon twill or ultra-microfiber vegan leather Day trips, commutes and brief city trips Business travelers who want an alternative to a tote or briefcase You’re looking for a multi-purpose backpack you can take hiking A backpack is essential for hands-free mobility while traveling, and this sleek style made from buttery-soft vegan leather or nylon twill is a great option for day trips. “I was most impressed by its many different pockets and storage options,” says our tester, who compared it to the Metro Duffel thanks to its detachable pouch on the front that can hold smaller essentials. “There’s an exterior sleeve on the back that fits a 15-inch laptop, so I didn’t even have to open the bag to access it while going through security,” she says. The backpack is also built with slim, zippered pockets on the interior, as well as elasticized pouches made for storing a water bottle. On top of it all, it also features a hidden interior compartment lined with a waterproof fabric where you can stuff damp gym clothes or a swimsuit. RECOMMENDED BYFORBES VETTED These Are The Best Travel Toiletry Bags To Keep Essentials Organized Astrid Taran The Best Rolling Backpacks For Travel, Reviewed By Our Editors Katherine Louie Other Monos Pieces We Liked While we tested over a dozen pieces of Monos luggage, not every piece could make our final list. Below, the pieces that our testers felt were still worthy of a recommendation. Monos Metro Mini Crossbody: Our tester was a fan of this compact bag, which she says was “small enough to easily fit into my carry-on, and in the evenings was ideal for storing my phone, cards and a couple of other small essentials.” Monos Metro Cosmetics Case: With a structured oval design that looks just as elegant sitting on a bathroom countertop as it does in a suitcase, our tester praised this cosmetics case for its “sturdy exterior and two-way zipper closure that kept fragile cosmetics and accessories protected—I didn’t have to worry about leaking sunscreen tubes or liquid spills.” Monos Metro Duffel: Our tester says, “This makes me feel instantly put together. It’s compact but surprisingly spacious, and I love how it secures onto my suitcase without wobbling around. It’s ideal for short trips or when I’m carrying extra gear.” Why Trust Forbes Vetted The Forbes Vetted travel team has written and published dozens of luggage and product stories based on rigorous research and firsthand testing. We have extensive experience covering not only the best suitcases, but the best weekender bags, travel totes, personal item bags and more travel must-haves that make any journey seamless and stress-free. This story was written by Forbes Vetted senior travel editor Astrid Taran, an 8-year industry veteran who’s visited over 40 countries and traveled with all types of suitcases—including several of the Monos pieces on this list. This story was edited by Forbes Vetted deputy editor Jane Sung, who 0versees the travel section and has covered the category for over a decade. She has traveled with her Monos Carry-On extensively. For additional insights, Taran spoke with Jessica Morrobel, a content creator and frequent traveler who documents her journeys at Traveling With Jessica. Morrobel, who has traveled with many Monos pieces, shared some of her personal favorite products from the line. How We Tested The Best Monos Luggage To determine the best Monos luggage, our team selected 12 products to test from the brand’s best-selling items. The team was then given a rubric of specifications to evaluate for each product. In selecting the best picks for each category, our testers considered multiple factors, including size, weight, materials, storage options, durability, maneuverability and the type of trip or traveler the piece would be best suited for. Our testers closely examined the interior and exterior features of each bag and tested how each style fares on long-haul and short weekend trips to narrow down the best Monos luggage. 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