Lauren, I will say that I truly appreciate your honest reviews as since I often click on Monos ads I get a lot of Monos adverts on Instagram and RU-vid. Your honest reviews compared to emo models immobile, not smiling, not as explorers but almost as corpses..... you actually travel with your luggage!! Yay! 🎉😅❤
@WifeWulff they took promo codes away because they never worked with sales and they almost always have a sale going on. Hopefully they do for Father’s Day or even 4th of July, if you aren’t in a hurry?
@@ItsTheKellys Thank you - not in a hurry at all. I just thought I'd make sure you got a bit of a commission since you are why I'm going with Monos. I'll be sure to use your links though. Thank you for your great videos.
I so needed this video! I've been going back and forth between the carry on and the carry on plus, but couldn't decide. After watching this, I'm more likely going to go with the carry-on plus. You are the best when it comes to luggage reviews!
Big fan! Terrific video. I too love Monos. I did have the PRO and ended up selling it. I found I kept scratching the area around the zipper on the front pocket . When zipping open and closed. Plus I found if I out anything in there , it seriously ate up space on the inside. I had the Plus and sold it as it did not work internationally. So now I have the regular carry on. And just got the hybrid. Just returned from a trip to California where I packed my Monos Carry on so full that I had to sit on it to close it! No bulging. Zipper was good. Still glided perfectly. Super impressed. Have yet to travel with the Hybrid..but is sooo boujee! So rich looking. Love the latches. BTW- Monos Luggage covers are top quality. I always use the cover. Keeps my bags looking brand new.
I just wanted to come back here to say that after about a year of internal debate and countless videos I finally pulled the trigger and got the Hybrid Carry On Plus in champagne. It arrived today and is the most beautiful piece of luggage I’ve ever seen. Im going to give my Beis to my daughter. Monos is it for me. I was going back and forth between the Plus and the regular hybrid but decided on this for the extra space even though I know I will only be able to use it domestically. That’s fine with me, my go to has been the Heys Airlite for international travel, which I also bought thanks to your review. Thank you so much Lauren for your in depth reviews!
I have the original carry on and love it how the wheels slide smoothly and how light it is. We've flown internationally and managed to pack enough for a 2 week vacation. I would love a hybrid down the road.
I hope Monos takes your suggestion about an expandable bag and a lighter weight bag. I've been waiting for other brands to release lighter weight luggage to compete with the July Carry-on Light. (Or I wish that July would add a side handle on their Light and Light Expandable.) Thanks for all your reviews, Lauren! ❤
This video helped me make up my mind about the pro-plus versus the regular-plus. Thank you! I already have the regular-sized Monos carry-on, but I am looking for a slightly larger one for domestic travel. I'll skip the outer pocket! Internal room is more important to me. Your packing demonstration was just what I needed.
I love the original and the hybrid. Toronto is going to open an actual Monos store, once they do, I’m getting one for sure! Can’t wait! Great video as always Lauren, greetings from TO🤓
I've had my Monos luggage for 2 years, a Carry on Plus and Medium Check in. The Carry on Plus has been great. I've been on 4 trips and it's been in the overhead, checked in, plenty of car trunks and in the bed of a pickup truck. The wheels are extremely smooth even when rolling on brick sidewalks. The compression pad is the best part. It's sturdy and the straps are large and very securely attached so even when it's stuffed the compression pad does its job very well by pushing the clothes down. I can't report on the check in because I've never needed to use it, I've packed over a week of clothes in the Carry On Plus. It does have some minor scratches and scuffs but I think it gives it character, it shows that it's been places and not just sitting in a closet.
Thank you so much for this video. I've been doing so much research and was 99% sure I was going to buy the pro version with the extra pocket outside but this has changed my mind to go with the regular carry on :)
@@ItsTheKellys we would be so honoured to have you visit our country. Words can't describe how happy you've made us. We love you soooooo much!!!! ❤️❤️❤️❤️
excellent video - you've helped so mu h with packing the carry on and then the carry on plus. It's hard to tell what to buy from here in the UK, as USA luggage doesn't take into account that the EU is so much more strict. Maybe in the future luggage companies will also provide options for location as well as airlines? Thank you so much x
I purchased the Carry-On Pro last year and having been through 3 flights with it, I kind of regret it as I should have gotten the regular Carry-On or Carry-On Plus (saw your other video that it will fit most domestic airline sizing bins). I never have a use for the front pocket of the pro model as I always have a backpack with me as my personal item to carry most of my tech (laptop, headphones, chargers, etc.) so the sacrifice of the available packing space (36 liters vs 40 liters of the Carry-On) is very noticeable with the pro -- I also hate that if you over pack the side where the front pocket is connected to, the zipper lining on the outside will bulge out and be a little dented. After watching this video, I'm definitely going for the Hybrid Carry-On Plus due to the looks and the locking mechanism vs the conventional zippers. I also like the Carry-On Plus since it's about 12 liters bigger than my current Carry-On Pro but the Hybrid Carry-On Plus offers a much tougher build and the volume (43 liters) is a happy medium increase when compared to the volume of the Pro (36 liters) and Plus (48 liters).
I have a Monos Pro bag. It's served me well for a long time and I'm happy with it. However, on some recent flights with a budget airline they had everyone put their bags in the sizers at the gate. If you maximize your space on the inside AND use the outer pocket, the outer pocket pushes out juuuust barely enough that it won't fit into the sizer anymore (it was a a Canadian budget airline, I expect they have the same sizers as Frontier or Spirit). I'm considering getting a second carryon w/o the pocket to use on budget airlines in the future, bc losing all that space to the pocket and then needing to keep it empty stings.
I have a set of Monos luggage and I love it. The carry on's can fit so much in them. I bought this luggage because of your recommendations and I'm so glad that I did.
Hey Lauren, I've started watching your videos, really happy with them! I am a Monos person, I own the Carry-On Plus, the Carry-On Pro and the Duffle Bag. I am traveling for the first time to Europe and I am waffling between the original Carry-On (because of its weight), but am super interested in the Hybrid as my next case. My worry with the weight is I am flying Turkish Airlines who has a 17.6lb weight limit so an extra lb for the hybrid can make the difference. As an aside on this topic since you are all about packing, I would love to see a video on packing for a Turkish Airlines flight (3 1/2 week European vacation, btw).
@@ItsTheKellys Thank you so much for saying this. I have scoured the internet to find this specific answer because my flight originates in Seattle, and I have an overnight in Istanbul where I believe I can store my luggage airside for the night, so it won't have to come through Istanbul security with me the next morning. My weight should be fine for all other inter country flights and my final flight home. I watched your packing/unpacking video and you just saved me that same angst you had! :)
I have been eyeing the Monos Carry On, and you almost had me sold. However, one more online search, and I found there is a $40 return shipping fee if I end up not liking the bag. There are also multiple reports of incredibly poor customer service and poor/non-responsive communication. People are reporting receiving damaged items that Monos won't replace, as well as damage that should be covered by their warranty but isn't. That's enough for me to pass on Monos.
Actually I'm looking at the July case again! I prefer the clam set up as well which is why i was considering Monos. The extra space for packing that July offers is great...I just want to be sure that i won't have to check it in and that the wheels hold up on cobblestone. Idon't know where I will see if you respond to my comments but I'm hoping you can suggest a personal bag that will meet the International sizing. I'm having a hard time finding one that is the right size as well as having antitheft features. I look forward to your suggestions and answers !!!
I would still personally never travel with a pro bag. The new expandable, when not expanded, is now over 45 linear inches, making it oversized for international travel. Let alone if you do expand it, it will definitely be way over. So I’m not really sure what to think. The pro bag pocket still takes up packing space, and if gate checked, the pocket is useless and doesn’t lock.
Great video! I love Monos! This video makes me question if I need their packing cubes? Or are all packing cubes pretty much the same. I do have a few brands like Tripped Travel. All that luggage in the background….love 😊❤ I have the carryon plus and the medium checked. They are the best!
You are the reason I purchased the Hybrid. I absolutely love it! I'm thinking about adding the Hybrid Plus. Have you had more trouble with that one getting gate checked?
The hybrid plus I showed in this video is brand new! We will be taking it on a trip in May though (domestic) and will do an update. It’s going to be a polycarbonate vs aluminum luggage video and traveling with them both
Hi! Great video! Question: I am curious about the weight of the Hybrid Carry On when it is loaded with clothes or stuff. I am kind of concern on the international airlines with 15 lbs. carry on limit. Thank you!
I love the look of the hybrid and am considering the + version, would that fit in the domestic carry on sizers? I’m so anxious about it but I’d love the extra space.
It all depends on the airline and how the gate agent feels that day. It should work, but if they see it and you aren’t boarding priority, they may ask you to gate check it
I just bought the carry on in the terracotta which ive had my eye on for a bit.. 4th of July sale! Thank you! You are my go to for all things packing now :) Travel is my natural state.. packing is not lol .. so im grateful for your channel Lauren!
@jessicanoelle7951 with my hairstylist job and my son, I’ve only been able to leave for 2 weeks at the longest. But now with this job, and him graduating next year, I’m hoping to go longer eventually! A lot of my trips in the last few years I’ve done a packing video for!
@@ItsTheKellys Oh wow, congrats to him on his last year of school! .. Excited for you to do some longer travel :) And I just got the monos carry-on in terracotta today and it is SOOO beautiful! Better in person! I never knew luggage could feel the good when I look at it lol.. So I have the July checked in clay and this monos carry-on.. both compliments of your reviews :) oh, AND the pragma personal in black! I am one happy traveler and feel very taken care of. Getting ready for a one way ticket style travel with the July checked..after not traveling really for a few years and so happy to have the monos carry-on for a trip with more certainty :) .. I was able to take all of your advice and translate it to one large and 2 small packing cubes instead of the medium + 1 small hehe .. for the checked.. so im pretty happy about that.. I also loved the hack where you folded all of your friend's dresses together for that eurotrip vid.. makes a huge difference! Thanks again! XOXO
Dang looks like I just missed the sale 😢 did you get your terracotta in the Classic or Plus version? I want to get the same color and the mahogany leather backpack to match.
Hey Kellys! I went for #Monos based on your review, however, I am having a bad experience with this company. Ordered 2 luggages on Memorial Day and received only 1. The company has no phone to reach. Sent an email three days ago regarding the other luggage they forgot to ship and still no reply from the company. I may stick to buying from a luggage company with customer service reachable via phone. Very frustrated.
I’m so sorry that you are experiencing this. If it were me, I would consistently email and maybe even DM or comment on IG a few times to get the company’s attention. (Although I wish you didn’t have to!) Please keep me updated on what happens, I like to know this about companies I collaborate with.
I have the regular carry on and bigger hybrid in champagne. I love the hybrid so much and have gotten tons of compliments but the biggest downside - the weight. I never thought two pounds made a difference but it does if you’ve packed it to the brim (2 week vacay in carry on only) and have to take parking shuttles, shuttles from gate to plane, going down stairs to your gate when there’s no elevator (I’m looking at you MNL airport), etc. Because of this, I’m considering a lightweight bag either from July or Heys. It may not be as fancy looking, but as the one in charge of carrying the bags for two people, I’m strongly considering it. I’ll keep my hybrid for shorter, domestic trips.
@@ItsTheKellys oh thank you so much. I’ll keep an eye for this review. I’ve been wanting a Monos Pro expandable for so long. But now my only issue are the limited colours, only 3 dark colours. I want it in light blue haze. 😀
In all your travels have you found a real difference in what airlines will accept, namely between the carryon and carryon plus sizes for international travel? On my recent trip back from Australia, I had the July carryon trunk. Although I didn’t have a size problem, they did limit me on weight. Loved it! However, I was considering a hybrid plus as an alternative to my Away aluminum bigger carryon for international travel (for weight), but I wondered if the plus was more likely to get gate checked on an international flight due to size, as I like the plus size better. Thoughts?
The plus will almost always get checked for an international flight. They look so huge compared to European luggage (which is even smaller than 22 x 14 x 9) Air France laughed at me when I tried to carry on a “plus size” A few years ago!
The packing was top tier! I’m going to be traveling quite a bit more soon and I want to invest in something that will last. I’ve looked at other brands, but I keep coming back to Monos. I’m pretty much sold on the carry-on plus, but that hybrid plus is a beauty.. decisions, decisions.. 🤔🤣🤣🤣
I have a Monos carry on pro and when I put packing cubes on the side where the telescoping handle is the handle won’t go up and down. It’s so frustrating! I love it otherwise. Anyone have any solutions for that?
I have a Carry On Pro Plus and ran into the same issue though for me it was overpacking. Maybe try putting shoes on the handle side and cubes/clothes etc on the compression pad side. Cheers!
@@stevielive Yes I’ve had to always keep packing cubes on the other side now. But that’s the side with the pocket so it’s really shallow. I wouldn’t buy another Monos due to this issue. It’s really disappointing.
I’ve heard a lot of people talk about this, and I did film the test of the handles fully packed, even though I didn’t put it in the video (due to length time) and they were fine! I was really trying to investigate the type of packing one has to do to have the issue, and I have yet to figure it out, but I hope to soon
I’m curious if you have the front pocket but don’t put anything in it, do you gain any of that internal space back? I don’t necessarily always need a front pocket but I like to have it as an option.
I Am curious ti know how well can your pull out the handle with so much stuff compressed on that aside of the luggage …. I had to return My carry in poor because of that
I plan on making a video about that, due to a lot of people saying that. I’ve tested all 7 so many times, even overpacked, old and new suitcases. While packing all of these, even the new ones, they have still been great. I just kept it out of the video because it was so long already.
They don’t do the codes anymore unfortunately. But the good news is, they almost always have sales every month, and my 5% off code wasn’t helpful with the sale, so hopefully you find an awesome deal then!
Great video! Does the interior fabric have a chemical smell like many other luggage lines? I am trying to find luggage that doesn't have that smell. I hate when it transfers to my clothes too. Please let me know. Thanks so much!
Hello! Just subscribed to your channel. I’ve been enjoying your videos very much 😊 Have you ever considered any of the Delsey carryon bags? Would love to see how they compare to the Level 8, Monos, July, etc. I’m planning on getting a new international size carryon, but there are so many and some are very expensive…will need to buy more than 1, actually 4 total for my 2 sons and husband. We are planning a Mediterranean cruise for next year. Any advice is welcome ❤
I’ve tried reaching out to Delsey several times with no answer. The only pro of Delsey that I know of is the zipper that you cannot break into. Otherwise I dislike the inside a lot.
Oh, thanks, I didn’t know about the zipper feature, but I agree with you on the inside as there’s no compression panel. It’s just that the great red fabric in the inside gets me 😂
How do you clean your bags?? I just took my on their first international trip and they are absolutely trashed with scuffs! I put a lot of elbow grease in with a heavy duty magic eraser and they still aren't back to their pre-trip appearance
I love all the Monos carry on comparison. I keep debating if all my clothes would fit on the hybrid as it is a bit smaller than the regular. Said that, does the hybrid plus, not counting the foot and the locker would be the same size as the regular? Would you believe that would be allowed on all flights?
Anything “plus” won’t fit on all flights. The hybrid regular size and the carry on regular size are almost the same, but the carry on is a tad wider, and a tad shorter when it comes to packing space
Hi, love this review, have a question. I was excited by your love for the Monos Hybrid Carry On and got one. While packing tonight, for its maiden voyage in the morning, the handle stopped working. If I fight really really hard it sort of works but stays stuck most of the time. Anyone else getting this? Any tips? Since I leave in the morning I have to deal with it for this trip but wondering for future trips. Thanks, love your channel!
So sorry to hear this. I would be very interested in hearing how their customer service handles this when you return. My hope is that it will fall under their warranty and they will replace your bag. I have heard mixed reviews on the Customer Service . Please let us know :-)
Question, can you fit everything in the pro if you leave the outside pocket empty? Curious because sometimes I might need my laptop and sometimes I don't but if I only had one I'm curious if everything would fit if that outer pocket was empty when I don't need my laptop
I have a traditional soft carry-on w/ external pocket and only use the external pocket for my damp slides (I dry them as best I can after showering, but are never fully dried in time to check-out of hotel). I was thinking of getting the Expandable Carry-On Pro (they have “Expandable” series now on their website), and simply using the exterior pocket for my damp slides to keep the damp smell away from the interior. I am curious what your suggested solution is for any damp clothing (or slides in my case) for the Classic (Non-Pro) Carry-On w/o exterior pocket? Is it simply inevitable for any dampness odour infiltrate the entire interior? Thanks!
Can you compare the regular monos carry on to the Heyes bag (not lightweight) for packing space. While expansion is great for returning from trips I’m trying to decide if the better compression of monos = the same capacity as the unexpanded heyes bag or if I would still have some more room. We are flying air Canada to Rome and I’m trying to be carry on only. As a historic vb over packer this is challenging, so I’m looking to maximize space on the trip out.
Would the carry-on plus work for Air Canada and Westjet? On the Monos website when you click “airline compatibility” for the carry-on plus it shows check marks for both Air Canada and Westjet, but both of their dimension restrictions are less than the carry-on plus dimensions 😅
I’m not too familiar with west jet, as we don’t have their bin at my local airport, but there is a video where I took all of the monos bags to the sizers and air canada and plus size carry on’s are not friends. Their bin is *subjective* as it’s more of a “crate” than a solid box, so sometimes it can fit, but the wheels stick out, therefore making it not stick. Air Canada is very very strict, I would not recommend it
Do you have a discount code? I’m purchasing a terracotta carry on and a mahogany leather backpack. Do those two match well in your opinion? I’m still debating on sizing so this video is very helpful!
Thank you for this great review! Getting ready for a 3-week European trip and I'm only bringing a backpack and a carry-on. After a lot of research, I bought the Monos Pro, Monos Hybrid, and July Pro to see which one I liked best. My fav is the Monos Hybrid and that's the one I want to keep, but I'm a little uncertain if that'll be big enough. I would just get the Hybrid Plus, but worry that I won't be able to use it as a carry-on piece (flying business class on Singapore Airlines). So now I''m considering getting the July Carry-on Trunk to see if that might be a smidge bigger (?). Any suggestions? Btw, I'm a new subscriber to your channel, but have watched most of your reviews already...love, love, love your videos! You bring such a smile to my face with everything you do during your reviews...thank you! :)
Hi Lauren, I recently bought the original and I noticed that the handles do not extend all the way up when I pack it the way you demonstrated in your video. Do you have the same issue? I’m hoping it’s a defect and I can exchange it bcuz I love the bag otherwise
I have heard other people say this too, and I have tried every single one of my bags, packed full and even overpacked and don’t have the issue. I even ordered 2 brand new ones to see if it’s a newer manufacturer defect. So I’m not sure how to advise, but I know that you’re not alone in experiencing this
*_champaign_* (hint hint Santa) I chose to prepare storm margaritas during the pro minutes. No interest in that odd door that just takes up space and clutters IMO. Hybrid trunk would be my first choice and then the basic carry-on in any base color would be my second choice.
Love Monos after hearing all your past reviews. Used my carry on for the first time this spring. It was PACKED coming home and it did affect the handle. It wouldn’t extend all the way. Had to go back in and repack a bit. Then it was fine.
I'm still torn on Hybrid vs. regular. This really helped me decide I didn't want the pro after all. I have a cheaper brand that has an expansion but the zipper on the expansion busted and the zipper compartment inside the fabric tore away from the zipper leaving a hole. I like the idea of the hybrid for it's lack of zipper but I like the space of the regular. Decisions decisions.....
I think the biggest difference is going to obviously be the zipper, the fact that the hybrid is slimmer, and heavier. I really love both, but I’m more likely to use the hybrid (and have several times!)
We don’t have promo codes anymore, but they go on sale a lot, and our code didn’t work with sales anyway, so hopefully what you want is included in their current sale!
They now have expandable carry ons at Monos!Recently picked up the carry on Plus after using July carry on pro on many international trips. Initial feel feels less durable than July but time will tell. Thank you for all of your guidance!
