The purpose of the pad that you removed is to compress and hold in the contents of that side of the clamshell so they don’t spill out when you open the suitcase. The mesh pouches on the pad provide additional storage for small and thin items, such as papers, a swimsuit, etc. As a general strategy, you want to put compressible items (clothes) on that side of the suitcase, and non-compressible items on the side with the zippered cover.
Thanks for this comparison, good video. I do think this is a mismatched review comparison because the “Pro” line of the Monos Carry On’s are for a particular customer, mainly the “Pro’s” whom don’t wanna have a personal bag to carry their tech, and/or the customer who truly wants a “one package” experience. Whereas their standard Carry On, or even their “Hybrid” line is a more fair comparison to this Away Carry On: both don’t have a front pocket & are designed for the same approach & philosophy to packing.
I don't love the outside pocket. If I'm going carry-on only, I want all the space I can get in that carry on. I don't want to keep my tablet or wallet in that bag, because it's going on the overhead storage where I can't access it in flight. Plus, if they have to check your roller because there's no room in the overhead bins, you still have to take out all your electronics and get them into a personal item. I'd rather keep all my electronics in my personal item to start with and have a little more room in the suitcase for clothing.
You realize that the top pannels that you don't use are there for both Organization and compression. On the opposite side, you have the zippered panel holding things in, one presumes that you want to keep your stuff in the bag when opening, and the pannel and the straps in unison can compress down that side of the bag...
Just a reminder that BOTH cases are not carry-on compliant for most North American airlines and definitely NOT for the vast majority of overseas airlines. As an example, neither will fit in a Bombaridier Dash 8 Q400 nor a regional CRJ 200. Example AIrCanada 21.5" x 15.5" x 9" ... Will they fit in "most" overhead bins, yes, but they are too long and won't fit on the edge into the new bins .. you have to put them flat or across, ... don't be that Passegner takin' up extra space :... are they compliant no ... and could get checked at the gate ... definitely. +250 flights a year and I see it happen all the time when space is tight. ... So what do I use? ... Pelican 1510 hard case. ... Just a thought.
I have to use the Bigger Carry-On. It only ever includes documents and files (many sensitive in nature) which always gets maxxed out spacewise - domestic and international year-round. Cannot risk checking them in ever.
@@BegsYourPardon Yikes! ... that must be heavy. I have a flight bag (like an old catalogue case) I use sometime as the "personal item" ... but I'm lucky, it is actually slim enough to fit in the "personal Item" sizer thingy. Like you, .. I cannot check one of my bags as it has documents in it. Safe travels!