Hey there fellow fashionistas and travel lovers! If you‘re anything like me, you‘re always on the hunt for the perfect luggage to accompany you on all your adventures. Well, I‘ve spent countless hours researching and personally testing out two of the most popular direct-to-consumer luggage brands on the market – Monos and Away – and I‘m here to give you my honest, unfiltered opinions.
In this ultimate showdown, we‘ll dive deep into the details of each brand, from their company background to their product offerings, materials, features, prices, and more, so you can decide which one comes out on top for your specific needs and style. Consider me your personal luggage shopper – by the end of this, you‘ll have all the info you need to confidently click "add to cart" on your dream travel companion. Let‘s get into it!
The Contenders
Monos: The Canadian Underdog
First up, we have Monos – a relatively new player in the luggage game that‘s quickly making waves for their stylish, streamlined designs and premium quality. Founded in 2018 by friends Victor Tam and Hubert Chan, Monos is based in Vancouver, Canada with a mission to inspire intentional travel through carefully considered, beautifully crafted pieces. The name "Monos" comes from the Japanese concept of "mono no aware" which means "a profound appreciation of the beauty in fleeting moments" – a sentiment that perfectly captures the brand‘s ethos.
What sets Monos apart is their obsessive attention to detail. Every element of their suitcases, from the whisper-quiet wheels to the buttery soft vegan leather trim, is thoughtfully designed for an effortless, luxurious travel experience. They take a "less is more" approach, focusing on a highly edited collection of classic silhouettes in neutral tones that won‘t go out of style. And with their direct-to-consumer model, Monos is able to offer a level of quality you‘d expect from premium legacy brands, without the markup.
Away: The Millennial-Favorite Unicorn
On the other side of the ring, we have Away – the brand that arguably put the direct-to-consumer luggage trend on the map. Founded in 2015 by Warby Parker alums Jen Rubio and Steph Korey, Away quickly became a cult-favorite among millennials for their playful branding, innovative features, and affordable price point. In just a few short years, they‘ve grown into a billion-dollar travel brand with a fiercely loyal following.
Away‘s appeal lies in their fun, relatable voice and community-driven approach. They don‘t just sell suitcases, they sell a travel lifestyle. Through smart social media marketing, strategic partnerships, and experiential retail stores, Away has positioned themselves as the go-to brand for the modern jetsetter who wants to explore the world in style. Their extensive range of products, from hardshell spinners to weekenders and travel accessories, offer something for every type of trip and traveler.
Suitcase Showdown
Now that you have some context on each brand, let‘s get into the nitty gritty of how their products actually stack up. We‘ll be focusing specifically on carry-on suitcases since these are the most popular and universally useful luggage items.
Size & Weight
Both Monos and Away offer carry-on suitcases in two sizes: The Carry-On (21.7" x 13.7" x 9" ) and the Carry-On Plus / Bigger Carry-On (22.7" x 14.7" x 9.6"). These dimensions fit within the most common airline size restrictions, but it‘s always a good idea to double check your specific airline‘s requirements before traveling.
In terms of weight, the Monos Carry-On clocks in at a super lightweight 7.01 lbs, while the Away Carry-On is slightly heavier at 7.6 lbs. The difference is marginal, but could be a deciding factor if you‘re looking to maximize your packing capacity.
Materials & Durability
Both brands‘ luggage is made from high-quality polycarbonate hard shells that are lightweight, ultra-durable, and impact-resistant. Monos uses German Makrolon polycarbonate which is known for its superior strength-to-weight ratio, while Away sources their polycarbonate from China.
I‘ve personally put both of these suitcases through the wringer on multiple trips – throwing them in overhead bins, checking them, rolling them across cobblestone streets – and I can confidently say they hold up exceptionally well. The shells may show some minor scuffs and scratches over time (it‘s inevitable), but the integrity of the suitcase is never compromised.
One key difference is that Monos offers a completely vegan-friendly product made with high-quality vegan leather trim, while Away uses genuine leather accents. This could be a pro or con depending on your personal values and preferences.
Wheels & Maneuverability
The smooth-rolling, 360-degree spinner wheels are one of the standout features on both Monos and Away suitcases. I‘ve wheeled these babies through many a busy airport and city street, and I‘m always impressed by how effortlessly they glide. No arm workout required!
If I had to give a slight edge, I‘d say Monos‘ wheels are even more buttery smooth and whisper-quiet than Away‘s. They use Hinomoto wheels from Japan which are widely considered the best in the industry. However, Away‘s wheels are still plenty sturdy and smooth, so the difference is negligible.
Handles & Zippers
Another area where Monos and Away excel is in their telescopic handles and zippers. Both brands use strong, ergonomic aluminum handles with 4 height settings to accommodate travelers of all sizes. The handles have minimal wiggle and a soft-touch grip that‘s comfortable to hold for long periods of time.
As for the zippers, Monos uses ultra-smooth, puncture-proof YKK zippers from Japan, while Away‘s zippers are slightly more clunky but still very durable. Both suitcases also feature TSA-approved combination locks for added security.
Interior Organization
When it comes to the inside of the suitcase, both brands offer thoughtful organization features to help you maximize packing space and keep your belongings tidy.
Monos suitcases have a soft, anti-microbial fabric lining with two compartments – one open side and one zippered side with compression straps. The zippered side also has a small pocket for stashing toiletries or other small items. I appreciate the simplicity of this layout and find it very easy to pack and unpack.
Away suitcases have a similar interior setup with two compartments, compression straps, and a hidden laundry bag. However, one unique feature is the built-in nylon "compression pad" that helps you squeeze in a few extra items. I find this feature slightly gimmicky (packing cubes work just as well for compression), but it‘s a nice extra touch.
Special Features
Here‘s where the two brands start to diverge a bit. Monos is all about keeping things simple and streamlined, so you won‘t find a ton of bells and whistles. Their focus is on nailing the essentials and elevating the overall user experience through luxury touches like the vegan leather trim and ultra-smooth zipper pulls.
Away, on the other hand, offers some unique tech-y features that are worth mentioning. The most notable is the removable battery pack on their Carry-On With Battery model, which allows you to charge your devices on the go. As someone who‘s constantly draining my phone battery while traveling, I find this feature super handy. Just keep in mind that the battery must be removed when gate checking the bag.
Away also offers a fun array of limited-edition colors and collaborations with artists and designers, which adds a playful element to their collection. If you like to make a statement with your luggage, Away definitely has more options in that department.
Price
Now for the moment of truth – how do these suitcases compare in terms of price? Here‘s a quick breakdown:
| Brand | Carry-On | Carry-On Plus/Bigger Carry-On |
|---|---|---|
| Monos | $275 USD | $295 USD |
| Away | $275 USD | $295 USD |
As you can see, the prices are exactly the same for both brands‘ carry-on options. This is pretty impressive considering the level of quality and features you get with each suitcase. It‘s a testament to the direct-to-consumer model that cuts out the middleman markup.
Of course, the price is just one factor to consider when making a purchase decision. It‘s important to weigh all the features, aesthetics, and brand values to determine which suitcase is the best overall value for you.
X-Factors
Now that we‘ve compared the nitty gritty details of the suitcases themselves, let‘s take a step back and look at some of the bigger picture "X-factors" that set Monos and Away apart.
Sustainability
In today‘s world, sustainability is an increasingly important consideration for many consumers. Both Monos and Away have taken steps to reduce their environmental impact, but Monos definitely has the edge in this department.
As a proudly Canadian company, Monos has sustainability built into their DNA. In addition to using vegan leather and recycled materials in their packaging, they also offset 100% of the carbon emissions from every shipment. They‘re also committed to ethical labor practices and partner with factories that prioritize the wellbeing of their workers.
Away has also made some progress on the sustainability front, such as incorporating recycled materials into their designs and partnering with organizations like Global Glimpse and Peace Direct. However, they‘ve faced some criticism in the past for their use of single-use plastics in packaging and lack of transparency around labor practices.
Community & Brand Voice
One area where Away really shines is in their community-building and brand voice. Through their clever social media marketing, experiential stores, and unique partnerships (like the mini-suitcase giveaway with Rashida Jones), Away has cultivated a loyal tribe of travel-lovers who view the brand as more than just a suitcase company.
Their voice is playful, relatable, and inclusive – they make you feel like you‘re part of a cool group of globetrotting friends. I always enjoy Away‘s fun and informative content, from their destination guides to packing tips and interviews with interesting travelers.
Monos, on the other hand, has a more understated and sophisticated brand voice that speaks to their focus on timeless quality and intentional travel. While they don‘t have the same level of community engagement as Away, they do have a strong presence among fashion and design enthusiasts who appreciate their elevated aesthetic.
Customer Experience
Both Monos and Away pride themselves on providing a top-notch customer experience, with friendly and responsive customer service teams, easy online ordering, and hassle-free returns.
I‘ve personally had great experiences with both brands‘ customer service – they‘re quick to respond to questions and concerns, and they go above and beyond to ensure customer satisfaction. When my Away suitcase arrived with a small scratch, they immediately sent me a replacement no questions asked.
One slight advantage Away has in the customer experience department is their network of physical retail stores in major cities like New York, LA, and London. These stores offer a chance to see and feel the products in person before buying, which can be a huge plus if you‘re unsure about sizing or color. They also host fun events and pop-ups that create a sense of community.
Monos is strictly an online retailer at this point, but they offer a generous 100-day trial period and free returns, so you can easily test out the suitcase in the comfort of your own home. They also have a showroom in Vancouver if you happen to be in the area.
The Verdict
Phew, that was a lot of information to unpack (pun intended)! If you‘ve made it this far, you‘re probably wondering – so which suitcase should I actually buy? The truth is, you can‘t go wrong with either Monos or Away. Both brands offer exceptional quality, thoughtful design, and great value for the price.
That said, if I had to pick a winner based on my personal experience and preferences, I‘d have to give the slight edge to Monos. I‘m a sucker for their minimalist aesthetic, vegan leather trim, and sustainability commitments. I also find their suitcases to be ever-so-slightly more luxurious and enjoyable to use on a tactile level – from the buttery-smooth zippers to the whisper-quiet wheels.
However, if you‘re someone who values community, loves fun brand collabs and colorways, and wants the option to see the suitcases in person before buying, Away could be the better choice for you. Their removable battery is also a huge plus if you‘re a tech-savvy traveler who wants to stay charged on the go.
My Monos & Away Picks
If you‘re ready to take the plunge on a Monos or Away suitcase, here are my top picks from each brand:
Monos
- Carry-On Pro ($322 USD) – For serious travelers who need a bit of extra packing space and organization, without sacrificing style.
- Hybrid Carry-On ($313 USD) – A great option if you want the benefits of both a hardside and softside in one sleek package.
Away
- The Bigger Carry-On With Pocket ($295 USD) – Perfect for longer trips or chronic overpackers. The external pocket is handy for stashing your passport, phone, and other essentials.
No matter which suitcase you choose, I hope this in-depth comparison has armed you with all the information you need to make an informed decision. At the end of the day, the best luggage is the one that makes you excited to travel and confidently take on any adventure that comes your way.
I‘d love to hear about your experiences with Monos and Away luggage – share your thoughts in the comments below and let‘s keep the conversation going! And if you found this showdown helpful, be sure to share it with your fellow travel-lovers. Until next time, happy travels!
