Are you a frequent flier looking to invest in a premium suitcase that will elevate your travel experience? Two of the most coveted luggage brands on the market are Monos and Rimowa. I‘ve spent countless hours researching and personally testing out both brands, and I‘m here to share my honest take on how they stack up.
In this ultimate luggage showdown, I‘ll dive deep into key aspects of Monos and Rimowa so that you can decide which brand deserves that prime spot in your closet and on your next adventure. We‘ll cover:
- Brand history and design philosophy
- Construction and materials
- Product features and specs
- Style and color options
- Price and value
- Warranty and customer service
- Real traveler reviews (plus my own experiences!)
By the end of this post, you‘ll be armed with all the facts you need to choose the perfect suitcase for you. Let‘s get into it!
Why Invest in Quality Luggage?
First things first: why splurge on a luxury suitcase in the first place? Can‘t you get by with that basic $50 carry-on? While there‘s nothing wrong with an affordable amazon find, I firmly believe that a suitcase is an investment worth making.
Consider these factors:
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Durability: High-quality luggage is built to last trip after trip, while cheaper suitcases may fall apart after a few gate checks. It‘s more cost-effective in the long run to invest in a suitcase that will withstand the wear and tear of travel.
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Functionality: Premium luggage brands put a lot of thought into the little details that make packing and navigating the airport a breeze. Think 360° spinning wheels, a cushioned handle, thoughtful organization compartments. All those small touches add up to a seamless travel experience.
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Style: Like it or not, your suitcase is part of your travel uniform. A sleek, stylish suitcase can make you feel like a million bucks strolling through the terminal. And if you travel often for business, a sophisticated suitcase makes a great impression.
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Flexibility: Many luxury luggage brands offer a wide range of sizes, from carry-on to checked to trunk. Investing in a high-quality luggage set gives you the flexibility to choose the right suitcase size for each trip.
Now that we‘ve established the why, let‘s move on to the which. Monos and Rimowa are two of the most in-demand luxury luggage brands, but they have some key differences. Time for the ultimate face-off!
Brand Comparison: Monos vs Rimowa
Brand History and Philosophy
You can tell a lot about a brand by looking at its origin story and the values it was founded on. Let‘s take a quick trip down memory lane for Monos and Rimowa.
Monos:
The new kid on the block, Monos was founded in 2018 by a group of Canadian friends who were fed up with the lack of high-quality, affordable luggage options on the market. The brand‘s philosophy is proudly displayed on their website:
Our minimalist approach to design guides us in everything we do. Focus on the essentials, then strip away any excess. The result is travel goods that are unbelievably simple, functional and beautiful.
Monos is named after the Japanese concept of "mono no aware," which roughly translates to an appreciation for the fleeting beauty of life. How poetic is that? The brand donates 1% of revenue to non-profit organizations supporting social justice and environmental causes.
Rimowa:
On the other end of the spectrum, we have Rimowa, a legacy luggage brand that dates all the way back to the 1800s. Rimowa was founded in Germany in 1898 by Paul Morszeck, who began making suitcases out of wood and leather. In 1937, Rimowa pioneered the first aluminum luggage, which would become their signature style.
In 2000, Rimowa launched the first polycarbonate suitcase, once again revolutionizing the industry. The brand has stayed true to its German heritage and commitment to innovation over the years. In their own words:
For over 120 years, RIMOWA has placed quality and innovation at its core, creating functional tools for purposeful travelers.
In 2016, Rimowa was acquired by luxury conglomerate LVMH (owner of iconic brands like Louis Vuitton, Fendi and Dior). Since then, they‘ve expanded into streetwear and collaborations with the likes of Supreme, Off-White, and Fendi.
Materials and Construction
When it comes to luggage, what‘s on the inside counts, but what‘s on the outside counts just as much. The materials a suitcase is made of determine its weight, durability, and overall aesthetic.
Monos:
All of Monos‘ luggage is made from aerospace-grade German polycarbonate, which is known for being lightweight yet impact-resistant. Polycarbonate is a type of plastic that is flexible enough to bend under pressure without shattering, making it an ideal material for hard-shell suitcases.
The exterior of Monos suitcases has a textured finish that is scratch-resistant and able to hide scuffs or marks that may occur during travel. The shell closes with a sturdy YKK reverse coil zipper and TSA-approved combination lock.
Inside, Monos products are lined with a soft 350D anti-microbial fabric. The lining is treated with an anti-bacterial coating that helps prevent the growth of odor and mold-causing bacteria and mildew – a handy feature for damp swimsuits or workout clothes!
Rimowa:
Rimowa‘s signature luggage is made from their proprietary aluminum-magnesium alloy. The grooves you see on the outside of a Rimowa suitcase aren‘t just for show – that‘s actually a patented design that enhances the shell‘s stability and prevents dents.
Rimowa‘s aluminum goes through a 12-step finishing process to achieve that unmistakable sheen. The high-gloss finish makes the silver cases especially prone to scratches, but fans of Rimowa would argue that‘s part of the charm – a well-traveled Rimowa is meant to show its battle scars.
Rimowa also produces a polycarbonate line called the Essential Lite, which includes the Cabin S 34L we‘ll be comparing later. The polycarbonate Rimowas are more affordable than the aluminum products and offer a wider color selection.
Product Details and Features
Let‘s get into the nitty-gritty of comparing Monos and Rimowa‘s most popular carry-on sizes. I‘ve compiled key stats and specs into this handy table for easy reference:
| Spec | Monos Carry-On Pro | Rimowa Original Cabin | Rimowa Essential Lite Cabin S |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shell Material | Polycarbonate | Aluminum | Polycarbonate |
| Dimensions | 22" x 14" x 9" | 21.7" x 15.8" x 7.9" | 21.7" x 15.8" x 7.9" |
| Volume | 39.9L | 34L | 34L |
| Weight | 7.8 lbs | 9.5 lbs | 4.2 lbs |
| Wheels | Hinomoto | Multiwheel | Multiwheel |
| Handle | 4-height | 3-height | 3-height |
| Lock | TSA combo | TSA combo | TSA combo |
| Interior | 2 compartments | 1 compartment | 1 compartment |
| Colors | 10 | 6 | 4 |
| Price | $275 | $1150 | $750 |
Some key callouts:
- The Monos Carry-On Pro offers the most packing space at 39.9L, while both Rimowa options clock in at a more compact 34L. If you‘re an over-packer like me, that extra space can make a big difference!
- On the flip side, the Rimowa Essential Lite is the lightest of the bunch at just 4.2 lbs. If you prioritize ease of lifting over packing room, the Essential Lite is a great choice.
- Monos offers a height-adjustable handle with 4 settings, while the Rimowa handles adjust to 3 heights. As a tall girl, I appreciate that extra level on the Monos!
- I‘m a big fan of the dual-compartment interior of the Monos Carry-On. It makes it easy to separate hard and soft items or clean and dirty clothes. The Rimowas feature 1 large compartment with a compression divider.
- All 3 suitcases have TSA-approved combination locks for safety and security. No need to worry about tossing your keys!
- If you like options, Monos is the way to go. They offer 10 core colors plus fun seasonal shades. Rimowa sticks to classic neutrals like black, white and silver.
Of course, the biggest difference here is price. The Monos rings in at $275, while the cheapest Rimowa option is still $750. Is the Rimowa brand name and quality worth the splurge? Read on to find out…
Warranty and Customer Service
When you‘re shelling out hundreds of dollars for a suitcase, you want to know the brand will have your back if anything goes wrong. Here‘s how the Monos and Rimowa warranty and customer service policies compare:
Monos:
- Limited lifetime warranty against defects in materials and workmanship
- Covers cracks or breaks in the shell, wheels, handles, zippers, or anything that functionally impairs the luggage
- Does NOT cover cosmetic wear and tear or misuse/abuse
- 100-day trial period to test out your suitcase
- Free returns on unused products within 30 days
- Contact by email or chat
- All repairs or replacements provided free of charge
Rimowa:
- 5-year guarantee against defects in materials and workmanship
- Register your product on their site for warranty service
- Covers shipping costs associated with repairs
- "Rimowa Care" program offers out-of-warranty fixes for a fee
- Network of in-person repair centers across the world
- Contact by email, chat, or in-store
Monos really impressed me with their 100-day no-questions-asked trial period. It shows that they stand behind their product and want you to actually road-test it before committing. I also appreciate the simplicity of their lifetime warranty – if something stops working, they‘ll fix or replace it for free.
On the warranty front, 5 years is nothing to scoff at, and I like that Rimowa will take care of shipping costs if you need a repair. The Rimowa Care program is also a nice perk for long-term quality assurance.
Traveler Reviews and Experiences
You‘ve heard my two cents, but what are other globetrotters saying about their Monos and Rimowa suitcases? I scoured the web for honest customer reviews – here are some highlights.
Monos Carry-On Pro:
- "After a year of heavy use, my Monos still looks brand new. No scratches, no wobbly wheels, no dents. Worth every penny!" – Jenn D.
- "The organization inside is so thoughtful – I love the compression straps and zippered flap to keep everything in place." – Sasha T.
- "Super lightweight and easy to maneuver. The 360° wheels are a game-changer." – Olivia R.
- "Cute colors and even cuter price. Monos is the best carry-on for the money, hands down." – Noah S.
Rimowa Essential Lite Cabin S:
- "She‘s a beauty! I feel so chic jet-setting with my Rimowa." – Anna H.
- "Feather-light and rolls like a dream. Definitely an investment, but one I‘m happy I made." – Sam P.
- "The glossy finish does show scratches, so keep that in mind. That‘s the price you pay for style!" – Leah M.
Rimowa Original Cabin:
- "Built like a tank, but attractive enough for business class. My Rimowa is a workhorse and a head-turner." – Jake R.
- "For the price, I was expecting a bit more ‘wow‘ factor. It‘s a solid suitcase but didn‘t blow me away." – Emily T.
- "Gorgeous and durable. Rimowa sets the gold standard for luxury luggage." – David W.
- "Heavy when fully packed, but I like the security of an aluminum shell." – David W.
As far as complaints go, the main callout for Monos seems to be the lack of color options for certain sizes – a fairly minor drawback. Some Rimowa customers feel that the suitcases don‘t quite justify the high price tag, especially when you can get similar quality and features for less from Monos.
My take? I think both of these suitcases would serve you well for years of travel, but the value for money is unbeatable with Monos. When my Monos Carry-On got a small crack after a particularly rough flight, customer service shipped me a replacement within days – no questions asked.
The Final Verdict
We‘ve covered a lot of ground in this ultimate luggage showdown. To recap:
- Monos and Rimowa both produce high-quality hardside luggage that is built to last
- Monos suitcases are made from polycarbonate, while Rimowas are available in aluminum or polycarbonate
- Monos offers the most color options, packing space, and features for the price
- Rimowa is an iconic luxury brand with a rich heritage dating back to 1898
- Both brands offer multi-year warranties, with Monos edging out Rimowa for its lifetime guarantee
At the end of the day, both Monos and Rimowa deliver when it comes to exceptional luggage. You truly can‘t go wrong with either one. But if we‘re talking overall value and bang for your buck, my money is on Monos.
I hope this comprehensive guide has given you all the information you need to make an informed decision and elevate your luggage game. No matter which suitcase you choose, I‘m wishing you happy and stylish travels!
