If you’re tuned into the latest travel trends, you’ve likely noticed the rising popularity of hard-shell luggage. Thanks to new, advanced materials, these suitcases are not only lightweight and durable but also designed to keep your belongings well-protected.
Founded in 2018, Monos is a relatively new travel and lifestyle brand that embraces a “less is more” philosophy by using sustainable and cruelty-free materials.
Last year, CNN contributor Jen Yellin tested out Monos, and I recently took the Monos Expandable Carry-On on a trip to French Polynesia to see how it would perform on an international journey. With its sleek look, expandable capacity and reputation for durability, I was optimistic that this carry-on would excel.
From navigating busy airports to exploring tropical islands, here’s how the Monos Expandable Carry-On stood up to the demands of air travel.
The Monos Expandable Carry-On Pro features a sleek design with a wraparound zipper for an additional 1.6 inches depth. This provides extra packing space for last-minute items while maintaining a compact size that fits in overhead bins on most airlines.
What we liked about it
An expandable feature that works surprisingly well
View this interactive content on CNN.comThe expandable zipper adds an impressive, top-of-the-line 1.6 inches of extra depth. That proved invaluable in French Polynesia. I initially packed conservatively, but the extra space allowed me to squeeze in souvenirs from Tahiti’s markets and even a few extra outfits. This flexibility is a significant advantage compared to other brands that offer limited expandability options or none at all.
For instance, many competitors like Amazon and Samsonite have little to no expansion, so you can’t expand your bag if you need it. In contrast, the Monos Expandable Carry-On allows for leeway without sacrificing its ability to fit in overhead bins on larger planes. However, when the Monos is fully expanded, it may push the limits on smaller aircraft, as I experienced on inter-island flights where I had to check my bag.
Still, the thoughtful design of the Monos carry-on stands out against other expandable luggage options. While brands like Rimowa offer expandability, they often come with a much higher price tag.
An overall beautiful aesthetic
The Monos Expandable Carry-On is a standout in style and design. I think it’s perfect for those Instagram-worthy moments. While moving through the airport, the sleek look of the bag even drew compliments from other travelers.
The bag is made from tough yet lightweight German Makrolon polycarbonate. It can handle heat and impact backed by Monos’ rigorous testing, which includes 40 durability tests from wheel abrasion to chemical resistance. Like the standard Monos Carry-On, it also features a built-in TSA-approved combination lock.
Away also uses polycarbonate, and for their expandable bag, they give you 11 color choices. While the Monos bag does not feature a USB charger like some alternatives — such as Away’s carry-ons — it compensates with top-quality YKK zippers that glide smoothly and are designed for longevity.
Also, unlike Away, Monos gives you a choice of an expandable bag with a front pocket. For an extra $20, the Monos Expandable Carry-On Pro has a front pocket for a laptop. At the time of writing, Away doesn’t offer an expandable carry-on with a front pocket.
A smart, well-engineered interior
The compression pad and built-in pockets proved to be super helpful features. The pad effectively kept my clothes fairly wrinkle-free, even after repacking multiple times between islands.
The separate compartments were also helpful in keeping my dirty laundry separate from clean clothes. That’s a feature you definitely want in a humid climate. The small zippered pocket was perfect for storing loose items like jewelry and travel documents, keeping them secure yet easily accessible.
Water resistance if you need it
As mentioned, CNN Underscored contributor Jen Yellin tested Monos last year. She loves how water-resistant Monos suitcases are. After a rain-soaked soft-sided bag incident left her clothes drenched, she wondered how the Monos would handle wet conditions. To test it, Jen packed the Monos with clothes and ran a one-minute shower over it to compare it to her soft-sided Samsonite.
The Monos performed impressively: about 98% of the clothes stayed dry, with only a few drops near the top zipper. Clothes under the zippered panel remained completely dry, and she easily wiped down the exterior, which dried quickly in the sun.
In contrast, her soft-sided bag left clothes soaked, with pools of water inside, and took over an hour to dry. The Monos clearly outperformed and is better suited for travel in rainy destinations.
In my experience, the bag also held up great on the beach in French Polynesia. I was relieved that sand didn’t cling to the suitcase, and any stray grains brushed off the exterior.
What we didn’t like about it
Only three color choices
Between the eight signature colors and five limited edition colors, there’s something for everyone on the standard Monos carry-on bag.
Although the three available colors are stylish, I wish there were more vibrant options that would stand out on luggage carousels, especially given the bag’s premium price point. In the sea of black and navy bags, the subtle-toned Monos didn’t exactly jump out at me.
It scuffs so easily
Despite its durable polycarbonate, the matte finish shows marks way more easily than I expected. After checking the bag on an inter-island flight, the bag was returned with several noticeable scuffs. While this didn’t affect functionality, the bag is already showing wear and tear.
Monos includes a cleaning sponge that helps remove most surface marks, but constantly having to buff out scuffs shouldn’t have to be part of a traveler’s routine.
Overall, the bag is built to last but requires a lot of maintenance to keep it looking new.
Deceiving guarantee
Monos offers a “100-day trial,” but it’s limited to at-home testing — actual travel use voids the return option. If you return it, expect a $40–$50 return shipping fee, though Nordstrom sells select Monos products with free returns.
It also comes with a lifetime warranty covering structural issues like cracks, broken zippers and handles, but it doesn’t cover cosmetic scuffs or non-defective parts. While we had no issues, some customers have reported challenges with customer service and warranty claims.
How it compares
| Exterior measurements | 22 × 14 × 9.8 in. |
|---|---|
| Interior measurements | 20 × 13.5 in. |
| Weight (empty) | 7.8 lbs |
| Capacity (expanded) | 40 L |
| Interior compression system | Yes |
| TSA-approved lock | Yes |
| USB charger & ejectable battery | No |
| Colors | 3 |
| Warranty | Limited lifetime warranty |
| Price | $315 |
| Exterior measurements | 21.7 x 14.4 x 9 in. |
|---|---|
| Interior measurements | 20 x 13.5 in. |
| Weight (empty) | 7.9 lbs |
| Capacity (expanded) | 44.6 L |
| Interior compression system | Yes |
| TSA-approved lock | Yes |
| USB charger & ejectable battery | Optional for an additional $20 |
| Colors | 11 |
| Warranty | Limited lifetime warranty |
| Price | $325 |
| Exterior measurements | 22 x 14.9 x 10 in. |
|---|---|
| Interior measurements | 18.5 x 13.3 x 9.6 in. |
| Weight (empty) | 7.7 lbs |
| Capacity (expanded) | 39 L |
| Interior compression system | Yes |
| TSA-approved lock | No |
| USB charger & ejectable battery | No |
| Colors | 4 |
| Warranty | 1 year |
| Price | $63 |
| Exterior measurements | 23 x 15 x 10 in. |
|---|---|
| Interior measurements | 20.5 x 14.5 x 10 in. |
| Weight (empty) | 6.5 lbs |
| Capacity (expanded) | 34 L |
| Interior compression system | No |
| TSA-approved lock | Yes |
| USB charger & ejectable battery | No |
| Colors | 4 |
| Warranty | Limited 10-year global warranty |
| Price | $140 |
Bottom line
The Monos Expandable Carry-On offers a sleek, expandable design with durable polycarbonate construction and thoughtful interior organization. Its 1.6-inch expansion provides extra packing space while fitting in most overhead bins, and the water-resistant exterior protects belongings even in damp conditions.
However, downsides of the bag include the limited color options and the tendency to scuff. While Monos’ warranty is comprehensive, it doesn’t cover cosmetic wear. Overall, this carry-on combines style and function but may require some extra care to maintain its appearance.
FAQs about the Monos Expandable Carry-On
Does the Monos Expandable Carry-On fit in an overhead bin?
Does Monos luggage scuff and scratch easily?
What carry-on bags does Monos offer?
How we tested the Monos Expandable Carry-on
To put the Monos Expandable Carry-On through a thorough travel test, I brought it on a trip to French Polynesia. I exposed it to various conditions from busy airports to humid, tropical climates. This trip allowed us to assess its portability, durability and performance across real-world travel scenarios.
We evaluated the bag’s expandable capacity by packing it both lightly and at full expansion to monitor how it fits in overhead bins and how easily it maneuvered when fully loaded. In addition, we observed how the matte polycarbonate exterior held up against scuffs and scrapes, particularly after checking it on an inter-island flight. This testing provided a clear view of the bag’s ability to maintain its sleek aesthetic and withstand the rigors of travel.
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