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For some background, I was in the market for a new suitcase as my old Samsonite roller was falling apart. I couldnt ignore the presence of Away on social media, so I decided to purchase their suitcase. Shortly after, I saw ads for Monos and decided to purchase it as well to compare the two as they both had 100 day return policies (caveat: I believe Monos only takes unused suitcases for return, but I didnt return it so I cant confirm). I will mention that the Away came in week, while the Monos came in 2 weeks, and I live in Manhattan, NY.

TLDR: Lets be real - these suitcases look extremely similar. Quality- and design-wise, Monos knocks it out of the park at every point of comparison.

Im aware that Monos has a list of differences vs Away that they will send upon request, which might be worth asking for if youre on the fence. I did not ask for such a list, I havent seen what they have to say, and I made my own having directly compared the two when they arrived:

- Handles: the Monos handle is noticeably sturdier, and the suitcase seems better balanced - the Away suitcase body shakes when I jiggle the handle, while the Monos body stays still. Night and day quality difference here.

- Shell: I immediately noticed how thin the Away was - comparing the two side by side, the Monos is much thicker and sturdier while the Away felt like a childs toy.

- Zipper: the Monos zipper is sturdy and flush, while the Away zipper is recessed and feels flimsy; given Aways design…

I had been researching luggage for over a year when I came across Monos. I was so close to getting the other known brand but dove deep into the story behind Monos and what they bring to the table. After going through articles, reviews, YouTube videos, employee comments and their production factory; this company blew the other one Away. I felt investing in luggage with Monos was going to be worth the cost and walk away with a superior luggage.

I finally decided on the ones I wanted; carry-on (regular) in colours Ocean Blue & Olive Green. I ended up purchasing a complete set with Monos compression cubes & Metro backpacks (see other reviews for more info). I ordered back in December and revived them at the end of January. I was so giddy with excitement opening up the products and they did not disappoint.

The luggage itself; gorgeous with complete functionality. The exact measurements came in a tad under what is stated, which is to be expected If it’s to fit in any overhead luggage compartment on any plane. Looks closer to 21.5 x 8.75 x 14.5 and weights empty at 6.5 lbs (with no shoe bags, luggage tag, etc). Weighs 8.5 lbs with 4 compression cubes (empty), luggage tag, laundry bag, and 2 shoe bags (all empty). The inside antibacterial material is smooth like butter, feels amazing to the touch.

The compression pad itself I was so happy to feel that it’s not entirely a pad material! To strengthen itself for compression, the outer rim of the compression pad feels like it has…

I love the feel of this product. It feels very sturdy yet not stiff. The inside lining is a very nice and durable, easily cleaning material. This is what I could fit in it on my trip:

Laundry bag

Baby wipes

Hair brush

Curling wand

Flat iron

Hair dryer

Down jacket

Beanie

Scarf

Hand mirror

6 pairs of socks

2 Sports bras

4 t shirts

2 pajama shorts

2 sweat pants

5 long sleeves/sweaters

4 leggings

1 pair of jeans

6 tank tops.

to summarize: i put this bag through its paces for a week and it came out unscathed on the other end. i've been recommending it to anyone who will listen!

i brought this bag on a 1wk trip. in it i packed two sweaters, four tees, toiletry bag, pair of sneakers, pair of boots, pair of jeans, pjs, sweatpants, cardigan, a week worth of dog food & treats for two dogs, two gifts, way more socks & underwear than any normal human needs for a week, laptop charger, phone chargers & wireless mouse. the compression pad really came in handy- i was a little worried about the zippers as i tried to zip it up but they held up and again through security after my dog food was flagged. I also traveled with my dogs and put their carrier on top of the bag- another probably 17-20lbs. Usually this caused my Samsonite to start to tip, but the Monos handled it much better! no tipping and relatively easy navigation.

it also sustained a 10min drag though NYC- construction, puddles, sidewalks, potholes. on my way home i had to check it - i did get a little worried then, cause i knew light colored bag + checking it = recipe for destruction. it definitely did come out scuffed to hell, but a quick wipe with the magic eraser removed even the darkest of scuffs and it was back to normal! i'd recommend this bag to anyone!