Soul guard case

Best feature: The front pocket
Dimensions: 22″ × 14″ × 9″ (55.8cm x 35.5cm x 22.8cm)
Material: Aerospace-grade German polycarbonate
Weight: 7.8 lbs (3.53 kg)
Volume: 36 L
The Monos Carry-On Pro is one of the best cabin suitcases we’ve tried. I’ve taken it with me on pretty much every trip since I’ve had it, either as my sole carrier for short city breaks throughout Europe or as an added carry-on bag on longer vacations. It has become a permanent fixture on my travels and the one to which I always compare other bags in the same category. And speaking of comparison, apparently, Monos vs Away is a thing.

In my experience using both brands for years, Vancouver-based luggage manufacturer Monos is far superior in nearly all departments. While their hardshell polycarbonate suitcases – in this case, the pocketed carry-ons – share many similar features, the Monos Carry-On Pro rolls smoother, feels sturdier, looks sleeker, and offers smarter storage than its competitor.

My favorite feature is the built-in front compartment, which, unlike that of its competitors, is made from the same durable polycarbonate as the rest of the bag’s exterior and comes in very handy for protecting, organizing, and quickly accessing my laptop, phone, and documents on the go.

The suitcase’s build quality is beautiful, as is the simple, minimalist aesthetic, and the 360° wheels perform like a dream on a variety of surfaces. As I also mentioned in my in-depth Monos Carry-On Pro review, the interior is one of the best I’ve ever packed my clothes in. It features various compartments and extra anti-microbial bags for organizing all my stuff, plus an effective compression system that allows me to fit four days’ worth of summer essentials easily.

I have the Carry-On Pro in matte white, and not only are scuffs less noticeable than on darker colorways, but the bag looks great, pairs with most outfits, and is easy to clean (most marks will miraculously come off with the provided eraser).

I find Monos’ attention to detail a notch or two above the competition – the YKK zippers are color-coordinated to match the bag’s exterior; the interior is wrapped in a luxurious, waterproof fabric that’s also anti-microbial, and the telescopic handle is constructed from high-grade aluminum and features an underneath release button for a more ergonomic experience. While these small details may not seem like a big deal, for me, they do make every trip feel like first class.