All QuickSnap Metro Kits can be easily swapped between the Backpack and Duffel bag. All of our Metro bags are backed by a 2-year limited warranty. She shares those tips and more on her website. Many left comments on the brands social media pages explaining that they were still waiting for their order to arrive after weeks, or that their favorites frequently went out of stock. Stow your travel bag and just bring your Metro Kit to your seat. Going out but travelling light? Lo & Sons The Catalina Deluxe: This bag is designed for travel with a bottom compartment for shoes and plenty of deep pockets for staying organized, but its higher price point may be a deterrent. You can buy it for $320 (originally $356). I purchased a duffel and used it for the first time in April when we traveled to Scotland. Price: $265 CAD/$200 USD. This bag is so practical and stylish that we can't imagine getting sick of it. Every day is different, and so are the essential items you want with you. For a weekend trip or even longer, this spacious bag will fit everything you need. We tested a variety of weekender bags in our lab and judged the best options based on portability, durability, design, and more. On Reddit, normally critical social media users are actually quite interested in Monos. And for added comfort, the Bellroy Transit Backpack has padded shoulder straps and a contoured back panel. The main purpose of using packing cubes is to keep your suitcase organized. The Cotopaxi Allpa Travel Pack is ideal for any trip, especially those that are off the grid. Boarding a plane or train but don't want to sacrifice legroom? Monos is a Canadian company founded in 2018. Primary material: polypropylene. Wiss is a master of purposeful packing and helps others do the same through her company. There's also a laptop sleeve and zippered and open pockets on both the inside and outside of the bag, which we love for packing accessories. The Details: 2 pounds | 22 x 14 x 10 inches | Recycled 600D nylon canvas with leather accents. The nylon packcloth is sturdy enough to maintain its shape and stand on its own. Built-in trolley sleeve to secure your backpack to a suitcase handle while traveling. The bag is made of water-resistant nylon with plastic-lined pockets, making it extra easy to clean if anything is spilled on the inside or outside. It features a unique QuickSnap design so you can grab the front pouch and go, a dedicated 15-inch laptop pocket, and an easily accessible, spacious interior with multiple pockets and zippered compartments. Weight: 2.4 lb (nylon) / 3 lb (vegan leather) Volume: 18L. The big difference is that this version provides maximum space for multiple outfits and shoes. Best lightweight option: Monos . Unpacked toiletries can easily create clutter by the bathroom sink, but L.L.Beans countertop-style Personal Organizer Toiletry Kit keeps everything tidy. You may be thinking its high time to head out on an exciting getaway. Store your laptop or tablet inside the interior sleeve, and keep items needed for quick access in the outside front pocket. The mesh window makes clothes visible and increases breathability to keep them smelling fresh. The interior has one main compartment for bulkier items like clothes or shoes, and the inside of the opening flap has three mesh, zippered pockets for storing undergarments or other small items. With our unique QuickSnap Modular Kit System, the interchangeable Metro Kit detaches easily, so you can quickly swap kits or transfer to another Metro bag. Keeping a family organized during a trip is difficult at best, but Shacke Paks Packing Cube Set make the task a little easierand without breaking the bank. With our unique QuickSnap Modular Kit System, the interchangeable Metro Kit detaches easily, so you can quickly swap kits or transfer to another Metro bag. It has a collection of travel accessories, too. Available in seven colors and three patterns, the cubes have a two-way, wrap-around zipper for quicker, easier access to your items. Best Rimowa Dupe: Travelking All Aluminum Suitcase. Sign up for our T+L Recommends newsletter and we'll send you our favorite travel products each week. A 15 inch slot that lets you store and retrieve your laptop without having to open your whole bag. Weight: 5.9 lbs. Its your choice between vegan leather in ivory, saddle tan; or mahogany and water-resistant nylon in carbon black, oxford blue, juniper green, or dover grey. There are plenty of organizational features, including two side pockets and a removable pouch. Learn more about our affiliate and product review process, By creating an account you agree to the Hunker, The 12 Best Luggage Brands for All Your Travel Needs, 13 Brilliant Travel Accessories to Keep You Organized on the Go, 12 Beis Weekender Bag Dupes Perfect for Budget-Friendly Travelers, SWISSGEAR Getaway Weekend Laptop Backpack, $64.99, Samsonite Silhouette 17 Backpack, $199.99. But whether youre traveling for business or on a vacation, we think Aways The Large Everywhere Bag is a functional and modern travel accessory fit for your next adventure. Boarding a plane or train but dont want to sacrifice legroom? Unlike most duffle bags, I love that this model synchronizes with other Mono luggage by slipping into place on top. Every day is different, and so are the essential items you want with you. The Calpak Stevyn Duffel Bag has the perfect amount of compartments and pockets for packing for a weekend trip. With these two features, you wont even have to unpack when you reach your destination. The Details: 18.5 x 12.5 x 7.5 inches | 100 percent cotton with 50 percent recycled cotton. Since no Monos luggage review would be complete without a full list of deals, I tracked down a few more that are currently running: You can buy Monos luggage exclusively at monos.com. If the outdoors is calling your name, the Peak Design Travel Duffel 35L is the best weekender to choose whether youre camping, glamping, or taking a road trip. While the bags are assembled in China, theyre still made from top-quality materials. If youre shopping around to find the perfect luggage for your next getaway and youre not sold on Monos, take a look at these brands for more options: While writing this Monos luggage review, I found that you can get a free Carry-On and a Metro Backpack just by joining the brands mailing list. Email [emailprotected] to begin the return process, 5. During our durability tests, the Calpak duffel held up perfectly and the polyester material seemed easy to clean if it got dirty. Shipping is a breeze. After six months of regularly using the bag, we really liked that the fabric can easily be wiped down after a trip to clean up any spills or dirt. Traveling light isnt always possible. Customer-uploaded media carousel. Alternatively, if used regularly, you can charge it every couple of days. I am very pleased and I do travel for work 3 to 4 times a week. Oftentimes, bigger bags include pockets, separate compartment for shoes, and even packing cubes, so make sure whichever size bag you select suits your travel needs. This packs structure and material are a big boost. We especially like that the shoulder strap is padded and also features traction, so it stays in one place. The bag is simple, but well designed with several interior pockets and an additional compartment at the bottom of the bag for storing shoes, jackets, or other items that you may want to keep separate while traveling. The EZPacking Starter Set is a major upgrade from the transparent sets you see in drugstores, hence the higher price tag. The interior has several slip pockets for a water bottle or toiletries, a designated laptop sleeve, and exterior pockets for a passport and phone. This budget-friendly pack comes with four cubes of various sizes and one laundry bag to store dirty clothes. Reasons to buy: This work and travel . Tested for: Four months. But despite all the bells and whistles of our ideal travel backpack, the Bis backpack might be too pricey or limited in colorways for some travelers. International buyers will be shown a shipping cost at the checkout page, and they should keep in mindalong with US buyersthat goods over $800 trigger extra charges in duties. Get daily tips and tricks for making your best home. Dopp Kits & Toiletry Bags. Its small for a weekender bag and isn't the most comfortable to carry. One thing to note is that it may be difficult to access your gear once the camera cube is tucked in your bag. The Mini (which has a 32-liter capacity) can fit up to three days of clothes and is a TSA-approved personal item. If your travels dont take you away long enough to require eight cubes, OEE also sells a six-piece set that doesnt include the makeup or laundry cubes. Monos is so confident in the quality of their travel luggage that you can send back your order for any reason whatsoever within 100 days of purchase. We interviewed expertsto gain plenty of insight on what to look for when choosing the best packing cubes. With lockable exterior zippers and a soft interior with pockets for everything you need, the design turns it all into a reliable travel companion. In addition to the affordability and color coding that make Shacke Paks cubes a must-have for families, the cubes mesh panels make it easy to see inside without unzipping. The Vera Bradley Weekender Travel Bag has a minimalist design and there are nine unique colors to choose from including olive green, lavender, mulled wine, and rouge rose. The bag has a large zippered pocket on the opposite side of the detachable pouch and there are several interior pockets to store water bottles and smaller items, including a designated laptop sleeve, too. For travelers looking to do short trips, be sure to note the size of the bag, as weekender bags dont come in a universal size. As one Instagrammer puts it, Our first trip with our new luggage was a success! In addition to its spacious interior and compression straps, the backpack is made with durable, water-resistant fabric and recycled materials. If you use compression packing cubes, theyll definitely save space as they compress the air out and can provide up to two times more space, depending on what youre packing, says McAlpin. During this Monos luggage review, I came across only one common complaint from buyerslate delivery. TPG received complimentary backpacks from Arlo Skye, Away, Briggs & Riley and Solo for test purposes. As they put it, The planet gives us so much to explore, and its our responsibility to protect it. The Details: 2 pounds | 16.5 x 9 W x 11 inches | Neoprene. If you're a frequent flier, you should make sure that your bag fits in the overhead bin space or even under the seat in front of you, depending on your preferred airline. These Travel Bags Have 1 Genius Feature in Common to Keep Your Clothes Wrinkle-free. Not to mention, they're more lightweight than your average carry-on. We cant agree more! Some weekender bags we tested come with built-in organizers designed for packing items like shoes or suits. McAlpin is a travel writer and has learned how to pack efficiently over the years. Though TravelWises cubes are made of durable fabric, former customers advise against washing them in a machine, as it may distress the fabric over time. In addition, there are two interior side pouches for a water bottle or small pair of shoes, as well as a large exterior pocket and sleeve. Away. The 360 degree wheels are smooth and silent, while the handle is ultra-stable with 4 adjustable heights. There are also mesh breathing vents for ventilation on the bottom of the bag that helps remove any odor without letting in water or debris. And although the packing cubes are a bit large, the clothing cubes wont take up that much space, thanks to an interior buckle and exterior double zippers that compress everything. The Check-In Medium is available in 8 colors, including desert taupe, rose quartz, olive green, and in 2 limited editions patterns: terrazzo and terracotta, for those who prefer a little extra. Bean Utility Weekend Duffel Bag: We thought this roomy bag might make a better bag for the beach than a weekend trip as there arent many pockets for storing smaller items. From its very appearance, I can see that Monos has given the Carry-On a great amount of polish and consideration. A few others shoppers were initially uncertain about Monos and were hesitant to dive into the new-ish brand, but after buying they couldnt finding any faults. The Go-Bag from Baboon to the Moon comes in three sizes for all of your travel needs. Briggs & Riley Packing Cube Set at Amazon, Monos Compressible Packing Cubes at Monos.com, Baggallini Compression Packing Cubes at Baggallini.com, Away The Insider Packing Cubes at Awaytravel.com, Eagle Creek Pack-It Isolate Cube at Eaglecreek.com, The Best Rolling Backpacks to Take Anywhere, Away The Insider Packing Cubes (Set of 4), We Researched the Best BackpacksHere Are Our Favorites, The 7 Best Travel Steamers of 2023, Tested and Reviewed, The 7 Best Luggage of 2023, Tested and Reviewed, The 8 Best Laundry Bags for Delicates of 2023, We Tested the Best Makeup Organizers to Keep Your Cosmetics Tidy, The 10 Best Clothes Hampers of 2023, Tested and Reviewed, The 10 Best Affordable Rugs of 2023, Tested and Reviewed. This is a bag for the booksthough technically, its made to handle your daily essentials too. We love the design of the Bellroy weekender overall, especially the interior pocket for a laptop and the key loop for finding your keys easily. While this weekender impressed us with its sleek look, it performed equally as well during testing. Monos claims to give travelers what the luggage market was lacking - premium, minimalist luggage, built with only the finest quality materials and components - all at a fair price. Available in the same colors and patterns as its smaller counterpart, I treasure the fact that it comes with the bacteria-resistant laundry bag, shoe bags, and luggage tag. But not all backpacks are created equal. Anna Popp is a Commerce Writer at Travel + Leisure where she tests, researches, and writes about travel products. Though it's a big bag, we didn't feel it was cumbersome or awkward to carry and both the shoulder and arm straps were comfortable to carry for long periods of time. Our Metro bags use only vegan materials, including felt made from recycled plastic bottles. Stow your travel bag and just bring your Metro Kit to your seat. Or better yet, depending on whether youre a total fashionista, buy two different colors for yourself, and divvy up your outfits by colorsay, evening attire in black, and sporty day clothes in red. While you might scoff at buying packing cubes that cost over $100, Monos Compressible Packing Cubes are worth every penny. It also includes a bacteria-resistant laundry bag, shoe bags, and a fancy luggage tag. Leah is a writer who is passionate about decorations, baked goods, or family fun. $265 at Monos. Their products are manufactured in China, though I was glad to read in factories selected for their ethical treatment of workers and high-quality output. Travel expert and author Anne McAlpin, who runs her website, Pack It Up: The Art of Organized Travel, advises against using cubes made of cotton, as they tend to wear down and absorb smells easily. Best overall: July Carry-On Pro. If youre interested in a way to organize your shoes and keep the grime from getting on clean clothes in a suitcase, take a look at Mossios Shoe Bag. If used correctly, they can also free up space. For this part of my Monos luggage review, I wanted to find out what buyers were saying about the brand online. Tall? Genius! However you move, your essentials are just a quick snap away. #monos #travel #carryon*** apologies it seems monos has taken down this code. You can also use the cubes to separate outfits by day. This affordable travel backpack has a 38-liter capacity and is designed to fit in overhead compartments or under seats, with enough space to fit all of your vacation clothes and travel gear. The polyester material ensures the cubes longevity, even during the most turbulent travel, and the PVC lining reduces the wrinkles your clothes may have when rolled or folded. I felt investing in luggage with Monos was going to be worth the cost and walk away with a superior luggage.. Here are the best packing cubes that'll help you stay organized and looking good, even when youre far away. We tested 28 weekender bags and, while many made our list as top picks, there were others we liked that had or lacked traits that ultimately kept them out of our favorites. That's why we rounded up the best budget-friendly Bis dupes and travel backpack alternatives to get you ready for your next trip, below. Let's find out now. For example, the polycarbonate shell that protects their carry-on luggage comes from Germany. Phone, passport, or wallet that you want to keep close? When you visit the site, Dotdash Meredith and its partners may store or retrieve information on your browser, mostly in the form of cookies. While packing this bag, we found the bottom to be sturdy, so it stands on its own even when empty. You can rest assured it stays secure during long walks across the airport, or when youre herding toddlers nearby. We found this bag to be very thoughtfully designed with plenty of organizational features like adjustable water bottle holders on each side, a removable shoe bag attached to a long leash, a padded laptop pocket, four interior, mesh zippered pockets for smaller items, and a spot to run a portable charger cable from a battery to your phone. At HBR, she enjoys the diverse range of topics that fall on her desk. Monos is also conscientious of its role as a steward of the earth. But before you pack your bags, make sure you pick up a few packing cubes. $625 AT AWAY. Can they be trusted over long-standing brands like Samsonite or Tumi? Out of the 28 bags we tested, Aways The Large Everywhere Bag earned the top score overall. The detachable toiletry bag was slightly hard to get on and off the bag and can feel bulky. I tend to overload my backpack, which ends up doing a number on my shoulders. While Monos is a Canadian brand with headquarters in Vancouver, I read that their products are manufactured in China. Although these packing cubes are designed around the Away Carry-On, any suitcase would benefit from the Insider Packing Cubes set. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. The interior compartment could easily fit two pairs of pants, four shirts, a pair of shoes, and a toiletry bag, and there was a little bit of room leftover for a few more shirts. Rimowa Classic Cabin Carry-On Read More. The bag had no issues when we tested it for durability by throwing it multiple times, which leads us to believe that the water-resistant material and sturdy build will hold up well with prolonged use. You can choose from 8 colors and 2 limited edition patterns that slightly increase the cost. We found dupes for Rimowa's popular (and pricey) aluminum luggage, including picks from Monos, Calpak, and Away. Can a weekender bag be a personal item on a flight? The PVC lining also reduces wrinkles, so your clothes are ready to wear. 10 Beis Dupes and Travel Backpack Alternatives 3 The Best Backpack Coolers to Instantly Upgrade Your Summer YOU MAY ALSO LIKE. We liked the design of the bag with three pockets on the inside, including a wet bag pocket for traveling with a swimsuit. A packing cubes durability is directly related to the material, but it shouldnt add too much extra weight to your suitcase. The bag is sleek and spacious with room for at least four or five days worth of clothes. Amount: 5 cubes | Dimensions: 11.8 x 6.9 x 3.1 inches, 13.8 x 9.8 x 3.3 inches, 18.11 x 12.6 x 3.7 inches | Weight: 1 pound | Material: Nylon | Color: Blue, black, lavender, lime green, pink, silver, teal, white dots, navy stripes, navy airplanes | Waterproof: Not listed | Warranty: Not listed, Durable fabric to withstand wear and tear. Most of these weekender bags are carry-on-approved (for the overhead bin), but its always best to check the airlines website for their specific luggage dimensions. Magnetic pockets keep everything safely shut in. I should also note here that the parts making up a piece of Monos luggage come from all over the world. McAlpin says a good rule of thumb is to put items in cubes based on size. The cubes compact size does come at a cost, however, as it can only store up to size 13 shoes. The Dagne Dover Landon Carryall Bag is a neoprene duffel bag that can fit enough clothes for a long weekend. Im head over heels for its smooth, matte look. We had a little trouble adjusting the shoulder strap but both that strap and the leather top handles are padded and comfortable whether holding or wearing the bag. Ive heard that a Monos hybrid suitcase is a pleasure to use. The Metro Duffel gives you additional space and convenience without sacrificing mobility or style. i am in contact with them to see if we can get this up and running again. Amount: 1 | Dimensions: 10.9 x 9.5 x 4.5 inches | Weight: 12.75 ounces | Material: Robic nylon | Color: Black | Waterproof: No | Warranty: Lifetime warranty covers product defects and failures. The materials used in Monos luggage include: Overall, Monos luggage is constructed from a combination of high-quality materials that are chosen for their durability, strength, and resistance to wear and tear. You will know the CleanPod needs to be charged when the light dims. Offers may be subject to change without notice. Travel Accessories. All in all, the feedback for this brand was great. While this system is missing a larger cube option for bulkier items, all three cubes can easily fit into a carry-on without adding much weight. You can carry the weekender as a duffel bag with a detachable shoulder strap or it has a rear sleeve to place on a rolling suitcase. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Price: $265 CAD/$200 USD. The Monos Metro Backpack is a sleek option that comes in either nylon or vegan leather. Pros + Water and scratch resistant + The cubes interiors are made of rugged denier polyester, which furthers the cubes durability and provides water-resistant and antibacterial protection. The Details: 3.8 pounds | 20.9 x 11.8 x 9.4 inches | Nylon and leather. It is durable, but looks elegant. Our Metro Backpack and Metro Duffel are designed for everyday life on the move. Along with Picott's advice and a few dreams of our own vacation time, we've spent hours researching the best packing cubes available, assessing durability, versatility, and price. Going out but travelling light? The bags that scored a five during our capacity test were noted as being very roomy and fit all of the packing list items with room to spare. When you cant cram it all it a carry-on, consider the Check-In Largethe ultimate travel luggage for long trips. Amount: 4 | Dimensions: 2.5 x 6 x 6 inches; 4 x 10.3 x 6 inches; 4 x 12 x 10.3 inches; 4 x 16 x 10.3 inches | Weight: 1.25 pounds | Material: Polyvinyl chloride | Color: Black, burgundy, gray, green, lilac, pink, rose, royal blue, turquoise blue | Waterproof: No, water resistant | Warranty: 30-day refund policy. There are more than enough spots for your items to be safely tucked away with five interior mesh pockets, two exterior zipper pockets, and two slip pockets on each end of the bag. Light To Carry All Day Long Durable & Water-Resistant Well-Sorted With Plenty Of Pockets Color Black Black Navy Quantity Size Guide Add Personalization + $50.00 USD Add to cart Description Specification Delivery Warranty & Return Smart and Spacious On top of packing cubes, neck pillows, and luggage, you can find a collection of travel backpacks. Dimensions 22" x 13" x 9.5" standard, 22" x 13" x 11" expanded Compartment access Back panel clamshell design with #10 zipper Material Weatherproof, 100% recycled 400-denier nylon canvas shell;. In this section of my Monos luggage review, Ill examine some customer favorites. The zippers, for example, can be locked in place with a combination code that users can set. Reasons to avoid: Even on sale, the backpack is pricey.Additionally, the vegan leather version is . Aways The Large Everywhere Bag earned the top spot on our list of the best weekender bags due to its minimalist design that allowed effortless, organized packing. To select the best picks, Rocketto sorted through dozens of reviews and consulted experts Amanda Wiss, founder of organizing companyUrban Clarity, Anne McAlpin, who runs her website,Pack It Up: The Art of Organized Travel, and Katherine Picott, founder ofTidy Milsoand a member of The Spruce's Cleaning and Organizing Review Board. We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If youre taking a weekender bag on a camping trip or anywhere outdoors, consider a weatherproof bag made of nylon or other water-resistant materials like polyester or coated cotton. The Metro Backpack also has a trolley sleeve to secure it to your suitcase if you're using it as a personal item. Here are some of the features of their luggage: Overall, Monos luggage is designed with durability, functionality, and style in mind, making it a great option for travelers looking for a high-quality and reliable travel bag.