In the event you’re in search of a brand new suitcase that’s sturdy, useful, and fashionable, you’ve in all probability come throughout these two baggage manufacturers: July and Monos. Each manufacturers provide smooth, feature-packed polycarbonate suitcases, however which is best?
My first baggage was a pair of low-cost spinner suitcases that I used whereas dwelling overseas in Europe. They each broke inside a couple of months. Now I’m much more picky about my suitcases, and Monos and July are two of my favourite manufacturers available on the market proper now. I’ve spent months digging into the main points to see how they evaluate.
July and Monos each make nice hardside baggage. Their designs look wonderful, are tremendous useful, are constructed to final, and compete straight in worth. The distinction comes all the way down to the main points. Which model has higher options and group? Which is less complicated to make use of? Which suitcase will preserve trying good after years of journey?
I’ll dive into the main points on these two manufacturers and present how they evaluate for real-world use. In the event you’re in search of the last word comparability between July and Monos, you’re in the correct place.
July Baggage Evaluate
July is an Aussie model that began in 2018 with the mission of bringing higher design and pondering to the journey trade. Their dedication to bettering the sturdiness and performance of their merchandise makes them top-of-the-line baggage manufacturers on the market.
My favourite a part of the July model is that fairly than beginning with a preconceived concept of what makes one of the best suitcases, they started their design course of by studying 1000’s of opinions of present merchandise.
From their analysis they seemed for the most typical areas of criticism individuals had with their baggage. They discovered the place different suitcases have been breaking and what options individuals wanted most, after which they got down to create a suitcase to resolve the issues they discovered within the journey market.
The design of July baggage is a direct results of their customer-focused method. They discovered the areas that wanted enchancment and labored to repair them. That perspective additionally carries over to the remainder of their enterprise. July customer support, return coverage, and guarantee are a number of the finest within the journey trade. I really like manufacturers that stand behind their merchandise with nice service and help.
July Baggage Supplies & High quality
July builds all of their suitcases with a high-quality German polycarbonate onerous shell. This has turn into the gold normal materials for hardside premium baggage as a result of it’s each light-weight and really sturdy.
The place July stands out from different luxurious manufacturers is that they add sturdy aluminum nook bumpers to their circumstances. These bumpers are seen on the skin of their normal suitcases, whereas their Carry-On Important and Carry-On Professional have hidden inside bumpers. Corners are the more than likely a part of a suitcase to crack or dent, and this design provides a ton of power on this weak space.
I’ve by no means seen a Monos onerous shell crack, however theoretically, July’s aluminum corners ought to make them extra influence and damage-resistant. One draw back is that the anodized coating on the exterior bumpers can scuff or scratch, displaying some beauty put on over time.
In the event you’re in search of light-weight baggage, it’s price noting that July additionally makes a dialed-back model of their normal carry-on. At below 4 lbs, it’s the lightest hardside carry-on on the earth!
July Baggage Design & Options
Functionally, July suitcases are easy and streamlined, however they’ve a number of nice options that make for simpler packing and journey.
Inside you’ll discover a big zippered divider on one aspect and July’s Y-strap compression system on the opposite. With this method there’s a compression pad that you just place over your packed clothes. You then buckle the beefy Y-shaped strap excessive and cinch it all the way down to compress all the pieces and preserve it securely in place. The bonus is that the compression pad has a built-in zippered pocket.
Total, I do want there have been extra pockets inside July suitcases. That’s one space the place Monos positively has the benefit.
You additionally get a sturdy adjustable deal with with 20 totally different stopping factors, so it’s straightforward to get it set to the right top. This is a bonus over Monos suitcase, which gained’t have as a lot adjustability.
Aesthetically, July baggage may be very minimal and understated—extra so than Monos. July suitcases are easy rectangles with rounded edges and a single molded-in line across the middle to interrupt up the profile. The one different notable stylistic element is the aluminum nook bumpers.
I personally love the easier look of July, although fashion is all the time a private desire.
July Baggage Execs and Cons
Total, July baggage is absolutely spectacular. July suitcases look wonderful, are sturdy, and are actually well-designed. You’re right here to know the way July compares with Monos although, so we have to cowl the benefits and downsides.
These manufacturers are intently matched, and there aren’t any overwhelming variations. It’s all going to be within the particulars right here. For instance, July carry-on suitcases include an ejectable battery financial institution to cost your telephone or laptop computer; you don’t get that with Monos. However, Monos has actually spectacular testing of their merchandise and wonderful construct high quality.
Listed here are the professionals and cons of July and the way it measures up towards Monos baggage:
Execs
- Aluminum bolstered corners are powerful and impact-resistant
- July’s Carry-On Gentle is the lightest carry-on on the earth
- The Carry-On and Carry-On Professional include a USB battery financial institution (Monos doesn’t)
- Less complicated styling than Monos
- July has a Trunk Baggage choice (Monos doesn’t)
- 20-stop telescoping deal with is extra adjustable than Monos
Cons
- Fewer inside pockets than Monos
- Anodized aluminum corners have a tendency to point out scratches
- Customary carry-on is heavier than Monos
For a extra in-depth look, try our full July baggage assessment.
Monos Baggage Evaluate
Monos is a contemporary journey model primarily based in Vancouver Canada. Their entire enterprise mannequin is constructed on providing the identical high quality and options you see in luxurious suitcase manufacturers at a lower cost.
The factor that stands out most to me about Monos as a model is their obsession over high quality. They aren’t afraid to fully redesign fundamental parts to make them higher and longer lasting. Monos baggage have improved handles, wheels, and shells which can be extra sturdy than different baggage choices.
Past simply designing their merchandise to be sturdy, Monos goes above and past with their rigorous high quality testing (possibly you could possibly name it baggage torture testing). They run their wheels for twenty miles on treadmills with jarring bumps, yank repeatedly on the baggage handles, drop loaded suitcases onto concrete, and tumble them round in a machine that appears like an enormous garments dryer. Critically, these individuals aren’t messing round.
What meaning for you is that you just get a suitcase that’s designed and examined to outlive all the pieces you’ll be able to throw at it.
I additionally love that Monos is dedicated to sustainability and decreasing their influence. They donate 1% of their income to environmental non-profits, and the are licensed local weather impartial, with web zero carbon emissions. Not solely are their merchandise well-made, however you too can be ok with shopping for them.
Monos Baggage Supplies & High quality
Like July, Monos baggage begins with a smooth polycarbonate shell. They don’t have the aluminum nook bumpers of July, however I’ve by no means seen a Monos suitcase crack or dent, even with some fairly heavy abuse.
The inside of Monos baggage is made with a 100% recycled rPET cloth that’s comfortable to the contact and stain- and waterproof. You additionally get sturdy, snag-resistant YKK zippers throughout.
Monos designed their telescoping deal with to be higher than the rest available on the market. It’s made with aerospace-grade extruded aluminum tubing, and the upright telescoping tubes are positioned at a 45-degree angle, which suggests they’ll higher resist pulling and pushing forces. In the event you’re coming from a less expensive suitcase, you’ll be blown away at how stiff and durable this deal with feels.
The standout component of Monos baggage construct high quality is the wheels. After they couldn’t discover 360-degree spinning wheels available on the market that met their prime quality and sturdiness necessities, Monos designed their very own from the bottom up, with bigger wheels and chrome steel ball bearings. I’m not an enormous fan of spinner wheels after destroying a number of on cobblestone streets in Europe, however these are a number of the solely ones I belief to final.
Monos Baggage Design & Options
The useful design of Monos baggage is similar to July general. For inside group, you’ve a zippered divider on one aspect and a compression pad system on the opposite aspect. The compression is nearly equivalent to July. The one distinction is that there are two separate compression straps as a substitute of an enormous Y-strap.
Monos does provide extra inside pockets of their suitcases, which is a win in my guide. The massive mesh pocket and smaller hinge pocket offer you extra locations to place issues and assist preserve your suitcase neat and arranged.
Each piece of Monos baggage, from the compact carry-on to their largest checked bag additionally comes with an odor-blocking laundry bag and two shoe baggage. It’s superior to see “bonus” options like this included.
In the event you’re in search of probably the most feature-packed Monos baggage, you’ll wish to try the Carry-On Professional. This smooth carry-on bag has a zippered outdoors pocket constructed into the shell. The entrance compartment hinges open and is loaded with small pockets and pouches for retaining necessities organized and simply accessible. The Monos Carry-On Professional even has a padded laptop computer sleeve with room for laptops as much as 16 inches.
The fashion of Monos suitcases may be very minimalist and fashionable, with only a bit extra visible detailing than July. One of the best half is that due to the high-quality supplies, Monos baggage will preserve trying good after years of use.
Monos Baggage Execs and Cons
Monos baggage is well-designed and well-built, so how does it evaluate to the competitors (on this case, July)? Total, I’d say there are quite a lot of benefits in Monos’ favor, together with the superior sturdiness. It’s not all win-win although, as there are some tradeoffs when choosing Monos as a substitute of July.
Listed here are the professionals and cons of Monos when in comparison with July:
Execs
- Excellent sturdiness and rigorous high quality testing
- 2 measurement choices for normal and professional carry-on baggage (July solely has 1)
- Higher exterior pocket within the Carry-On Professional
- Extra colour selections than July
Cons
- Telescopic deal with is much less adjustable than July
- The Monos Carry-On Professional gained’t match bigger laptops
- Corners aren’t bolstered
For a extra in-depth look, try our full Monos baggage assessment.
July vs. Monos: Which Ought to You Purchase?
There’s loads to love about each July and Monos, they usually have loads in widespread. Each manufacturers use polycarbonate shells, designed their very own spinner wheels, have glorious group, and provide luxury-level high quality at attainable costs. Most of their merchandise compete head-to-head in terms of options and value.
So which is best?
You’re certain to be pleased with a suitcase from both model, however if you would like the very best high quality and sturdiness, Monos baggage is the place it’s at. Their rigorous high quality testing and obsession over particulars is spectacular. Don’t get me incorrect, July circumstances are additionally very well-built, I simply assume Monos takes it to the following stage.
If I have been to suggest a single product from both of those two suitcase manufacturers, it could be the Monos Carry-On Professional. Monos carry-on baggage is simply actually well-designed. With its zippered exterior pocket, clever design, and bomber development, this carry-on bag is without doubt one of the finest available on the market.
There may be additionally a July Carry-On Professional; as a substitute of a zippered pocket, it has a detachable laptop computer sleeve. Whereas that is probably the most revolutionary baggage I’ve seen for carrying a laptop computer, it’s dearer, much less protecting, and fewer versatile. In order for you an exterior pocket, I’d stick to the Monos Carry-On Professional.
Whereas Monos excels at carry-on baggage, I believe it begins to make a bit extra sense to contemplate July when you’re purchasing for checked baggage. These sturdy aluminum nook bumpers may give you some peace of thoughts when your baggage is being tossed round by gung-ho airline baggage handlers.
Ultimately, it comes down to private desire. Monos has a number of the most sturdy hardside suitcases on the market, however In the event you just like the extra minimal, streamlined styling of July suitcases (I certain do), go for it. I don’t assume you’ll be disenchanted both method.
July vs. Monos FAQs
What’s July baggage fabricated from?
July baggage is made with a sturdy German polycarbonate shell and aluminum alloy nook bumpers.
Is Monos carry-on price it?
The Monos Carry-On is sturdy, trendy, well-designed, and is without doubt one of the finest carry-ons you should purchase.
The place is July baggage made?
July baggage is manufactured in China, however the polycarbonate shells are made in Germany.
Jakob Thygerson
Jakob Thygerson is an out of doors journey seeker who collects sunburns, Nationwide Park maps, and path miles. He loves something that will get him outdoor, whether or not it’s on foot, on skis, on a motorcycle, or on the open street. A local of the Mountain West, he’s most at residence in mountains and deserts with clear air and brilliant stars.
He has a background in product design engineer and is aware of the ins and outs of supplies, design, and manufacturing processes. He loves utilizing this data to research out of doors gear and is an unrepentant gearhead.
