Hey there, fashion lover! If you‘re anything like me, you‘re always on the hunt for the perfect luggage to match your jet-setting lifestyle. Well, I think I may have found not one, but two incredible brands worth gushing about: Solgaard and Monos.
I know what you‘re thinking – with so many luggage options out there, what makes these two so special? Sit back, relax, and allow me to spill the tea on why Solgaard and Monos are the hottest names in travel fashion right now.
Solgaard: Eco-Friendly Innovation
First up, let‘s talk about Solgaard. This sustainable travel brand has been making waves with its innovative designs and commitment to using recycled materials. In fact, for every product sold, Solgaard removes 5 pounds of plastic waste from the ocean! How cool is that?
Founded by Adrian Solgaard (a fellow world traveler and all-around creative genius), the brand skyrocketed to fame with their OG product: the Lifepack Backpack. This bad boy features solar charging, a Bluetooth speaker, and a built-in lock. It‘s like the Swiss Army Knife of backpacks!
But Solgaard didn‘t stop there. They‘ve since expanded to luggage, travel accessories, and everyday essentials like wallets and phone cases. The eco-friendly ethos remains at the heart of everything they do. To date, Solgaard has recycled over 1.4 million pounds of ocean plastic into their products. 🌊
Monos: Timeless Style Meets Function
On the other hand, we have Monos – a Canadian brand that‘s all about timeless design and quality craftsmanship. Their philosophy? Investing in a few key pieces that will stand the test of time (and many trips around the globe).
With a streamlined collection of hardside and softside luggage, backpacks, and accessories, Monos keeps things simple yet oh-so-stylish. Think sleek lines, tasteful colorways, and smart features that frequent flyers will appreciate. Plus, Monos products are surprisingly affordable for the level of quality. It‘s luxury for the jet set! 👜
Tale of the Tape: Suitcases & Backpacks
Now, I know what you really came here for – the juicy product details. I‘ve personally put Solgaard and Monos to the test on multiple trips, so I feel confident giving you the inside scoop. Let‘s break it down:
Carry-On Suitcases
When it comes to carry-ons, both brands bring their A-game. The Solgaard Carry-On Closet ($345) is a real showstopper with its built-in shelving system. Imagine opening your suitcase and having all your clothes neatly organized and ready to go. It‘s a Type A traveler‘s dream come true!
I have to admit, I was a bit skeptical about the shelves at first. Would they really make a difference? But after using this clever carry-on for a week in Europe, I‘m a total convert. No more digging through a jumbled mess to find that one shirt!
The Monos Carry-On ($255) opts for a more classic (but still chic) interior layout with zippered compartments and compression straps. What it lacks in fancy bells and whistles, it makes up for in sheer roominess. At 22", it‘s slightly larger than the Solgaard and can fit an impressive amount.
I brought my trusty Monos on a beach getaway and had plenty of space for all my vacation ‘fits, plus a few extra pairs of shoes. The sturdy polycarbonate shell held up beautifully in the overhead bin and kept my belongings safe. ☀️
Checked Luggage
If you‘re like me and believe in options (okay, overpacking), a checked suitcase is non-negotiable.
Solgaard‘s Checked-In Closet ($450) is essentially a larger version of their carry-on, complete with the signature removable shelving. This thing is massive at 28" – perfect for longer trips or sharing with a travel buddy. I love that I can just lift the shelves right out when I arrive at my destination. Unpacking? Done in seconds.
I was recently chatting with a fellow fashionista at the airport who had the Solgaard checked bag. She raved about how easy it was to stay organized on her 2-week anniversary trip to Bali. "I could actually find my bikinis without tearing apart the whole suitcase!" she laughed. The power of the shelves, y‘all.
As for Monos, their Checked-In Medium ($345) is the definition of sleek at 26.5". What really caught my eye were the gorgeous vegan leather accents – such a luxe touch! Inside, you‘ll find a similar layout to the Monos carry-on, with zippered panels and straps. It‘s simple but effective.
One thing I noticed about my Monos on a recent trip? The ultra-smooth spinner wheels. This baby glided through the airport like a dream, even when stuffed to the gills. No awkward wobbling or getting stuck on carpet. Trust me, after sprinting to make a tight connection, you‘ll appreciate good wheels! 🏃♀️
Travel Backpacks
Last but certainly not least, let‘s talk backpacks. As a digital nomad who likes to balance work and play, I never jet off without a trusty backpack to hold my laptop and in-flight essentials.
The Solgaard Lifepack Backpack ($225) is a tech lover‘s fantasy. With its solar charging capability, I can keep all my gadgets juiced up on the go – no more frantically searching for outlets! The drop-resistant laptop sleeve and pockets galore make it a breeze to stay organized.
I took my Lifepack on a weekend hiking trip and was impressed by how comfortable it was to carry, even loaded down with snacks and camera gear. The waterproof bottom came in clutch when I set my bag down on a damp picnic bench. No soggy belongings for this girl!
Now, if you‘re looking for something a bit more understated, the Monos Metro Backpack ($180) is a solid pick. Crafted from water-resistant nylon and vegan leather, it‘s the perfect marriage of form and function. I especially appreciate the luggage trolley sleeve – no more awkwardly balancing my backpack on top of my suitcase!
I recently spotted a fellow traveler sporting the Metro at a café in Paris. We struck up a conversation (en français, of course) and she couldn‘t stop gushing about how much she loved the bag. "It fits everything I need for a day of exploring, but still looks professional enough for meetings," she explained. Très chic! 🇫🇷
Quality, Sustainability, and Customer Experience
Of course, there‘s more to a good luggage brand than just looks. Let‘s talk about some of the nitty gritty details that set Solgaard and Monos apart.
Sustainability
As I mentioned earlier, Solgaard is killing it on the sustainability front. Their use of recycled ocean plastic in everything from fabric to zippers is seriously impressive. It‘s so refreshing to see a travel brand prioritizing the planet!
While Monos doesn‘t market itself as an eco-brand per se, they do use some recycled materials and focus on creating durable, long-lasting products. In a world of fast fashion and disposable everything, that‘s actually a pretty sustainable approach.
Warranty & Customer Service
Let me tell you, there‘s nothing worse than having your luggage break mid-trip (been there, done that). That‘s why a solid warranty is key!
Solgaard offers a lifetime warranty against defects, which is pretty darn generous. I had an issue with a zipper on my Lifepack and their customer service team was super responsive in helping me get it repaired. Extra points for Solgaard!
Monos really goes above and beyond with their 100-day trial period. Yep, you read that right – you can test drive your new luggage for over 3 months and still return it for free if you‘re not happy. As someone who likes to thoroughly vet my bags before committing, I love this policy.
I will say, I‘ve heard mixed reviews on Monos‘ customer service. While most people have glowing things to say, a few reviewers mentioned long wait times for responses. Something to keep in mind!
Price & Value
Okay, let‘s address the elephant in the room: price. There‘s no denying that both Solgaard and Monos are an investment compared to that cheap suitcase you could grab off Amazon.
Solgaard‘s pieces range from $225-$450, putting them firmly in the premium category. But for that price, you‘re getting cutting-edge features, sustainable materials, and a bag that‘s built to last. In my opinion? Totally worth it.
Monos is slightly more budget-friendly, with suitcases starting at $245 and backpacks at $180. Considering the quality and clever design, I think Monos is an amazing value for the price.
At the end of the day, investing in good luggage is just that – an investment. I‘d rather spend a bit more upfront for a bag that will last me years (and many adventures) to come.
The Final Verdict
Phew, that was a lot of info! If you‘re still with me, I applaud you. Now, for the question I know you‘re dying to ask: which brand gets my fashionista seal of approval?
Drumroll, please…it‘s a tie! Truly, I think both Solgaard and Monos are fantastic options for the stylish, discerning traveler. It all comes down to your personal preferences and priorities.
If eco-friendly features and high-tech organization are your jam, Solgaard is the way to go. Their shelving suitcases are a game-changer and the brand‘s sustainability efforts are seriously commendable.
On the other hand, if you‘re all about that minimalist aesthetic and want to get the most bang for your buck, Monos is your girl. I‘m consistently impressed by the quality of their luggage for the price point. Plus, that 100-day trial is clutch!
At the end of the day, you really can‘t go wrong with either brand. Both Solgaard and Monos have earned a permanent spot in my jet-setting heart (and closet).
So, my fellow fashionistas, I hope this deep dive has been helpful in your quest for the perfect travel companion. If you have any other questions about Solgaard or Monos, don‘t hesitate to drop me a comment. I‘m always happy to chat luggage!
Until next time, stay fabulous and bon voyage! ✈️💕
