What I Packed in My Monos Carry-On For a Six Day Trip

Monos Carry-On
Monos Carry-On
Monos Carry-On with TSA approved Lock
Monos Carry-On with leather luggage tag
Inside the Monos Carry-On
Monos Carry-On with TSA approved lock

I had been looking for new luggage for years. Until recently, I was still using my parents’ suitcases AKA soft fabric Air Canada suitcases that weighed a million pounds and really didn’t fit much in them. They were not cute, they were not functional, and they were just definitely not ideal for my travel adventures as a young adult. I knew that I wanted to convert to a hardside carry-on with spinner wheels (yes, about time) but I had the hardest time finding a suitcase that was both cute and had good reviews. It seemed every suitcase brand that I thought was cute and under $500 had the WORST reviews. There were countless horror stories of wheels falling off, the case cracking and the lock breaking after only one use. I didn’t want a piece of luggage that I had to baby in order for it not to fall apart. Afterall, it’s luggage. It going to take a beating no matter what.

But I came across Monos and it appeared this was the luggage brand of my dreams. It’s a Canadian company (1000 bonus points award right there alone) that really pride themselves on having the utmost quality in their product let alone also being a super beautiful suitcase. That’s exactly what I was looking for. Monos sourced the highest quality parts and material for every little detail of their luggage and it really shows. AND they don’t cost an arm and a leg. The suitcases range from $368CAD to $462CAD but are currently on sale for $246 to $347 with FREE 2-3 day shipping. It can’t get much better than that.

The Monos luggage comes in three different sizes: Carry-On (22” × 14” × 9”), Carry-On Plus (23″ × 15″ × 9.5″), and Check-In (30” × 21” × 11”). I went with the smallest size, the Carry-On in the Olive Green colour. Fun fact: I have always wanted a suitcase in an olive green color and they are surprisingly hard to find so I was a very happy gal to see that Monos had the most perfect one. The minimalistic design is made with German Makrolon polycarbonate which is a lightweight, aerospace-grade material that is nearly impossible to break. And I believe that. It feels so much more sturdy (yet still flexible) than any other hardside luggage I have tested. It’s handle is absolutely perfect with high-grade aluminum that is designed to fit at opposing 45° angles (reducing the lateral and torsional movement) and the handle release button is on the underside which makes it more ergonomic to use. I usually struggle with pulling out and locking handles (it seems they always get stuck) but throughout the entirety of my trip, I found it always pulled in and out smoothly.

And let’s talk about the wheels. I never realized how important luggage wheels are but man, what a difference I noticed in these ones. These are the Hinomoto Lisof Silent Run wheels. (You know a wheel is good when they have their own name). They are unrivalled in quietness, performance, and durability. They were so smooth. Even on the bumpiest of sidewalks. And they didn’t fall off. Huge bonus there. But let’s not forget about the inside of the suitcase. That matters too. The interior is draped in 350 denier polyester, a durable, waterproof, and anti-bacterial fabric. On the left side it features a large zipped compartment with a mesh pocket and on the right side it features a built-in compression pad (that allowed me too squish everything down and hold it all in place when I did a little too much shopping on my trip) with another zipped pocket on that. The accessories also include an antimicrobial laundry bag, two shoe bags, a vegan leather luggage tag as well as a little eraser sponge for getting rid of any scuffs on the shell. Yes, Monos really thought about everything.


Monos Carry-On
What I packed in my Monos carry-on
What I packed in my Monos carry-on
What I packed in my Monos carry-on
What I packed in my Monos carry-on for a six day trip
What I packed in my Monos carry-on
What to pack for San Francisco

What I Packed For San Fran:

I recently went on a six day trip to San Francisco and I absolutely hate checking my luggage (it always gets lost) so my stubborn self was determined to fit six days worth of clothes into a carry-on. Now, that might not seem like the hardest challenge but when you’re a fashion blogger who needs six different but also cute outfits to take OOTD photos in everyday, it’s gets a lil’ harder. And it gets even harder when you’re packing for San Francisco. Because if there’s any city that has the most unpredictable weather, it’s there. I needed layers, layers and yup, more layers. So this is what I managed to fit in my Monos Carry-On:

ClothesMiscellaneousToiletries
Mustard Yellow BlazerSwimsuitFoldable Hairbrush
Cream Knit CardiganCrossbody PurseToothbrush & Toothpaste
White Denim JacketBrown Leather BeltComb
Mustard Yellow Midi Shirt DressCheetah Print BeltForeo
Orange Mini DressCheetah Print HeadbandRazor
Yellow Tank TopFloral Print HeadbandMakeup Brushes
Ripped JeansTen (10) pairs of undiesBeauty Blender
Snakeskin Midi SkirtThree (3) brasCotton Pads
Five (5) White T-ShirtsTen (10) pairs of socksMicellar Water
Lilac HoodieFlip FlopsMakeup
White Adidas SneakersHair StraightenerHair Ties
White Nike SneakersPyjama Top & PantsPlastic Headband
Black RomperFour (4) Pairs of EarringsSkincare

That’s a ton of stuff, hey? Yeah, I don’t pack light, that’s for sure. And that list doesn’t include all of the things I bought while I was in San Francisco. I basically brought double that list back home. I don’t have a shopping problem, OKAY.

*ftc disclaimer: Luggage was gifted for review consideration. All opinions are my own. Thank you for supporting the brands that make When I’m Older possible!

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16 Comments

  • Eyra

    This review resonates so well with my views , I don’t even want to begin but cudos to the minds and any other person involved in the quality of this luggage

    December 4, 2019 at 3:11 am Reply
    • admin

      Yes! I haven’t been this impressed with a suitcase ever. Monos is amazing.

      December 4, 2019 at 5:10 am Reply
  • Destiny

    Hey! fellow Edmontonian here!! 🙂 Thanks for the great review. I have been looking for good quality, yet stylish luggage for the past few months and I think I finally found Mono’s will be a perfect match!

    December 6, 2019 at 10:11 pm Reply
    • admin

      Cheers to Edmonton!! You’re going to love it! I want to plan a trip just so I can take my suitcase on another trip haha!

      December 6, 2019 at 10:24 pm Reply
  • Jenny

    Hi there, have you traveled with this carry on on Air Canada flights? Just wondering if it would fit their sample size at the check in counter. I’m thinking of getting the carry on plus but the dimensions are slightly bigger than what’s listed on AC’s website, so wondering if maybe these are squeezable. Please let me know if so! Thanks 🙂

    September 10, 2020 at 12:07 am Reply
    • admin

      Hi Jenny! I have taken this carry-on on Air Canada flights! The first Air Canada plane was a large one so it fit in the overhead compartment no problem! The second AC plane was quite a bit smaller and older so I did find my carryon was a tighter fit in overhead. Depending on which Air Canada plane you’re on, the PLUS version of the carryon might not fit! Hope that helped!!

      September 10, 2020 at 1:33 am Reply
  • Helena Moran

    I am so thankful for your review. I think you are the only one I have found that has reviewed the smaller carry on. I just bought one for my month long trip to Egypt. The story of your prior suitcases is my story too with the exception that I am the mom with the miscellaneous old cumbersome suitcases. I was also a backpacker back in the day when wheels didn’t exist for travellers!😂 Anyway, after purchasing my Monos, I wasnt sure if I may have gotten one too small. Your packing list totally reasured me that it is the perfect size. I can’t wait for it to arrive. I am cutting it real close. It is due to arrive just a few days before I leave! Now its my turn to document my Monos story. I haven’t done anything to my blog in months! Thanks for the inspiration!

    November 18, 2020 at 1:20 am Reply
    • admin

      Hi Helena! Thanks for your comment! I’m so glad you went ahead and picked one up for yourself! I think you’re absolutely going to love the size if you’re a light packer! Have an amazing time in Egypt!

      November 19, 2020 at 10:19 pm Reply
  • Monos Kiyo UVC Water Bottle – When I'm Older

    […] love Monos as a company. I first got my Monos Carry-On Suitcase (full review here) back in the summer of 2019 for my trip to San Francisco and I fell head over heels for the […]

    November 26, 2021 at 10:00 am Reply
  • Sue

    Hi there! Just came across your review and I love it. The carry on says it’s measurements are: 22″ × 14″ × 9″
    Air Canada’s carry on policy is: 21.5 x 15.5 x 9
    Westjet carry on policy: 21 x 15 x 9

    That’s a 0.5-1 inch difference from the allowable length. Over the last few years have you had difficulties flying with Canadian airlines? I’m replacing a carry on the suddenly too large for planes over the last few years (they keep reducing sizing?) and trying to avoid issues.
    Thank you!

    February 28, 2022 at 11:56 pm Reply
    • admin

      Hi Sue! Thanks for your comment and question! When I first got my Monos carry on, I was worried about that as well! But, I haven’t ever had a problem flying with it. I’ve now taken it on over twenty Canadian flights and it’s fit perfectly in the overhead bins with so much room to spare!

      March 15, 2022 at 5:45 pm Reply
      • Young

        Hi- thanks for your awesome review- Back to the Air Canada carry-on ‘sizer’. I’d love if you can please confirm if you’ve actually successfully put in the Carry-on in the actual sizer and it fit? From my research, I’m learning that you have to slip in the wheels first in to make it fit, but it successfully works and fits that way. Did you experience that? They are really strict now and making people put it in the sizers before boarding… thanks.

        March 23, 2023 at 3:08 pm Reply
        • admin

          Hi Young! I have never had to put my carry-on in the sizer at the airport gate to check the measurements. Next time I hop on a flight, I will definitely check and report back for you!

          March 24, 2023 at 5:55 pm Reply
  • Megan Schram

    I just bought my monos and I’m so excited! Side note, what is that leather bag in the first picture? It’s adorable!

    April 26, 2022 at 1:29 am Reply
  • Michael Patrick Moran

    I purchased the Monos partly because they meet the CA requirements to be non-toxic and found the price to be either competitive or less than similar hard-shell 4-wheel spinner pieces of luggage. I also have not had the luxury of these newer 4-wheel bags in past travels. I had not seen your review but it came up when I searched for packing tips and was glad to see your story and lists, as it will help me formulate my own. I went with the 23 inch Pro Plus and ordered through Nordstom’s (black only) because I waited too long and did not want to risk delivery not being here in time, and at Nordstrom’s I could pick up 2 days after placing order. I realize I may have caused it to be a checked bag due to the 23 inch size, but I really wanted the laptop accessibility also. I am flying Emirates to Athens Greece so I will have to see how they handle it, but I am prepared to check it if needed. I think future USA domestic flights it might be ok as carry-on. Thanks for your thorough review, and happy trails.

    September 22, 2023 at 2:45 am Reply
  • Danny

    This review is very helpful. I am wondering where you bought your make-up bag? It looks really well made.

    September 23, 2023 at 4:28 pm Reply
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