In the world of hard-sided luggage, most rolling bags fall in one of two camps: aluminum or polycarbonate. Both materials have pros and cons, which can lead to a serious shopping dilemma. Do you choose an aluminum suitcase for maximum durability in a heavier package or pick a polycarbonate rollaboard for a lightweight carry that’s more susceptible to wear and tear?
With an investment like luggage, you shouldn’t be resigned to durable or lightweight. That’s where the Monos Hybrid Collection comes in.
Durable, light, and resilient all at once, the Monos Hybrid Collection combines the most desirable features of aluminum and polycarbonate luggage. The result? A line of supremely sleek suitcases that stands in a class of its own and offers travelers the best of both worlds.
This kind of innovation comes as no surprise from a brand that’s been blazing a path of its own on the high-end luggage scene since 2018. Founded by childhood friends Victor Tam, Hubert Chan, and Daniel Shin, Monos stands on the shared belief that conscientious design is everything.
Monos values simplicity and believes that a well-designed premium suitcase doesn’t need to be loud and flashy, it simply speaks for itself. To that end, the brand has become synonymous with beautiful, high-quality suitcases designed for longevity and ease of travel. The Hybrid Collection is no exception.
The Makings of a Hybrid Suitcase
To balance durability with portability, the Monos design team focused on the strategic placement of classic, hard-sided luggage materials. An anodized aluminum frame provides an ultra-sturdy foundation. The aerospace-grade, water-resistant polycarbonate hard shell made from partially recycled materials cuts down on weight without compromising the design’s overall resiliency. Aluminum corner guards reinforce the shell where it’s most likely to see the most wear and tear.
“We put our designs through a battery of 40 tests to ensure they survive the toughest travel conditions,” says Kathleen Westerhout, Senior Director of Product at Monos. “These tests let us confidently say the Hybrid Collection suitcases are virtually unbreakable.”
Exterior Construction
All suitcases in the Hybrid Collection feature a refined metallic finish with color-matched components from top to bottom. The zipperless design gives travelers quick access to the bag’s contents, while two integrated, TSA-approved combination locks provide an added layer of security. Constructed with high-grade aluminum tubing, the thoughtfully designed, telescopic handle seamlessly adjusts to four heights using a cleverly hidden release button.
The Monos team knows wheels can make or break a suitcase. The Hybrid Collection employs custom-designed 360-degree spinner wheels that offer unrivaled performance for an effortless, whisper-quiet travel experience. Combined with reinforced wheel housing, the durable, expertly engineered wheels stand up to the rigors of travel, from heavy loads to cobblestone streets.
Interior Features
Inside the suitcases, thoughtful details elevate the collection’s style and offer added functionality. An ultra-soft, anti-microbial fabric made with 100% recycled polyester lines the interior, while vegan leather details add a luxe feel. Carry-on and Carry-on plus sizes feature a built-in, removable compression pad with a zipper pocket for flat items. Larger styles include dual Y-shaped compression straps and a divider for better organization. All suitcases in the collection come with an anti-microbial, silver ion-coated laundry bag, two shoe bags, and a vegan leather luggage tag.
The Hybrid Collection includes five sizes: Carry-On, Carry-On Plus, Check-In Medium, Check-In Large, and Trunk. Every suitcase comes with a lifetime warranty. “In today’s throwaway society of passing trends and mass consumption, we design our pieces to stand the test of time in both design and quality,” Westerhout says. “Our commitment to longevity, combined with our lifetime warranty, ensures these suitcases will accompany you on a lifetime of travel.”
