Paravel Aviator carry-on plus vs Monos carry-on plus: a side-by-side comparison
After, quite literally, years comparing the best suitcase brands, researching sustainable luggage, and narrowing down strict criteria, we ended up with travel bags from both Paravel and Monos.
We’ve reviewed each brand in-depth, and they continue to be among our most searched for posts! For those that may not have the time, we thought a quick side-by-side comparison may be helpful!
PARAVEL
PRICE
$475
Coupon codes available
DIMENSIONS
14.7” x 22.7” x 9.6”
WEIGHT
8.5lbs
VOLUME
52.1L
HOLDS
4-7 days worth of clothes
(vs 2-4 for Carry-On)
Airline cOMPATIBILITY
The Aviator Carry-On Plus meets the guidelines for larger planes and can fit into the overhead bins of Air Canada, American Airlines, British Airways, Delta, JetBlue, Southwest, and United.
It will need to be checked on Alaska Airlines, Lufthansa, and Virgin America, and may need to be checked on smaller regional planes.
MONOS
PRICE
$275
Coupon codes available
DIMENSIONS
23” x 15” x 9.5”
WEIGHT
7.38lbs
VOLUME
48L
HOLDS
3-7 days
(vs 2-5 for Carry-On)
Airline cOMPATIBILITY
A full list is not provided by Monos (as far as we can tell). However, the Monos Carry-On Plus has been proven to fit in the overhead compartments of major airlines including Delta, United, American, and JetBlue.
It will need to be checked on smaller regional planes.
Notable details:
Features
Monos: Monos was the first of the two bags we purchased. At the time, we were comparing it against Away luggage and felt Monos far superior. We still hold to that. While other suitcase brands may need to be replaced more frequently, Monos focuses on quality over quantity. Made to last, less luggage ends up in landfills. With a flexible aerospace-grade polycarbonate shell that can absorb energy from impacts, Monos suitcase keeps your belongings protected. Redesigning traditional handles using high-grade aluminum, Monos is solid and sturdy. Quiet and durable, Hinomoto Lisof Silent Run wheels are a gold-standard in Japanese design. Rigorously quality controlled via 40 different tests — the telescopic handle jerk test, wheel abrasion, and drop test, to name a few — Monos is designed to handle even the toughest travel conditions.
Paravel: Each suitcase uses recycled materials wherever possible, including a recycled polycarbonate shell, recycled zippers, and a lining made from 15 recycled plastic bottles. The telescopic handle is made from recycled, aircraft-grade aluminum. 360° frictionless carbon-steel bearing wheels are impossibly smooth. Trim and steel side handles are wrapped in vegan leather (plastic), which some may see as a plus and others a negative. The suitcase is two sided, with a zippered compartment on one side and a compression board on the other. It comes with a removable accessories pouch. Paravel offsets the emissions from sourcing, assembly, shipping, delivery, and even an additional .33 tonnes of carbon (the estimated carbon emissions of it’s first trip with you)! The result is a carbon-neutral suitcase that we felt good about.
Design
Monos: The Monos in Desert Taupe has a smooth, light tan exterior, with a signature grey interior. It has two compartments, with a mesh side on the left, and a removable compression board on the right.
Paravel: We were immediately drawn to the distinctive, classic aesthetic of Paravel’s Aviator in Scout Tan. Vintage-inspired, it has a cream and tan exterior with a navy blue interior, as well as the unique detail of the ridged surface. In addition to this, we have the quad-packing cubes in the matching navy blue, but note these are purchased separately.
Luggage locks
Both have a TSA-approved lock, so that you can secure your luggage using a combination while TSA has the ability to use a special key to unlock it without damage (if needed).
Extras
Monos: Monos includes one matching grey laundry bag, as well as two small shoe bags. They also included an eraser for scuffs that may occur during your travels, and a vegan leather tag. It also came with a cotton drawstring dustbin that can be reused for laundry, storage, or other purposes.
Paravel: Paravel didn’t come with as many extras, though they did include one large laundry bag to store inside your suitcase for dirty clothes.
DURABILITY
Paravel claims a scuff-hiding textured finish, but we noticed both suitcases are prone to surface marks, Mono’s slightly more so. Scratches and scuffs should be expected to some degree, especially if you check your luggage, however, most can be gently removed with a magic eraser.
Other customers have suggested putting a sticker from your destination over marks that cannot be removed (which also helps your bag stand out at baggage claim).
Just like with our leather camera bags, we see each scratch or scuff as patina… a souvenir from all the places we’ve traveled to.
TRIAL AND WARRANTY
Monos: Monos does offer a 100 day trial, however it’s a little misleading in that you can’t actually travel with your suitcase during this time. However, it helps you decide if the luggage (size, color, etc) is right for you. They also back their luggage by a Limited Lifetime Warranty, which is a huge plus. This covers cracks to the hard casing, damage to wheels or handles that impair function, or zippers that cannot open or close.
Paravel: Paravel offers a 5 year Limited Warranty on the Aviator Carry-On-Plus. This covers manufacturing defects, wear and tear, and/or structural damage to the TSA Lock, telescopic handle, wheels, corner protectors, top and side handles, and TPU leather strip.
SUMMARY
Paravel vs Monos luggage: WHICH IS BETTER?
We genuinely don’t think you can go wrong with it!
That said, our overall pick is Paravel. It’s built more sturdily, and the aesthetic finishes are luxurious and unique.
If seeking the most value for your dollar, Monos is the winner. It’s only slightly less sturdy, and though the design is not as distinctive as Paravel, it’s still very beautifully done, and doesn’t blend into a sea of luggage the way Away does.
