How to Choose the Best Luggage for Your Needs

This post may contain affiliate links. The Review Wire may collect a share of sales if you decide to shop from them. Please see my full disclosure policy for details.

Selecting the right luggage is essential for a smooth travel experience. Knowing how to choose the best luggage can make all the difference, ensuring you pack efficiently, navigate easily, and safeguard your belongings, whether you’re embarking on a short weekend getaway or an extended international trip.

Monos, a Canadian travel and lifestyle brand, is known for its premium luggage and accessories that combine minimalist design and exceptional functionality that centers on simplicity, durability, and timeless aesthetics with luggage with sleek and clean lines. Offering a wide variety of sizes and features, Monos makes it easy to find out how to choose the best luggage to suit your travel needs and preferences.

RELATED: How To Stretch Your Tax Refund: Flight Calculator Travel Hack

How to Choose The Best Luggage

1. Assess Your Travel Habits

Understanding your travel frequency and style is key. Are you a weekend warrior, frequent business traveler, or globetrotter? Short trips often call for carry-on luggage like the Monos Carry-On Pro, which meets most airline size restrictions and includes compartments for tech gear or personal essentials. Longer vacations or family trips may require spacious check-in options like the Monos Check-In Large, which provides ample storage for clothing, shoes, and extras.​

Consider your destination as well. Urban travelers might prioritize compact, durable options for easy maneuverability, while adventurers heading to remote locations might require weather-resistant luggage.

2. Choose the Right Size and Weight

Size matters when it comes to luggage, but so does weight. Overpacking is common, so ensure your suitcase offers enough space without adding unnecessary bulk. For example:

• Carry-Ons: Ideal for 1–3 day trips. The lightweight design ensures you can skip the baggage claim.
• Medium Check-Ins: Best for weeklong vacations, offering a balance of space and portability.
• Large Check-Ins: Perfect for extended stays or family trips, accommodating more belongings while remaining practical.

Monos designs luggage with weight efficiency in mind, using polycarbonate materials to balance durability and lightness. Comparing luggage sizes based on trip length and outfit capacity can help determine the correct size. 

3. Material Matters

The choice between hard-shell and soft-sided luggage depends on personal preference and travel requirements:

• Hard-Shell Luggage: Made from polycarbonate, it protects fragile items and is resistant to scratches and impacts. Monos’ hard-shell suitcases are a great option for travelers looking for sleek, sturdy designs.
• Soft-Sided Luggage: Offers flexibility, making it easier to fit into tight overhead compartments or car trunks. These are better for travelers who value expandability over rigidity.

4. Pay Attention to Features

Modern luggage comes with innovative features to simplify your travels. Look for:

• 360° Spinner Wheels: Smooth navigation through crowded airports or cobblestone streets.
• Expandable Compartments: Added packing space for souvenirs or last-minute items.
• Built-In TSA Locks: Enhanced security during transit.
• Antimicrobial Interiors: Keep your belongings fresh and odors-free—a standout feature in Monos luggage.

Other details, such as waterproof zippers, compression straps, and removable laundry bags, also make a difference in keeping your belongings organized and secure.

5. Prioritize Style and Personalization

Your luggage should reflect your style while being easy to identify. Monos offers minimalist designs in various colors, from sleek neutrals to limited edition vibrant tones, ensuring both form and function. Customizable luggage tags and cases can add a personal touch, making your suitcase unmistakably yours.​

6. Invest in Quality for the Long Haul

While budget-friendly options might seem appealing, high-quality luggage is a better investment. For years, premium brands like Monos have provided durable products backed by warranties, ensuring peace of mind. Features like reinforced zippers and high-grade materials reduce the risk of wear and tear, saving you from frequent replacements.

7. Think About Sustainability

If environmental impact is important, consider luggage made from sustainable materials or produced with eco-friendly practices. Monos emphasizes sustainability by using vegan leather accents and recycled materials in their designs, allowing you to travel with a lighter footprint.​

8. The differences between the Monos Classic, Hybrid, and Expandable Collections

The Hybrid luggage collection shares many features with the Classic line, including the ultra-sturdy telescopic handle, a polycarbonate shell, high-performance 360° wheels, and grab handles.

However, the Hybrid Collection is their premium line, offering the look and feel of aluminum without the extra weight. It features a zipperless design reinforced with an aluminum frame at the center seam and anodized aluminum corner guards to enhance durability. Additionally, it is equipped with two aluminum, TSA-Approved latch locks for secure closure.

The new Expandables Collection includes a sleek zipper that adds 1.6 inches of depth for extra packing space while maintaining an elegant design. This feature is ideal for extended weekend trips or travelers looking to maximize carry-on capacity.

Versatile Options

How to choose the best luggage starts with balancing practicality, style, and durability. You can find a suitcase that complements your adventures by assessing your travel needs, considering the materials and features, and investing in high-quality designs. From the compact Monos Carry-On Pro to the spacious Check-In Large, there’s an option to suit every traveler’s lifestyle. Your next trip deserves nothing less than perfection in your travel gear.

Check out Monos’ collections and guides on their website for more inspiration.