Solgaard vs. Away vs. Monos vs. Nomatic: Which Brand is Best for Luggage?

• Solgaard Luggage Review

History and Origin

Solgaard was founded in 2016 by Adrian Solgaard. Everything started when his friend’s backpack got stolen. He started asking questions on how to make a nearly perfect backpack so such things wouldn’t happen again. Solgaard made waves with its first product in 2016, a  solar-powered antitheft backpack called the Lifepack which fully featured with Solarbank with bluetooth speakers, retractable cable lock, drop-proof laptop storage and more, the Lifepack is built to join you on every journey so you can be ready for anything.

The company experimented with other travel items over the years, from various bags for other purposes to their Hex Watch. And in 2017, the Carry-On Closet was born. The next year, they began setting up supply chains for the use of ocean-bound plastics and released a backpack made from recycled materials sourced from those headed the ocean. They reworked their Carry-On Closet shortly after to use recycled plastics to create the suitcase’s lining. Nowadays, their collection includes durable, practical backpacks made of proprietary ocean-bound plastic fabric, as well as a revolutionary polycarbonate suitcase (available in different sizes) with a patented, built-in shelving system that helps travelers save space and stay organized.

Price

Solgaard luggage’s pricing is on the lower end of a high-end suitcase.  The Carry-On Closet Original currently retails from $270. The Check-In Closet Original starting from $315. The Carry-On Closet Lite price are range from  $220. The Check-In Closet Lite are priced from $270.

Design

At first glance, the Solgaard luggage doesn’t look that different from Away or Away. It features the same technical specs that we’ve come to expect in modern-day hardshell suitcases: a polycarbonate shell, smooth 360-degree wheels,  a telescopic wheel handle, a USB port, a TSA-approved lock, and more. But it’s what’s on the inside that matters, and that couldn’t be more true when talking about this innovative luggage.

The Solgaard luggage features its signature built-in shelving system which keeps you organized anywhere, and the shelves act as compression cubes to help you save space. The Carry-On Closet have no zippers on the outside. Instead, they close with two latch locks, with a main TSA-approved combination lock that operates them. The luggage features a one-handed pinch opening, which is extremely convenient. This type of luggage is a bit easier to close when overpacked since you don’t have to deal with a zipper that’s about to burst. Just sit on the suitcase to get it to close, and the moment you hear the locks snap in place you're good.

There are two ways to use your Solgaard suitcase – with or without the removable closet, which comes in a reusable laundry bag. If you don’t want to use the closet, you’ll have two spacious packing compartments. The top compartment features a full panel zippered divider, while the bottom compartment has tie-down compression straps, each with a pocket, for easy organization. But the removable closet is really the star of this suitcase which features five different sizes and styles of shelves (open, zippered, and divided). Once packed, pull the straps on the side to compress the closet down, and pack into the right half of the suitcase beneath an adjustable clasp. To unpack, loosen the compression straps and buckle the closet to the suitcase handle (don’t forget to fasten the support buckle, which allows the suitcase to stand up) or to a hook or closet rod at your destination.

Sizes

Solgaard luggages are available in four sizes: a medium Carry-On Closet, a large Carry-On Closet, a medium Check-In Closet, and a large Check-In Closet. The Carry-On Closet Medium (measuring 20.8″ x 13.4″ x 9″) and the Carry-On Closet Large (measuring 22.4″ x 14.6″ x 9.6″).
The medium Carry-On Closet is an internationally sized cabin bag. If you often travel in Europe or fly with budget airlines like EasyJet and Ryanair, this is the suitcase for you. The large Carry-On Closet is suitable for flights on 90% of airlines in the US. If you’re mostly flying in the United States, the bigger carry-on is a great option for you. The Check-in Closet Medium (measuring 24.8″ x 14.5″ x 11.8″) and the Carry-On Closet Large (measuring 28.3″ x 17.3″ x 14.5″). The Carry-On Closet Large is 20% bigger than the Check-in Closet Medium.

Material & Durability

Rather than simply offsetting production emissions (what most would consider “carbon neutral”), the Solgaard luggages are largely made of recycled materials, from the recycled polycarbonate shell to the Shore-Tex® lining, made from 100% ocean-bound plastic. According to the brand, each of these suitcases cleans up 6 pounds of ocean-bound plastic from coastal communities. The rigid polycarbonate shell and an aluminum frame, all but ensuring the suitcase and your belongings will remain safe.  The shell is also scratch-resistant and waterproof.

The excellent durability and impact resistance of the case means that you can sit and even stand on the luggage to get it to close if you’ve overpacked a bit. Even the founder of the company encourages travelers to do that and promises to replace any case that gets broken during this attempt.

Warranty

Solgaard luggages are covered by a lifetime warranty! So if anything breaks, they will fix or replace it for you. Their Lifetime Warranty extends to Solgaard luggage manufactured by Solgaard Design Inc. (“Solgaard”) and purchased directly from Solgaard or Solgaard’s authorized retailers.  The Lifetime Warranty covers manufacturing defects which include: wheels, handles, the locking mechanism, closure clasps, plastic outer case, zippers, missing rivets or screws.
It does not cover: cosmetic damages due to normal wear and tear such as scuffs, scratches, dents, stains on the lining, or abuse from airline damage such as bent frames. Plus, during your first year with a Solgaard suitcase, they even offer free replacement for luggage that gets damaged beyond repair by an airline.

Where to Buy Solgaard Luggages the Cheapest?

solgaard.co (1.5-2% cashback)

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• Away Luggage Review

History and Origin

Away Travel is a travel bag brand out of New York, USA. Launched in 2015 after founder Jen Rubio’s luggage broke in an airport in Switzerland. Her clothes and toiletries poured out of her suitcase and onto the airport floor. She ended up finding some straps and tape to get the suitcase functional enough to get to her next destination. After that, Rubio was on the hunt for a better suitcase. She reached out to her former colleague at Warby Parker, Stephanie Korey and the two came up with the idea for a durable hard-shell suitcase with wheels and a built-in battery pack capable of charging phones and tablets. 

Now Away Travel sells a range of accessories, including backpacks, carry-On luggages, checked suitcases, packing cubes, and duffels.  Their luggages and travel bags are instantly recognizable thanks to their sleek, clean aesthetic, shell design, and palettes that include neutrals and metallics. As one of the best luggage brands with a lifetime guarantee, Away is also known for revolutionizing the suitcase game with its built-in portable chargers. It has managed to make a rather ho-hum item an object of intense Instagram lust through celebrity collaborations, limited edition designs, and plenty of personalization options.

Price

Away is certainly not the cheapest luggage brand out there, but it's also far from the most expensive. High-quality luggage can run upward of $600, but Away keeps its costs down by selling directly to the consumer. Their carry on  luggages price are range from $275 - $645. Their checked luggages are priced from $345 - $725.

Design

Though Away was initially founded on its luggage’s ability to recharge your iPhones, the brand has expanded into a full range of suitcases—batteries not always included! Their luggages have a minimalist-modern aesthetic and a sophisticated yet practical appeal.  Away luggages are known for their 360-degree wheels, durable and lightweight constructions, and TSA-accepted locks. Plus, Away also recognised a huge and historic gap in the luggage market: colour.  You can choose from a range of classic and out-of-the-ordinary matte and metallic colors.

Designed with space efficiency in mind, Away’s hard sided luggage has a large interior space which makes packing significantly less of a hassle.Because Away’s suitcases are a clamshell style, all of its suitcases have two compartments. One features a mesh zipper divider and the other boasts a unique packing strap system. The Garment Bag also has interior padding that keeps all of your long clothing items protected and helps to minimize wrinkles.Some models even comes with a rechargeable, removable power bank, saving you the trouble of constantly searching for a power plug to sit next to at the airport.

Sizes

Away suitcases come in four sizes. The Carry-On is their smallest suitcase, which weighs 7.6 pounds and has a capacity of about 40 liters, sized to fit in all overhead bins and perfect for any quick trip. The Bigger Carry-On is built to fit the luggage sizers airlines actually use, which, according to Away, are in fact larger than the stated dimensions required of carry-on items. (Sneaky!) Having noticed this loophole, Away beefed up the size of its Bigger Carry-On for those who want to squeeze in a few extra outfits. There are a Medium and a Large version for checked baggage. With capacities of 68.8 liters (about 2.4 cubic feet) and 99.2 liters (3.5 cubic feet), these are excellent suitcases for longer trips.

Material & Durability

Away offers hard sided luggage only, made out of 100% polycarbonate materials. It is more durable than aluminum but lighter than other metals. Polycarbonate is the best luggage material. It’s superior to other hard-side materials such as plastics that can withstand countless climates and condition of your travel adventure would be. 

The 360 spinner wheels are partially recessed, which helps protect them from too many blows in case you decide to check it.They didn't sustain any dents from the baseball bat tests, but there were a few scratches after be shoved off a table. In a word,  the Away luggage is still very sturdy.

Warranty

Away's suitcases are guaranteed by a limited lifetime warranty that covers any functional damage to the shell, wheels, handles, zippers, or anything else that impairs your use of the luggage. If anything breaks, They will provide a repair kit or replacement. With a limited warranty that covers damage to most elements, trying it is risk-free.

Where to Buy Away Luggages the Cheapest?

awaytravel.com

• Monos Luggage Review

History and Origin

Monos is a Canadian company with headquarters in Vancouver. The company says that the Japanese phrase “mono no aware” inspired the name Monos. This concept, borrowed from the Japanese, refers to savouring the fleeting pleasures of the present. According to Monos, high-quality, thoughtfully built baggage doesn’t need to shout about its greatness. The company emphasises quality more than quantity and goes to considerable lengths to ensure that its designs will last the test of time.

Monos doesn't have as many suitcase options as the other luggage brands on our list, but it's worth mentioning it's still one of the best suitcases on the market. Lovingly designed in Canada with meticulous attention to detail, each Monos suitcase uses only the finest quality parts and materials sourced from around the world. All of the carbon emissions generated by Monos’s production, shipping, and other operations have been verified as being neutralized via reforestation projects, earning the company the Climate Neutral Certified label. In addition, as a 1% for the Planet member, the firm gives back to charitable causes by donating 1% of its annual profits.

Price

High-end luxury luggage is typically priced well out of reach of the average person, ranging from $700 to over $1,000 USD for a carry-on. Monos uses the same materials and factories as these top brands, but because they sell directly to you, they can offer their Carry-On luggages for a fraction of the price - range from $255 - $455.

Design

With no outside patterns or pockets, Monos luggage is the epitome of minimalism, which is why it is so popular among minimalist travellers. Monos says its design philosophy is "less is more," — meaning the bags are made to be simple and timeless to avoid passing trends, and high quality so they can stand the test of time. So it may not appeal to travellers who value sophistication.Currently, Monos has two sizes of carry-on that either come with a front pocket or not depending on your preferences, plus a medium-sized roller bag and a checked luggage option.

One of the unique features of Monos is the handle; you don't have to push to unlock the button for the extendable handle to come up as most luggage does. All you need to do when you want to pull out your handle is to fo reach out under the grip and pull up in on the swift movement. Monos luggage also has high-performance, whisper-quiet 360º spinner wheels that glide effortlessly from narrow airplane aisles to bumpy cobblestone streets. The Check-In Large was a winner of GH's 2024 Family Travel Awards thanks to its super spacious interior and maneuverability.

Sizes

 Designed to comply with the size restrictions of as many airlines as possible, the Monos Carry-On Luggages fit in the overhead bin of nearly any flight, anywhere in the world. Monos sizes have Carry-On, /Carry-On Pro (22"h x 14"w x 9"d), Carry-On Plus/Carry-On Pro Plus (23"h x 15" w x 9.5"d), Check-In Medium(26.5"h × 18.5"w × 10.5"d), Check in Large (30"h  × 21"h  × 11"h). The Monos Carry-On Pro Plus is the best for extra space on bigger flights, while the Carry-On Pro will fit in almost all overhead bins.

Material & Durability

Monos luggage cases are vacuum-formed with an extraordinarily resilient material – the German Makrolon polycarbonate. The lightweight, aerospace-grade material is sturdy and difficult to break unless you try really hard. Its flexibility enables it to absorb energy from impacts springing it back into shape. Their pieces of luggage are flexible and can absorb energy from impacts, making them an extraordinarily resilient material.
Plus, Monos uses an eco-friendly and biodegradable polymer known as TPE to manufacture its suitcase’s gaskets and spine. Most brands on the market now choose the highly toxic and non-recyclable PVC material, which is less expensive. But Monos prioritises quality material, ensuring they meet stringent standards.To ensure the highest level of quality and durability, they put their products and materials through a battery of 40 tests. In a word, Monos luggages are durable and serve the customers for a long time mostly.

Warranty

All Monos luggage purchased directly from Monos offical site is backed by a lifetime warranty extended to the original owner of the item. Monos products purchased through authorized third-party retailers are also backed by their lifetime warranty.

The warranty covers: cracks or breaks in the shell; wheels, handles, or telescoping handles that break off or are no longer usable; broken zippers. However, the warranty does not cover cosmetic damages such as dent, scratches, dents, scuffs, stains, colour changes, or normal wear and tear. It's also worth noting that the brand has a 100-day return period so you can get a refund if it's not a good fit.

Where to buy Monos luggages the cheapest?

monos.com

• Nomatic Luggage Review

History and Origin

Nomatic started with a single innovative product. In 2014,  two cousins, Jon Richards and Jacob Durham created a unique wallet and launched their campaign for funding on Kickstarter hoping a few dozen people would support their idea. To their surprise over 6,000 people backed the product, setting the stage for future products and designs. NOMATIC also went from a small Kickstarter campaign to a brand that is recognized around the world.

The company has continued to bring innovative photography, travel, everyday products and accessories to the global market that have category-leading functionality, design, and durability. Crowdfunding has been a strategic part of their success with more than $15.7M raised, as of 2023, allowing them to push the envelope on their design, materials, and quality. While the brand is best known for its travel backpacks, they offer several additional products such as suitcases, camera bags, sling bags, and many coordinating accessories.

Price

The Nomatic luggages are far from cheap. The Carry-On Classic and Navigator Carry-On 37L are priced at $399. The Carry-On Pro retails at $549.99. The Check-In Luggage costs $599.99.

Design

The Nomatic luggage comes in a variety of sizes and styles, including backpacks, duffel bags, and carry-on luggage, making it suitable for different types of travel. They offer several compartments and pockets, including a shoe compartment, toiletry bag, and laptop compartment, which can help keep belongings organized and easily accessible. Custom magnetic compression straps and an integrated folding panel allows you to maximize space while packing and carry exactly what you need and nothing less.

The removable Tech Case from Nomatic Carry-On Pro doubles as your daily driver, giving you an over-the-shoulder carry option ready to hit the city streets. Some Nomatic luggages also feature an expandable design, which allows travelers to increase the bag’s capacity when needed for larger items or more gear. Plus, everything from the silent Hinomoto wheels, to the genuine YKK zippers are of top-notch quality.

Size

Nomatic offer two sizes luggages. The Nomatic Carry-On Luggages  (22"h x 14"w x 9"d) are  fit in the overhead bin of nearly any flight, anywhere in the world. The Nomatic Check-In Luggage (29"h x 18.5"w x 9"d) will go the long-haul and fit all you need for a week-long trip or longer.

Material & Durability

The Nomatic luggages may be expensive, but it was built to do (figurative) battle out in the real world and the price reflects the sturdy materials and strong build. The Nomatic luggage features best-in-class materials including a 100% Makrolon polycarbonate shell, three-stage Aluminum handle for comfort, YKK tamper resistant zippers, and durable water-resistant materials.

All Nomatic luggages can survive impacts with sledgehammers…and even cars. Point being, if you accidentally knock your Check-In case into the wall, drop it down a flight of stairs, or use it to blow off steam from your latest disastrous Tinder date (if you have a sledgehammer on hand), it should hold up just fine.

Warranty

Nomatic stand by the quality of their products with a Manufacturer's Lifetime Warranty against defects in materials and, workmanship in their Backpacks, Bags, Luggage and Accessories (excluding apparel, wallets and refurbished or final sale products, please see below for more information.) Our Manufacturer’s Lifetime Warranty is extended to the original owner of the item and covers the defects that affect the main functionality of the product, including the following: Broken Zippers, Torn Zipper Track, Broken Buttons and Seal & Seam Defects. Cosmetic damage & normal wear and tear are not covered.

Where to buy Nomatic luggages the cheapest?

nomatic.com

Bottom Line

Solgaard vs. Away vs. Monos vs. Nomatic: Which Brand is Best for Luggage?

Solgaard is a sustainable lifestyle brand known for its innovative and eco-friendly products. Their target audience includes eco-conscious consumers, urban commuters, travelers, and individuals looking for sustainable lifestyle products.  Solgaard luggage features a signature built-in shelf technology and that is something that sets Solgaard apart, no doubt.The innovative closet system is everything you have ever wanted from a suitcase, if you are someone who thrives when their surroundings are organized. So the Solgaard luggage is a great touch for those wanting an organized apparel system when they travel.

Style aside, Away does indeed build premium and functional luggage. They’re known for their 360-degree wheels, durable and lightweight constructions, and TSA-accepted locks. Each Away luggage features a lightweight, unbreakable polycarbonate shell and TSA-approved combination lock to keep your stuff secure. Away has built a cult following over the past couple of years, with its focus on direct-to-consumer marketing, making shopping less of a hassle while simultaneously providing lower prices. Plus, there are so many choices that would fit any of your needs like expandable, non-expandable, lightweight aluminum carry-ons and more. If you’re a heavy traveler who needs a bag that can withstand some wear and tear, Away is definitely worth considering and it is reasonable to get over the price.

Monos luggage offers a great balance of practicality and affordability. The polycarbonate shell can take a beating, while the spacious interior is designed to hold everything you'll need for a week away. Plus, the sleek design is sure to turn heads! It caters to frequent travelers and individuals who prioritize quality and aesthetics in their luggage and travel gear. Their products appeal to those seeking minimalist designs, durability, and efficient packing solutions.

For anyone looking for a new travel backpack, you may have heard of NOMATIC. The brand is well known by digital nomads and tech-savvy adventurers for its durable backpacks that offer plenty of packing space and water-resistant material for wherever your adventures may lead you. If having a tough piece of luggage is high on your priority list then NOMATIC may be the luggage for you. It seems like it would actually be very hard to damage.

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