The verdict
Is The Carry-On worth it?
Yes — The Carry-On is one of the stronger picks we track in travel & luggage. It holds 3 verified certifications (Climate Neutral, 1% for the Planet, PETA Approved). Priced in the $$$ band.
- Cruelty-freeYes
- VeganYes
- Plastic-free packagingUnverified
- Recyclable / compostableUnverified
- Palm-oil safeUnverified
- Certified organicUnverified
- Fair labourUnverified
Monos
The Carry-On
Ethics Score
Composite of certifications, ingredient analysis, and sustainability practices.
Certifications
Buy From
* Affiliate links help support EthiCompare's mission.
Customer Rating
Best for
Eco-conscious frequent flyers who value aesthetic minimalism and carbon neutrality.
AI Ethics Review
A high-performance carry-on built from aerospace-grade materials with a strong commitment to carbon neutrality and environmental philanthropy.
Gallery
Claim-by-claim check
The questions shoppers ask most about The Carry-On, answered from certifications, tags and sourcing notes on file.
- Is The Carry-On cruelty-free?
- Yes — we found a verified cruelty-free claim or certification for The Carry-On.
- Is The Carry-On vegan?
- Yes — The Carry-On is described as vegan or fully plant-based.
- Is The Carry-On plastic-free?
- Unverified — we have no plastic-free packaging claim on record for The Carry-On.
- Is The Carry-On recyclable or compostable?
- Unverified — end-of-life handling for The Carry-On is not documented in our data.
- Does The Carry-On avoid problem palm oil?
- Unverified — no palm-oil policy is recorded for The Carry-On.
- Is The Carry-On certified organic?
- Unverified — no organic certification is on file for The Carry-On.
- Is The Carry-On fairly made?
- Unverified — no independent labour standard is recorded for The Carry-On.
Ethics Breakdown
Each pillar is independently scored from public certifications, ingredient/material sourcing, and brand disclosures, then averaged into the composite Ethics Score above.
How it compares in Travel & Luggage
Benchmarked against 3 other published products in the same category.
0%
of compared products score lower
-10
points vs the category average
3
verified certifications on file
In-Depth Review
Excellence in Sustainable Transit
The Monos Carry-On represents a shift in the luggage industry toward longevity over disposability. Designed in Canada, this suitcase is crafted with a high-quality German polycarbonate shell that is essentially unbreakable. By focusing on timeless aesthetics rather than fast-fashion trends, Monos encourages travelers to invest in a piece of gear that will last decades, reducing the landfill impact of cracked, cheap plastic alternatives.
Materials and Construction
Every component of the Carry-On is meticulously sourced. The interior lining is made from ultra-soft antimicrobial fabric, and the handles are crafted from high-grade aluminum. Monos utilizes vegan leather accents, ensuring that no animal products are used in the construction of their luggage or accessories. Their commitment to the planet is further solidified through their membership in 1% for the Planet, donating a portion of their annual revenue to environmental non-profits.
- Aerospace-Grade Polycarbonate: Rebound-safe and highly durable.
- Hinomoto Lisof Silent Run Wheels: Industry-leading durability and noise reduction.
- YKK Reverse Coil Zippers: Reliable, long-lasting closure systems.
Impact Through Longevity
Monos operates on the philosophy that the most sustainable product is the one you don't have to replace. They offer a lifetime warranty to ensure their products stay in use. Their factories are strictly vetted for fair labor practices, ensuring that the environmental benefits of the product are matched by ethical human treatment.
| Feature | Benefit |
|---|---|
| Hard Shell | Protects fragile items and lasts longer than soft-sided bags |
| Vegan Materials | No animal exploitation in the supply chain |
| Carbon Offsetting | Net-zero impact on global warming |
"We believe that by making things well, we can help people travel better and more responsibly." - The Monos Design Team
Pros
- ✓Exceptional build quality and durability
- ✓Beautiful, minimalist color palette
- ✓Industry-leading carbon neutral certification
Cons
- ✗Light colors can show scuffs easily
- ✗Higher price point compared to basic brands
Key Facts
- Brand
- Monos
- Category
- Travel & Luggage
- Ethics Score
- 88/100
- Price Range
- $$$ (≈ $255)
- Avg Rating
- 4.8/5 (12450 reviews)
- Lock
- Integrated TSA-approved combination lock
- Weight
- 7.01 lb
- Wheels
- 360° Hinomoto Lisof Silent Run
- Capacity
- 39.9 L
- Exterior Measurements
- 22" × 14" × 9"
- Certifications
- Climate Neutral, 1% for the Planet, PETA Approved
🌱 Sustainability
Climate Neutral Certified; 1% for the Planet member; uses recycled packaging materials; focuses on product longevity to reduce waste.
🧪 Ingredients & Materials
Aerospace-grade German Makrolon polycarbonate; antimicrobial interior fabric; vegan leather detailing; lead-free hardware.
Price & where to buy
Typically around $255 — prices change often, so check the live listing.
Affiliate links — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. It never affects the ethics score.
What Reviewers Say
"The smoothest roll I've ever experienced in a carry-on."
"Beautiful bag, and I love that they give back to the planet."
"A bit expensive, but you can feel the quality immediately."
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Carry-On by Monos ethically made?+
Yes. The Carry-On earns an EthiCompare ethics score of 88/100, backed by third-party certifications including Climate Neutral, 1% for the Planet, PETA Approved. A high-performance carry-on built from aerospace-grade materials with a strong commitment to carbon neutrality and environmental philanthropy.
Is The Carry-On worth buying?+
The Carry-On scores 88/100 on our ethics rating. That puts it in the upper band of the products we track, so it is a defensible buy on ethics grounds.
Is The Carry-On cruelty-free?+
Yes — The Carry-On carries a third-party cruelty-free certification (Climate Neutral, 1% for the Planet, PETA Approved).
Is The Carry-On vegan?+
The Carry-On does not carry a certified vegan claim in our database. Check the ingredient notes above and the brand's own disclosure before buying.
What are the best alternatives to The Carry-On?+
We list higher-scoring travel & luggage products from other brands on this page, and a full set of ethical alternatives to Monos on its alternatives page.
What certifications does The Carry-On hold?+
The Carry-On holds the following certifications: Climate Neutral, 1% for the Planet, PETA Approved. These independent verifications cover sourcing, animal welfare, environmental impact, and ingredient safety.
How sustainable is The Carry-On?+
Climate Neutral Certified; 1% for the Planet member; uses recycled packaging materials; focuses on product longevity to reduce waste.
What are the key ingredients or materials in The Carry-On?+
Aerospace-grade German Makrolon polycarbonate; antimicrobial interior fabric; vegan leather detailing; lead-free hardware.
How much does The Carry-On cost?+
The Carry-On is priced in the $$$ range for travel & luggage. Visit the retailer links above for current pricing.
Where can I buy The Carry-On?+
The Carry-On is available from the brand's official website and major retailers. The product page above lists every verified retailer we track.
Is The Carry-On plastic-free?+
Unverified — we have no plastic-free packaging claim on record for The Carry-On.
Is The Carry-On recyclable or compostable?+
Unverified — end-of-life handling for The Carry-On is not documented in our data.
Does The Carry-On avoid problem palm oil?+
Unverified — no palm-oil policy is recorded for The Carry-On.
Is The Carry-On certified organic?+
Unverified — no organic certification is on file for The Carry-On.
Is The Carry-On fairly made?+
Unverified — no independent labour standard is recorded for The Carry-On.
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