A taste of luxury with Monos

The luxury travel and lifestyle brand Monos is renowned for the quality of its elegant and robust suitcases. The Japanese mono no aware concept has played a pivotal role in shaping the character of the brand and is focussed on finding beauty in fleeting moments. Mono products are aimed at individuals who are passionate about the way travel can help us grow and learn, and the company is also a big supporter of mindfulness – the quality of being wholly present in the current moment.

Durable timelessness

Monos cases fuse simplicity, strength and timelessness. Unlike other products that might be regarded as flashy, their cases have understated appeal. The company has also become known for its attention to detail – in fact, no detail is ever overlooked by Monos, no matter how small it may seem. The company has invested a great deal of time and money in finding the right sources for the parts and materials that it uses. When it cannot find the right component to help it achieve its aims, it works with market specialists to produce it in-house.

A constant aim for greatness

A key part of the company’s philosophy is the slogan “good is the enemy of great”. This slogan represents the sky-high standards the brand has set for itself. The company only works with manufacturers and factories that share its passion for quality and meeting the highest of standards. Before it decided which companies to work with, Monos visited several, finding only a select few were able to meet its expectations. The company’s that were chosen were selected due to their expertise, attention to detail and craftsmanship.

Surprisingly affordable

Each Monos Carry-On case is still inspected by company CEO Colin before it is added to the market. Many discerning travelers have been pleasantly surprised by the value on offer, with Monos using the same materials and factories as several leading brands yet supplying its products for less. A big reason for its competitive pricing is the way that it sells its products directly to its customers, removing the middlemen from the process. The Monos team have frequently spoken about how much they value human connections. They say powerful human connections enable companies to maintain positive customer relations, heighten the quality of travel and improve living standards considerably.

Frequent innovation

The company has developed a range of innovations to bring the humble ever-dependable suitcase into the 21st century. These have included changing the telescopic assembly to cut lateral and torsional movement, placing the handle release button on the underside of the case for ergonomic purposes and replacing cast zinc tubing with high-grade aluminium. The changes have been developed and implemented to make products last for longer, make them handle better and improve their appearance.

The most dependable materials

The cases are vacuum-formed with aerospace-grade German Makloron polycarbonate. This material is almost unbreakable. Hinomoto’s Lisof Silent Run Wheels deliver quiet operation and are the result of collaborative work with Mitsubishi. The interior of the cases is made from durable, antibacterial and waterproof 350 denier polyester fabric. The materials chosen enable cases to spring back into shape immediately once impacts have occurred.

Testing and testing again

All cases are subjected to a huge 40 tests to ensure all standards and expectations are met. The purpose of the tests is to ensure they can withstand all the impacts they are likely to face during international transit. Cases are loaded with 16kg weights as part of the tumble test before they are put inside a rotating chamber to simulate rough handling, high drops and tough impacts.

A host of simulations

During the challenging mileage test, loads are placed inside the case and onto the telescopic handle. The case is then set to a 45-degree angle prior to being rolled on a specialized bumped treadmill at 4km/h. This ensures uneven and rough terrain can be simulated. Another key test is the drop test, in which the cases are stored at -12°C for four hours, loaded with weights of a maximum 25kg and dropped onto a series of surfaces, corners and edges.

Learning more about Monos

Keen travelers from across the world are investing in Monos products to remove the fuss, stress and strain from their traveling endeavors. Those that wish to speak to an advisor or learn more about what the brand has to offer can get in touch with the team at any time. The Monos team are also keen to hear what their customers have to say so they can continue providing solutions that meet and even exceed their expectations. You can also find out more about Monos and its products on its website. Send an email to hello@monos.com, or contact them via their Facebook or Instagram pages for more information and advice.

Feature Photo by Dino Reichmuth on Unsplash