Choosing between the Monos Check-In Medium and Large depends on your packing habits and travel style. After taking my Medium on a 14-day trip to Japan and Hong Kong, I realized that while it fit everything I needed, packing was tighter than I would have liked.
I already owned and loved my Monos Carry-On Pro, so I decided to stick with Monos when purchasing my checked luggage. I chose the Check-In Medium because it was less expensive and seemed practical for most of my trips.
However, looking back, I wish I had purchased the Check-In Large. Here’s why.
How Much Can the Monos Check-In Medium Fit?
For my two-week trip, the Medium accommodated my clothes, shoes, toiletries, and other essentials. The issue wasn’t that everything couldn’t fit, but that I had to pack tightly to make it work.
I like having outfit options when I travel, so I would have appreciated more room to organize my belongings comfortably without having to squeeze everything together.
Why I Wish I Had Purchased the Monos Check-In Large
By the end of my trip, I ended up purchasing another suitcase to bring everything home. I didn’t do an excessive amount of shopping, but because my Medium was already packed tightly, there wasn’t much room for anything extra.
If you’ve travelled to Japan, you’ll know that bringing home more than you planned is fairly common. Between beauty products, clothing, and souvenirs, having additional luggage space can be useful.
Looking back, the Large would have given me more flexibility throughout my trip. Even if I hadn’t needed all the extra space, I would have preferred having room to pack comfortably.
Is the Monos Check-In Large Too Big?
Before purchasing my Medium, I worried that the Large would be unnecessarily big and that I might exceed airline baggage weight limits.
However, having a larger suitcase doesn’t necessarily mean packing more. Sometimes, it’s simply about having enough room for what you already need.
That said, a larger suitcase can be more cumbersome to manoeuvre through airports, train stations, and smaller hotel rooms. This is worth considering if you’re travelling between multiple cities in Japan. You’ll also need to keep your airline’s baggage weight restrictions in mind.
Monos Check-In Medium vs. Large: Which Should You Choose?
Choose the Monos Check-In Medium if:
- You prefer packing light and bringing only what you need.
- You want a more compact suitcase that’s easier to manoeuvre.
- You don’t mind packing strategically to maximize space.
- You want a more affordable option.
Choose the Monos Check-In Large if:
- You like having multiple outfit and shoe options.
- You prefer extra room rather than packing everything tightly.
- You travel with bulkier clothing or take longer trips.
- You want space for shopping and souvenirs.
Ultimately, the length of your trip isn’t the only factor. Your destination, packing habits, and plans to shop can make just as much of a difference.
Is the Monos Check-In Large Worth the Extra Money?
When I purchased my Medium, I thought saving money made more sense than paying for space I might not need. But after my trip to Japan and Hong Kong, I realized that the extra room would have been useful even without bringing home many purchases.
If you plan to use your luggage for years, it’s worth considering your overall travel habits rather than just your next vacation. The Medium is still a practical choice for light packers, but the Large may be a better investment if you value extra space.
My Final Verdict: Medium or Large Monos Luggage?
I don’t regret purchasing my Monos Check-In Medium, but if I were choosing again, I would purchase the Large.
The Medium worked for my 14-day trip to Japan and Hong Kong, but packing was tight, and I had little room to spare. I would have preferred the flexibility of a larger suitcase, especially for the journey home.
If you pack light and prefer a more compact suitcase, the Monos Check-In Medium may be perfect for you. But if you’re like me and prefer having extra room, I’d consider the Monos Check-In Large.
Ultimately, the best suitcase is the one that fits your travel style and lets you pack comfortably.
Shop the luggage:
Pictures from my trip!
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