Away The Carry On vs Monos Carry On Pro
Away The Carry-On wins — Away and Monos are priced identically and both excellent
Scores: Away The Carry On 8/10 · Monos Carry On Pro 8/10
Away and Monos are priced identically and both excellent. Away wins for travelers who prioritize USB charging and compression packing. Monos wins for wheel quality (the Hinomoto bearings are genuinely noticeable), scratch durability, and the simplicity of no battery to manage. For most buyers, the USB feature is Away's decisive differentiator.
Spec-by-spec comparison
| Away The Carry On | Monos Carry On Pro |
|---|
| material | Polycarbonate shell | Aerospace-grade polycarbonate |
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| weight | 7.4 lbs | 7.0 lbs |
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| volume | 39.8L | 38L |
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| spinner_wheels | 4 double spinner wheels (360 degrees) | 4 Hinomoto spinner wheels (Japanese precision bearings) |
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| lock | TSA-approved combination lock | TSA-approved combination lock |
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| interior | Compression pad + laundry bag + divider | Butterfly divider system + compression straps + laundry bag |
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Away The Carry On
What works
- Ejectable USB battery built into the exterior pocket — charges phones at TSA without bag check hassle
- Interior compression pad folds and compresses clothes noticeably better than Monos' flat divider
- Wider retail presence means you can physically inspect it or return in-store vs Monos' online-only model
What doesn't
- Battery must be removed for checked luggage per FAA rules — forget once and you'll re-learn fast
- 7.4 lbs is heavier than Monos Carry-On Pro by 0.4 lbs — small but real on a scale-sensitive airline
- Polycarbonate develops scuff marks faster than Monos' aluminum-look finish on rough handling
Monos Carry On Pro
What works
- Hinomoto wheels are the smoothest-rolling in any consumer luggage — glides over airport floors without resistance
- No battery means no FAA restrictions and no removing the charger before checked luggage
- Aerospace-grade polycarbonate is slightly more scratch-resistant than Away's standard polycarbonate
What doesn't
- No USB battery — you're at the mercy of airport charging stations or carry a separate power bank
- 38L is slightly smaller volume than Away's 39.8L — a few less shirts worth of space
- Online-only return process is slower than Away's retail return option
Bottom line
Our pick: Monos Carry On Pro.
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