Well butter my butt and call me a biscuit, folks! We’re about to embark on a journey – not the kind that requires a boarding pass, but one that promises to land you the ideal travel companion. Now, imagine having a carry-on suitcase that’s as reliable as a trusty old Labrador: it’s there for you, come rain or shine, never bats an eyelid no matter how much stuff you lovingly shove into it. That’s the dream, right?
In this article, we’ll embark on an ultimate showdown, meticulously reviewing six of the best hardshell carry-ons in the market: the Monos Carry-On, Level 8 Luminous Textured Carry-On 20”, July Carry On Essential, Heys Earth Tones 21”, Quince Carry-On 20”, and Monos Hybrid Carry-On. Each of these carry-on suitcases has been chosen for its unique features, design, and the value it offers to the modern traveler.
We’ll explore the intricate details of each suitcase, delve into what sets each apart, from their construction and durability to their storage capabilities and security features. With a dash of Ted Lasso’s optimistic charm and a dollop of hard facts, let’s kick things off and find out which suitcase might just become your trusty sidekick for years to come.
Criteria for Suitcase Selection
Before we pit these carry-on champions against each other in the luggage Olympics, let’s talk turkey about what we’re lookin’ for. Finding the LeBron James of suitcases isn’t just about good looks or a brand name that sounds like it should be whispered rather than spoken. It’s about getting down to the brass tacks of what makes a carry-on suitcase worth your hard-earned cash.
All the carry-on suitcases we are reviewing and recommending have the following:
- Polycarbonate Construction: Now, why are we all gaga over polycarbonate? Well, it’s the Superman of materials – offering durability to protect your gear, flexibility to take the hard knocks of travel, and it’s lighter than a feather on a breeze. We’re looking for that sweet spot of strength and lightness.
- 360° Spinner Wheels: There’s something magical about a bag that can twirl like it’s on “Dancing with the Stars.” Those double wheels offer stability and make sure you won’t be battling your suitcase at every turn and twist of your journey.
- Dual Handles: A robust telescopic handle for scootin’ through terminals, and a strong side handle for when you need to lift your luggage with the grace of a powerlifter. We’re on the hunt for handles that feel like a firm handshake – strong and reassuring.
- TSA Lock: You want peace of mind when your bag is outta your sight, knowing that if someone needs to check inside, they can without busting the lock, and re-secure it safely afterwards. It’s a little “keep out” sign for everyone but Uncle Sam’s crew.
- Price: Now we know that not all suitcases are made the same and so are their prices. These six carry-ons are all under $400.
So, saddle up, and let’s get this suitcase rodeo started, examining each candidate with the precision of a Swiss watchmaker. If you’re still with me, nod your cap because we’re about to dive deep into what each of these sleek road companions has stowed beneath their shiny shells.
Monos Carry-On
Description
Let’s kickstart this suitcase adventure with the Monos Carry-On – a travel companion that might just put a spring in your step at the airport.
Zip through your travels with the Monos Carry-On, the Roy Kent of luggage: tough, smooth, and stylish. Its whisper-quiet wheels and unbreakable polycarbonate shell handle the rough and tumble of travel with ease. Inside, it’s a packing dream, with organized compartments and a snug compression pad, all secured with a TSA-approved lock. Here are the details”
- Exterior Measurements: 22” x 14” x 9:
- Weight: 7.01 lb
- Volume: 39.9 L
How much is this amazing carry-on? The Monos Carry-On comes in at $255 before taxes. Sure, it might cost a pretty penny, but remember, sometimes the best things in life are like a great play on the field – you gotta invest to score the winning goal.
Pros and Cons
Quince Carry-On 20″
Description
Let’s carry on with the Quince Carry-On 20″ – a real game-changer that’ll have you flying high in no time, just like Ted Lasso says, ‘”Believe in your bags, and they’ll take you on an adventure!
The Quince Carry-On boasts a minimalist design that’s like jazz music for your eyes – smooth, cool, and effortlessly sophisticated. Packaged in a sleek polycarbonate shell, it’s the kind of bag that whispers, “I’m the strong, silent type.” Here are the details:
- Weight – 6.2 lbs
- Exterior Dimensions – 22” x 14.4” x 9.1”
- Volume – 40L
When it comes to price, you’ll be grinning wider than a possum eating a sweet potato. The Quince 20” comes in at $120 before taxes, making it a contender for the budget-conscious traveler who still wants to roll in style.
Pros and Cons
Level 8 Luminous Textured Carry-On 20″
Description
Well, if you thought we were done after the Quince, you’re nuttier than a squirrel sandwich. Let’s move on to the Level 8 Luminous Textured Carry-On 20″.
Imagine grabbing a bag that’s as eye-catching as a supernova but as practical as your favorite pair of jeans. With a name like “Luminous Textured,” you expect something that stands out, and this one sure does, with a design that’s both tactile and hardy. Here are the details:
- Dimensions: 14.5” x 9.2” x 21.5”
- Weight: 7.7lbs
- Capacity: 40L
Level 8 plays in the mid-range field when it comes to pricing. It waltzes around the price tag of $170, taxes not included. It’s not the cheapest ticket in town, but it sure ain’t asking for your first-born either.
Pros and Cons
July Carry-On Essential
Description
As we saunter over to our next contender, allow me to introduce the sleek and suave July Carry-On Essential. This one’s got more tricks up its sleeve than a magician with an extra-large top hat
Robust polycarbonate meets matte sophistication with the July. It’s equipped to endure the bumps and thumps of luggage life without getting bent out of shape. And those features – from the whisper-quiet wheels to the luxurious lining – scream first-class, even if you’re flying economy. The July Carry-On Essential carries itself with an air of confidence. Here are the details:
- External dimensions – 21.5″ x 15″ x 8.5″
- Weight: 6.6lbs
- Capacity: 42L
Look, this one’s not shy about its price tag. It lounges comfortably in the $275, making it a bit of a splurge. But hey, can you really put a price on a travel companion that might just outlast your passport?
Pros and Cons
Monos Hybrid Carry-On
Description
Don’t go thinkin’ we’re out of aces just yet, ’cause here comes the Monos Hybrid Carry-On, blendin’ old-school charm with new-tech smarts.
The Monos Hybrid Carry-On is like that player who’s both the brains and the brawn of the team. A true hybrid, it fuses an aluminum frame with a polycarbonate shell for a look that’s as sharp as a tack and as sturdy as they come. Here are the details.
- Exterior: 22” x 14” x 9”
- Weight: 8.81 lbs
- Volume: 36L
Alright, this contender sits at the higher end of our scale, likely to set ya back $325 before taxes. It’s not your budget choice, but then, quality comes with a few more zeroes.
Pros and Cons
Heys Earth Tones 21″
Description
Hold your horses ’cause we’re not finished yet! Let’s put the spotlight on the Heys Earth Tones 21”, a suitcase that looks like it was carved right out of Mother Nature’s own palette.
If the aesthetic is what you’re after, the Heys Earth Tones suitcase might just tickle your fancy. With its color options inspired by our planet’s natural beauty, this bag’s design stands out in a crowd the way a peacock struts its stuff. Here are the details:
- WEIGHT – 6.8 lbs – 3.1 kg
- DIMENSIONS – 21” x 13.8” x 8.5”
- VOLUME – 45 L – (When Expanded)
The Heys Earth Tones 21″ is mid-range magic, hovering at $162, give or take a fern leaf. It’s for those who like their wallets as green as the forests it evokes.
Pros and Cons
Ranking by Price
When it comes to pinching pennies without pinching style, these suitcases offer a range that’ll have you either grinning at the savings or nodding appreciatively at the value. Here’s how they stack up from least to most expensive:
| Brand and Model | Price |
|---|---|
| Quince Carry-On | $120 |
| Heys Earth Tones | $162 |
| Level 8 Luminous Textured Carry-On | $170 |
| Monos Carry-On | $255 |
| July Carry-On Essential | $275 |
| Monos Hybrid Carry-On | $325 |
Remember, while price is an essential melody in the travel gear symphony, it’s not the only tune to hum. Consider what you value most – be it durability, features, or those little luxury touches. However, if you are looking for a carry-on with nice features at a low price of $120, then the Quince Carry-On 20” will be your best bet.
Ranking by Weight and Size
For those who’ve had the pleasure of being dinged with an overweight fee at the airport, you know it’s an experience about as fun as a root canal. So, let’s talk turkey about weight and size—two factors that can make or break a swift glide through check-in.
This table provides a unique perspective by comparing the products of the weight and exterior volume, highlighting differences in the balance between size and weight among the different carry-on models Here’s how our hardshell heroes compare when they step on the scale:
| Brand and Model | Exterior Measurements | Weight (lbs.) | Internal Volume (L) | Exterior Volume (L) | Weight x Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Heys Earth Tones | 21” x 13.8” x 8.5” | 6.8 | 45 | 40.4 | 274.7 |
| Quince Carry-On | 22” x 14.4” x 9.1” | 6.2 | 40 | 47.2 | 292.6 |
| July Carry-On Essential | 21.5″ x 15″ x 8.5″ | 6.6 | 42 | 44.9 | 296.3 |
| Monos Carry-On | 22” x 14” x 9” | 7.01 | 39.9 | 45.4 | 318.3 |
| Level 8 Luminous | 21.5” x 14.5” x 9.2” | 7.7 | 40 | 47.0 | 361.9 |
| Monos Hybrid Carry-On | 22” x 14” x 9” | 8.81 | 36 | 45.4 | 400.0 |
And as far as size goes, each of these contenders meets most airline requirements for carry-on luggage, meaning you can skip the baggage claim roulette and be on your merry way post-landing. If you are seeking the carry-on that will be compliant with most airlines and weighs in the less, then you may want to consider the Heys Earth Tones Carry-On, Quince Carry-On or the July Carry-On Essential.
Ranking for Features and Interior Design
Anyone who’s ever tried to squish that last pair of shoes into their suitcase knows that the right features and a well-designed interior can make a world of difference. It’s not just about fitting everything in; it’s about keeping it all neat, accessible, and safe throughout your journey. So, without further ado, let’s roll out the red carpet for our carry-on contestants’ interiors:
- Monos Hybrid Carry-On: This luxe contender doesn’t hold back, boasting a compartmentalized interior that’s like a personal assistant for your clothes. With innovative compression features and pockets-a-plenty, you’re set for a stress-free pack-up. The metallic polycarbonate shell and zipper/clasps will defiantly turn heads at the airport.
- July Carry-On Essential: No slouch in the features department, this bag packs a punch with a layout that’s as intuitive as it is spacious. The compression straps are like a comforting hug for your garb, ensuring everything stays put no matter how bumpy the ride.
- Monos Carry-On: This model of Monos is a slight step down from the Hybrid in terms of style. But what it lacks in style, it makes up in features. This carry-on also has the extremely effective compression strap and pad. This assists with packing more…but not too much more. You still gotta close it.
- Level 8 Luminous Textured Carry-On 20″: Here’s where practical meets chic. The organizational options are aplenty, meaning you can pack methodically, and those extra zipped pockets? Chef’s kiss! The style is also modern and sleek!
- Heys Earth Tones 21”: With an expandable design, the Heys suitcase says, “Go ahead, buy that extra outfit.” It’s flexible, functional, and keeps your belongings in apple-pie order.
- Quince Carry-On 20″: While it may not have all the bells and whistles of its pricier compadres, the Quince’s interior is no slouch. You’ve got enough pockets and straps to keep things organized without any fuss.
Always remember, folks, a well-designed suitcase interior can be like an oasis of calm in the travel storm. It’s your personal slice of Marie Kondo in a world that’s all too often more “stuff it in and hope it fits.” If you are looking for the carry-on that has the most features, then you may want to consider the Monos Hybrid Carry-On.
Personal Favorites
Ladies and gentlemen, the moment has come to roll out the red carpet and announce my personal suitcase superstars. These carry-ons have earned a tip o’ the hat for stepping up their game and knocking it right out of the park. I just can’t pick just one. But I do have my favorites based on Style and Features, Size and Weight and Price. Without further ado, let’s meet the MVPs:
- Style and Features: Monos Hybrid Carry-On – With its robust build and zipperless design that just exudes class, it clinched the title for its remarkable durability and style. It’s the James Bond of the suitcase world – suave, smart, and ready for any secret mission… or vacation.
- Size and Weight: July Carry-On Essential – As the all-rounder, this carry-on is like the utility player every team dreams about. Perfectly sized and meticulously crafted, it’s equally at home on a weekend jaunt as it is on a global expedition. Plus, those compression straps – they’re like a firm handshake for your belongings.
- Price: Quince Carry-On 20” – For the budget-conscious traveler who still wants their money’s worth, this one’s a slam dunk. Great for every jet-setter looking to save some coin without skimping on quality – it’s the hardshell carry-on that says, “I’m thrifty, but I’ve got panache.”
Now, don’t just take my word for it. These are personal favorites, but the best carry-on for you might be the one that sings the sweetest tune to your travel needs and style. Choose the one that makes your heart sing and your wallet hum.
Conclusion
Well, would you look at that? We’ve crossed the finish line together in this hardshell carry-on suitcase showdown. If you’re feeling like we just skipped merrily through a meadow of high-quality options, then I’ve done my job right. From bargain hunters to splurge enthusiasts, we’ve covered a suitcase to suit every travel aficionado’s wishlist.
Remember, folks, the best suitcase out there is the one that’ll go the distance with you, carrying a piece of your home away from home. It should fit just right, feel just right, and most importantly, make you smile just a little bit brighter as you zip it shut and head off on your next adventure.
So, whether you fall head over wheels for the Monos Hybrid Carry-On, find everlasting joy in the July Carry-On Essential, or decide that the Quince Carry-On 20” is your wallet-friendly travel soulmate, you’re now equipped with the know-how to make that all-important choice.
