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Trust me, this Monos backpack is the best ever for work and travel — and it's on sale

Yes, this backpack is expensive. However, it's worth it: Here's why.

Kayla Kuefler
·3-min read
split screen of woman wearing leather jacket, white t-shirt and black pants in front of mirror with blue away suitcase and purple monos backpack and light brown vegan leather monos purple backpack
I bring my Monos Metro Backpack everywhere — here's why I love it (photos via Kayla Kuefler & Monos).

In the work-from-home versus work-from-office debate, I am decisively pro-office. As an extrovert who spends a lot of money on clothes, I need to leave my home to A) stay sane and B) justify my spending habits.

Quick overview

  • Metro Backpack

    $238 $265
    Save $27 with code
    See at Monos

  • Carry-On Plus

    $265 $328
    Save $63 with code
    See at Monos

  • Compressible Packing Cubes

    $99 $110
    Save $11 with code
    See at Monos

  • Carry-On Pro Plus

    $320 $374
    Save $54 with code
    See at Monos

  • Check-In Large

    $373 $462
    Save $89 with code
    See at Monos

  • Metro Duffel

    $252 $280
    Save $28 with code
    See at Monos

  • Hybrid Check-In Medium

    $427 $475
    Save $48 with code
    See at Monos

  • Hybrid Trunk

    $490 $545
    Save $55 with code
    See at Monos
See 3 more

Because I either walk or bike to work, the Monos Metro Backpack has become one of my most-used accessories. And let me tell you: It is the best.

Monos

Metro Backpack

$238$265
Save $27 with code
Monos Metro Backpack in saddle tan vegan leather.
Save $27 with code
$238 at Monos

  • 💵 Price: $265 CAD/$200 USD — save 20% with code MEMORIAL

  • ⏰ Tested for: Four months

  • ⭐ Our rating: 5/5

  • 🛍️ Reasons to buy: This work and travel-friendly backpack is as practical as it is stylish. The backpack has a separate laptop compartment, several versatile interior pockets and a built-in trolley sleeve

  • ✋ Reasons to avoid: Even on sale, the backpack is pricey. Additionally, the vegan leather version is heavier than some bags, so if you want to avoid extra weight, you may want to grab the nylon version or try a different brand

To read why I think the Monos Metro Backpack is worth the hype and shop Monos' Memorial Day 20 per cent off sale, scroll below.

The Metro Backpack is the perfect travel companion (photo via Kayla Kuefler).
The Metro Backpack is the perfect travel companion (photo via Kayla Kuefler).

Is the Monos Metro Backpack worth the hype?

Ok, hear me out. Yes, this is an expensive backpack. However, if you use a backpack almost every day as I do, I think it's worth it — here's why.

The Monos Metro Backpack is water and scratch-resistant and made from vegan materials. It has a dedicated 15-inch laptop compartment and a hidden back pocket with a quick-access magnetic closure, perfect for your passport, wallet and more. A stretchable, waterproof privacy compartment in the bag can store things like shoes and a bagged lunch. The bag has a removable Metro Classic Kit and a trolley sleeve to secure it to a suitcase handle while travelling.

In the photo, it looks brand new, right? It's not. The backpack has been my carry-on bag, grocery store companion, and a daily accessory when I trek to my office — all without any indication of wear and tear. My colleague recently asked me: "Did you just get this? It looks brand new." That's how fresh and pristine it looks. The bag has earned me several compliments from strangers and inspired a close friend to buy her own Monos backpack. If the light purple isn't for you, shoppers can choose from classic colours, including black, ivory and mahogany.

interior of monos Metro Backpack in ivory (photo via Monos).
Metro Backpack in ivory (photo via Monos).

After four months of almost-daily use, I've only noticed two downsides for the backpack. The first is its obviously high price tag. Even on sale, the vegan leather version of the bag rings in at $238 (the nylon is slightly less expensive: $240 regularly, $216 on sale). Furthermore, the backpack is on the heavier side. I own the vegan leather version so I can't speak to the nylon, but it's not the lightest bag in the world.

Monos Memorial Day sale: Save 20%

Now through May 29, Monos shoppers can save up to 20 per cent off sitewide on luggage, bags and travel accessories with the code MEMORIAL at checkout. To shop highlights from the sale, scroll below.

Monos

Carry-On Plus

$265$328
Save $63 with code
Carry-On Plus in blue haze.
Save $63 with code
$265 at Monos
Monos

Compressible Packing Cubes

$99$110
Save $11 with code
Compressible Packing Cubes in purple icing.
Save $11 with code
$99 at Monos
Monos

Carry-On Pro Plus

$320$374
Save $54 with code
Carry-On Pro Plus in olive green.
Save $54 with code
$320 at Monos
Monos

Check-In Large

$373$462
Save $89 with code
Check-In Large in stellar white.
Save $89 with code
$373 at Monos
Monos

Metro Duffel

$252$280
Save $28 with code
Metro Duffel in vegan leather mahogany.
Save $28 with code
$252 at Monos
Monos

Hybrid Check-In Medium

$427$475
Save $48 with code
Hybrid Check-In Medium in Obsidian.
Save $48 with code
$427 at Monos
Monos

Hybrid Trunk

$490$545
Save $55 with code
Hybrid Trunk in champagne.
Save $55 with code
$490 at Monos

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