Away vs Monos vs Paravel: The Best Carry On Luggage?
For Whom/What:
Design-conscious frequent-flyer
Requirements:
can handle being dragged through LAX, Heathrow, and cobblestones in Florence
Not make me wrestle with sticky zippers or wobbly wheels mid-connection
Smooth, strong wheels (no skipping or drifting)
Zippers that don’t fail after two trips
Interior organization that actually helps, not hinders
Weight — lighter is better, but I’ll take solid over featherweight if it means durability
Extra Details:
I’m due for an upgrade and want something sleek but tough. I’m stuck between the three Instagram-famous darlings of luggage: Away, Monos, and Paravel. I know they all look sleek and minimalist, but I want real-world insight. Which one actually holds up over time? Whose handle doesn’t jam? Who scuffs less? Does Paravel’s sustainability edge come at the cost of durability? Does Monos really outclass Away in quality like the Reddit threads say?
I actually own (or have borrowed) all three: Away The Bigger Carry-On, Monos Carry-On Pro, and Paravel Aviator. I travel often for work (monthly domestic, 2x/year international), so I need luggage that can take a beating but still look good when I roll into a hotel lobby or client office.
AWAY — The Crowd Favorite, But Aging Fast
Pros: Sleek design, solid interior layout with compression pad, and the ejectable battery on the Bigger Carry-On is great for long airport days. Zippers feel decent.
Cons: The shell scratches easily (especially if you pick a color that’s not black). The handle feels loose and has started to wiggle on mine after 10–12 trips. It’s not a deal-breaker, but definitely doesn’t feel as premium as it used to. Also: the wheels aren’t bad, but not the smoothest anymore compared to Monos.
Verdict: Still a decent pick, but it’s starting to feel like the “entry-level luxury” of hard-shell luggage.
MONOS — If Away Got a Quality Upgrade
Pros: Hands-down better build quality than Away. The polycarbonate shell feels more durable and has a subtle matte texture that resists scuffing surprisingly well. The handle is way more solid (no rattle). Their Pro version with the front tech compartment is a game changer if you fly with a laptop or tablet. Wheels glide like butter.
Cons: Slightly heavier than Away, and the zippers are chunky — some might not like that. Also not as many color options if you want something fun.
Verdict: My current favorite. It feels premium without being flashy and has held up perfectly through 6+ chaotic trips.
PARAVEL — The Sustainability Darling, but…
Pros: Beautiful design, especially if you like the retro color blocking. Eco cred is real — recycled polycarbonate shell, recycled zippers, even carbon neutral shipping. Handle feels nice. Zippers surprisingly good.
Cons: The aluminum trim dents very easily. Mine got a big ding from just one bag drop on a jet bridge. The interior space is a bit more limited than the others (especially height-wise), and the compression straps aren’t as functional as Monos or Away’s system.
Verdict: Gorgeous and conscious, but I wouldn’t recommend it if you’re rough on luggage or travel frequently. This is your “stylish vacation bag,” not your workhorse.
My pick: Monos Carry-On Pro if you travel often and want durability plus sleekness. I’d gift Paravel to a stylish friend who goes to Europe once a year, and I’d recommend Away if you want something safe and easy to find parts/accessories for.
Away vs Monos vs Paravel: The Best Carry On Luggage?
Design-conscious frequent-flyer
can handle being dragged through LAX, Heathrow, and cobblestones in Florence
Not make me wrestle with sticky zippers or wobbly wheels mid-connection
Smooth, strong wheels (no skipping or drifting)
Zippers that don’t fail after two trips
Interior organization that actually helps, not hinders
Weight — lighter is better, but I’ll take solid over featherweight if it means durability
I’m due for an upgrade and want something sleek but tough. I’m stuck between the three Instagram-famous darlings of luggage: Away, Monos, and Paravel. I know they all look sleek and minimalist, but I want real-world insight. Which one actually holds up over time? Whose handle doesn’t jam? Who scuffs less? Does Paravel’s sustainability edge come at the cost of durability? Does Monos really outclass Away in quality like the Reddit threads say?
I actually own (or have borrowed) all three: Away The Bigger Carry-On, Monos Carry-On Pro, and Paravel Aviator. I travel often for work (monthly domestic, 2x/year international), so I need luggage that can take a beating but still look good when I roll into a hotel lobby or client office.
AWAY — The Crowd Favorite, But Aging Fast
Pros: Sleek design, solid interior layout with compression pad, and the ejectable battery on the Bigger Carry-On is great for long airport days. Zippers feel decent.
Cons: The shell scratches easily (especially if you pick a color that’s not black). The handle feels loose and has started to wiggle on mine after 10–12 trips. It’s not a deal-breaker, but definitely doesn’t feel as premium as it used to. Also: the wheels aren’t bad, but not the smoothest anymore compared to Monos.
Verdict: Still a decent pick, but it’s starting to feel like the “entry-level luxury” of hard-shell luggage.
MONOS — If Away Got a Quality Upgrade
Pros: Hands-down better build quality than Away. The polycarbonate shell feels more durable and has a subtle matte texture that resists scuffing surprisingly well. The handle is way more solid (no rattle). Their Pro version with the front tech compartment is a game changer if you fly with a laptop or tablet. Wheels glide like butter.
Cons: Slightly heavier than Away, and the zippers are chunky — some might not like that. Also not as many color options if you want something fun.
Verdict: My current favorite. It feels premium without being flashy and has held up perfectly through 6+ chaotic trips.
PARAVEL — The Sustainability Darling, but…
Pros: Beautiful design, especially if you like the retro color blocking. Eco cred is real — recycled polycarbonate shell, recycled zippers, even carbon neutral shipping. Handle feels nice. Zippers surprisingly good.
Cons: The aluminum trim dents very easily. Mine got a big ding from just one bag drop on a jet bridge. The interior space is a bit more limited than the others (especially height-wise), and the compression straps aren’t as functional as Monos or Away’s system.
Verdict: Gorgeous and conscious, but I wouldn’t recommend it if you’re rough on luggage or travel frequently. This is your “stylish vacation bag,” not your workhorse.
My pick: Monos Carry-On Pro if you travel often and want durability plus sleekness. I’d gift Paravel to a stylish friend who goes to Europe once a year, and I’d recommend Away if you want something safe and easy to find parts/accessories for.