Trust me — this Monos backpack is the best-ever for work, travel and literally everything else
Yes, the Monos Metro Backpack is expensive. However, it's worth it: Here's why.
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 must leave my home to A) stay sane and B) justify my spending habits. Because I either walk or bike to work, my backpack needs to be large enough to hold a laptop and a lunch bag but sleek enough that it's not out of place with workwear. After years of backpack hopping (this was my favourite travel backpack for a while), I've found near perfection in the Monos Metro Backpack. At $280, there's no pretending the Metro backpack is cheap. However, if you're looking for a grown-up backpack that doubles as a practical carry-on bag, Monos' Metro Backpack is worth its weight in gold. To read my thoughts and see why the Monos backpack is worth the investment, scroll below.
Monos Metro Backpack in saddle tan vegan leather.
💵 Price: $280 CAD/$200 USD
⏰ Tested for: 1.5 years
⭐ My 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: 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
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 dozens of 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.
Shop the Monos Metro Backpack in 10 colours.
After more than a year of almost-daily use, I've only noticed two downsides for the backpack. The first is its obviously high price tag. The vegan leather version of the bag rings in at $280 (the nylon is slightly less expensive at $240). 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.
Is the Monos Metro Backpack worth it?
All things said and done: I love this backpack; I really do. If you're looking for a backpack that can double as a work bag and a travel carry-on, few accessories compare. The backpack is far from cheap, but if you have extra cash on hand or are willing to spend more on something that you'll have for years to come, you can't go wrong with the Monos Metro Backpack.
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