The Monos Metro Duffel Makes Travelling Carry

I am one of those annoying people who won’t shut up about how they never check a suitcase. “Your trip looked great,” someone will say, to which I’ll invariably respond something like, “It really was! Can you believe I only took a carry-on?” I seriously have to stop.

Just not quite yet though, okay? Because I absolutely must tell you about my latest carry-on hack. It’s called the Metro Duffel and I promise you, it will change the way you travel.

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The sleek bag is from Monos, a Canadian brand that’s quickly won over frequent flyers with its mindfully crafted luggage. Every piece is made to last thanks to a combination of meticulous construction and timeless design.

This duffel is no different. So much so that calling it a duffel feels wildly inappropriate. If you ask me, it deserves a way more distinguished moniker; one that doesn’t conjure images of a marketing bro’s smelly gym bag. But I digress.

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The bag is brilliant. First of all, it looks sensational. Sharp, understated and totally chic. I have the ivory vegan leather version, but it comes in an array of colourways: tan, mahogany, even some limited edition lilac and “banana pudding” options created in partnership with NYC’s famed Magnolia Bakery. It’s also available in nylon. Both material choices are water- and scratch-resistant, which I can definitely vouch for: My bone-hued bag’s been squeezed under many a seat and it’s still as pristine as the day I got it. I just wipe it clean with a damp cloth if needed.

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But what really makes it a standout are the carefully thought out details, starting with the shape. The Metro Duffel is specially made to sit on top of a carry-on suitcase (or a bigger one, if that’s your jam—no judgment, but did I mention I only travel carry-on?). It’s nice and structured, and equipped with a trolley sleeve that slides over a telescopic handle. That means it stays in place with no assistance and never topples over when you’re racing through an airport, trying to make a connection.

And if you don’t need the trolley sleeve (say, if you’re using the bag as a weekender, which I’ve done on several occasions), you can zip up its bottom to score a bonus pocket. (There’s a magnetic snap closure at the top to keep your belongings secure.) Although I have to say, you’re unlikely to need the extra space. This duffel’s so roomy, it could rival Mary Poppins’ bag.

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Every time I think I’ve filled it to the brim, I manage to fit more into it. Which is why it makes travelling carry-on so much easier. Since I’ve started using this bag as my “personal item”—most airlines allow you to bring one carry-on-sized suitcase and one personal item such as a purse, backpack or handheld bag on board—I’ve been able to tote along so much more stuff.

Even after I’ve slipped my computer in the laptop sleeve and my water bottle and umbrella in the inner side pockets, I’m still left with plenty of space in the main compartment, inner zippered pocket and outer pocket for extra shoes, clothes, books, toiletries—you name it. And somehow, I always have room to spare for souvenirs picked up along the way.

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The duffel also comes with a removable shoulder strap and “Metro Classic Kit,” a nifty pouch that easily snaps on or off the side of the bag. It comes in handy when you need quick access to things like your passport or phone charger and don’t want to have to rummage through the entire bag. It also doubles as a great cosmetic case.

I kid you not, every time I travel with this bag, someone comes up to me to ask about it. And of course, I’m all too happy to rave about it and wax on about how I never check a suitcase. A few months ago, at London’s Heathrow Airport, a stylish woman with the same bag gave me a knowing look and asked, “Isn’t it just the best?” It is, it really is.

Okay, I’ll shut up about carry-ons now.

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