As someone who lives for travel, shopping, and styling daily outfits like little editorial shoots (thanks, fashion degree ✌️), finding the perfect carry-on has been a bit of a mission. I want a bag that looks good and makes sense for my not-so-minimalist lifestyle — because let’s be real, when you’re hopping from city to city, you’re juggling tech, skincare, outfit options, and anything else you may pick up along the way.
I recently tested two buzzworthy options: the NOBL All-In-One Carry-On and the Monos Carry-On Pro. Here’s my honest opinion of both:
The one with built-in organization and add ons… NOBL
Let’s start with what matters most to me: organization.
Monos looks sleek, but once I started actually packing, I realized you still need a million packing cubes, a separate toiletry bag, and extra pouches for supplements, chargers, etc. It’s basically a beautiful shell that you have to outfit yourself.
NOBL? Totally different game. The built-in modular system means there’s literally a spot for everything: skincare, tech, vitamins, toiletries. No digging, no separate toiletry bag needed, no playing suitcase Tetris. There are compartments and pockets everywhere without it feeling messy. My chargers, external drives, accessories, film rolls — everything had a dedicated home. It felt less like packing and more like prepping a shoot kit.
The one that’s durable and aesthetically pleasing… NOBL
Monos is gorgeous — no doubt about it. Smooth exterior, minimalist lines. But after a few train rides and hauling it up crumbling Airbnb staircases in Lisbon? It scratched fast and started looking a little sad.
NOBL’s materials (polycarbonate, ballistic nylon, and aluminum) are built for real travel, not just Instagram photos. It looked just as chic after rough trains, cobblestone streets, and rainy airports — but felt a lot tougher in hand.
The one with quiet, non-squeaking wheels… Tie
I don’t know about you, but nothing drives me crazy like squeaky wheels or tennis shoes. And since I only travel with carry-ons that I have to lug around airports and train stations, I need something that’s quiet.
Luckily, both Monos and NOBL have smooth, silent spinner wheels. I zipped through airports feeling like a chic jetsetter either way.
The one that’s made for everyday life… NOBL
At the airport, Monos was fine. But once I was actually on the move — trains, buses, chaotic taxi rides — it wasn’t ideal. I had to unzip the whole thing just to find my lip balm. Not fun when you’re squished into a tiny European train seat.
NOBL was a game changer: quick access to skincare, meds, and chargers without blowing the whole suitcase open. I can't tell you how many times I was grateful for the side tech access or the waterproof toiletry pocket mid-transit.
The one that’s worth every penny… NOBL
Now for the elephant in the room: price.
Monos normally sells for $295 — pretty reasonable for a sleek, entry-level suitcase. NOBL, on the other hand, retails for $515 (premium vibes, premium price).
But here's the kicker: NOBL is currently on sale for $279, which makes it cheaper than Monos and worlds better in terms of features, design, and durability. Honestly, even at full price, NOBL would be worth it — but at the sale price? It’s an absolute steal.
Final Verdict: NOBL is my travel partner for life
Here’s the real talk: If you’re a minimalist who packs two outfits and a Kindle, Monos will probably serve you fine. But if you’re a creator, a digital nomad, a style lover, or just someone who wants their suitcase to think for them — NOBL is absolutely worth it.
It’s built smarter with modular compartments that make packing intuitive, not stressful. It’s durable enough to survive cobblestone streets, rainy train stations, and spontaneous shopping hauls — all while still looking sleek for content days. It gives you quick access to your essentials without tearing your suitcase apart mid-transit. It has real creative-friendly design (hello, tech ports, waterproof pockets, and a built-in cup holder!).
My next trip’s already booked — and guess what’s coming with me? ✈️
