Monos Metro Duffel Vs Away Everywhere Bag

Let's do an unboxing and review of the Monos Metro Duffel and compare it to my much loved and used Away Everywhere Bag! Both are sized as a "personal item" but there are some significant differences. Have I found a new favorite?
•The Monos Metro Duffel (get $20 off with this referral code) →bit.ly/3jBBKaw
•Away Everywhere Bag (my usual affiliate link)→ bit.ly/3kePis9
I do not do sponsored videos or accept free products "for review", so if you enjoy this type of content consider joining us on Patreon! www.patreon.com/jenlefforge
Want to send me snail mail?: PO Box 5054, Alpharetta, GA 30023
I hope you’ll come find me on all the other things as well! :
•Facebook→ / jenlefforgeyoutube
•Instagram→ / jenlefforge
•Website (and for more info on KZbin coaching!) → jenlefforge.com/​​
•Podcast → / @unlimitedtimemagicwit...
I use AFFILIATE LINKS under almost all of my videos. You won't pay more, but I do make a small commission when you use the links I provide.
So, thank you in advance for using the links! It helps me keep this channel going ♥︎
Music by Epidemic Sound www.epidemicsound.com/

[@JoyfulLivingwithJenLefforge]

Here is my follow up and review: Un Pack With ME! And Monos Metro Duffel Review kzbin.info/www/bejne/sKbZnZKVgJWrm6c

[@dawnturpin]

For someone who doesn't really travel, at least as much as I would like, I am completely obsessed with luggage, weirdly obsessed. In this comparison, I feel like I'd prefer the Away bag.

[@wendybeattie6935]

I always prefer a backpack for the personal item as it’s easier to walk down the plane aisle, the weight is evenly distributed on my shoulders, and more compact for under the seat

[@wanderlogs]

Walking down the plane aisle for these 2 bags. You just put it on top of your carry on luggage. So u don’t really have to carry it. No impact on your shoulders 😂

[@sassyt1545]

Same. Backpack all the way.

[@alias7859]

I used a Travelon travel backpack on trips to WA as a personal. Not so sure about convenience?? It was still a hassle for me because it got caught and cumbersome when maneuvering and turning around in the aisle. So bought the Away Everywhere medium bag instead. Better for me.

[@allisonhorton330]

Thank you for this neat comparison, Jen. I will continue to use and love my Away bag which I own thanks to you!

[@oMissSmileyo]

Thank you so much for this review! I've been eyeing the Away Everywhere Bag and love the laptop compartment as a separate section and the large opening. Looking forward to your review of the Mono Metro Duffel when you return!

[@donnac380]

Almost as addicted to travel bag reviews as I am to actual travel bags 🤭 Will be very interested to hear how this one works out irl...I like idea of the outside pouch, especially with airlines being so strict about ONLY TWO personal items.

[@JoyfulLivingwithJenLefforge]

I feel seen! LOL

[@packyourpixiedust]

Looooooooooove these kind of reviews. Also wonder if I need that bag now! That outside pockets seems perfect for cords, wipes, etc on a flight

[@staceyweigel8328]

I could (and do sometimes) watch your bag reviews all day!! So I am as much of a nerd, as you say in this video 😂😂 I love your content! Thanks for sharing!!

[@JoyfulLivingwithJenLefforge]

Thank YOU for being so kind!

[@michellevanleeuwen2485]

How fun! I was able to pack for my Mexico trip while watching this. Thanks Jen!

[@JoyfulLivingwithJenLefforge]

Have an amazing time!

[@kelleymarsh6490]

I loved this review. I think the clam shell opening and the light interior make the Away bag the perfect one for me. I do like the outside pocket on the Monos bag, but it could make it cumbersome.

[@TammySkipperTV]

I love these types of reviews - comparisons more than deciding for me which one will work for me! That said, the more I travel, the less I want heavy/less flexible bags especially for my personal item. Have a great (next) trip!

[@JoyfulLivingwithJenLefforge]

Thank you, Friend!

[@Frank-in-PalmSprings]

Side note Jen… I love the way your watch band color coordinates with the Monos bag!! You are always impeccably put together! ❤

[@JoyfulLivingwithJenLefforge]

Bwahaha not intentional but I’ll take the compliment! Thank you!

[@jennevallance3594]

I agree with you about the AWAY bag. I actually have the MONOS carry-on suitcase. I also watched 1,001 videos comparing the two; you are not alone! The MONOS won out for a sturdier handle. When it came time to buy a bag, I like the AWAY Everywhere better than the Metro. Very happy with my purchase - they work well together.

[@megankentdoyle]

This was so helpful! Your knowledge, presentation and production is A+ Thank you!!

[@schoude52]

Really enjoyed the video! If I had to choose, I think I would like the Away bag for the way that it opens! It is so much easier to retrieve things!! Thanks for the comparison !

[@Carmelle747]

What perfect timing! This comparison is exactly what I was hoping to find while debating my options for a personal item to use on an upcoming international flight. I’m still not sure which to choose, but I have a much clearer impression of the two bags now. Thank you!

[@JoyfulLivingwithJenLefforge]

You're welcome! Glad I could help!

[@DeoGratias5]

I'm looking for lightweight luggage and letting me see this everywhere bag has really helped! Thanks!

[@djz2308]

Nice color. Thanks for the video.

[@96unique2]

I have the Monos metro duffel in the green! Love it! I always snap off the metro kit and use it for non- liquid toiletry bag. Fits under Air Canada seats fine but is slightly over dimension requirements in theory. Even still, the airline staff didn’t even measure or look at it. I’m pretty sure Air Canada have one of the smaller airline requirements for personal items. Hope this helps!

[@kamiwarner2158]

I have the Monos Metro Duffel (newer version) in the vegan ivory leather. I absolutely love it! I have traveled on smaller planes and larger planes with it, and it fits just fine under the seat. I usually take off the front folio pouch and tuck the flap (that attaches it to the bag) into the seat back pocket in front of me, if that makes sense. It’s my cabin bag, and I can reach everything I need easily. My husband has the Away Everywhere Bag and that works great for him. Thanks for comparing the two! 😊

[@JoyfulLivingwithJenLefforge]

So helpful! Thank you!

[@kamiwarner2158]

@@JoyfulLivingwithJenLefforge You’re welcome! I’m a bit of a minimalist, and I actually wish they would add small D-rings to the folio pouch and provide another strap so one could use it as a crossbody purse while traveling. Maybe next revision. 😃 Also, my ivory bag is lined with much lighter fabric so it’s easier to see things.

[@susanv8599]

I just received the same bag! I haven't used it yet but I'm glad to hear it fits under plane seat. I did a comparison with the Away Bag but I liked the look of the Monos better, just seemed a bit luxury.

[@JessCatorc]

@Kami would love to hear how it holds up to stains with your travels? Just ordered the ivory too 😊

[@akiscas]

Hey, does the ivory get really dirty? If so, is it easy to clean?

[@okbookgirl]

I have yet to see a bag that makes me want to give up my backpack, but I keep watching thinking I might see one that changes my mind.

[@nancykennedy9397]

Im in Canada and ive ordered a monos suitcase, monos carryon and the metro duffle. All came in a couple days. Last Tuesday was my first trip with them all. I love the suitcases but after seeing your bag with the extra compartments i think i eoild of been happier with that. I also have a lug backpack which had a shoe compartment and i missed that feature this time. My old bags were lost in a bag tag recycle switch ladt April. Praying that never happens to me again

[@Lifeandtimeswithcyndi]

I love the color of the bag and it’s really nice looking but it looks like it could be to big and cumbersome to travel with. Can’t wait for your final review.

[@kathrynhelm4176]

I was so glad to see this comparison. I’ve been looking at the Rollie-carryon from Monos and when I saw their duffle it looked to me that it was too big for me. Just seeing it next to you convinced me I was right. although, I sure like the little bag on the outside idea. Thanks Jen.

[@JoyfulLivingwithJenLefforge]

Yeah she's pretty but she's BIG.

[@Ann-wv2ti]

This comment is not related to the bag but that color green looks very nice on you with your hair color and skin tone.

[@JoyfulLivingwithJenLefforge]

Oh thank you so much!

[@jacqattacq19]

On long haul flights (for me, that's 10-17 hours) I hate having a bag under the seat in front of me. I prefer to stretch my legs out. Next trip for me is in June and I'll be trialling a 40L backpack as my carry on and a large waist bag as my personal item which I'll hang off my closed tray table. Wish me luck! 🥳🇦🇺

[@BY-ib9ew]

I can tell you are a seasoned traveler from your useful insights and comments on the bag :)

[@JoyfulLivingwithJenLefforge]

Yes!

[@BudgetingJuliesWay]

The Monos seems more like a Weekender type bag than an acessorie to a rolling bag.I think the huge opening would be great for packing cubes if u were into one bag travel on the smaller planes and Spirit.

[@HappyTravelVlogs]

First time seeing the bag and it looks very big and heavy. I like the away bag better. ❤

[@kaylaandmarkalan]

You make some very great points! I think honestly the size would be to big for me and I’d go with the Away.

[@JoyfulLivingwithJenLefforge]

Somebody brought up the fact that if you're with Spirit and can ONLY do a personal item it might be a good call? I can see that for sure!

[@Benasboysandgirl]

I’m planning a personal item only super-short trip and I can see that maybe that Monos being little bit larger could work well in a scenario like that. Can’t wait to see what you think!

[@JoyfulLivingwithJenLefforge]

Yes I did have that thought as well - if this were your only bag, it might work perfectly!

[@bretaskinner3143]

Window shopping (online) for new luggage, I agree with the preference of a separate laptop compartment. I also look at backpacks, and can't believe how many have the laptop in the main compartment. I wish more bags were designed with a laptop compartment that can open 180 so don't have to remove the laptop. Interested in your review after using it. Thanks for the video!

[@kayelle8005]

I recommend you have a look at the Pakt One. Either the original duffel or their backpack version.

[@danamcdonald4514]

I truly love your content and this is such a helpful review! Have you looked at the BEIS weekender bags? They are also in the running for me.

[@JoyfulLivingwithJenLefforge]

I haven't but I know people love them! May try that one next.

[@Karideplov]

What a coincidence. Today youtube randomly suggested a packing video of a youtuber I had never seen and she had this bag.

[@annaburch3200]

I don't have either bag, but I have similar, less expensive versions that I'm not entirely happy with. I enjoyed watching your review. Overall, I think I like the Away bag more due to its size, compartments and how it opens. I also like the lighter interior for the same reason you do. However, the Monos bag has handles that flop down and look like they stay down, which is better under the seat. I struggle with stiff handles getting stuck in the "up" position. Does that make sense? I like that they both have wide trolly sleeves. Mine has a skinny strap and it really doesn't distribute the weight well and leans forward making my spinner bag difficult to roll. The detachable cabin bag is interesting on the Monos bag. I like the accessibility of having that on the outside, but it looks kind of cumbersome, overall. All points I think you'd agree with. I'm excited to see what you think after you travel. We're headed to Savannah next week (from Seattle - quite a haul) and non-rev means carry-on only, so I'm wishing I had the Away bag, but my cheap version will do for now. Away travel goals! 😉👍

[@lisamintzer4516]

Though that is a beautiful blue color, I agree with you that the Away Everywhere bag seems perferable due to the separate laptop compartment and the wider opening. I just ordered the Monos Metro backpack to try. It does have the separate laptop sleeve (holds up to a 15") and the removable front folio. The main compartment also opens wide (not quite fully clamshell but close). Overall, it technically holds less than the duffles (at 18L), and it's a vertical pack which isn't ideal, but I am wondering if I might appreciate the opportunity to distribute the weight on both shoulders. I usually carry a tote (often with a laptop and a bigger camera) and it can get really heavy and uncomfortable when not atop a suitcase. I also would be interested in trying out the Away Everyday Bag. Both bags are a tight squeeze for my camera equipment.

[@middlebunny]

I’ve got to complement the new hair style. The curls look shiny and well hydrated for a much younger look overall. Good job. FYI: I subscribe because I’m addicted to carryon luggage even though I haven’t flown since 2019 (still wearing masks and social distancing). In reality, I just find your luggage videos relaxing and great for de-stressing. Thank you.

[@JoyfulLivingwithJenLefforge]

Thanks for watching!

[@sunsetatshabooms4558]

Have you reviewed the baggalina? I LOVE it. IT's on wheels and can also slip over your luggage. It also folds up when not using it but I'm always using it. It also expands. I love it.

[@JoyfulLivingwithJenLefforge]

I haven’t as I don’t like personal items with wheels but sounds great!

[@majorhollingshead5906]

I like both and I love the color. ❤️😘

[@JoyfulLivingwithJenLefforge]

Thanks Major!

[@jstanovic]

I have a Travelpro underseat bag with wheels and a "purse" style bag. Like these bags, both are too large for me. My carryon has pockets for a computer, etc., so I don't need additional pockets on my bag. My usual bag is a $20 14 inch duffle bag with a pocket in front for tickets, etc. It has the trolley strap for convenience. Compact and lightweight. Comes with a detachable shoulder strap. Last year I flew 27,500 miles.

[@janine36]

From previous videos, I know you also have the Away backpack. It might be interesting if you did a video on when you choose the backpack over the bag or vice versa. I use a backpack for going back and forth to the office, and I also use it as my personal item when I travel. I like it, but I’m a bit bag crazy. So, I’m curious about the Away and Monos travel bags, but I can’t decide if I should buy one when I’ve got something that already does the job. In other words, please help me justify buying one of the travel bags 😊.

[@JoyfulLivingwithJenLefforge]

LOL you sound like me! So, in a nutshell, I tend to use the backpack when I have to take my laptop because it's just easier to carry (although the Everywhere bag totally accommodates my laptop, when it's in there it's super heavy and distributing the weight on my back is easier if that makes sense?) If I'm NOT taking my big laptop (and just taking my tablet) then the Everywhere bag is more convenient and I find it holds slightly more than the backpack. I definitely like having both options so clearly I am no help at all. LOL

[@jennbcousins]

Can you compare the away everywhere with the Calpak Hue duffel??? Love your videos!!! ❤

[@reneer4682]

Hello! Have you ever tried the calpak luka bag as a personal item bag? Would love your thoughts. Thanks

[@mwhite4759]

Jen I would love to see you compare the Bento bag to these 2

[@JoyfulLivingwithJenLefforge]

So I won't purchase anything from them. Their "marketers" use a gorilla style marketing and act like regular viewers but are actually NOT (it's either bots or people paid to comment).

[@mwhite4759]

Good to know!

[@kamloopscruiser874]

Thank you! The weight difference alone tilts me towards the Away bag. The lining is better- it’s attached and it’s light grey. Also I’m in 🇨🇦 and our airport is really fussy about sizing. Even if something is technically in the size allowed once it’s packed it often bulges beyond. Smaller is safer. As for weight I have intermittent muscle weakness and during the stress of travel it often flares up. I have to be careful how much weight I expect myself to carry. Then the clamshell opening is a clincher for the Away bag. Easier to pack and then to find stuff.

[@julierosser7048]

Do you have a video comparing everywhere bag with the away back pack?

[@mariebrown9415]

I’m looking for a larger personal carry on bag to replace my assortment of Vera Bradley trolley bags which tend to be floppier and twist or flop off but I still love her bags which I’ve washed a zillion times after travel and have nice interior side compartments- they last forever, however when rolling down the aisle with my Tumi carry on or my Monos plus carry on or other bag they flop around or twist on the trolley . I’m an over packer but I can’t carry that weight in a back pack or too far on my shoulder. Thus , I like the single vegan leather color and you’ve shown how deep it is , it’s more rigid and I like that snap off pouch. I I think it will sit more securely on any carry on and I could even put one of my smaller Vera Bradley Back packs inside or even the Monos packing cubes to line the bottom. I prefer to carry travel documents like hotel reserv in a file outside bag . Do you think a file with 8x 11 papers will slide in / out the Monos Bag? Is it as rigid once filled as it appears on your review and won’t loose its shape? I think I’m almost sold on it . The Away bag is too small for me. Do you think a lap top in a sleeve will slide in and out the Monos? Thanks for the review.

[@suecourt1909]

I have Monos carry on & hold luggage, but I just wasn’t keen on the duffle as a personal item - also, I fly mostly with British Airways, despite what people say about BA, I’ve always been very happy with their service, especially in Economy Plus or Business - BUT & this is a big BUT - the personal item size allowance is very small compared to other airlines………..so, I went with the Away Everyday bag - the smallest one - since this was closest to the BA size restrictions, give or take a cm here or there & the fact that the zippers go right down the sides of the bag & also because of the separate laptop pocket. I would have preferred to have the bag open up like a suitcase, as in the medium size Away bag, but the medium was too big as a personal item with BA. I’ve not used my Everyday bag for travel yet, but will be doing so in December when I’m hitting Budapest for the Christmas markets, again in February for my big, month long trip to New Zealand to see my daughter & then again in July when I go to Bermuda for a week!! It will also be great as a small overnight bag for going to visit friends within the UK - overall, I’m very happy with the Away Everyday bag.

[@jodiharrington6765]

I use my Monos bag daily for my commute to work and I’ve done it under the seat on a plane! Some planes MIGHT need you to remove the front pouch. One plane I rode fit with it on, the other did not. I was going to do Away but chose Monos because I’m Canadian, so it was free shipping and no import fees since they’re a Canadian company. Really interesting to hear your thoughts on the two!

[@JoyfulLivingwithJenLefforge]

Great point on removing the bag!

[@Erinawesome17]

"Am I ridiculous for watching 15 reviews of a bag?" If you are then so am I. I normally watch as many reviews as I can before I purchase a new bag or piece of luggage. I like to know the pros and cons other people think of to see if they are also going to bother me. Also I wish you could just buy the outside bag that clips to the seatback pocket. It would be such a game changer while traveling.

[@JoyfulLivingwithJenLefforge]

Totally agree!

[@reighngold]

OMG WAIT you live in Atlanta?! As a fellow female adult disney nerd who loves to travel I feel like I should have run into your by now LOL.

[@ritagilmer5389]

there’s a possibility of me going to Europe for approx. 10 days, which bag would you recommend, the Monos Duffle or the Monos Backpack or the Weekender? Thanks for your input.

[@nicolef9456]

I feel like bigger is not better especially on planes where every seat has an entertainment unit I’m noticing the under the seat space is reduced (especially window/aisle). BUT if you’re flying spirit/frontier/Ryanair where personal is included in the ticket you want every last inch and they’re never giving entertainment units.

[@JoyfulLivingwithJenLefforge]

Super great point!

[@lynnleipold2617]

Those bags are too big for Allegiant

[@user-sw1ts6re1z]

I just bought Away everywhere duffel and the everywhere zip backpack, and the Monos metro duffle and metro backpack, to test out at home loaded for various scenarios for upcoming summer travel (car trips, flights and Disney Fantasy). Your videos have been invaluable! I love your channel, personality and way of thinking. Question for you-do you have the Monos backpack? I’m curious about its comfort level when loaded.

[@JoyfulLivingwithJenLefforge]

I don't have it but I've looked at it! Let me know if you get it and load it up and fantastic idea to buy it all and test it at home. It's really the only way to see if something will work for you!

[@user-sw1ts6re1z]

I’ve done some loading as if I’m bringing them on for embarkation. Still undecided. Both brands are so clean and nicely designed. The Monos is definitely heavier overall, which as you noted, makes sense because dimensions are slightly bigger and (I think) the materials are of thicker/heavier quality. I liked how my items fit in the Monos backpack a little better because it’s a rectangle shape and I think my items fit better with all squared edges. Plus that little pocket snap off is kinda handy. Trolley sleeve was easier to maneuver on my rolling luggage (Travelpro brand) too. But, I like the padding on the back of the Away backpack (& how it feels on my back) better. Downside for the Away backpack is that I had trouble fitting some items I’d need and I felt the zippers were kind of stiff. For the duffels I need to decide if I just want a duffel style for car trips only, or multipurpose-air & car. I think the Monos is a little too heavy for airport travel. Also, I’m not convinced the Monos will fit under the seat for United’s dimensions which are really small (17”x10”x9”). We live in northern NJ so Newark is United’s hub and the airline we mostly travel. I think the Away duffel may win out over the Monos. I’ll keep testing different loads and let you know what I decide.

[@user-sw1ts6re1z]

@@JoyfulLivingwithJenLefforge So after much debate I'm going with the Away backpack and duffel bag. I just loved how comfortable they both felt when loaded. The padding and shape of the bags/straps/handles were just a better fit for my body type. In the end, I decided that is my key feature. I may have to adjust what I carry in there, but learning to travel with less is a good challenge for me. I have to remind myself that my girls are now teens and carry their own things. Hard to transition to that modified motherly role when I've been like Mary Poppins with her magical bag which miraculously has everything that everyone in my life seems to need at any given moment. LOL! Very excited to use them for various trips this summer with my family. Thank you for your videos and personal feedback. It was very helpful. Like you, I must have watched dozens of reviews (and even rewatched them dozens of times) for a variety of bags.

[@JoyfulLivingwithJenLefforge]

@@user-sw1ts6re1z very few people take the time to do what you did but it's the ONLY way to make sure you have a bag that works for you. Honestly, I feel like the luggage working correctly is as important as having a car that works for you - it's a big decision and your research is admirable! So glad you found a good combo!

[@annmariebuell]

I am ready to purchase an Away Everywhere bag. There is a sale on the Away site but not for this particular bag. Anyone have any secret coupon codes to use with the Everywhere bag?

[@conniepleasantnails]

I have a question. Do you have a favorite handbag you take for travel. One that works for short & long trips. I haven’t traveled out of the country in a very long time and was wondering about bank card safety. Do you have any videos on handbags and tips you use for storing your personal items you don’t want compromised. 🤔✈️🌎

[@JoyfulLivingwithJenLefforge]

Honestly having traveled all over the world I just take whatever bag I want and make sure I have a good hold on it and that zippers are zipped, etc. Same precautions I take at home. In France, Japan, Greece, Italy . . i've generally felt SAFER than here in the US and I never concern myself with having a specific bag for security. Having said that, even at home in public spaces I prefer a cross body (harder to grab) and I never put anything valuable in the outside compartments of backpacks (thieves look for easy targets!). Hope that helps!

[@conniepleasantnails]

@@JoyfulLivingwithJenLefforge That’s actually what I started to search smaller crossbody. I was looking at the nylon ones but it’s just not my jam. I would rather have a bag I would use at home too, just like you mentioned. Thank you for your input.

[@katasticone]

Monos is SO close to perfect, but not quite. Why couldn't they make the attached bag turn into a purse? I'd also love it if they made a real leather version (at least for the purse portion). With those two changes, this would be SUCH a no brainer for me. The real struggle would be if I went backpack or the other version. I'd probably buy both TBH.

[@BY-ib9ew]

seems well designed with a lot of features but i'm not a fan of the shiny material... makes it look cheap

[@gailcarsten7903]

Personally, that bigger bag would be too big for me. I would fill it and it would be too heavy. Everyone has different tastes.

[@rogerp4612]

Half a pound makes a "big difference". When rolling. On wheels. Sure. 😂

[@JoyfulLivingwithJenLefforge]

Roger don’t be a jerk.

[@rogerp4612]

@@JoyfulLivingwithJenLefforge 😅 Name calling is so grade school.

[@Jen-ir7xq]

Just be warned, if you want to return Monos for any reason, you will be out $60. No one else has such arcane return policies. Total rip off.