Mono has developed a stellar reputation for their products, which are focused on the storage and transport of instruments and laptops.
Whether you are a guitar player, bassist, drummer, keyboardist, DJ, producer, or anything in-between, Mono has a case or gigbag for you.
Today, we look at the Flyby Ultra Backpack, which Mono refers to as the “ultimate creator experience”.
This backpack's rugged 1680D ballistic nylon shell and sleek high-visibility design make flying and trekking with your gear safer and easier than ever.
- Water-resistant backpack
- Safely stores and transports your valuable gear
- Highly durable
Mono Flyby Ultra Backpack Review: Verdict?
With a superb build quality and a clever design, the Flyby Ultra Backpack is a fantastic solution for musicians on the go.
With this Mono backpack, you get to safely and conveniently store and transport your essential gear, and keep everything tidy and organized. This means no more mess of strings, picks, USB cables, and assorted accessories cramping your style.
At nearly 300 dollars, the Flyby Ultra Backpack is an investment that lets you stay organized and professional.
Features (10/10)
The Mono Flyby Ultra Backpack is loaded with useful features, none of them redundant.
It features a break-away pouch for your laptop, which fits models up to 17 inches. As opposed to other many laptop compartments on other bags, the Flyby Ultra Backpack offers loads of padding. It’s a safe and secure place for your laptop that will put your mind at ease.
This Mono backpack also features several padded compartments and ample space for various pieces of gear. You can fit a MIDI keyboard, plus one other medium-sized controller. You can even get away with fitting a Native Instruments M32 keyboard, although it’s admittedly a bit of a squeeze.
Additionally, this backpack features plenty of extra compartments for other smaller devices like microphones, audio interfaces, cameras, pedals, as well as smaller items such as strings, picks, tuner, etc.
Lots of side pockets are also present so you can store things that you might need easier access to, like your wallet, cables, and headphones.
Additionally, this backpack features a sleek and highly visible design. This is done via the reflective trim on the outer panels, for enhanced visibility during late-night gigs and commutes.
On the outside, this Mono backpack features a military-grade Hypalon sole that protects your gear from any rough and soggy surfaces you’re likely to encounter.
Finally, the Mono Flyby Ultra features Go Play brushed metal tags for that extra special design touch.
Construction (10/10)
The Mono Flyby Ultra Backpack is constructed with water-resistant 1680 D Ballistic Nylon. This material is quite tough and stands up to all weather conditions. This means absolutely no chance of soaking your laptop, pedals, and other electronics.
Another feature that is often overlooked but very important is the zippers. The zipper quality on this Mono backpack is really sturdy and ensures durability and comfort throughout its lifetime.
As for those unfortunate incidents where you accidentally drop the backpack or someone trips on it, Flyby Ultra comes with a shockproof shell structure and smooth inner lining that ensures your gear stays safe inside.
Comfort (9/10)
All that gear may start to get heavy at some point. Mono understands this and designed the Flyby Ultra accordingly.
As a result, it features contoured backpack straps that fit your shoulders seamlessly, while breathable strap pad cushions keep you cool during hot days.
This Mono backpack also features a crossbody shoulder strap, in case you prefer to haul it that way, or just want to vary from carrying it via the shoulder straps.
Convenience (9/10)
The Mono Flyby Ultra Backpack is also convenient. It can accommodate the needs of a variety of music professionals and enthusiasts.
Regardless of what is your main instrument, it is quite likely that you have a laptop and an audio interface. And it may not be convenient to transport those on most off-the-shelf backpacks or bags, never mind doing it safely.
Add to that a couple of condenser microphones, cables, and more. What if you’ve got one of those oversized laptops? The Flyby Ultra can fit laptops up to 17 inches, and safely.
So if you need to record somewhere else other than your studio or house, convenience becomes a key factor. The same is true for safety.
You want your gear protected at all times, regardless of the weather or the conditions of where you need to work. This is especially true if you do it often.
With the Flyby Ultra, you can neatly and conveniently organize all of your essential items for remote recording sessions.
But it goes beyond musical gear. Mono thought of everyday tools like a phone, keys, and even your passport.
This backpack has several smaller compartments on the outside for you to quickly reach for whatever you need on a constant basis. These compartments are located on the top, middle, bottom, and sides.
And speaking of passports… what if you are flying and have to walk to the furthest terminal at the airport? Well, Mono thought of that too!
The Flyby Ultra allows you to take the weight off your back, quite literally! You can slot the FlyBy Ultra over any suitcase handle and secure it via the backpack luggage pass-through.
Simply stated, the convenience and safety of your gear are perhaps the strongest selling points of the Flyby Ultra.
This backpack's rugged 1680D ballistic nylon shell and sleek high-visibility design make flying and trekking with your gear safer and easier than ever.
- Water-resistant backpack
- Safely stores and transports your valuable gear
- Highly durable
Wrapping Up
Most musicians nowadays have a need for mobility. However, the challenge arises when we want to transport our valuable gear safely and conveniently.
It becomes particularly challenging to be organized and neat on a consistent basis. The Flyby Ultra Backpack is a solution that takes care of all of the aforementioned needs.
That said, for some folks the $299.99 price tag may seem high, especially when compared to other options. After all, backpacks are typically well below this price range.
However, it is vital to understand what you are getting here, which you are highly unlikely to get with other options, not to mention that the term “backpack” is a bit limiting for accurately describing this product.
Simply put, the Flyby Ultra Backpack gives you durability, portability, convenience, protection, and plenty of ways to organize your gear. Sure, it costs more than most of the competition, but it really has other backpacks beat when it comes to quality, convenience, and style.
In other words, the saying “you get what you pay for” is truly materialized with the Mono Flyby Ultra Backpack, in the best possible way.
FAQ’s
Can you fit any laptop in the Flyby Ultra Backpack?
You can fit a laptop up to 17-inches to keep your computer firmly in place.
Where does the laptop go in the Flyby Ultra?
The Flyby Ultra features a detachable laptop bag design that offers enough padding to protect your computer from hits and other mishaps.
Is the Flyby Ultra Backpack water-resistant?
Yes. The Flyby Ultra Backpack is water-resistant and can stand up to all weather conditions, including rain, sleet, and snow.
Can you carry the Flyby Ultra only as a backpack?
Besides carrying it as a backpack, you can also opt to use the crossbody shoulder strap.
Are the straps on the Flyby Ultra padded?
Yes. The straps on the Flyby Ultra are breathable strap pad cushions for ultimate comfort.
Can DJs use the Flyby Ultra?
Yes. The Flyby Ultra is large enough to accommodate most contemporary DJ controllers.