Every time I travel with my mom, she is surprised that my suitcases are always bursting at the seams. You’d think someone who’s been a travel writer for nearly 15 years would have a tried-and-true outfit, but I admit that I’m a traveler who needs options. Rather than changing the way I pack, I’ve learned to make it work by maximizing every inch of space, usually by combining packing cubes with tightly rolled clothes.
No wonder I was drawn to suitcases with the word “closet” in the name. When we heard about the Solgaard Carry-On Closet suitcase, we envisioned a new way to pack, allowing you to fit more clothes in your carry-on than ever before. But after trying it out, it became clear that the suitcase was not made for the way I travel. However, for the right person, it could be exactly what they’re looking for.
What is the Solgaard Carry-On Closet?
Instead of relying on traditional compartments and packing cubes, the Solgaard Carry-On Closet suitcase is centered around a removable and collapsible “closet” system. Five vertically stacked shelves are compressed into the case and can be hung from suitcase handles or hotel closets. The suitcase has a 50/50 split “clamshell” design, which means that in theory the folding closet should fit into half of the suitcase, leaving the other half open for additional packing space.
Founded in 2016 and based in New York City, Solgaard is a sustainability-focused travel brand. This ethos is reflected in the suitcase design, combining functional design with eco-friendly materials such as recycled ocean-bound plastic.
The idea is very simple. Pack your clothes on shelves at home, zip them into suitcases, and when they arrive, pull out the inserts and hang them up. No need to unpack.
There are two sizes of carry-on baggage. There is a medium size (which is the size I have) and a larger version for travelers who need more space in their carry-on luggage. Medium sizes are sold to comply with all international airline carry-on size restrictions and start at $325, while larger sizes are priced higher and offer additional capacity (see table below for details).
Comparison table: medium and large
Both sizes feature a hard-shell exterior made partly from recycled ocean-bound plastic, clasp closures instead of zippers, and smooth-rolling wheels. The suitcases are available in a variety of colors including black, navy, and several coastal-inspired tones. The brand also offers a limited lifetime warranty that covers wheels, clasps, handles, and locks.
In theory, this sounds like a smart solution to staying organized while on the go. In reality, a lot depends on what and how you pack it.
Promise: Pack for 5-8 days
Solgard’s marketing materials say that the medium-sized carry-on closet can hold enough clothing for a five- to eight-day trip, but that each shelf should only be filled about 60 to 70 percent. This is an attractive argument, especially for travelers looking to avoid checked baggage, but less so for someone like me who needs every inch of free space.
In testing, a 5-8 day capacity felt very optimistic.
On a two-night trip to Baltimore in February, I struggled to fit my typical mix of medium and large winter clothes into just my closet system. Bulky items like jeans, slacks, and sweaters quickly filled up the shelves, leaving little room for anything else. Once the closet insert was compressed and zipped, its bulk took up a significant portion of the suitcase, limiting how much could fit in the other half. Wearing multiple chunky shoes like sneakers or boots was out of the question.
This is not necessarily a defect, but a mismatch between product design and actual packaging practices. If your wardrobe leans toward thinner, lighter items like t-shirts, workout gear, sandals, swimsuits, and summer dresses, you’ll likely be closer to your advertised capacity. Bulky fabrics tell a different story.
It will work if you package it a certain way
The biggest feature of this suitcase is, of course, the hanging cabinet. And for the right traveler, it’s really convenient.
If you tend to live out of a suitcase, avoid using a hotel dresser, or don’t plan on hanging your clothes using hangers in your actual closet, this system provides a clear visual layout of your clothes. You can put underwear and socks on one shelf, tops on another, bottoms on another, and so on. When hung, it becomes like a compact wardrobe, making it easier to see what you’ve packed and take it out.
But for me, the same functionality felt like a hassle. Attaching the closet insert to the suitcase handle makes the whole setup very heavy, and the suitcase tends to tip over if not carefully placed.
The hanging system is designed to streamline unpacking, but I found myself only using it once I arrived at the hotel, rather than using it throughout my stay. I couldn’t break the habit of hanging clothes out to dry, especially clothes that wrinkle easily.
Where a suitcase is not enough
The biggest challenge with carry-on closets is that their signature features take up space, whether you use them fully or not.
When compressed, the insert becomes taller and somewhat stiffer, which affects how well it fits into the other half of the suitcase. Unlike traditional soft-sided suitcases or zippered hardshells (especially expandable models), they offer little flexibility. The clasp closure is sleek and secure, but doesn’t allow for overstuffing (I admit this can be a fine line for people like me). If your suitcase won’t close, it just won’t close.
For travelers who are accustomed to throwing on an extra layer or two at the last minute, this lack of leeway can be limiting. Conversely, for those who are more intentional about packing, this can be a useful constraint.
Also, this system is not easily adaptable to different types of travel. Packing for a warm-weather trip is one thing, but preparing for cold weather, where sweaters, denim, and heavy fabrics are a must, is another. When this happens, your closet shelves fill up quickly and don’t compact as neatly as you intended. I also found that it was quite heavy for carry-on luggage. Empty (with shelving system included) it weighs over 8 pounds.
that it works
Despite its limitations, this suitcase gets some basic elements right.
The spinner wheels are smooth and easy to maneuver on a variety of surfaces, including thick hotel carpets and city sidewalks. The medium carry-on size is accepted on all major international and domestic airlines, eliminating some of the stress regarding overhead bin compatibility.
A structured design also enhances an attractive level of organization. While a closet system won’t work perfectly on every trip, it will make you think more carefully about what you bring and how you pack.
And for travelers who prioritize organization above all else, especially those who pack light, this system can deliver on its core promise.
Who is this suitcase for?
The Solgaard Carry-On Closet is not a one-size-fits-all suitcase, even if the marketing suggests otherwise.
Perfect for travelers who:
- Mainly packs lightweight clothing or children’s clothing
- You’re staying in a small hotel or cruise ship cabin that doesn’t have much storage space.
- I move often and don’t want to completely unpack my things every time I go to a new place (like when I’m on a road trip)
Not ideal for people who:
- Pack bulky items like jeans, sweaters, and sturdy items like blazers
- Need flexibility to avoid overpacking, make adjustments on the go, and shop at destination
- travel to different climates
- Prefer a more traditional packaging setup
conclusion
The Solgaard Carry-On Closet is a thoughtful take on organization, but it solves a very specific problem, one that may not exist in the first place for travelers like me.
If your goal is to streamline unpacking and keep your clothes neatly organized in one place, this design has clear appeal. But if you prioritize versatility, capacity, or the ability to adapt your luggage to different types of travel, you may find this system restrictive.
After all, it’s not necessarily that you’re short on suitcases, it’s just that you’re being asked to pack them in a non-natural way. And for many travelers, that adjustment may be the biggest hurdle of all.
Afar received a free Solgaard Carry-on Closet suitcase for review. Our coverage is independent. The company has not reviewed or approved this article.