Sharing my unfiltered thoughts on the Solgaard Carry-On Closet, a suitcase with built-in clothing storage
As a frequent traveler, I expect my luggage to be many things all at once. My suitcases have to be strong enough to stand up to the tough conditions of air and city travel, but nimble enough to contain the variety of possessions required for every type of trip. They have to be lightweight enough for me to comfortably hoist and maneuver yet secure enough that my belongings remain safely stashed inside. They also have to fit in anywhere in the world, looking stylish without an ounce of ostentatiousness.
Longtime readers will remember that I only ever travel with a carry-on suitcase or smaller for several reasons: to avoid paying hefty baggage fees, to simplify my travel wardrobe, to ensure nothing gets lost in transit, and to not waste a moment waiting for my luggage at the carousel (getting right out to enjoy my destination is just more fun!).
I’ve been so satisfied with my current carry-on – reviewed here – that it never really occurred to me to add any other roller bags to my luggage lineup.
That is until I stumbled across a suitcase that promised to alleviate the burden of unpacking.
Solgaard kindly sent me this product to review for you today, but as always, I'll only ever share my honest thoughts with you. This post contains affiliate links and I may receive a small commission if you make a purchase after clicking one of these links (at no additional cost to you!). Thank you for your support - it enables me to run this site ad-free!
I can’t remember where I first spotted the Carry-On Closet from Solgaard, but I do recall suddenly feeling like this suitcase with a built-in hanging organizer was following me everywhere.
And the more I traveled and unpacked and repacked my packing cubes, the more I fantasized about being able to hang up my clothes and simply go. It’s so easy to envision a product magically solving our problems, but we know from experience that it’s not always the case.
So after months of hopping on planes and into cars to visit big cities, small towns, and tiny cabins, I’m finally ready to share my review of this suitcase (which, as these things tend to do, may start following you around, too). Read on to learn more about Solgaard and this one-of-a-kind suitcase, my packing strategy, and whether or not it’s worth it:
ABOUT SOLGAARD
The road to a suitcase with a built-in closet began with… a backpack.
Solgaard made waves with its first product in 2016, a ready-to-work-or-play solar-powered, antitheft backpack called the Lifepack. Today, the brand offers a range of suitcases, backpacks, and accessories diverse in aesthetics and intentions, but all with the same mission: to be plastic-negative.
Rather than simply offsetting production emissions (what most would consider “carbon neutral”), Solgaard’s products are made from recycled polycarbonate and ocean-bound plastic to create a positive impact on the environment.
ABOUT THE CARRY-ON CLOSET
The idea behind the Carry-On Closet makes so much sense that I’m surprised it took this long to create this obvious solution to the unpacking problem. The key component here is the patented “closet”, which allows travelers to fold and pack their clothing in a hanging shelving system. To unpack, all it takes is a quick loosening of the straps to hang the bag from the suitcase handle. Voila – a portable, organized closet.
But that’s just the internal, removable closet. As for the body of the suitcase, it features the same technical specs that we’ve come to expect in modern-day hardshell suitcases: a polycarbonate shell, smooth 360-degree wheels, a USB port, a TSA-approved lock, and more. And even though you should hopefully never need to pick it out of a baggage carousel lineup (it’s a carry-on, after all!), Solgaard offers this suitcase in six year-round eye-catching colors with some fun seasonal colors on rotation (though perhaps none are as fun as the MoMA exclusive cases!).
CARRY-ON CLOSET DIMENSIONS + FEATURES
The Carry-On Closet is available in two sizes, theCarry-On Closet Medium (measuring 20.8″ x 13.4″ x 9″) and the Carry-On Closet Large (measuring 22.4″ x 14.6″ x 9.6″). Why two options? Well, the Medium is sized to fit most domestic and international carriers’ bag sizers, and the Large is sized to fit most US carriers’ baggage allowances. Because I travel internationally, it makes sense to purchase a bag that will fly on every carrier I may encounter, and that’s the version I’m going to base my review on today.
But, I’m happy to say that both versions of the suitcase offer the same features:
Five-Shelf Closet
A removable, collapsible hanging organizer with five different sizes and styles of shelves (open, zippered, and divided). Once packed, pull the straps on the side to compress the closet down, and pack into the right half of the suitcase beneath an adjustable clasp. To unpack, loosen the compression straps and buckle the closet to the suitcase handle (don’t forget to fasten the support buckle, which allows the suitcase to stand up) or to a hook or closet rod at your destination.
Polycarbonate Shell and Aluminum Frame
According to Solgaard, the Carry-On Closet’s suitcase shell is unbreakable. I can’t speak to the validity of that statement, but from experience, the suitcase can bear my weight while fastening it closed.
One-Hand Pinch Opening with a TSA Approved Lock
The original Carry-On Closet doesn’t have a zipper closure; instead, it features two latches. Fold and insert each latch to close the suitcase, and pop the tabs inward to open. The bag is equipped with a built-in, three-digit lock that’s TSA-approved, so you can feel a little more secure about your belongings.
360° Wheels and an Ergonomic Handle
Solgaard bills their wheels as “frictionless” and spinner luggage owners will quickly use their muscle memory to navigate this suitcase through the airport. The handle is sturdy, with a bigger circumference than many other suitcases I’ve used before.
USB Charging
The Carry-On Closet is equipped with housing for a USB charger, but not the actual charger itself. You’ll have to supply your own (though Solgaard also sells one separately).
Sustainable Materials
The suitcase is largely made of recycled materials, from the recycled polycarbonate shell to the Shore-Tex® lining, made from 100% ocean-bound plastic. According to the brand, each of these suitcases cleans up 6 pounds of ocean-bound plastic from coastal communities.
PACKING THE CARRY-ON CLOSET
Learning to pack a new suitcase takes a lot of time and a little trial and error – and the resulting packing strategy will likely look a little different for every type of traveler. I won’t be sharing my full packing guide for the Carry-On Closet today, but I will quickly share how I choose which items to place on which shelf of the closet:
Top Shelf
This is the slimmest shelf with a mesh barrier, and I use it to store my bras, underwear, and occasionally socks. Why only occasionally? It’s generally more efficient to pack your socks inside your shoes, and of course, I don’t always pack shoes that require socks.
Second Shelf
This shelf also has a mesh barrier to keep articles contained, but it’s a little taller. I consider this my wildcard shelf – from that one alpaca sweater that sheds to my dinner outfit on the first night, this shelf is the one.
Third Shelf
The larger of the two zippered pockets. This is where I pack my tops, dresses, and jumpsuits because those tend to make up the bulk of my wearables.
Fourth Shelf
The smaller zippered pocket. Even though pants and jeans are larger than tops, I like to pack them here because I typically only bring one or two pairs of pants per trip.
Bottom Shelf
The largest open compartment is divided into sections, and it’s placed at the bottom. This is my catch-all for things like pajamas, swimsuits, tights, or athleticwear, and functions best when things are rolled up.
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As for packing other items in the rest of the suitcase, the closet occupies most of the suitcase and leaves little room for anything else when filled to the brim. You can stuff some smaller, soft items around the closet, and maybe squeeze in a pair of shoes depending on how much you’ve packed (I have had zero success placing as much clothing in the suitcase as Solgaard demonstrates in this GIF).
But beyond the closet, there are two types built-in storage pouches within the suitcase: Two larger slip pockets are on on the left side, presumably for shoes, though my size 7.5 shoes rarely fit. And there are two mesh pockets at the top and bottom of the compression strap, though they are of little use when the suitcase is stuffed (I pop my AirTag into the bottom one and that’s it). I’ve successfully packed for 3-5 day trips with the Carry-On Closet so far, although I also brought along a backpack on the longest trip. Ultimately, the closet is a major help with organization at a destination, but I’m not fully convinced it’s the most efficient way to pack. That being said, the closet can be fully removed, and this suitcase can be packed as a standard clamshell if you prefer.
MY THOUGHTS ON THE CARRY-ON CLOSET
Honestly, I’m a nerd who could ramble on all day about luggage. But I respect your time, so I’ll break it down into a tidy list of Pros and Cons:
What I like about the Carry-On Closet
The shelving storage system works so well with my modular brain
Neat, organized stacks? Say less.
Unpacking is a breeze
I am usually so excited to get out and explore that I rarely take the time to unpack properly. With this suitcase, I’m able to unpack without taking a moment away from enjoying my destination.
It fits in all sizers
That peace of mind? Priceless.
The construction feels solid
From the telescoping handle to the hard shell, the suitcase feels sturdy.
Solgaard’s sustainability efforts
Travel is notoriously bad for the environment, so it’s nice to have a suitcase from a brand that’s making a positive impact.
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What could be improved
Things can get a little stuck
The wheels occasionally “catch” on sidewalk cracks and other spots where Michael’s Away Carry-On does not. I’ve also noticed the handle occasionally gets stuck within its housing if the bag is too full, making it take a little longer than it should to open or close it. The latch closure feels incredibly sturdy, but if you don’t line up the suitcase halves just right, it won’t close (I’ve found that a zipper gives a little more wiggle room).
The suitcase sometimes tips over
Even though I am always careful to secure the connecting strap between the two suitcase halves, it occasionally tips over under the weight of the closet organizer. Whenever possible, I compensate by placing it against a wall for more balance. I wonder if this problem might have been solved by dividing the suitcase halves in different proportions (maybe having a deeper right side for the closet and a thinner left side might help with this issue and make it easier to pack – though I suspect it would impact wheel placement…).
The compression strap is too short
The strap that secures the closet inside the suitcase is several inches too short. I usually struggle to clasp it around the closet, even when extended to its full reach.
Two types of cord management on the closet
The straps on the sides of the closet are really long, and they have nowhere to go when the closet is compressed (except awkwardly tucked into the bottom of the suitcase). Additionally, when compressed all the way, the closet can “escape” the straps by popping through the front or the back; adding some type of strap pass-through along the side would keep it in line.
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It’s clear that my concerns are primarily related to how the closet fits into the suitcase; for me, this means the suitcase is almost there, it just could use a little refining.
IS THE CARRY-ON CLOSET RIGHT FOR YOU?
Still on the fence about buying a Carry-On Closet from Solgaard? I think it’s a good fit for most travelers who take short, city-based trips, but it might not be for everyone. Here are my thoughts on who might consider adding it to their travel collection:
The Carry-On Closet may be for you if:
- You aim to make travel as sustainable as realistically possible
- You need a sturdy bag that’s ready to handle all the world will throw at it
- You prefer to pack your clothing into separate compartments
- You frequently travel to places with limited storage space
- You hate unpacking but want to stay organized
- Your portable electronic devices constantly need recharging
The Carry-On Closet may not be for you if:
- You like to maximize every single inch of luggage space
- You never need to charge your portable devices in transit
- You primarily fly budget carriers – it’s kind of obvious, but if you only travel with a personal item, a carry-on suitcase is not right for you
- You require a bag larger than a carry-on
- You prefer soft shell and/or two-wheel luggage
- You tend to take more camping trips than city breaks (there are no sidewalks in the woods, after all!)
FINAL THOUGHTS ON THE CARRY-ON CLOSET FROM SOLGAARD
Although I’ve successfully flown with this suitcase on multiple occasions, to me where this bag really shines is on a quick weekend road trip – the kind where you can quickly pack a carry-on without worrying about packing it efficiently, like when you visit friends or family and doubly so where there’s not much storage space in the guest room. As it stands, I’m not sure the closet design is as efficient (i.e. capable of packing as many garments, shoes, and toiletries as humanly possible) as packing the clamshell suitcase with compressive packing cubes. Yes, you can shove small items around the closet once it’s packed away, but then you’ll have to do that every time you need to pack and repack. Meaning, it might not be my first choice for bopping around Europe for two weeks.
Since writing this review (which I have done in tandem with five months of extensive use of the Carry-On Closet), Solgaard has released a new carry-on suitcase: the Carry-On Closet Lite. With a zippered closure and a closet with a horizontal orientation, this new edition may very well solve some of my complaints about the Carry-On Closet Original. If I give it a try, I’ll be sure to let you know my honest thoughts – but if you beat me to it, would you mind leaving a comment to let us know what you think?
To help save on your next luggage purchase, I’m happy to share that readers can save 10% with the use of my exclusive discount code WAYWARDTRAVEL. Thanks for reading along!
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Questions for you
What is the number one feature missing from your current luggage?
Have I missed any of your questions about the Solgaard Carry-On Closet?
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