Solgaard luggage review: Is the "Carry-On Closet" worth it?

No matter how carefully you pack, staying organized on a trip can feel impossible. By day two, even the best luggage often turns into a chaotic pile of clothes, shoes, toiletries and chargers. Solgaard aims to solve that problem with its signature Carry-On Closet , which has a built-in set of hanging shelves designed to keep belongings organized and easy to access while you're away from home.

In theory, it solves one of travel's biggest annoyances: living out of a suitcase. Instead of digging through piles of clothes, the carry-on features a built-in shelving system that lets you unpack in seconds and keep everything neatly organized throughout your trip. It's a clever idea — and one that's helped the brand build a devoted following among frequent travelers and social media users alike — but does it actually make travel easier, or is it just another gimmicky feature?

To find out, we put Solgaard luggage through weeks of testing alongside other carry-on and checked luggage , evaluating everything from packing capacity and organization to durability, maneuverability and overall value. While we found plenty to like, the suitcase wasn't without its drawbacks. Here's what you need to know before you buy.

How we tested Solgaard luggage

At Yahoo, we've tested hundreds of suitcases across categories, from carry-ons and checked bags to duffel bags and travel backpacks . Every bag undergoes a range of durability and performance tests, including fully-loaded drop tests down two flights of metal stairs, 20-foot concrete drag tests, water-resistance evaluations and obstacle courses designed to simulate airport conditions.

We test at least two of every suitcase — one in a controlled setting and another during real-world travel — and ask long-term testers to continue using select bags for at least a year to monitor wear and tear over time. In addition to this formal evaluation process, I bring 15 years of consumer product testing experience and have personally evaluated luggage from top brands including Calpak, Béis , Tumi, Amazon Basics and Travelpro. That experience gives me a strong understanding of which features genuinely improve the travel experience — and which are simply hype.

For this review, we considered how Solgaard's luggage stacked up against dozens of competing models we've evaluated, paying particular attention to its organization, compression system and overall value.

Our honest Solgaard luggage review

Size & capacity

Solgaard's Carry-On Closet is smaller than many competing carry-ons we've tested. In fact, it's one of the only carry-ons that couldn't accommodate the full load in our standardized packing tests; we ultimately had to remove roughly two days' worth of clothing before it would latch shut during evaluations. At 9.4 pounds empty, it was also noticeably heavier than many competing carry-ons we tested.

That said, the built-in shelving system did help maximize what available space the suitcase does have. One tester successfully packed for a five-day warm-weather trip, including multiple outfits, swimsuits and several pairs of shoes. "I was a little worried that it wouldn't hold all my clothes, but it did and still had space," she said. They reported that the compression-style closet system also made it easy to organize outfits by day or activity.

The dedicated shoe compartments built into the sides are another nice touch to keep things tidy. That said, bulkier items may be a challenge. "I think this maxes out at a five-day trip depending on climate and what you're packing," our tester said. Travelers heading somewhere cold or packing heavier clothing may want to consider a larger suitcase.

Features

Features

The built-in closet system is undeniably the star of the show. Unlike traditional packing cubes or compression panels, Solgaard's removable shelving allows travelers to organize clothing vertically and access it without unpacking their entire suitcase and entirely eliminates the need for packing cubes.

Our tester was particularly impressed by how intuitive the system felt. "The built-in closet system was really easy to pack and helped keep my clothes organized," she said. "I'm a really chaotic packer, and this way I was able to organize everything and make sure I had what I needed." She also appreciated the dedicated shoe compartments, which helped keep dirty soles away from clean clothing.

The feature isn't perfect, though. When fully loaded and expanded, the hanging shelves can make the suitcase top-heavy enough to tip over. Closing the latch system also required some effort when the bag was packed to capacity. Still, the closet system delivers on its promise of organization and is one of the most innovative luggage features we've tested.

Durability

During our testing, Solgaard's luggage scored particularly well for durability. The suitcase tolerated impact, scratch and scuff-resistance evaluations without meaningful damage. The shell felt exceptionally tough and earned some of the highest durability scores all around.

Our tester described the bag as "durable and well made," adding that the shell felt like it would hold up well to regular travel. She also liked the secure locking clasps, noting they felt strong enough to stay closed during transit.

We haven't had the chance to see how this suitcase holds up after years of use, but our early impressions are positive. Between the sturdy shell, secure latches and solid overall construction, Solgaard feels like the kind of suitcase that's built for the long haul.

Quality 

From the materials and hardware to the thoughtful interior design, most aspects of the suitcase feel premium. The wheels rolled smoothly during testing, the handle felt sturdy and the shallow ridges on the exterior of the bag were very easy to wipe clean.

Still, the design isn't without compromises. The integrated closet system adds weight, making the suitcase heavier than some similarly-sized competitors. We also found that the compact dimensions limit overall packing capacity compared with other carry-ons in this price range.

Solgaard FAQs

Where can you buy Solgaard luggage?

You can buy Solgaard luggage directly from Solgaard , as well as through select retailers like Costco and the MoMA Design Store . Solgaard's website typically offers the largest selection of colors and sizes, plus access to the brand's latest collections; third-party retailers may carry only certain colors or styles.

What is Solgaard's return policy? 

Solgaard offers a 30-day return window for unused products purchased directly from its website. Customers are responsible for return shipping costs, and items bought through third-party retailers must be returned to the original seller. If a product arrives damaged, defective or incorrect, Solgaard will replace it.

How is Solgaard's customer service?

According to customer reviews, Reddit threads and social media discussions, Solgaard's customer service is generally reliable for warranty replacements, especially in cases of clear manufacturing defects. Broader support experiences vary, with some users reporting delays or difficulty reaching timely resolutions for returns, replacements or parts.

Bottom line: Is Solgaard worth it?

Solgaard's Carry-On Closet stands out for its thoughtful design and innovative compression system, which makes packing and unpacking remarkably easy. In testing, we found it to be exceptionally sturdy, and our long-term tester appreciated how well the built-in shelving system kept her organized during a five-day trip.

That said, the bag is heavy for its size and couldn't accommodate our standardized packing load, making it less spacious than many competing carry-ons. If your priorities are maximizing packing capacity, minimizing weight or getting the best value, there are lighter and more affordable options that perform just as well at similar — and even lower — prices, including Calpak's Ambeur Carry-On Luggage, Away Carry-On Luggage and Quince Expandable Carry-On Suitcase.

That said, if organization is your top concern, the look and feel of Solgaard's materials help justify the purchase. Overall, Solgaard is worth the investment for frequent travelers who value organization and don't mind sacrificing some space. If the built-in closet system appeals to you and you tend to pack strategically rather than overstuff your bag, you'll likely appreciate what makes this suitcase unique. But if you're simply looking for a durable, no-frills carry-on, there are better buys for the money.