Solgaard Carry On Closet: Worth the Hype? (Carry On Luggage Review)
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- čas přidán 5. 06. 2024
- Full Unbiased Review of the Solgaard Carry On Closet. Is this innovative carry-on luggage worth the hype? And should you buy it? In this video, I cover all the measurements and weight of the bag, discuss the unique features, then show you how to pack the solgaard carry on closet. This video is not sponsored.
Solgaard Carry On Closet: go.shopmy.us/p-4801625
Other Bags Mentioned in this video:
Monos Carry On: bit.ly/classiccarryon
Monos Hybrid Carry On: bit.ly/hybridcarryon
Level 8 Cases Carry On: bit.ly/level8carryon
July Carry On: bit.ly/julycarryon
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- Free Carry-On Only Packing List: awaytogether.com/packinglist/
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⏰ Timecodes ⏰
0:00 Solgaard Carry-On Closet Review
1:16 External Specs and Features
3:29 Internal Specs and Features
4:47 Using the Solgaard Closet Shelving System
5:34 Packing (without Solgaard Closet Insert)
6:18 Packing (with Solgaard Closet Insert)
7:16 Who is the Solgaard Carry On Closet For?
#carryonpacking #solgaard #packingtips
Just wanted to say - NOT the only option. There are tons of competing "closets" out there, so you can buy only the closet thingy in any size you want, and use it in your own suitcase. That makes life easier. Instead of buying this suitcase just for the closet, in case you don't need a new suitcase and you like the one that you already have - just buy the closet and use it. You just have to make sure you buy the right size that fits your suitcase. Another thing to remember is that these closets can be used in your checked luggage as well - it will fit better, you'll have plenty of room around it and then it just serves as a big compression cube. So to whoever travels with checked luggage - buy a closet that fits your suitcase and you can enjoy it.
Hey Gur, do you have a closet that you recommend by any chance? Will end up shopping around, but hoping to copy off your homework if possible 😅
I have spent quite a bit of time looking for a hanging, compressible closet and haven't found many options. Amazon and Alibaba are filled with hanging closets, but none that feature good compression straps. The closest I could find was an LL Bean 'Personal Organizer Hanging Packing Cube' for $70. Do you have any hangable, compressible options or are you just saying?
Yes, I would love to see some of these too. I just bought a new set of luggage, so I would rather only purchase a closet insert.
@@notreal5311 There are many CZcamsrs who tried the suitcase with and without the closet inside. They all say and show the same thing - the same suitcase can hold much more without the closet, the closet is heavy and takes way too much space. So all that compression and features they show you - they just look good, but not very useful in real life. I see no point in paying so much more for that closet, sorry. Compression packing cubes work much better. If one wants a closet, there are plenty to go around.
@user-jg1hq8io6y I get that, but this poster replied and said there are a plethora of competing "closets" out there that do the same thing. This isn't correct, I've done a lot of research and there is maybe one that is similar.
Sometimes you are willing to trade space and weight for convenience. If I wanted to carry max clothes I'd roll them and use packing cubes etc. But having all your crap in a closet (especially for shorter trips with a lot of one night stops) could be worth it.
I have this bag. I have used it for the past 2 years, and the closet is super helpful to unpack and repack and easily see the items you brought without having to unpack it into traditional drawers or hanging in a hotel.
That being said, the key to maximizing both sides of the suitcase is to be strategic about how you pack the closet and are able to compress the closet so that the closet is able to get flatter. I can utilize the space inbetween the handle bars and pack the closet and then fully utilize the other side.
My last trip just finished with 2 weeks in Italy and here is what i fit into my suitcase
Closet: 4 pants, 10 shirts, 10 socks and underwear (each), 4 workout outfits, 1 pair Jean shorts, 2 pairs pajamas, bathing suit.
Fit a hair straightener, hair turban, 4 belts, 2 pouches with makeup brushes and hair ties and other odds and ends inbetween the handlebars.
The other side I put in a pair of ankle booties, sandals, heels, toiletry bag, 1 blazer and 1 cardigan (i put each of those into their own vacuum bag to really save space.
It took a little effort, but it closed, and unpacking was a breeze. I had to move 2 times during the trip, so it was a godsend to already have things ready to pack up.
It is a lot of trial and error, and I think packing cubes will still yield more items, but I have found a way to really maximize the closet while using the other side of the suitcase.
What size do you have?
@@Fleo12 I have the carry on closet plus, so the larger version of the carry on, which I think is by about 2 inches.
I am so glad you did the comparison of packing the case with and without the closet insert, thank you for that. It proved what I had suspected, that the infrastructure of the closet system uses up a lot of space that could otherwise be used for what you're bringing. Especially since (for women at least) shoes and toiletries take up at least as much, if not more, space than clothing. I've been looking at this bag for quite a while, and your review told me EXACTLY what I needed to know. Extremely useful, thanks so much.
I love my Solgaard carry on! I usually travel with a couple of people and having my stuff organized and hung in the hotel closet is great.
I love my Solgaard. I was never really a big luggage person before. My wife bought me one in 2022 for Christmas and I absolutely love traveling with it now.
I have the carry-on closet medium and, after traveling with it once, and I agree with your assessment. I really liked using the closet on a solo trip I went on for work. I was able to fit stuff in the opposing side of the suitcase from where the closet fits in and didn't feel like I was sacrificing the things I needed. It is great for one person. However, if I were to use the suitcase to pack for more than one person, I probably wouldn't use the closet insert and instead use packing cubes to organize things better for more than one person. It does seem sort of silly to get this luggage if you were not going to use the closet feature. I did get it on sale.
I have the original and to be fair, Solgaard has a ‘Lite’ version now too to solve the weight problem. I don’t like that because they went to zippers. I love the zipper free version. And I don’t have to pay for checked luggage so I’m a fan of the original. I love the closet. I love not having to unpack/pack when traveling!
@Away together, it would be nice to see a review of the 'Lite' version that is comparable to the original version with both packing styles.
This comparison review you made has been very helpful, thank you!
Thanks for making this luggage review! Literally am looking at my first hybrid trunk right now and I was contemplating this one and I love and have watched a ton of your videos.
Thank you for reviewing this! I made a request for this review, and I’m sure many others, and now I’m leaning towards it after your honest and thorough review. Really looking forward to my first hard case for domestic travel!
With all you mentioned in mind, I think this would be great for someone that’s camping in a tent, for one OR someone on a road trip and is hopping from one hotel to another and doesn’t have time to unpack in everplace. Last one would be for someone that doesn’t want to unpack in hotel drawers for fear of example, bed bugs - at least ypu could hang the closet in the middle of the hotel closet and have acces to all your stuff OR for people that are really uncomfortable about unpacking in a hotel, put your luggage in the bathtub and hang your closet from the handle - safest way ever!
Great review! I’m planning on an intl trip & this is so helpful!
great candid review thanks Nik!
The key for me in buying this suitcase, which you dont mention, is that tbe closet solves the age old clamshell issue of not working on a luggage rack. Similarly they dont work with one side up the wall. I end up always having my clamshell fully open on the floor and taking up valuable space in the room. I have no interest in fully unpacking into a dresser unless im in one place for at minimum, a week. Now i dont ever have to.
Husband purchased one for each of us & we love ours. We have been successful in packing both sides using the compression of the closet leaving plenty of space on the other side and also, while the channels are deep for closet side, they work great for packing/adding smaller/flatter items. We like the “no zipper” and the secure fit and don’t worry about weather. We have the smaller carry on size and it’s worked well for 7-10 day trips for us, we also each have a backpack. They were purchased on sale, fast delivery & glad we selected. Thanks for your review.
Great idea! I imagine this would be quite useful in accommodations where clothing storage is unavailable. You would essentially be bringing a portable closet. 👌🏻
Really great review. Thank you!!
I have that. But the first trip I decided to pack it without the closet feature. My only other observation is that the suitcase is heavy for a carryon and the closet adds almost two more pounds empty. I love how it looks and it seems really sturdy. I am 71 and I am now looking for a lighter carryon!
Well now you have GOTTA review the Solgaard LITE, since it actually looks more useful and “normal” (and lighter). Looking forward to it!
I bought one- mostly because I tend to hotel hop throughout the week and packing cubes have always been such a hassle to me. I haven't put a ton of miles on it yet - really just two weeks of flying, but I do like it so far. I don't pack the closet full (I'm usually only gone for 3 nights, so there's really no need), and i sort of shimmy it in the suitcase so that it lays flatter. I don't compact the side straps all the way- I get the bottom and top of the closet to just fit in the suitcase, and then lay both the top and bottom solid piece toward the middle. With a little manipulating I can get it to lay fairly flat. I can use the other side of the suitcase 100% for my dopp kit, shoe bag, and a jacket or two. I can't speak to the durability of the bag, yet, but I don't have any issues yet. I thought I had some scratches after the first week, but it turns out it was just paint/plastic transfer from the overhead bins. It wiped off with a little liquid and elbow grease.
Love mine. Just bought a bigger one for checking. I agree with 100% of your review, siding that I am one of those people who use and love the insert. I love getting to my hotel room, pulling it out, hanging it up and being done. And having everything organized without having to pack and unpack.
I am also a avid ultralight backpacking person, and the techniques I used to pack my backpack at the same techniques I used to pack the insert. So it’s very normal for me.
My only issue with the bag is that if you put too much stuff into it, it does limit the handle extension. You touched on it when you mentioned how far sticks out into the bag. If you overpack, the handle becomes useless.
So many other things you need to pack besides clothes and zero room for that.
Exactly
I’ve been experimenting with hanging organizers and folding style to find the size of ‘closet’ I like in a less fussy design. No zips or wasted space &fabric to compress away.
Thx for review. Been looking in FBM for an affordable used one. Will read comments; curious about the stability of hanging on handle as shown in ads
Way too heavy for me to lift into overhead, and Amazon sells similar 'compression hanging shelves' for those who want that.
Thx for the review! 😊😊 Black interior made it hard to see too. 😅
I love my solgaard. Super love it. I can pack a lot of clothes and still use the closet system. You have to pack it a certain way. I’ve removed the closet system a couple of times. My favorite part is the latches. No dumb zipping anything. I usually carry on so I can’t comment if the latches survive the checked baggage abuse but the 3-4 times it’s been checked there were no issues.
I don't have the Solgaard, but I have had my carry-on closet for years. I love using it with checked luggage. Once I get to where I am going I just take it out and hang it up.
There are so many different luggage options out there but I’ve had this and use it frequently. I use the check in closet and I absolutely love mine! I ended up getting them for my sister, my mom and my girlfriend and they love them as well.
Highly recommend.
I own the larger version and used both sides with the closet feature. Works great.
Great video!
Awesome video as always! Could you do a video comparing multiple bags that can be used as personal item on air travel?
Added to the list!!! Thanks for watching
Great video! Very unbiased. :) Kindly review MVST.
I wish I had seen a review like this before I bought it. Excellent job! I agree with your assessment. Neat idea, but the closet didn't work for the type if travel I do.
Great review! I have been on the fence about a hard sided case and my eBay roll on is still in great shape after 10 years, but I am ready for something new. Not sure I will pay $345 and may downside my budget to $200 or less. I will say this hard shell looks well made!
Seems this would be great for someone who travels to multiple cities in a week as a business traveler.
1. Obviously, if you have packed a case to the max, you can't expect to get all of that stuff AND the closet hanger. The hanger will take away some usable space.
2. If you loose-fit belongings in the case, it would seem that you would be better able to utilize space in/around the bars.
3. Using the closet system would certainly better isolate your belongings from potential insect infestation. That and convenience seems the best selling points.
Great review, thanks! What lightweight packable rain jacket and puffer jacket do you both use?
I like the men's options for rain jackets and puffer jackets by Eddie Bauer, Allie swears by the patagonia houdini (which also comes in mens and womens).
7:38 I think pack the suitcase on both sides as you would normally. And purchase one of those collapsible closet organizers and place it in the suitcase until you get to your destination
Great review. I was wondering about that feature. One major drawback with the closet system is you can't quickly open the suitcase and grab one item (like a pair of socks). I can see how useful it could be, but like you, I have learned how to "live out of a suitcase" and don't think I would trade in what I have now for this feature. Good to know, thanks!
What do you use now and why do you like it?
I travel all over the world. Had only owned this Solgaard bag for a month. In Australia, a Qantas flight attendant (Steph) took the bag from me as I boarded a flight from Wellington to Sydney. She told me the bag was not allowed in the cargo section nor the cabin area as it had a rechargeable lithium battery. I then had to put the contents of my bag in a trash bag I had for my trip to Sydney, LA and then the east coast of the U.S.
Buyers of this bag should be aware that international airlines will take this bag from flyers and not allow it in the cabin or as a checked bag.
Don’t buy the Solgaard bag. Too much risk of an airline not letting you fly with it.
Joy Mangano had a similar idea many years ago, which she sold on HSN. I think she called it the travel closet.
great review
Hey Nick. Nice luggage review of the Solgaard medium carry-on. I'll be traveling internationally twice this year and need new luggage. I've been thinking about this particular luggage and their check-in. I'd be interested in hearing your thoughts on their medium carry-on original (shown here) vs. their lite model. From what I can tell, the closet system is wider and has a folding board. I think it uses a zipper system with the TSA lock system, but I don't know more. The reason is I think you're right. The person who unpacks and uses the drawers at the hotel (yup, that's me) finds this appealing. I'd rather uncompress, hang up, and go! Thoughts? Thanks again for a great video. Times have changed; it's not "Oh, what Samsonite version do I want" anymore... ;)
I would love a review of Roam and how well it actually hold up.
Good review overall but, as a Solgaard user, I think you missed the larger point. The issue is really leveraging the compression ability. In short, the closet feature has FAR more capacity than what you attempted to use with the compression straps. I suspect that if you attempted to put significantly more clothing in the closet you would understand why Solgaard has so many ardent fans.
I think a good compression insert would be my preference (happy for suggestions), given most airlines have a weight restriction on carry on (between 8kgs and 10kgs depending on airline), using half that allowance for the bag and insert makes it unusable if you have even one book/journal/planner/heavy item
Thank you for your video.
Thank you, I was considering it until I saw the price. But your video made me realize I would not use the closet feature.
Closet aside, I actually like the case itself. It is the only zipperless bag I found that uses a single system rather than two separate TSA locks, which to me is just crazy as you have to input your pin twice. The only other one was Floyd but these are a bit too expensive for me.
Maybe take the packing bag with u and use it as your own draw when you get to your destination in case that hotel has no draw. Or use it as a laundry bag.
quick question!!! - anyone know what kind of charging port works with it - wathed who video and must have missed what type/model bank the built in ports work for
Your thorough review has given me second thoughts, because basically it doesn’t change the amount one can pack.
Another luggage item I hope you and Allie will review in the near future is the Garment Duffel from Halfday (if you guys haven’t already). I’ve seen many ads pop up for them and their claim to fame and one of the considerations is a. The weight, b. Exactly how much one can pack and c. Does it keep your basement as wrinkle free as one would think? Cheers!
@ugoeze7360 I can tell you that bag is a) quite cheaply made and b) my suits got wrinkled the first two times I used it, so I kept bringing the steamer.
To me it was useful for one night business trips as it means no separate garmentbat, but I struggled with a two day stay as you have to completely deconstruct the bag to get to the suit, i.e. you need to unpack all your stuff and then back it back...
It’d have been interesting to see you use it on a trip. Maybe you can test it that way?
I'll stick with my soft backpack that weighs 2 lbs and now packing cubes thanks to you. And less than $80
Thank you for this review!!
I bought something similar from Oregami... the Discover... in the end it's a carry-on with a custom packing cube system... if you enjoy the carry-on without it you'll enjoy the carry-on with it
Have you reviewed the half day or voyabag?
You can literaly buy thes wardrobe collapsible shelves anyway I have them in my wardrobe where I needed more shelf space
Have you ever reviewed the Away carry on suitcases? Curious in your thoughts if you had.
I tested and reviewed the away carry on in this video! czcams.com/video/LPg-X4AzYFY/video.html
Nik, I would like to add a positive use for this bag that I don't think you mentioned. This bag would be ideal for someone who is going on a long trip or tour in which they're staying in a different hotel every night.
You can lie the closet flat and compress it down with just the suitcase's compression straps, that way just one side is filled with clothes and the other is free to use, you should try that and maybe tell us if you found it more useful that way😇
This seems to be the lightest zipperless? Excluding the unknown brands from China though.
I purchased the medium & small (international) carryon size and the large checkin size of these bags not quite two years ago, when the hype first started. I tried using the closet inserts for all three when I first took them on a trip. I’ve gone back to regular and compression cubes for more efficient packing. Also over a few trips in the intervening time they all have developed cracks in the case. I don’t love my duct tape solution for this and I’m suitcase shopping again. I may just dig my tried and true soft side expandable Briggs & Riley pieces out of storage and use them. The problem is: how do I dispose of the “eco-friendly” cracked Solgaard cases and inserts?
Lifetime warranty 😊
It really does not work well for larger people. I'm 6'3" and could not pack much of anything that would stay in the closet. Small daughter packed everything and likes it. We did the backpack version at Costco has same system, returned it.
I just wish the closer system was optional. This system works for summer packing, and for people who dont layer or have many accessories. I prefer my Monos Carry On Plus. I just got both and am SHOCKED at how much i was able to pack. A LOT. And for winter packing with bulky sweaters, layer tops skirts, dresses, work and day pants. And using their Weekender for my shoes makeup and toiletries. Im a heavy heavy packer and for the first time, would be able to do carry on only. And i know i over packed but was testing to see how much i could go and close it. Tho i wish it was expandable.
Im returning my solgaard today tho i love the color options they offer.
It only works if the traveler actually uses it as it is designed to be used like with any travel gear.
Any budget luggage videos?? I can’t seem to find any out there. My family and I are going on a vacation where we’ll be driving, flying and going on a cruise. We’ll rarely go on a vacation like this. We’re a family of 6 and will all need luggage. We don’t want or need anything high end. But don’t want disposable luggage either. Any help or direction would be greatly appreciated.
I personally think the company would do better if they did the following 2 things.
1. Offer it without the shelf insert at a small discount if the buyer doesn’t want it.
2. Offer the insert separately for either this bag or any other piece of luggage the buyer has.
But it will most likely never happen in either case.
The most important thing to me is how durable it is. Most luggage breaks very easily. And you end up replacing in 1-2 years. It's pricey for sure.
They have a newer closet version in which I wonder if it’s any better
I purchased the larger version. I managed to use both sides. No issues with the closet. He over packed the smaller version and I don’t think he properly compressed the closet.
It is pretty cool but not cool enough for me to give up July.
Kudos on your objectivity. As always a great assessment.
Unless you can confirm otherwise, this Solgaard is the least expensive piece of luggage that has absolutely NO zippers for its closure, at least it was when we bought ours. There may be more and cheaper offerings now that I am not aware of. Someone like yourself could do a video on THAT (zipperless luggage) for your followers.
I must take you to task. When you review other bags, you focus on their weight, whether they qualify as "carry-on" and other good things. What you routinely FAIL to comment on is that every bag, EVERY bag with zipper closures is vulnerable to tampering using as little as a ballpoint pen. This is the major FLAW in every bag which closes with zippers, TSA locks for the pull-tabs not withstanding.
We have watched friends but have not endured it ourself. Their airline declared their piece (zipper closure) not elligible for carry-on. Their bag was tampered with and contraband inserted. The agony, the embarrassment, the exhorbitant legal and financial costs they endured convinced us that we would never again travel internationally with zipper-closure luggage.
What we love about ours is in fact the closet. For those of us who tend to travel on those two-week coach tours ("If It Is Tuesday, This Must Be Belgium", lol) the closet is a wonderful convenience. With the exception of packing (which is no more fiddley than using compression cubes), one does in fact unpack in seconds and repack in only a little more time.
For seasoned travellers, one solid pair of walking shoes is enough. There is no need to fuss packing around shoe bags. We have loved our Solgaards, whether travelling on a cruise, or on a coach tour.
Thanks for all your feedback! Great point. Wow that must have been tough for your friends. Appreciate you taking the time to type all that out!
My biggest takeaway from this video: Time Magazine still exists?? 😂 Kidding! Love this channel and all the useful tips and insights it provides an inexperienced traveler like me! 🙇
haha hilarious. Thanks so much for watching.
The weight is a deal-breaker for me, especially for international flights with strict weight limits. I’ve got a 4.9 pound July bag that leaves a lot more weight for packing.
They have a lighter version with zippers and no locks
As soon as you opened it I knew I would never buy it... I will never buy another black interior bag. Hotels are notoriously dark and the last thing I need is to not be able to see things inside my suitcase.
That's a really interesting point - never considered that
this is too heavy empty. i had to return it because it's already at half of international carryon limit while empty
I feel like doing a closet for youself could be even better
I don’t see the point. I never had an issue with just having the suitcase open on top of a luggage rack or on the floor
❤
Not worth it we bought one and the wheels brokenwithin two weeks
Start with the price next time. Could have saved us eight minutes.
Promo>SM 💯
9 shirts and one pair of pants?? 🤔🤔🤔
This video is so misleading because you packed the closet insert and rested it in the suitcase COMPLETELY WRONG OMG!!!!! If you pack it correctly it you can absolutely easily fill both sides and close easily. the closet packs into itself when full so rests flat, not vertical how you did it incorrectly. I’ve traveled nonstop for 3 months internationally with this suitcase (replacing my Away and Beis luggage) and the no-zipper feature and the closet helped save so much time, especially with ADHD since you can see everything at once when you hang it up in the hotel, as with ADHD I forget what I packed if it’s hidden in compression cubes. It’s heavy but not a deal-breaker, and the few times I’ve had to check it, it came out like a champ. I highly advise you reshoot it because this current video is COMPLETE MISLEADING as you packed it so wrong!
I am a large person and I don't think this bag is beneficial for me
God I hate the unnecessary music in the background.
Sorry John, thanks for suffering through!
Bought it a couple of years ago, used the closet on my first trip with it and took it out and have never used it again. I didn’t think taking it out and hanging it was worthwhile either.
I’ve used an insert from Amazon for years. Sometimes I love it and other times I pack the regular way. It’s great when moving hotels frequently.
I travel all over the world. Had only owned this Solgaard bag for a month. In Australia, a Qantas flight attendant (Steph) took the bag from me as I boarded a flight from Wellington to Sydney. She told me the bag was not allowed in the cargo section nor the cabin area as it had a rechargeable lithium battery. I then had to put the contents of my bag in a trash bag I had for my trip to Sydney, LA and then the east coast of the U.S.
Buyers of this bag should be aware that international airlines will take this bag from flyers and not allow it in the cabin or as a checked bag.
Don’t buy the Solgaard bag. Too much risk of an airline not letting you fly with it.