Last Updated: December 8, 2023

Solgaard Luggage Review: Is It Worth Your Money?

Solgaard Luggage is an innovative luggage brand that aims to revolutionize the way we pack. As a lover of all things organized, I couldn’t be more excited to tell you about these amazing suitcases! If you’re also someone who enjoys organizing luggage and keeping it neat, this might just be the perfect suitcase for you.

What’s the deal with Solgaard luggage, how does their closet system work, and if they’re really worth the money are all topics covered in this detailed review. Keep reading to learn everything you need to know about Solgaard suitcases and decide whether they’re the right option for you!

Construction and Warranty

Solgaard Shell

Solgaard luggage features an aluminum frame and a shell made from durable polycarbonate. There are reinforcements on all corners of the luggage for improved impact resistance, and the case itself is practically unbreakable.

The excellent durability and impact resistance of the case means that you can sit and even stand on the luggage to get it to close if you’ve overpacked a bit. Even the founder of the company encourages travelers to do that and promises to replace any case that gets broken during this attempt.

That’s actually part of Solgaard’s Lifetime warranty, which guarantees the quality and durability of this niche luggage. During your first year with a Solgaard suitcase, they even offer free replacement for luggage that gets damaged beyond repair by an airline.

Another thing I want to mention here is that Solgaard ships these without any single-use packaging. The cases are placed in reusable bags and then in a recyclable cardboard box. Also, the lining is made from recycled plastic, and for every suitcase they manufacture, they’re able to clear 6 lbs of plastic from the oceans.

Size Variety

Solgaard Luggage Sizes

Solgaard suitcases are available in four sizes: a medium carry-on, a large carry-on, a medium checked case, and a large checked case. All the suitcases are shaped like trunks for better stability, so they have a slightly narrower base but a bigger depth.

One thing to note here is that the trunk shape makes the suitcases slightly unstable during the packing process, but that’s where the included straps come in. You’ll see buckles near the top of the luggage, and these should be closed when the luggage is open. This forces the luggage to stay open at a 90-degree angle and keeps it from tipping over during the packing process.

The smaller carry-on is 20” tall and it’s an internationally sized cabin bag. If you often travel in Europe or fly with budget airlines like EasyJet and Ryanair, this is the suitcase for you. The bigger carry-on is 20”, and suitable for flights on 90% of airlines in the US. If you’re mostly flying in the United States, the bigger carry-on is a great option for you.

TSA Lock and Closure

Solgaard Lock

These suitcases have no zippers on the outside. Instead, they close with two latch locks, with a main TSA-approved combination lock that operates them. The luggage features a one-handed pinch opening, which is extremely convenient.

This type of luggage is a bit easier to close when overpacked since you don’t have to deal with a zipper that’s about to burst. Just sit on the suitcase to get it to close, and the moment you hear the locks snap in place you’re good.

Wheels and Handles

Solgaard Wheel Handle

With whisper-quiet double spinner wheels and a telescopic wheel handle, the Solgaard luggage is exceptionally easy to maneuver. The trunk shape of the luggage makes it more stable on uneven terrain, while the wheel handle boasts a grippy underside so you always have a firm hold on the suitcase.

It’s possible to lock the wheel handle at two heights, so it shouldn’t be too difficult to adjust it for a great fit. The wheels rotate 360 degrees, and they’re not only silent but also perfectly smooth. This luggage also features grab handles on the top and side, for maximum convenience.

Interior and Removable Closet

Solgaard Interior

At first glance, the Solgaard luggage doesn’t look that different from Samsonite or Rimowa. But it’s what’s on the inside that matters, and that couldn’t be more true when talking about this innovative luggage.

There are two ways to use your Solgaard suitcase – with or without the removable closet, which comes in a reusable laundry bag. If you don’t want to use the closet, you’ll have two spacious packing compartments. The top compartment features a full panel zippered divider, while the bottom compartment has tie-down compression straps, each with a pocket, for easy organization.

But the removable closet is really the star of this suitcase. It’s a hanging closet that folds flat for storage and it features five separate shelves. The bottom shelf is open and perfect for rolled clothes, while the other shelves feature zipper closure with a mesh cover. It’s recommended to pack each shelf up to 70% so that the compression straps on the sides can really do their job.

Solgaard Closet

So, how does it work? You take the closet, hang it on the extended wheel handle of the luggage or in your own closet, pack everything inside, and then lay it on a flat surface and pull on the compression straps. This really cinches in the closet allowing you to fit it in your luggage, but it’s important to note that, depending on how fully you packed it, you might not be able to use the top compartment of your luggage.

Also, there’s a small difference between the carry-on and checked closets; on the bigger luggage, the top two shelves of the closet can be detached and stored in a different compartment, whereas this isn’t the case with the closet included with the carry-on luggage.

When you arrive at your destination, you can just take out the closet and hang it in the wardrobe to use during the trip.

Other Features

There’s only one difference between the carry-on and checked luggage apart from the removable closet shelves, and it’s a USB port. That feature is included only in the carry-on luggage, which makes perfect sense since you’re not allowed to keep any batteries in your checked bags anyway.

The USB port is connected to the zippered pocket inside the bottom compartment, and you can use the USB cord with any power bank you want. Solgaard manufactures power banks as well so you could get one of theirs if you wanted, but it’s important to note that you don’t get one with the suitcase.

Solgaard Luggage Review: Final Thoughts

If I’m being perfectly honest, I haven’t been this excited about a suitcase in a long time. The innovative closet system is everything I’ve ever wanted from a suitcase, as I’m someone who thrives when their surroundings are organized.

But if that’s not you, then this might not the best luggage for you. Yes, it’s an excellent suitcase all around, but if you don’t see yourself using the closet system, I don’t see the point in getting this luggage with shelves, which is a little pricey if I’m being perfectly honest. The excellent construction quality and innovative features are worth every penny, but if you’re not planning on using those features, other luggage is better suited to your needs.

Check out our related posts for other luggage options.

RELATED POSTS:

BRICS LUGGAGE REVIEW

RONCATO LUGGAGE REVIEW

SOLGAARD BACKPACKS REVIEW

BEST LUGGAGE WITH SHELVES

About the Author Anna Timbrook

Anna is the co-owner of expert world travel and can't wait to share her travel experience with the world. With over 54 countries under her belt she has a lot to write about! Including those insane encounters with black bears in Canada.