Solgaard Check-In Closet Original Large Luggage Review: Europe Cobblestone & Cruise Ship Suitcase
Solgaard Check-In Closet Original Large for Europe Cobblestone Travel.
If you’re like me, you’re tired of crappy luggage that falls apart. That doesn’t mean you want to spend a ton on your checked luggage, but investing more has to be a cost savings, right? I’ve finally gotten to that point where the $50-$150 checked luggage that lasts 2-8 trips is no longer cutting it for me. My logic is, I’m ready to go to the next price-point in hopes that I can get 20+ trips. Am I unreasonable? I don’t think so.
So, the research started. I’ve decided to outline my thought process and evaluation methods here in hopes to save YOU time and money as well. I live in the San Francisco Bay Area, and I can’t tell you how many times I’ve seen broken luggage on the stoop. Every time, I just think “our landfill is just luggage, mattresses and TVs.” So, the experiment is “Does investing a little more increase checked luggage longevity?” I’ll be sure to report back in a couple years. For now, let’s delve in…as I did take my selection, the Solgaard Check-In Closet Original Large, on a 5 country European Summer Tour, and it handled very well!
So, what did I do first? I evaluated my checked luggage needs! After all, choosing the right checked luggage is an important decision for a stress-free travel experience. Here are some important features to consider when selecting checked luggage:
Solgaard Check-In Closet Large Luggage Review. Solgaard Check-In Luggage Review.
Size and Capacity:
Ensure that the checked luggage size complies with airline regulations for checked baggage.
Consider the amount of space needed for your belongings based on the duration of your trip.
If you’re traveling Europe, and you fly airlines like RyanAir, EasyJet or Vueling, you may need a smaller carry-on luggage than the US carry-on luggage allows. The Solgaard Carry-On Closet Lite Medium is approved for all International carries as a safe size carry-on luggage.
Durability:
Look for checked luggage made from durable materials such as polycarbonate, ballistic nylon, or other impact-resistant materials.
Reinforced corners and sturdy zippers contribute to the overall durability.
Decide if you want a hard-shell or a soft-shell for your checked luggage.
Wheels and Handles:
Spinner wheels help with maneuverability in crowded airports, and they typically are placed on all four corners of the bottom of the luggage, creating a pushable and pullable luggage where you can place your tote bag, laptop bag, or purse on-top without feeling the burden of its weight.
Two-wheeled luggage needs to be tipped on its side to move, however, it tends to be more stable on public transit and locks in place when it’s in the stand-up position. Typically, these are easier to move faster through the airport with when you’re in those moments where you need to run through the airport. Most people tend to prefer spinner-wheels over two-wheels, however, there are benefits to two-wheels.
Telescopic handles with a comfortable grip make it easier to transport luggage.
Weight:
Consider the weight of the luggage itself. Lightweight luggage allows you to maximize your weight allowance for your belongings.
Hard case luggage can be both lighter and heavier than cloth luggage.
Luggage Lock (optional):
Look for a reliable locking mechanism to secure your belongings. Some checked luggage features TSA-approved locks, allowing security personnel to inspect your bag without damaging the lock.
If you opt into a lock, make sure it’s a TSA-approved lock. Not all global locations will have a TSA key, however, a lot do.
Organization:
Interior compartments, dividers, and pockets help keep your belongings organized during travel.
Compression straps can prevent clothes from shifting and wrinkling.
You can also purchase separate checked luggage organization compartments to help you stay organized.
Expandability (optional):
Some checked luggage and carry-on luggage comes with expandable features, allowing you to increase the packing capacity when needed. This is what stands out with the Solgaard Check-In Closet.
Some carry-on luggage have a pop-up feature, so, you can carry on to your destination, go shopping, and it can be checked luggage on the way home.
Material and Design:
Choose a material that suits your preferences and needs, whether it's hard-sided or soft-sided luggage.
Consider the design and color options to match your style, however, this is less important than function.
Be mindful that a log of checked luggage looks alike.
When checking luggage, it can get dinged up. Save the Louis Vuitton for your carry-on if you want to splurge.
Expensive luggage that looks expensive and carries a designer label can be a target for theft. Having a TSA-approved lock or purchasing a high-end but not a designer or super-high-end luggage is a better choice for those who can afford these luxuries.
Environmental and carbon friendly considerations. A lot of luggage companies are now making suitcases from recovered ocean plastic and they’re making positive choices. If the checked luggage choice lasts much longer than others I’ve had, it will also be a more environmentally friendly choice too.
Brand Reputation:
Consider the reputation of the luggage brand. What have you heard and what do your friends say about their luggage?
Warranty:
Check for the warranty offered by the luggage manufacturer. A good warranty can provide peace of mind and indicate the brand's confidence in its product.
Charging Ports (optional):
Some modern luggage comes with built-in USB charging ports, allowing you to charge electronic devices on the go. This can be a convenient feature for travelers.
ONLY for carry-on luggage and not check-in luggage as these batteries aren’t allowed in checked luggage.
Price:
Consider your budget and balance it with the features you need. Quality luggage is an investment in hassle-free travel.
Solgaard Check-In Closet Original Large Luggage Review. Solgaard Check-In Luggage.
During my checked luggage decision process, I explored these top brands, before I selected the Solgaard Check-In Closet Original Large.
Paravel: Paravel is focused on sustainability and uses recycled materials in their luggage. The brand offers stylish and durable travel bags made from materials like recycled polyester and recycled plastics. The brand is costly, but it appears as if products should cost more than they do.
Away: Away emphasizes sustainability in addition to design and functionality. Away Luggage has introduced collections made from eco-friendly materials like recycled polycarbonate and aluminum at an accessible price. It’s likely why this luggage brand has become so popular.
Rimowa: Rimowa is a luxury luggage brand recognized for its high-quality materials and craftsmanship. Their luggage is durable and often incorporates innovative design elements. Rimowa is known for its iconic aluminum suitcase design at a high-end price-point.
Timbuk2: Timbuk2 produces a variety of bags, including backpacks and travel luggage. They use recycled materials in some of their products and prioritize ethical manufacturing practices. I’m from the San Francisco Bay Area, and when I lived in the Mission, I used to walk by (and into) their showroom all the time. I also own and LOVE the Timbuk2 Copilot Luggage Roller Medium. If you’re using it as a carry-on in Europe on budget airlines, I would recommend the Timbuk2 Copilot Luggage Roller Small.
Eagle Creek: Eagle Creek offers a range of sustainable travel accessories and luggage. Eagle Creek uses recycled materials in products and they’re committed to reducing their environmental footprint.
Travelpro: Travelpro is well-known among frequent travelers, especially those in the business sector. Their luggage often includes features like multiple compartments and expandable packing space.
Briggs & Riley: Known for its lifetime warranty, Briggs & Riley offers high-quality luggage with a focus on durability and practicality. Briggs & Riley products often include features like expandable packing space and built-in garment folders.
Monos: Monos luggage typically features practical design elements, such as interior organization, compression panels, and multiple compartments. Their goal is to provide customers with efficient packing and easy access to their belongings when traveling.
Solgaard: Solgaard places a strong emphasis on sustainability. Their luggage is made with recycled ocean plastics. Solgaard products are known for their innovative and thoughtful design, including features like built-in charging ports for electronic devices (carry-on luggage only), TSA-approved locks, and organizational compartments to make packing and unpacking more convenient.
I ended up selecting the Solgaard Check-In Closet Original Large, however, Paravel’s luggage was a close second and I almost purchased their luggage. Solgaard was more about organization, strength, and safety, and Paravel was just sexy. Since the goal was to get checked luggage that would last, Solgaard won.
I used to backpack Europe in my 20’s. I’m now in my late 30’s. The Solgaard Check-In Closet Original Large has that European Backpacker feel, but grown-up and elevated. The luggage grew-up with me.
Solgaard Europe Cobblestone Luggage Review. Europe Cobblestone Luggage Review.
How did the Solgaard Check-In Closet Original Large do on Europe Cobblestone?
This Solgaard luggage did quite well on the Europe Cobblestone. I tested the Solgaard Check-In Closet Original Large on carpet, marble, semi-bumpy cobble stone, and the super rough stuff. The trunk style helped with stability and the Solgaard double spinner wheels with thick rubber fared well. There was an occasional tip, but not a lot. You have to know luggage and Europe cobblestone struggles to know that a couple tips in a 5 country tour isn’t bad.
Did the Solgaard Check-In Closet Original Large fit under a cruise ship bed?
Yup! The Solgaard Check-In Closet Original Large absolutely fit under our cruise ship bed on our Europe cruise. No friction. No fuss. It just slid right under…with not very much room left. But it fit!
What did I LIKE about the Solgaard Check-In Closet Original Large?
I loved how easy it was to pack everything up and go! It seemed tough and strong. I felt that my items were safe once I latched that lock. The wheels were stable and I didn’t once think they were going to fall off. I also loved how I could place my tote on-top of the Solgaard Check-In Closet Original Large and the tote was stable. The Solgaard luggage handled Europe cobblestone well, and the trunk-style luggage fit under a cruise ship bed (I was legit worried it wouldn’t).
It rolled well and smooth and pivoted and swiveled with ease. This made hotel lobbies and airports a breeze with the Solgaard Check-In Closet Original Large.
What did I NOT like about the Solgaard Check-In Closet Original Large?
The garment hanger was convenient, however, as a female, I had a lot of clothes that needed to be hung separately anyway. I’m short at 5’2, and when the closet bar was high, I needed help.
The stability clasp would always be hanging out when I went to close the Solgaard Check-In Closet Original Large. When closing and latching the checked luggage, I would need to tuck the luggage material into the luggage compartment. That’s really it. I could fit a lot into the large without going over the weight allotment. I truly love this Solgaard Check-In Closet Original Large, and I’ll be very disappointed if it doesn’t last a long time.
