What Solgaard Design does

Solgaard Design is a sustainable travel gear company headquartered in New York, founded by Adrian Solgaard around 2016-2017. The company designs, manufactures, and sells premium luggage, backpacks, and travel accessories built around a patented FlowCloset™ system — a built-in hanging closet with 4-5 compressible shelves that allows travelers to pack, transport, and unpack clothing by hanging the system directly in a hotel closet. All products are constructed using Shore-Tex® fabric made from 100% recycled ocean-bound plastic, with each suitcase claimed to remove 6 lbs of plastic from the ocean. The company holds registered patents on the FlowCloset system and Lifepack anti-theft lock, along with trademarks for Shore-Tex and Carry-On Closet.

The business operates a direct-to-consumer e-commerce model through solgaard.co, with primary markets in the United States and Canada. The product portfolio spans carry-on and check-in luggage ($159-$395), travel backpacks including Venture, Lifepack, Voyager, Compass, and Artemis ($87-$265), accessories such as Solarbank power banks ($66-$90) and toiletry kits, and bundle packages reaching up to $1,005. Shop Pay (Affirm) installment financing is integrated on all products. A corporate/wholesale channel serves B2B gifting and bulk orders. To date the company reports over 500,000 travelers served, nearly 10,000 verified reviews, recognition from TIME Magazine (Best Inventions), Forbes, CNET, and Fast Company (World Changing Ideas), B Corporation certification, and the removal of 3+ million pounds of ocean-bound plastic via a partnership with Sungai Watch operating 30 cleanup barriers in East Java, Indonesia.

Financially, Solgaard reported over $3 million in 2021 revenue against a $24 million valuation through its StartEngine equity crowdfunding offering. Cumulative disclosed funding across multiple crowdfunding rounds between 2016 and April 2026 totals approximately $5.2 million. In April 2026 the company appointed Rob Cooper — former CEO of Travelpro, President of TUMI, and Samsonite executive — as President to lead strategy, channel performance, and long-term scalability, marking a transition toward more institutional operational practices.

Name

Solgaard Design

Legal name

Solgaard

Website

https://solgaard.co

Company type

Private

Founded year

2017

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Solgaard Design is a sustainable travel gear brand selling premium luggage, backpacks, and accessories built around its patented FlowCloset organization system and Shore-Tex recycled ocean-plastic fabric, serving individual and business travelers primarily in the US and Canada through direct-to-consumer e-commerce.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Sustainable Travel Luggage

NAICS

Luggage and Leather Goods Retailers (458320), Apparel Accessories and Other Apparel Manufacturing (3159)

SIC

Retail-Apparel & Accessory Stores (5600)

akta.pro primary industry

Leather Travel Goods & Luggage (CRAKAEAC)

akta.pro secondary industry

Backpacks & Travel Bags (CRAAAJAB)

Keywords

• Sustainable travel gear
• Recycled luggage
• Travel backpacks
• Carry-on suitcases
• Ocean-plastic accessories

Headquarters

HQ city

New York

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Supply Chain, Personnel, Marketing or Sales, Operations, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Luggage Product Sales: One-time hardware sales of premium luggage including Carry-On Closet and Check-In Closet products in various sizes (Medium, Large) and collections (Original, Lite, Expandable). Revenue generated through direct-to-consumer e-commerce at price points ranging from $159 to $395 per unit.
2. Bags and Backpacks: Sales of travel bags including Venture Backpack, Voyager Weekender, Lifepack, Artemis Backpack, and Compass Backpack with prices from $88 to $265. Products feature FlowCloset systems and sustainable materials.
3. Accessories: Sales of travel accessories including Solarbank power banks ($66-$90), packing cubes, toiletry kits ($52), laptop sleeves, and organizational accessories.
4. Bundles and Sets: Pre-configured luggage bundles combining multiple products at discounted prices (e.g., The Long Haul Combo at $414.40, The Global Citizen at $584, The Gift Duo at $331.20), offering 20-40% savings versus individual purchases.
5. Corporate Sales: Wholesale and corporate gifting programs for business customers purchasing in bulk for employee gifts, corporate travel programs, or retail distribution.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

Solgaard Design is a premium sustainable travel gear brand that designs, manufactures, and sells luggage, backpacks, weekenders, and travel accessories through direct-to-consumer e-commerce. Its products are differentiated by the patented FlowCloset™ built-in hanging closet organization system and Shore-Tex® fabric made from 100% recycled ocean-bound plastic. The portfolio spans Carry-On and Check-In Closet suitcases, convertible backpacks (Venture, Lifepack, Compass, Artemis, Voyager), and accessories including solar power banks, packing cubes, and toiletry kits, often sold in discounted bundles.

Product overview

Solgaard Design is a sustainable travel gear brand offering a portfolio of premium luggage, backpacks, and accessories centered around its patented FlowCloset organization system. The core product lines include the Carry-On Closet (Original and Lite variants, including Expandable) and Check-In Closet (Original and Lite) suitcases featuring built-in hanging closet shelving, alongside the Venture Backpack, Voyager Weekender, Artemis Backpack, Lifepack, and Compass Backpack for travel and everyday carry. Accessories include Solarbank solar-powered power banks, toiletry kits, packing cubes, and laptop sleeves. Bundled packages combine multiple products at discounted prices. All products utilize Shore-Tex fabric made from 100% recycled ocean-bound plastic, and the company holds B Corp certification.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Carry-On Closet Original Premium hard-shell carry-on suitcase with the patented FlowCloset 5-shelf hanging closet system, aluminum frame, polycarbonate shell, integrated USB charging port, TSA-approved lock, and Shore-Tex fabric accents. Designed for individual travelers seeking organized packing and quick hotel unpacking.
• Carry-On Closet Lite Lightweight carry-on suitcase with the wide FlowCloset system and zipper closure. Features polycarbonate shell, integrated USB charging ports, and lighter weight than the Original collection at accessible price points starting at $159.
• Carry-On Closet Lite Expandable Lightweight expandable carry-on with a concealed expansion panel adding up to 23% more packing space (8L additional capacity). Features polycarbonate shell, 1680D Shore-Tex fabric, 360-degree bearing wheels, and integrated USB charging port.
• Check-In Closet Original Larger check-in suitcase with the patented 5-shelf hanging FlowCloset system, aluminum frame, and polycarbonate shell. Designed for extended trips with spacious interior organization; Large size includes dual FlowCloset system.
• Check-In Closet Lite Lightweight check-in suitcase with dual wide FlowCloset system for organized packing on extended trips. Features polycarbonate shell and zippered closure at accessible price points.
• Venture Backpack Convertible everyday-to-travel backpack with the FlowCloset system, Shore-Tex Pro fabric, dedicated laptop/tablet storage, USB charging pass-through, expandable design (40% more space), and separate Workzone/Lifezone compartments. Available in Medium (17L/27L expanded) and Large (20L/31L expanded) sizes.
• Voyager Weekender Compact travel weekender bag with the built-in FlowCloset organization system for short trips. Features multiple color options and dedicated laptop storage.
• Artemis Backpack Low-profile daypack designed for streamlined everyday carry with a wide-opening main compartment, padded fleece-lined laptop and tablet pockets (fits up to 15-inch laptop), and suitcase seatbelt strap for travel integration.
• Lifepack Backpack Solar-powered anti-theft backpack with integrated Solarbank compatibility, 3-digit combo lock, Workzone and Lifezone compartments, anti-theft design, and 100% recycled Shore-Tex fabric construction.
• Compass Backpack Urban backpack made from 100% recycled PET with expandable side pocket for water bottles, anti-theft features, and laptop sleeve (fits up to 15-inch laptop).
• Solarbank Power Bank Solar-powered power bank with integrated USB charging, compatible with Lifepack and Venture backpacks. Stores 5 full phone charges and generates approximately 450mAh per hour in sunlight.
• Solarbank Boombox Bluetooth speaker combined with power bank and solar charging capability, sized at 6.2 x 3.5 x 2 inches (16 x 9 x 5cm).

Quantifiable outcome

• Over 500,000 travelers use Solgaard products
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers2 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature5 records

Partnerships

Three partnerships are on record, tiered core and supporting.

• Sungai WatchcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerOcean cleanup partner operating 30 barriers in East Java, Indonesia. Solgaard's purchases fund removal of 6 lbs of ocean-bound plastic per product, channeled through this impact network and the Solgaard Nyx Foundation.
• Solgaard Nyx FoundationcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCompany-affiliated foundation managing ocean cleanup impact. Coordinates with cleanup networks including Sungai Watch to track and report plastic removal metrics tied to product sales.
• Shop Pay (Affirm)supportingTechnology or IntegrationPayment integration enabling 4-interest-free-installment financing on all purchases, increasing accessibility and average order value.

Scale indicators7 records

Recent moves6 records

Direct peers

• Away: Away is the flagship direct-to-consumer premium luggage brand, selling hard-shell carry-ons and checked bags with design-forward positioning and bundled accessories - the closest direct competitor to Solgaard's DTC premium luggage model.
• Monos: Monos is a premium DTC luggage brand selling carry-ons, check-ins, and travel bags with minimalist design and a sustainability bent; directly comparable to Solgaard on positioning, price band ($200-$500), and channel strategy.
• Horizn Studios: Horizn Studios is a smart-luggage DTC brand offering hard-shell carry-ons with integrated charging and digital features, directly comparable to Solgaard's USB-charging, tech-enabled premium luggage products.
• Troubadour: Troubadour is a sustainable, design-led travel and work bag brand competing in the same premium carry-on and backpack category as Solgaard with a similar sustainability narrative.
• July: July is a premium luggage brand (founded in Australia, now selling globally) that competes head-to-head with Solgaard on hard-shell suitcases with organizational features in the $200-$500 price band.
• Lo & Sons: Lo & Sons is a premium travel bag and luggage brand selling through DTC and select retailers, comparable to Solgaard on premium positioning and carry-on/bag portfolio breadth.
• Paravel: Paravel is a sustainable travel brand selling luggage, bags, and accessories made with recycled and upcycled materials, directly competing with Solgaard on the eco-conscious premium travel positioning.

Broad incumbents

• TUMI: TUMI is the established premium luggage and travel bag brand owned by Samsonite, sold through department stores, own retail, and DTC; directly comparable premium positioning and is the same brand where new Solgaard President Rob Cooper previously served as President.
• Briggs & Riley: Briggs & Riley is a premium luggage brand known for lifetime guarantees and durable construction, sold through DTC and select retail; comparable to Solgaard on premium positioning, durability claims, and direct warranty positioning.
• Samsonite: Samsonite is the global incumbent in luggage, selling carry-ons and check-ins across all price tiers through wholesale, department stores, and DTC; comparable to Solgaard on product category though Solgaard sits in the premium niche.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks7 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/Solgaard_co

Compliance3 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles2 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds9 records

Investors3 records

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Solgaard Design