The idea is intriguing: Hang a set of shelves in your closet or on a door, fold and stow everything you'll need for a trip, and then collapse the shelf into your carry-on suitcase. When you get to your destination, simply open up your suitcase and pull the shelf open to its full height, then hang it in a closet or on a door. That's the premise behind Rise Gear's Riser Shelving. Three roomy shelves plus a shoe storage area and built-in laundry hamper simplify the entire packing process.

Having a hard time picturing it? Here's a video of our test:

Price and Where to Buy It: $79 from RiseGear.com. How it Rates

  • Usefulness: 8/10. These shelves save time and increase efficiency: There's no unpacking at a destination, and no repacking if you're going city to city. And if you're in a place with limited storage, you're covered.
  • Value: 7/10. At about $79, it's not cheap enough to be an impulse purchase for most people. If you think of it as a way to upgrade existing luggage, it improves the value equation significantly.
  • Portability: 9/10. The shelves collapse easily into the main suitcase compartment, and store flat when you're not using them. The only downside is that they add a bit of weight to your bag, so if an ultra-light bag is your top priority, they may not be a good fit.
  • Cool Factor: 10/10. To arrive at a destination, zip open a suitcase, and reveal an already organized and neatly folded mini-closet—that's cool.

Final Verdict: As long as you're not concerned about adding an extra 3 pounds (about the weight of a regular pair of shoes) to your bag, this is a great way to start organized and stay organized on the road. Rise Gear also makes suitcases (rollers, sliders, and weekenders) with built-in expandable shelves.

Editor's Note: Reviews are based on usefulness, portability, durability, value, and "cool factor". Some review products are sent to us free of charge and with no incentive to offer a favorable review. We offer our unbiased opinions, positive and negative, and will never accept compensation to review a product. If you have any questions or comments concerning our reviews, or would like to suggest a product for review, please email us at editor@smartertravel.com

Read the original story: A Grab-and-Go Collapsible Shelf for Your Suitcase by Christine Sarkis, who is a regular contributor to SmarterTravel.

All products and services mentioned on Airfarewatchdog are independently selected by our team of expert travelers. If you buy something through our links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

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