We Need This: A Lightweight Carry-On That Folds Flat (and It's Hardshell)

Caroline Morse Teel is the Managing Editor for SmarterTravel Media. Follow her on Instagram @TravelWithCaroline.

Caroline joined Boston-based SmarterTravel in 2011 after living in Ireland, London, and Manhattan. She's traveled to all seven continents, jumped out of planes, and bungeed off bridges in the pursuit of a good story. She loves exploring off-the-beaten path destinations, anything outdoorsy, and all things adventure.

Her stories have also appeared online at USA Today, Business Insider, Huffington Post, Yahoo, Boston.com, TripAdvisor, Buzzfeed, Jetsetter, Oyster, Airfarewatchdog, and others.

The Handy Item I Always Pack: "Earplugs. A good pair has saved my sleep and sanity many times!"

Ultimate Bucket List Experience: Hiking Mount Kilimanjaro.

Travel Motto: "Don't be boring."

Aisle, Window, or Middle Seat: "Aisle (when the first class private suite isn't available)."

E-mail her at cteel@smartertravel.com.

See recent posts by Caroline Morse Teel

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Luggage that collapses by 70 percent when not in use, is lightweight, and hard-sided? Sign us up! This suitcase by Neit, available for funding on Kickstarter, looks really neat.

There are two suitcases in the works: a checked bag, that is 29x18x12″ and weighs 10lbs; and a carry-on that’s 21x15x8″ and 6.5 lbs. Both collapse to be just 3″ tall when not in use, so you can store them anywhere—including in your close, thanks to the cool carabiner-style handle.

See the Neit in action:

You can also track your suitcase should it go missing, since both bags can be GPS enabled.

The bad news: the first bags aren’t expected to be ready until December of 2016. The good news: If you pledge about $212 now, you’ll be one of the first to get the carry-on.

More from SmarterTravel:

Caroline Morse is always on the lookout for cool travel gear. Follow her on Twitter and Instagram .

(Photo: Neit)

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