LOJEL Cubo Review: Is This Suitcase Ideal for Small Hotel Rooms?

Hotel rooms are becoming increasingly small. Anyone who travels for work more than a few times a year knows the situation well: the only flat surface is the bed; the luggage rack barely accommodates a suitcase, even at an angle; and opening a "clamshell" suitcase—one that splits into two halves—requires placing it on the floor, where it takes up twice as much space in an already cramped room. Ultimately, what should be a simple task turns into a complex choreography of movements.

Most hardshell suitcases are designed in this "clamshell" format—two halves joined by a zipper that runs along the entire perimeter—operating on the assumption that the user has enough space to open them fully.

LOJEL has been addressing this issue for longer than most direct-to-consumer brands. The company was founded in Japan in 1989 by Chih Chang Chiang, who brought his designs to Toyama and established a manufacturing partnership there; today, the company is led by his grandson, An Chieh Chiang. The name is an acronym for the phrase "Let Our Journeys Enrich Life." The brand’s design philosophy is summed up even more concisely: "Less, but better"—a commitment to avoiding what they call "unnecessary embellishments" or superfluous complications.

The "Cubo" line embodies this approach. It features a top-opening design rather than the traditional "clamshell" style, an expandable body across all sizes, a shell made in part from recycled polycarbonate, and a ten-year global warranty. The range includes six sizes—from a 29-liter carry-on to a 146-liter checked bag—with prices ranging from $330 to $480. Below, we detail what this collection offers, the capacity of each size, and its price.

Highlights

1. LOJEL has been manufacturing luggage since 1989. The company, which originated in Japan, is currently managed by the third generation of the founding family, maintains its global headquarters in Hong Kong, and is available online in the United States and Canada.
2. The brand holds B Corp certification and Climate Label certification.
3. Through its repair program, 45,213 suitcases have been put back into use since 2023, preventing the generation of 83,523 kg of waste.
4. The Cubo model opens from the top rather than splitting into two halves, allowing it to be packed while standing upright—even in tight spaces.
5. All sizes are expandable, adding approximately 3 cm of depth and between 6 and 13 liters of additional capacity.
6. The shell is made from a blend of 50% recycled polycarbonate and 50% virgin polycarbonate; the interior features a removable, washable lining made of 50% solution-dyed recycled polyester.
7. The range includes six sizes with capacities from 29 to 146 liters, covering everything from carry-ons for weekend getaways to checked luggage for three-week trips.
8. It features a built-in TSA-008 combination lock, along with a reinforced zipper designed to resist breakage.
9. The checked-luggage models include nine internal pockets—including a padded one for electronic devices—and a removable compression divider with four additional pockets.
10. The carry-on models feature a front compartment with a magnetic quick-access flap, ideal for storing laptops, chargers, and documents.
11. The warranty is valid globally for ten years. During the first year, it covers any issues—hassle-free—with wheels, handles, zippers, pulling systems, locks, closures, and protective components.
12. Shipping is free within the continental United States (with no minimum purchase required), and returns are free for a period of 30 days.

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Key Features of the LOJEL Cubo

There are six aspects that distinguish the Cubo suitcase from other hardshell suitcases with which it is often compared.

1. Top-opening design instead of a book-style opening

This is its defining feature and the very reason for this product line’s existence. LOJEL describes it as a top-opening design that "allows for easy and convenient access, even in tight spaces—ensuring you can pack or unpack your luggage practically anywhere during your trip."

Suitcases with a book-style opening must be laid out completely flat, taking up twice the surface area. The Cubo, by contrast, opens from the top—much like a trunk—allowing it to remain upright while leaning against a wall, resting on a luggage rack, or fitting into the narrow space often found between a bed and a wardrobe in business hotel rooms. For the check-in models, LOJEL highlights the suitcase's ability to adapt to any environment. As for the carry-on versions, this design allows you to open the bag on an airport seat without needing to occupy a second seat.

2. Expandable capacity across all six sizes

An expansion feature comes standard across the entire range, rather than being reserved exclusively for higher-priced models.

This expansion adds approximately 3 cm of extra depth to every size. In terms of capacity, this means increasing from 29 to 35 liters for the Small Lite model; from 37 to 42 for the Small; from 74 to 83 for the Medium; from 89 to 101 for the Fit Lite; from 106 to 116 for the Fit; and from 133 to 146 for the Large. The expansion mechanism consists of a durable gusset—not just a thin panel—and users who have tested it on long trips confirm that it holds up well under a full load.

3. Partially recycled polycarbonate shell

LOJEL manufactures the Cubo’s shell using a blend of 50% recycled polycarbonate and 50% virgin polycarbonate; the recycled material is sourced from pre-consumer waste. The lining is made from solution-dyed "Mélange" polyester—a process in which the color is incorporated during the fiber manufacturing stage—and also consists of 50% recycled material. The brand notes that this dyeing method consumes approximately 80% less water than the process used for conventional polyester. The lining is removable and washable—a feature more significant than it might seem for a suitcase that often travels in cargo holds. The wheels are crafted from a hydrolysis-resistant TPE elastomer; this ensures they do not disintegrate over time—a common issue with many suitcases after being stored for several summers in humid conditions.

4. Nine internal pockets and a compression divider

The check-in models feature nine internal pockets, including a padded compartment for electronic devices, two mesh pockets, and zippered side pockets. Additionally, a removable compression divider with four integrated pockets is included as standard, rather than being sold as a separate accessory.

The carry-on models feature a different design: both include a front compartment with space for a laptop, chargers, and documents, accessible via a quick-access magnetic flap. This eliminates the need to open the main compartment when passing through security checkpoints.

5. TSA-008 lock and reinforced zipper

The suitcase features a TSA-008 combination lock, approved by U.S. airport security authorities. LOJEL complements this with a high-strength woven zipper, designed to prevent breakage in one of the areas of the suitcase most prone to wear and tear during handling.

6. 360° swivel wheels with ball bearings

LOJEL uses 360° dual swivel wheels equipped with ball bearings, ensuring smoother movement and reduced noise. Users frequently highlight these wheels—more than any other component—making them the most praised feature of the suitcase.

The telescopic handle is adjustable: on carry-on models, its length ranges from 60 to 102 cm, while on check-in models, the range is 88 to 102 cm.

Featured Cubo Sizes

Six sizes cover six truly distinct types of travel, and the two "Lite" versions feature different shapes rather than simply being lighter versions. Three of them account for the majority of user purchases.

Cubo Small

The carry-on luggage that most travelers ultimately choose. It has a capacity of 37 to 42 liters and dimensions of 21.1 x 14 x 9.8 inches—which can be expanded to a depth of 11 inches—with a weight of 7.5 pounds. Its size is ideal for weekend getaways, short trips, and business travel; according to LOJEL, it is designed for a duration of two to three days.

Unique features

1. Front compartment with space for a laptop, chargers, and documents, accessible via a quick-release magnetic flap—no need to open the main compartment
2. Two external side handles that make it easy to lift the suitcase into an airplane’s overhead bin, regardless of its orientation
3. Expandable body that adds approximately 3 cm of depth, increasing capacity from 37 to 42 liters
4. Top-opening design, allowing you to pack or access your belongings while the suitcase remains upright—whether on an airport seat or a luggage rack at your hotel
5. Wide range of colors to choose from
6. Telescopic handle adjustable from 60 to 102 cm—the greatest extension range in the entire Cubo collection

Advantages

Most of the value of carry-on luggage is concentrated in the twenty minutes surrounding the security check and boarding. Here, we explain how those minutes are spent.

1. Security-friendly design—no unpacking required. Your laptop, charger, and passport are stored in a front compartment, concealed behind a magnetic flap. There’s no need to remove items from your main luggage or reorganize your belongings on the other side of the security checkpoint.
2. Easy to stow in the overhead bin from any angle. Thanks to two external side handles, the suitcase can be lifted into the bin in any orientation—a feature that, on a full flight, proves far more valuable than it might seem when you’re planning from the comfort of home.
3. Extra space for your return trip. An expansion system adds five liters of capacity—perfect if your luggage is bulkier on the way back—and collapses back to its original size for your next journey.
4. Organize your belongings on a seat, not the floor. Airport boarding areas rarely offer floor space; the flat, top-opening design allows you to use the adjacent seat as a convenient surface to arrange your items.
5. A handle that adjusts to any height. With an adjustment range of 60 to 102 cm, it accommodates a wider variety of users than standard checked-luggage models, whose handles typically start at 88 cm.

Cubo Medium

A check-in suitcase ideal for a wide range of trips: it offers a capacity of 74 to 83 liters, measures 25.6 x 17.7 x 11.8 inches (expandable up to 13 inches), and weighs 9.5 pounds. LOJEL recommends it for trips lasting four to seven days; in fact, it is the option most frequently chosen by users for longer journeys that include multiple countries.

Unique features

1. Nine internal pockets, including a padded compartment for electronic devices, interior side zippered pockets, and two mesh pockets
2. Removable compression divider with four pockets, included
3. Expandable body with a capacity of 74 to 83 liters and a depth ranging from 30 to 33 cm
4. Top-opening design with a TSA-008 lock and reinforced zipper
5. Available in five standard colors—Stone Blue, Linen, Warm Gray, Forest Green, and Black—plus two additional color options from the "Final Call" collection
6. Matching luggage cover available for $85

Benefits

On a week-long trip, organization is no longer optional; it becomes the deciding factor in whether or not you manage to find what you’re looking for. These are the elements that serve that purpose.

1. Everything has its place before you set off. With nine pockets and a divider featuring a compression system, your chargers, documents, and footwear each have a dedicated spot—ensuring that when you reach your destination, your belongings remain organized rather than ending up in a jumbled mess.
2. Perfect for packing in hotel rooms with limited floor space. The top lid opens vertically—whether propped against a wall or resting on a stand—a key advantage over "clamshell" (book-style) suitcases that cost the same.
3. An extra nine liters of space, just in case your trip runs longer than planned. The expandable capacity lets you stow souvenirs, that extra garment you bought when the weather changed, or items that—once used—can no longer be packed as compactly as they were at the start.
4. A thoughtfully designed compartment for electronics. It is padded and kept separate from the rest of the bag, ensuring your laptop and tablet don’t share space with your footwear.
5. Protection that keeps your suitcase looking brand new. A custom-fit cover (available for $85) shields the bag from the scuffs and marks that often occur on airport baggage conveyor belts.

Cubo Large

LOJEL’s highest-capacity suitcase. It offers between 133 and 146 liters of space within a 30.5 x 21.7 x 13.4-inch frame—expandable up to 14.6 inches—and weighs 12.6 pounds. Designed for trips lasting 14 to 21 days, this is the size users turn to when a trip essentially becomes a move.

Unique features

1. The largest capacity in the Cubo line ranges from 133 to 146 liters
2. Integrated compression divider to keep bulky items organized
3. Expandable body that increases depth from 34 to 37 cm
4. Top-opening design, allowing the suitcase—even at this size—to be opened without requiring extra floor space
5. Five standard colors, plus two options from the "Final Call" collection
6. Matching suitcase cover available for $100

Advantages

For trips lasting more than two weeks, the role of luggage shifts: it is no longer just a simple bag, but rather a mobile storage space.

1. Three weeks in a single suitcase. With a 146-liter capacity, the "Large" model makes long trips possible without the need for a second suitcase or extra checked-baggage fees.
2. Ideal for travel by car. Whether for students moving into a residence hall or professionals relocating for work for several months, this suitcase provides ample space—saving you from having to haul around a pile of boxes.
3. Compression system to keep everything organized. An integrated divider separates clean clothes from worn ones, ensuring that the contents—packed for a three-week trip—don’t end up in a disorganized mess.
4. Access your belongings without taking over the entire room. Typically, a suitcase of this size, when opened flat, occupies nearly the entire floor of a hotel room; however, thanks to its flat-lid design, this is no longer an issue.
5. Protection for longer journeys. A matching cover (available for $100) keeps the exterior of the suitcase in pristine condition, even on trips that involve passing through multiple airports.

Is LOJEL a legitimate brand?

Yes. LOJEL has been manufacturing luggage since 1989, when Chih Chang Chiang founded the company in Japan and established a manufacturing partnership in Toyama. Those same partner factories—located in China and Indonesia—continue to produce the product line today. The company is currently run by the founder’s grandson from Hong Kong, with offices across Asia, North America, and Europe.

The brand’s credentials are verified by third parties, rather than being mere claims made by the company itself. LOJEL is a Certified B Corporation, holds a "Climate Label" certification, and sources its leather components from suppliers certified by the Leather Working Group. The brand publishes an annual sustainability report containing concrete data: 45,213 suitcases repaired since 2023, 83,523 kg of waste diverted through these repairs, 441 pieces of luggage donated, and packaging composed of 99.6% natural materials as of 2025—with a goal of reaching 100% by 2026.

Their repair program is particularly noteworthy. Items covered under warranty are replaced at no cost; furthermore, LOJEL sends replacement parts along with instructions, allowing users to perform the replacement themselves whenever possible. This means that if an issue arises—such as a broken wheel or a lost zipper pull—the solution is as simple as receiving a padded envelope, sparing the user the hassle of managing shipping labels or going a month without their suitcase.

Where can I buy the LOJEL Cubo?

There are two options:

1. Directly through Lojel. At us.lojel.com, you will find the full product range, current clearance prices (“Final Call”), as well as free shipping and returns. There are also regional stores serving Canada, Japan, Hong Kong, Singapore, and the United Arab Emirates.
2. Through authorized retailers, such as nordstrom.com.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does the Cubo differ from a conventional hardshell suitcase?

It opens from the top, rather than splitting into two halves. "Book-style" suitcases must be laid flat, taking up twice as much space when opened; the Cubo, by contrast, can remain upright—leaning against a wall or resting on a luggage rack—which is highly practical in small hotel rooms.

Are all sizes of the Cubo expandable?

Yes. The expansion feature is available on all six sizes; it adds approximately 3 cm of depth and between 6 and 13 liters of capacity, depending on the model.

What is the shell made of?

It is crafted from a blend of 50% recycled polycarbonate (sourced from pre-consumer materials) and 50% virgin polycarbonate. The interior lining is made of solution-dyed polyester—also containing 50% recycled material—and is both removable and washable.