Traveling + Living With My LOJEL Cubo Luggage (a Full Review)
I want to share a full review of what it’s been like to travel (and live) out of my LOJEL Cubo luggage—especially as a minimalist.
This is because LOJEL Cubo luggage has made it so much easier for me to organize my life, so I can travel and live through just about any scenario I might consider.
In fact, over the years, I’ve purchased the Cubo Small, Cubo Medium, and Cubo Fit, even though I only intended to purchase one piece. But there have been good reasons for this.
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No longer owning a house or an auto, traveling slowly (long-term), more exposed to the world, I needed luggage that could better protect my things from weather, transport, and theft.
I also wanted luggage that could keep my minimalist life easily organized and readily accessible at all times, no matter where I was located or what I was doing. Even if I wasn’t traveling.
Essentially, I began contemplating hard-sided luggage for the structure it could provide, because I wanted luggage that could operate as more than just luggage.
But, first and foremost, I needed luggage that didn’t smell like chemicals. I love healthy air. I have asthma and allergies. I sleep near my luggage.
So I traveled to as many luggage stores and luggage departments as possible. I discreetly sniffed all the luggage on display—their insides, outsides, straps, zippers, handles, and wheels.
I assumed the luggage on display would not smell like chemicals because luggage on display has typically aired out for a while, off-gassed, outside of boxes. But I assumed wrong.
All the luggage I found on display smelled like chemicals.
So I then began researching luggage brands online, known and unknown, worldwide. I read every review I could find. I was searching for any luggage that did not smell like chemicals.
That’s when I stumbled upon LOJEL luggage. Founded in Japan, it’s based in Hong Kong and Canada.
Back then, while reading LOJEL luggage reviews, others seemed to be confirming what I was looking for—their hard-sided LOJEL luggage did not smell like chemicals to them.
After additional research, it appeared I had two choices.
I could buy hard-sided luggage that smelled like chemicals. Or I could buy the one brand of hard-sided luggage that apparently didn’t smell like chemicals—LOJEL luggage.
I was actually living on a sailboat when my first LOJEL arrived. Its shipping box would not fit inside the boat. The sailboat’s companionway (front door) was tiny.
No worries. I slowly and carefully unboxed my LOJEL on the dock, sniffing it each step of the way. No odors were detected. But what if that was because I was outdoors?
To be sure, I brought my new LOJEL down below, inside the boat, and I closed all windows, hatches, and the companionway. I kept my LOJEL in the corner for days.
My LOJEL never smelled like chemicals to me. The interior of the sailboat never smelled like new luggage to me. I almost couldn't believe it.
LOJEL’s Cubo has provided an additional unique feature—one I cannot live without.
Anywhere I go (tiny rooms, train stations, airports), I can leave my Cubo standing fully upright on all four wheels, open it, and easily access everything inside.
Like a tiny closet. Or a clothing wardrobe.
I can position my packing cubes just as they sit, and stack them, which lets me use them like drawers. Essentially, I never need to unpack.
Whereas, if I had to travel with a clamshell suitcase (a 50/50 opening with two wheels on each side) I would not enjoy travel and living as I do now. I’m not sure I would enjoy travel at all.
Because a clamshell design would force me to first flip a suitcase onto a bed or the ground, then splay it wide open each time I need to access it. And I access my suitcase all day long.
So I’ve not figured out why 50/50 clamshell suitcases still exist. Maybe people don't yet know life can be so much easier with a LOJEL Cubo? =)
Also, if I use a luggage rack, my LOJEL Cubo sits stable on the rack, its door flipping up like a vintage chest. It doesn’t slip off the rack and fall to the floor.
However, I truly prefer to leave my Cubo standing up on its wheels at all times, positioned attractively in the corner of any room. There is no need for a luggage rack.
In addition, I love that my off-white LOJEL luggage looks light wherever it stands, blending into walls—eliminating the need to hide my luggage.
This also allows me to use my Cubo as a little tabletop, which is especially helpful for stacking packing cubes, laundry, or other miscellaneous items.
Living in small footprints wherever I go, the Cubo has been a constant help in this way, operating more like a little piece of flexible, portable furniture.
I should note that LOJEL’s Cubo luggage has been available in four sizes, from smallest to largest…
However, below, I’m going to discuss the Cubo in the order that I purchased my luggage, to show exactly how my travel (and living) with LOJEL luggage has evolved.
LOJEL Cubo Medium
Since I typically stay in one location for a month or more, I don’t haul my luggage daily. And I don’t always know where I’m going next.
But I know each location can’t have everything I need, so I like to be as realistic and sustainable as possible. This was my thinking when I purchased my Cubo Medium.
The Cubo Medium allowed room for my slow travel basics, which helped me avoid burnout from the inherent restrictions of long-term travel. I had enough room for my necessities at that time.
Six medium expanded packing cubes fit inside my medium Cubo—cubes about double the height of standard packing cubes, holding what might fit into twelve standard cubes.
Stacked like drawers, two wide by three high, my packing cubes could fit full-size eco toiletries, a sustainable travel kitchen, and layers for all seasons.
My flip-flops slid into the door, along with a keepsake or two and emergency supplies.
For even more comfort, I adjusted my LOJEL Medium luggage straps uniquely so I essentially never had to adjust them again, they didn’t get in my way, plus they didn’t fall to the floor.
And my medium Cubo handled cobblestones like a champ.
For train travel in Sweden, I was comfortable placing my medium Cubo in the luggage area near the train door. Of course, I’d still travel off-peak hours (fewer people, fewer bags), reserve a seat nearby (my bag was always in sight), plus arrive early to ensure that luggage spot.
I still think the Cubo Medium is a perfect checked bag for nearly anybody.
So why do I travel with a different LOJEL Cubo now?
LOJEL Cubo Fit
Long-term travel teaches us things we don’t anticipate.
In the distant past, travel taught me I’m not a backpacker.
More recent long-term travel confirmed that I love nesting for longer and longer periods, in comfort, while participating in activities as I roam. Both of which require a little gear.
This level of comfort and gear would not quite fit into my medium Cubo.
As much as I’d sworn that I’d never pack a bag larger than my medium Cubo, after a few years, I found myself ready to donate it to someone in need so I could travel with a slightly larger bag.
Fortunately, by that time, LOJEL had added the Cubo Fit to their luggage line. It’s the same width as my medium Cubo but taller and deeper.
So, on its wheels, the Cubo Fit has a narrower footprint than most larger suitcases—almost a square footprint (not a rectangle).
Because of its near-square footprint, to me, the Cubo Fit is far more stable on its wheels than most suitcases. It also provides a more stable top on which to set items. I absolutely love this.
My Cubo Fit measures just under 62 linear inches, so I can check it without incurring oversized baggage fees on the airlines I fly. This is really important to me.
I should emphasize that most travelers typically have a home (and all their belongings) to return to. And most North American travelers only have a week or two to travel.
But, for myself, nearly everything I own is packed in my bags for slow travel and minimalist living.
For more perspective, Europeans often travel with the smallest carry-ons one has ever seen. They also travel with some of the most enormous bags I’ve ever seen.
It’s vital to meet one’s needs.
My Cubo Fit can carry the comfort and gear I need, fit within standard checked baggage limits, plus stand beautifully anywhere—and remain standing while I easily access everything inside.
For even more comfort, I also adjusted my LOJEL Fit luggage straps uniquely so I essentially never have to adjust them again, they don’t get in my way, plus they don’t fall to the floor.
I’m profoundly grateful for my LOJEL Cubo Fit.
LOJEL Cubo Small
Another lesson that travel (and climate change) have taught me is that I really love the idea of traveling to one location for a year or so, then taking shorter trips in that region.
Similar to how one goes off to college for a year.
In these scenarios, my larger Cubo Fit is meant to remain in my long-term lodging while I take a smaller bag to visit surrounding regions.
This is to allow for more nimble and climate-friendly frequent travel—hopping on and off buses and trains, not taking planes.
Again, I’m not a backpacker. A backpack alone would not work for me.
So I wanted to purchase a small roller bag that I could roll with me (and that I could secure on top of my Cubo Fit when I'm back at my main long-term lodging).
The Cubo Small is that bag for me.
When at rest, I place my Cubo Small backside down on top of my Cubo Fit and secure them together at their handles with a small luggage strap, to keep my Cubo Small atop my Cubo Fit.
I can fully open and rummage through both bags while they are attached to each other.
That said, if I cannot travel to one location for a year or so, my Cubo Small is meant to stay behind (on my boyfriend’s boat).
The smallest Cubo works so well for me because it balances my carry-on tasks better than any other carry-on option I've previously used. It’s so easy for me to access its front laptop compartment, with enough room to organize my liquids and documents.
Even with the door on this smallest Cubo opening differently—it opens toward me and down—I can prevent it from touching the dirty ground by not unzipping it quite all the way. Even then, I can still access its entire interior.
I love this little bag with its deep capacity.
LOJEL Cubo Large
While researching LOJEL luggage, I knew the largest Cubo, the Cubo Large, would be too large for my needs. However, it might be a wise choice for some.
For instance, when I added the height, width, and depth (including the wheels) of the largest Cubo, it exceeded 62 inches.
For many North American airlines, 62 inches is the maximum size allowed for a free checked bag. After that, oversized baggage fees can kick in, which I always want to avoid.
Yet, if someone needs to move a residence—or shuttle donations—across oceans, a Cubo Large might be a wise choice for those needs.
I like knowing that a Cubo Large could then also act as a permanent storage container/gear locker wherever it lands—storing flat and wide against a wall or under a bed—thus, providing more flexibility (and avoiding chemical odors) when compared to common plastic storage bins.
LOJEL Luggage Sustainability
As someone with asthma and allergies (living within feet of my luggage), my first priority has been to own luggage that does not smell like chemicals. LOJEL has been my hero on this front.
LOJEL recently shared that its Cubo luggage is now made from 50% recycled materials, solution-dyed fabric, with a removable interior lining that allows for washing.
LOJEL shared more on their website, in this interview, and in another…
“our products are made in … Tangerang, Indonesia”
“in a brand new factory that prioritizes a healthy environment for workers”
“ethical facilities that are widely accredited and certified non-toxic”
“staffed by local employees”
“a balance between automation and craftsmanship”
“with a 99.7% employee retention rate”
“the health of our planet needs to be a priority”
“we choose materials that are durable and non-toxic”
“we know a bigger and more dramatic shift is required”
“from 2020 onward we are prioritizing sustainability … fossil-fuel free”
“our factory received a Global Recycling Standards (GRS) certificate”
“all raw materials are effectively recycled to reduce environmental waste”
“the Cubo … outer shell … textured polycarbonate”
“we think the world is already over-consumed”
“our Design for Repair … parts … allow travelers to repair their … luggage”
“sustainability is going to be placed at the core of our brand value”
“it’s not about greenwashing, it’s about being future-proof”
“we’re designing for a different definition of travel … more sustainable … more considered”
“look beyond the posturing … ask difficult questions”
“we don’t come from a mono-cultural perspective”
“our team is in both Hong Kong and Vancouver, Canada … over 10 nationalities”
“we’re privately owned … not beholden to shareholders for venture capital”
“plan … long-term … and ensure our principles guide the way”
“luggage is … supposed to be durable … have a lifespan of 10 years if not more”
“all luggage comes with a ten-year warranty”
“you need to question the logic of slapping on delicate electronics that can break or go obsolete in a few years … that doesn’t make sense to us”
“we prefer to create versatile solutions that … adapt to a wide range of uses”
“we want to be a part of shaping the world for the better … meaningful and positive impact”
We are all transitioning through this sustainability challenge. It’s important that companies care about sustainability. It’s important that sustainability is the focus.
What we buy needs to be as natural, non-toxic, recycled, recyclable, biodegradable, and cruelty-free as possible—to ensure a humane planet.
Our climate crisis has us realizing why all manufacturers have an ethical responsibility to ensure they’re making sustainable products to inhabit our planet.
Manufacturers need to supply these details, including independent oversight and certification, so we can see if we’re truly meeting our planet’s sustainability needs.
I look forward to the day when non-toxic and recyclable plant plastics and plant leathers are the norm and luggage has lining and straps that are made from naturally biodegradable…
organic cotton
organic linen
organic hemp
I also look forward to luggage cinch clasps, worldwide, being plastic-free. I vote to make them out of the same smooth lightweight metal that LOJEL uses to make their beautiful zipper pulls.
Our planet deserves this.