LOJEL Cubo Small Review: Sustainable Carry-on with Smart Access

I thought I’d seen all the carry-ons out there, but then I learned about LOJEL. It’s a Hong Kong brand (and you know I love Hong Kong), but has gone global for its minimal luggage designs and modern, tech-forward and chic online photos of cool people using their cool travel products.

So let’s get into the LOJEL Cubo Small. It caught my attention first and foremost because of how it looks. It’s cute, and neat. As I learned more about it, I began to read about its sustainability story and the smart front-access compartment. As someone who’s always looking for smarter ways to pack and access my stuff while traveling, the idea of a magnetic quick-access door sounded pretty appealing.

In this review, I’ll walk through what makes the Cubo Small stand out, from its recycled materials to its expandable design that helps out on travel days, especially when you’re packing to go home and somehow you have more than you came with. I’ll also cover what might not work for everyone, so you can decide if this carry-on is going to elevate your travel style.

The Score View detailed breakdown

LOJEL Cubo Small

4.49 / 5

The LOJEL Cubo Small carry-on is a thoughtfully-designed travel bag option. It's made with sustainable materials, has an expandable capacity and features an innovative front-access compartment

Check Prices

Key takeaways from this review

• The LOJEL Cubo Small is a carry-on suitcase with a focus on sustainability, using 50% recycled materials in both the interior and exterior. But that’s just the start.
• There is a front magnetic compartment that lets you access your laptop, charger and other tech without opening suitcase itself, as a convenience feature for the carry-on when it’s stowed above you on a flight.
• The expansion adds 5L of capacity (from 37L to 42L) to make the suitcase a dab larger (handiest when you realize your luggage won’t close as you pack up to come home from a trip).
• The Cubo Small is carry-on compliant, and larger than the Small Lite version, at about 1 pound heavier when empty.
• You can get a good deal on the Cubo Small (or Small Lite) if you want to shop for a Last-Call sale color choice, which is helpful for getting LOJEL at a discount!

Overview of the LOJEL Cubo Small

The LOJEL Cubo Small is part of LOJEL’s Cubo collection, which focuses on simplifying packing with what the brand calls “unparalleled access.” The Small size (keep in mind there is also a Small Lite, that’s more petite) is designed to be a carry-on size accepted by the majority of airlines worldwide.

Right off the bat, the magnetic quick-access door is the showstopper. While it looks like a regular pocket, it’s actually a full compartment that can hold my laptop, laptop charger and headphones. And I can access them all without opening the suitcase with the zip-around zipper.

The Cubo Small has an expansion mechanism, so it adds a bunch of additional volume, and therefore becomes an even larger carry-on. What’s cool is that when I expand it, it doesn’t look goofy or like it’s going to explode. Expanding it adds 5 liters to the total suitcase capacity.

And from there, well, it’s a good-looking little carry-on. It’s aesthetic, like modern and chic all at once. In a world of carry-ons that look like the Away suitcase (like my Quince carry-on), it doesn’t look like it’s trying to be someone else’s brand. It’s perfectly unique, neat and savvy.

You might enjoy this YouTube short that Dan made when we first got it in the mail.

Main pros and cons

Here’s a quick breakdown of what blew us away with the LOJEL Cubo Small, and then, the things that were lackluster.

Pros

• Sustainable materials: LOJEL uses a dye method that decreases water consumption, and the hard shell exterior is made of recycled materials.
• Front access compartment: This front compartment with magnetic closure keeps all my tech neat and in place, and is accessible easily when I’m at the gate waiting for my flight.
• Expandable capacity: I’ve got to have an expandable carry-on, and the LOJEL Cubo even looks good when I expand it fully to add 5 liters.
• Flat top opening: This is the part that makes it different, in my opinion. You can access everything inside without opening the suitcase clam-shell style because the zip-around front pocket lets you access it via the front, only.
• Removable interior lining: Finally, a suitcase that lets you take out the interior lining easily, for machine washing!
• TSA 008 lock: It’s better than a traditional TSA lock because this means TSA agents can open your locked carry-on, if you were to check it as luggage for a flight, and they can re-lock it, too.
• 10-year warranty: A warranty is important when you’re investing in travel bags, and the 10-year warranty from LOJEL protects my Cubo Small. In the 2nd through 10th years, LOJEL will even ship out replacement parts for repairing your LOJEL product yourself, at home.

Cons

• Price point: LOJEL is an upscale brand, and a niche one at that, so the price point is higher than what you’ll see at Quince or other direct-to-consumer brands in travel.
• Weight: This is not the lightest carry-on on the market (it’s 7.5 lbs when empty). If you are hyper focused on the weight of your carry-on, you might want to look elsewhere.
• Limited color options: LOJEL doesn’t make every color of the rainbow, but I really like their bold and pastel hues in any case.
• No USB charging port: There’s no charging port on the LOJEL, but I will tell you from experience that this is actually OK. Just bring your own backup battery setup if you need to charge during days in transit.

Best features of the LOJEL Cubo Small

At first glance, yep, the LOJEL Cubo looks a little different than other carry-ons. I promise this is a great thing about it. Let’s get into a few things that make it stand out, because these are the features that actually don’t meet the eye immediately.

Flat top opening design

The Cubo Small has what LOJEL calls a “flat top opening.” It makes it so that I can access everything inside my Cubo carry-on without zipping it around the sides traditionally, as I would with any other carry-on I own.

What this creates is a unique situation in which I don’t need to spread out with a giant footprint at the gate for my flight, if I realized, Oh shoot, I actually want to be wearing sweatpants, not shorts, for this flight. I don’t have to be that person laying my carry-on on the ground clamshell-style, taking up a ton of space and looking like a goofball. I can just zip open the front compartment and get into the stuff inside.

Front magnetic access compartment

This is probably the most innovative feature of the Cubo Small, and to me, it’s the primary thing that makes it different from the other suitcases I have. In the front compartment, there is a magnetic quick-access “door” that opens. That’s where you’ll find space available for a laptop and tech items.

The best part of this is that there’s a dedicated place for my laptop, headphones and charger, if I want to get at all those things while I’m getting onto a plane, or already on the plane. I definitely don’t have to open the entire suitcase. And plus, the magnetic aspect of the flap is really satisfying to use.

Expandable capacity

The Cubo Small expands from 37L to 42L. Yes, this is an extra 5L of capacity, and while it’s not a ton, it’s enough for adding a folded up jacket or some clothes I got during my trip.

How does it work? There’s a simple zipper system that unlocks the entire expansion material. This adds on just a few inches of dimension all around.

Depending on the airline, the carry-on should still be accepted when carrying it on, literally. It doesn’t make it much more gigantic. If you were given an issue by a boarding agent who said it exceeded dimensions, you can take something out and wear an extra sweater or jacket on the plane. I’ve done this.

Sustainable materials

LOJEL strives to create the maximum quality of materials used in the Cubo carry-on, while also using the maximum amount of recycled materials. That is why you’d find that LOJEL is “Climate Label Certified” as a brand.

For sustainability practices involved inside the carry-on, LOJEL is working on reducing the water required in fabric dyeing methods. They have gotten the number down to an 80% reduction.

LOJEL is transparent about their sustainability efforts, which I appreciate. I know a brand is doing good things in climate impact reduction if they have a page on their website dedicated to explaining it. LOJEL is working on increasing the recycled content in future iterations of the Cubo suitcase and aiming to incorporate more recycled materials across all their products.

Removable and washable interior

The interior lining of the Cubo Small zips out completely, which makes cleaning the inside (which touches my dirty clothing if I’m not using a laundry bag) possible. Actually, it is a step above other suitcases I have, because I haven’t found many removable inside linings.

Being able to wash and line dry the lining makes the Cubo Small feel overall fresh and refined each time. I know that for other carry-ons I have, the interiors tend to attract dust and bits and pieces from shoes I’ve forgotten to bag up.

TSA 008 combination lock

The Cubo Small comes with a TSA-approved 008 combination lock. It’s better than standard TSA locks used in other suitcases because it’s tamper-resistant and more dependable!

Enhanced wheels

It has some of the quietest wheels I’ve ever seen. They don’t bounce around. They’re smooth and have 360-degree roll capability. The first time I used them on the airport floor, I felt like I was skating on ice with my Cubo.

Woven zipper design

To help hold up for years of use, LOJEL uses a special woven zipper design. You can see in the uniqueness of it that it is less prone to breaking, when compared to standard zippers.

What I don’t like as much

Here are a few things that I think could use a little work.

Higher price point

Starting at $306, the Cubo Small is more expensive than budget carry-on options. You can find hard shell suitcases for under $150 from brands like Quince or other direct-to-consumer companies.

You’re paying for the sustainability features, innovative design and 10-year warranty. Whether that’s worth it depends on your priorities and budget. If sustainability and thoughtful design are important to you, the price might be justified. If you’re just looking for a basic carry-on that works, there are cheaper options.

Weight considerations

At 7.5 lbs empty, the Cubo Small isn’t the lightest carry-on on the market. Some hard shell suitcases weigh less, though 7.5 lbs is still reasonable for most travelers.

If you’re someone who packs heavy or if you’re concerned about weight limits on budget airlines, this might be something to consider. The weight is partly due to the durable materials and construction, so it’s a trade-off between durability and weight.

Limited color selection

While LOJEL offers several color options, the selection is more limited than some competitors. The available colors include Indigo, Black, Golden Ochre, Stone Blue, Burnt Sienna, Linen and Warm Gray, plus some Final Call colors that may be discontinued.

If you’re looking for a very specific color or if you want lots of options to choose from, you might find the selection limiting. That said, the colors available are generally timeless and versatile.

No USB charging port

Unlike some modern suitcases, the Cubo Small doesn’t include a built-in battery or USB charging port. This might be a pro or a con depending on your perspective.

Some airlines have restrictions on suitcases with built-in batteries, so not having one eliminates that potential issue. However, if you like the convenience of charging your devices from your suitcase, you’ll need to bring your own external battery pack.

Dimensions and capacity

The Cubo Small measures 20.9 x 14 x 9.8-11 inches (53 x 35.5 x 25-28 cm) and weighs 7.5 lbs (3.4 kg) empty. The capacity ranges from 37L to 42L depending on whether it’s expanded.

These dimensions are designed to meet most airline carry-on requirements, which typically allow up to 22 x 14 x 9 inches. The Cubo Small is slightly shorter in height but matches the width and depth requirements.

The trolley handle adjusts from 23.6 to 40.2 inches (60 to 102 cm) from the floor, which should accommodate most users comfortably.

Care and maintenance

LOJEL provides clear care instructions for the Cubo Small.

Exterior cleaning: Use a damp washcloth with mild soap and water to wipe the surface. For spot cleaning, use rubbing alcohol or acetone with a cotton pad to gently remove persistent stains and residue.

Interior cleaning: Use a handheld or hose-attachment vacuum cleaner for regular cleaning. For deeper cleaning, unzip the removable interior lining and machine wash it using non-chlorine bleach. Tumble dry on low heat, and don’t dry-clean or iron. Zip the lining back in once it’s completely dry.

Storage: LOJEL recommends placing a cedar-scented ball and a moisture absorber into the luggage to maintain freshness between trips.

Warranty information

LOJEL offers a 10-year limited warranty on the Cubo Small. Here’s how it breaks down:

First year: Hassle-free coverage for any defects or damages. LOJEL will repair or replace the product if it’s deemed unrepairable.

Years 2 to 10: Comprehensive maintenance and repair coverage for manufacturing defects that surface from regular use or that existed before the sale. LOJEL will ship necessary parts and self-service repair instructions when practical. If repair can’t be completed with provided parts, they’ll refer you to an authorized repair shop.

After 10 years: While the warranty technically ends, LOJEL will provide necessary parts at a nominal cost of $10 USD if they’re still available.

The warranty doesn’t cover damage during transport (you need to contact the airline or travel provider), lost proof of purchase, unauthorized modifications or repairs, or purchases from unauthorized resellers.

Who the LOJEL Cubo Small is for

This suitcase is ideal for travelers who:

• Prioritize sustainability and want luggage made from recycled materials
• Value innovative design features like the front access compartment
• Want a carry-on that can expand when needed
• Appreciate thoughtful details like removable interior linings and enhanced locks
• Are willing to invest in quality luggage with a longer-than-standard warranty
• Travel frequently and want durable, reliable luggage

Who it’s not for

The Cubo Small might not be the best choice if you:

• Are on a tight budget and need the most affordable option (I’d suggest checking out other brands!)
• Prioritize the lightest possible weight above all else
• Want lots of color options to choose from
• Want a suitcase with a built-in USB charging port
• Prefer soft-sided luggage over hard shell suitcases
• Only travel occasionally and don’t want to invest in premium luggage

These are reasons I’d recommend perusing other more budget-friendly brands, like Quince for example.

Comparison with similar products

Here's how this product compares to similar options. Use this table to find the best of the bunch!

The Cubo Small is just one of my many carry-ons. This being said, I can compare it to the following with some key points in mind. Let’s compare it to:

• Quince Expandable Carry-On Hard Shell Suitcase: It’s more affordable (around $130), with similar dimensions, and comes in a 21” and 20.” It also comes in a “Front pocket” version. It does not have the front access style that the Cubo does. It is definitely affordable, though, and performs just fine.
• Away Carry-On: As the first viral hard shell luggage, Away’s carry-on has a similar price point, and an expandable design, too. The thing it does not have is the front access compartment, but it comes in a lot of colors and Away is always launching more collabs with noticeable brands.
• Monos Carry-On Pro: Comparable price, similar features, but focuses more on minimalist design. The Pro version has a zippered front tech compartment that folds out beautifully to fit a 16” laptop, but no internal access is available from it.
• Peak Design Roller Pro: This carry-on has a front opening design and is one of the only other front-open carry-ons I’ve seen, but the price point is nearly double the LOJEL. If you’re into photography though, and if you travel with a ton of gear, I recommend checking out the Roller Pro.

The Cubo Small’s main differentiators are the front access compartment, strong sustainability credentials and thoughtful design details like the removable interior lining.

Where to buy the LOJEL Cubo Small

I would primarily suggest getting your Cubo Small or Small Lite directly at LOJEL’s website. There’s free standard shipping to the contiguous US.

LOJEL can provide a full refund within 30 days if you find that you aren’t satisfied, or you’d like to opt for another product of theirs. Remember to keep all original packaging if you’re not 100% set on keeping your LOJEL.

Detailed score breakdown

LOJEL Cubo Small

4.49 / 5

The LOJEL Cubo Small carry-on is a thoughtfully-designed travel bag option. It's made with sustainable materials, has an expandable capacity and features an innovative front-access compartment

Maneuverability & handling

90%

Excellent maneuverability with smooth 360-degree spinner wheels that perform well across different surfaces like airport tile, pavement and carpet. The wheels are nearly silent, which is a plus in quiet airport terminals. Straight-line tracking is good - the bag doesn't drift when walking. Cornering stability is solid and tip-over resistance is good when fully packed versus lightly packed.

Organization & access speed

92%

Excellent organization with a magnetic front compartment for quick access to laptops and essentials, plus removable interior lining with mesh pockets. The flat top opening allows access without laying the suitcase flat.

Materials & build quality

94%

High-quality construction with 50% recycled polycarbonate shell that feels premium and on par with competitor luggage. The woven zipper design is less prone to breaking, and is what we feel sets it apart from similar suitcases.

Weather resistance

86%

The hard shell polycarbonate exterior provides weatherproofing against the elements. The interior lining is removable and washable, which is a nice-to-have, especially with lots of continued use!

Tech pocket & external access

90%

Front magnetic compartment is designed for quick access (during layovers or at the gate) for laptops, chargers and documents. During our testing, this was what made our tech easily accessible during transit in the airport.

Handle & wheel quality

88%

The standard telescoping handle and 360-degree spinner wheels work smoothly and quietly. The handle height range accommodates both of us, as we're different heights.

Capacity & packing efficiency

92%

Excellent packability with expandable capacity from 37L to 42L. The flat top opening design allows access in tight spaces without needing to lay the carry-on flat, which is useful in overhead compartments. Internal volume efficiency is excellent, looking at the ratio of usable space to external size. Compression effectiveness works well with the expansion system.

Versatility for different trip types

90%

Versatile carry-on that works for short trips (un-expanded) or longer trips, when expanded to its maximum capacity. The front access compartment adds convenience for in-flight access to any personal essentials.

Overall value for price

84%

With its higher price point, the cost of the Cubo is reflective of the sustainable materials, upscale design features and 10-year warranty. This carry-on is a step up from standard cheaper options and with the elevated zippers and strong shell, we think you'll see a long lifespan ahead in using it without breakage.

How we score gear

Final verdict

In my use, the LOJEL Cubo Small is a pleasure. The zippers glide nicely, the entire suitcase is lightweight yet strong and the design makes it memorable when I compare it to my other carry-ons in my head.

If you are looking for a carry-on that has multiple access points, consider the unique and innovative design that allows total access to the main compartment from only opening the front pocket.

And then, for business travel, or simply for travelers like me who like to have laptop access during layovers, wait times at the gate or even after the flight while waiting to check into a hotel, the snappy laptop compartment makes things convenient.

The price point is higher than budget options (like the basic Quince carry-on), but LOJEL is another product altogether. The company has a sustainability mindset, a focus on recycled materials and improving climate impact over time. The aspects like magnetic closures and fine-tuning of the expansion make the LOJEL worthwhile.

In my verdict, I’m taking into account the quality, which is not only exceptional but backed by the 10-year warranty that I can’t find at many other retailers.

I think the Cubo Small is an asset for travelers who like having a chic carry-on, especially one that keeps tech safe and has creative access I haven’t seen from other brands.