I'm a Soft Luggage Advocate, But This Hardshell Carry-On Might Change My Mind

A few years back, something unusual occurred in the travel industry—not the pandemic, but rather a sudden shift where every suitcase transformed into a hardshell model.

In an instant, luggage shops were filled with shiny plastic cases in colors ranging from roy to biv, along with a variety of pastels. The soft-sided suitcases that were so common just a day earlier—flexible fabrics that accommodated last-minute packing—vanished. New ‘colorways’ created a trend-driven loyalty, and as a natural contrarian, I resisted this change. My aversion to hardshell luggage wasn’t just a knee-jerk reaction; I am a seasoned traveler. Having spent three and a half years as a digital nomad before the pandemic and working as a travel editor for much longer, I'm devoted to traveling with just a carry-on. I always seek the lightest bags possible so I can pack extra snacks rather than waste my weight allowance on the luggage itself. As my friends and colleagues embraced brands like Away and July, I stood firm: Softside for life!

Then came LOJEL.

The hardshell suitcase that got smarter

As you might expect, luggage choices are a popular discussion among travel editors. (Here at Dinogo, we’re known for enjoying debating the intricacies of travel so much that we even coined a term for it: Dinogoguments. Spoiler alert: we’re not as cool as we think.)

I’ve heard plenty about the alleged advantages of hardshell suitcases, but those benefits have always puzzled me. To me, hard cases embody a trifecta of issues: they’re significantly heavier, they restrict packing space, and most frustratingly, they all open clamshell-style. Instead of having a single flap revealing a spacious compartment, they split open like a book, leaving two narrower sections. Despite these inconveniences, the trend persists, and design improvements have been few and far between.

However, a colleague urged me to try a hardshell suitcase with a twist: the LOJEL Cubo Small carry-on (LOJEL stands for Let Our Journeys Enrich Life). She claimed it could be a game changer for me since it opens like a traditional suitcase with a top-loading flap leading to one large compartment. Could this be the hardshell that finally sways me? True to my contrarian nature, I accepted the challenge—and after using the suitcase on three domestic trips, ranging from three days to two weeks, I gradually started to change my mind. I know, even I find that hard to believe.

Packing: The Advantage of Top-Loading Design

The top-loading design is the most significant advancement in hardshell suitcases since their introduction, and I can't fathom why every brand isn't adopting it. This carry-on features a flap that unzips all the way around, remaining attached at the narrow end by the wheels. Traditional suitcases open on the long side, similar to other models in LOJEL's Cubo series. I absolutely loved this change; it might be the most intelligent feature of the Cubo Small. This design allowed me to open the suitcase even in cramped spaces, accommodating various packing methods—cubes, rolling, or folding. The top-load feature also offered an unexpected benefit: I could load the suitcase while it stood upright, stacking packing cubes like books and placing smaller items on top for easy access. And they were incredibly accessible thanks to another smart design aspect: the dual-purpose laptop pocket.

I've encountered many hardshell suitcases with front laptop pockets, but don’t be misled—these are vastly different from what LOJEL offers and far less functional. The unique aspect of the LOJEL design is that the pocket opens into the main compartment, thanks to a sturdy, zippable fabric divider. Additionally, the top section of this divider features a magnetic flap, allowing you to easily access items from the main compartment while keeping most of the divider securely zipped. I quickly got into the habit of stashing my charger and a granola bar behind this flap, making them effortlessly accessible at the airport gate or lounge.

The main limitation here is that you can’t load too much into the main compartment, as it will prevent the divider from lying flat. If the divider isn't flat, the slim laptop sleeve won't accommodate anything. On two of my three trips, my MacBook Air wouldn’t fit at all; on the third trip, I could only fit it if I removed it from its neoprene case.

There is a compression strap in the main compartment to assist with this, but it's made of non-stretch nylon and is anchored in awkward positions, making it difficult to fit around everything. It wasn’t long enough to secure my extra clothes when the suitcase was expanded (and barely long enough when it wasn’t). I was so confused about how to use it that I had to request a video from a PR representative. I hope the next version of the carry-on features an elastic, x-shaped compression system or web. Another suggestion: internal zippers with larger, differently colored pull tabs; the ones between the laptop pocket and the main compartment are just black strings, which are hard to locate and grasp.

Surprisingly roomy

This carry-on is available solely in international size (20.9” x 14” x 9.8”), slightly smaller than the typical carry-on (usually around 22” x 14” x 9”). I understand LOJEL's decision; international airlines often mandate smaller carry-ons, making the Cubo suitable for both domestic and international flights. It features an expansion zipper that increases the depth to 11 inches, but this may exceed the allowed thickness for some flights, so verify before you travel. Weighing 7.5 pounds when empty, it’s heavier to start with (my current softside bag is about 5 pounds), making it quite hefty when fully packed, especially with my laptop inside.

Despite this, I was pleasantly surprised by how much I could pack in. The compartment is deep enough and worked well with packing cubes on one trip and rolled clothing on another, meeting my needs for a quick weekend getaway.

Rolls effortlessly and looks stylish too

The Cubo Small features eight wheels (two at each corner) and glides effortlessly, almost frictionless. I found it required no effort to maneuver across everything from airport carpets to the streets of New York City. However, there were a few humorous yet alarming moments when the suitcase took off on its own. For instance, on the Brightline train from West Palm Beach to Miami, it rolled away from the luggage area due to the train’s movement, and I had to keep an eye on it on any incline.

In terms of materials, LOJEL states that the outer shell is crafted from 50 percent recycled polycarbonate. The interior lining, which is both removable and washable, is made from a 50 percent recycled polyester blend dyed with a process that uses 80 percent less water than conventional methods. The handle extends smoothly, and the main zippers can lock into a TSA-approved lock positioned by the handle if desired.

Priced at $330, it aligns well with other brands offering similar sizes and features (Away’s expandable Carry-On Flex is $325; Monos’s Expandable Carry-On Pro is $345), and it comes in various colors. For this review, I received the Cactus, a deep olive green. I prefer more subdued colors, so this was a perfect choice. It’s bright enough to be easily spotted on the carousel if I need to check it, yet dark enough to conceal minor scuffs (most of which wiped off with Clorox wipes).

The final verdict

If any hardshell suitcase could win me over, it’s the LOJEL Cubo Small. The top-flap opening is incredibly clever, making packing straightforward (and even enjoyable), while the sturdy exoskeleton offers the benefits of protection and easy maintenance.

I believe the extra weight of the hardshell and its compact international-style dimensions mean I probably won’t use this bag for anything longer than a long weekend (while I typically use my standard-sized softside carry-on for all my trips, even the lengthy ones). However, the top-flap design is so beneficial that I would gladly add it to my collection—if only to demonstrate to other hardshell users what’s possible. Ugh, I really do sound like I’m converting.