Lojel Luggage Reviews: About All Of Their Bags

The Hardside Suitcases

Lojel Carapace

The Carapace suitcases by Lojel are made from advanced polycarbonate. That’s one of the best materials for hardside suitcases because it doesn’t break on impact. Luggage with PC shells generally has really good impact resistance, because the shell bends under pressure. Obviously, there’s a good chance that it will break over time, but that’s a risk you’re taking with basically any suitcase ever made.

One of the good features of this luggage is latch closure. The Carapaces do not have zippers, which makes them much more secure than checked bags. It’s pretty easy to break into a zippered suitcase, so you want a latch if you’re traveling with really valuable items. It also helps that the one on these suitcases is TSA friendly so that the agents can safely inspect it if they need it.

But lack of zippers also means no expandable capacity. Both compartments have attached dividers, and one of them has a few pockets. So, these are not really the best suitcases for you if you prefer traveling organized.

They have spinner wheels that are easy to maneuver but aren’t the most durable. Especially because they are single – they are lighter and flimsier, so they are more likely to break off. The wheel handle is telescopic and made from aluminum. It locks into different height positions, so you can easily adjust it to whatever fits you best.

Check the links below to see the Carapace suitcases on Amazon:

• Carapace 21”
• Carapace 27”
• Carapace 31”

Lojel Wave

The Wave luggage is made from Virgin Pure Makrolon Polycarbonate – a high-quality material frequently used in suitcases because of its impact resistance. The exterior of suitcases is treated to have better scratch resistance than polycarbonate usually does, but you still can’t expect these to look brand new for a while. However, the ribbed shell does help make all the scuffs much less visible.

There are four single spinner wheels on the suitcases. They roll smoothly and help you move around the airport with ease, but they are not really the most durable option. Definitely avoid wheeling the luggage on uneven terrain or cobblestone. Also, the wheel handle is telescopic and it locks into position when extended, for easy maneuvering.

These Lojel suitcases feature zippered closure, with a TSA combination lock. It’s great for all of you who fly frequently to the States since the TSA agents can easily open up your luggage without damaging it. But the capacity of these is not expandable, so what you see is what you get, in terms of packing space.

And you don’t really get a lot, except two packing compartments. One has a big mesh divider, and the other one has tie-down straps for keeping your stuff in place. But the suitcases have zero pockets, and that’s a deal-breaker for me. However, since they are stripped of those added features, they are remarkably lightweight – 8.5 lbs for a 31” suitcase is as good as it gets.

Check the links below to see the Wave suitcases on Amazon:

• Wave 26”
• Wave 31”

Lojel Superlative

The Superlative suitcases are made from Bayer Makrolon Polycarbonate – Lojel’s proprietary material, which is basically reinforced PC. It’s slightly more durable than the basic version, which is a good enough reason to give this suitcase a go. Especially because it also seems to have better scratch resistance.

They are not really lightweight suitcases, but that’s because they don’t have any zippers. Instead, they have two TSA latch locks, which are pretty much the most secure option you could hope for. But that also means that the capacity can’t be expanded in any way, so pack lightly.

The suitcases come with double spinner wheels. I prefer these to single spinners because they are a little more durable, even though they tend to be heavier. But they roll really smoothly, they are quiet, and they work very well with the telescopic wheel handle. One thing to note though is that both grab handles are plastic – another way to add to the overall weight of the suitcase. I would have much preferred these to be leather or rubber, mostly because of weight, but also because of grip.

Inside the suitcase is where the magic happens. Both packing compartments are fully lined and both have attached dividers. One divider has a single big pocket, and the other one actually has two smaller pockets. Plus, there is also an additional zippered pocket in the bottom compartment. Overall, these are actually pretty good for the organization.

Check the links below to see the Superlative suitcases on Amazon:

• Superlative 20”
• Superlative 28”
• Superlative 30”

Lojel Strio

Lojel’s Strio luggage is made from advanced polycarbonate, one of their own materials. It is supposed to have better impact and scratch resistance than regular polycarbonate, especially because of the textured finish of the shell. You can’t really see it from the distance, but from up-close it is obvious that the shell is grainy – kind of like the inside of your car door.

The suitcases have four double spinner wheels that are pretty durable, and that gives you really good maneuverability of your luggage. They also have a telescopic wheel handle that locks both when extended and stored, which is pretty useful. And the grab handles lie flat against the suitcase when not in use, to maximize the convenience of storage.

Another upside of this luggage is the three-digit TSA combination lock. It helps keep your stuff safe from the bad guys but gives access to the good guys should they need it. But a downside of the Strio suitcases is that their capacity can’t be expanded, so be careful with your shopping on holidays.

There is one pocket in this suitcase, but you do get a little travel pouch inside them. That really helps the organization aspect, especially since it’s the right size for all of your smaller stuff – jewelry, cufflinks, chargers, and cables, etc. There is one full panel divider that seals off the top compartment, while the tie-down straps do their magic in the bottom compartment.

Check the links below to see the Strio suitcases on Amazon:

• Strio 22”
• Strio 27”
• Strio 31”

Lojel Streamline

The Streamline suitcases are actually pretty interesting. They are the first ones so far that aren’t made from pure polycarbonate, but actually from polypropylene. That’s the lightest material on the market for luggage, so that’s an obvious upside. But it’s not as durable or as impact resistant as polycarbonate. It’s up to you – do you prioritize weight or durability?

This Lojel luggage has single spinner wheels, which are actually really small. They’re not too durable, and you will need to replace them eventually. Another thing that bothers me about these is that the wheel handle tubes are on the outside of the suitcase. They are not really protected, and it is easier for them to break or get detached from the suitcase this way.

These have TSA locks, so at least you know your belongings will be secure in them. Additionally, their zippers are burst-free and double-coil, which is a useful anti-theft feature. But it also means that the zippers won’t just rip open, even if you pack a lot more than you should in these.

The interior is rather simple – both packing compartments are fully lined and there are no pockets inside them. There is a full-panel mesh divider in one compartment, and tie-down straps in the other. Overall, I think these are a decent option if you want a lightweight and colorful suitcase. But not if you’re looking for something really functional.

Check the links below to see the Streamline suitcases on Amazon:

• Streamline 21”
• Streamline 28” – Pink
• Streamline 28” – White

Lojel Horizon

The Horizon suitcases are made from Lojel’s proprietary polycarbonate, just like most other hardshells. But, these also have an aluminum frame, which significantly improves their impact resistance and overall durability. They are a little heavier than most other hardshells, but I think that’s completely fine, considering that you get better durability.

These are zipperless suitcases, and that also contributes to their heavier weight. They actually have two latches, and a TSA-approved lock in the middle of them. And what all that also means is that the capacity of the Horizon can’t be expanded at all, so bear that in mind. However, for now, you can only get the 28” option, which is pretty large, so you should have enough space in the double packing compartments as is.

The top and side handles are spring-loaded and they can rest flat against the suitcase when not in use. But they’re not really thin – they are made of plastic, so they will still stick out a little. In addition to them, the suitcase also has a telescopic wheel handle that locks into position when extended. The wheels are single spinner and they’re decent but not really that great.

The Horizon has two fully lined packing compartments. The top one has a full panel divider with two zippered pockets, while the bottom one has a single pocket inside and tie-down straps. I’m not a huge fan of the lining – it’s harder to notice dirt on darker fabrics. But I guess that’s an individual thing, and it’s not really a reason to avoid this suitcase.

Lojel Hatch

The Hatch is a really interesting suitcase. It has a polycarbonate shell with a scratch-resistant texture, so it should hold up really well. But that’s not the interesting part – the suitcase has a single packing compartment, unlike most other hardshells. The lid on the front of the shell opens up and gives you access to your stuff inside – very convenient if you need your stuff to be easily accessible.

You will be able to take out the things you put in the pockets on the lid in mere seconds. But there are some downsides to this feature – the lid is raised from the body of the suitcase, and so it sticks out. This makes it more likely to get caught in the overhead bins, especially if you pack too much in the suitcase. Which will be pretty easy to do, with the expandable capacity.

Additionally, the lid is smaller than the actual packing compartment, so it might be a challenge to fit everything inside properly and fill out the corners of the luggage. But at least there are tie-down straps inside that ensure your clothes won’t just spill out when you open up the Hatch. And there are a few more pockets inside the packing compartment, for easier organization.

This Lojel suitcase has a TSA-approved lock, which keeps your belongings safe. The spinner wheels and retractable wheel handle give you great maneuverability of the luggage, but they aren’t the most durable. And the grab handles lie flat against the shell so that it is easier to store the suitcase in the cabin.

Lojel Nimbus

The Nimbus suitcase has a unique feature – it is the only Lojel suitcase that is actually weatherproof. It features BASF German technology – a rubber zipper that fuses the shell together and doesn’t allow any water to get inside the suitcase, unlike regular zippers. That could a useful feature if you are planning a trip to a rainy area and you want to make sure none of your clothes get wet.

The shell of the suitcase is made from Virgin Makrolon Polycarbonate and it has great impact and scratch resistance. There are double spinner wheels on the suitcase, which roll smoothly and quietly. They even perform well on uneven terrain, but it does wear them out faster than smooth airport floors. The overall durability of this suitcase will depend on your often you travel, and what conditions you put it through.

The top and side grab handles are spring-loaded, meaning that they lie flat against the suitcase when you’re not using them. This makes it easier to fit the Nimbus in overhead bins and ensures that the handles won’t stick out or get caught on anything.

The interior is divided into two packing compartments, which are secured by a TSA-friendly lock. One of them has a mesh zippered divider that covers the entire packing compartment, while the other one has tie-down straps. There is just one pocket inside this suitcase, so it is not really great for organization. Maybe if you put some packing cubes in it?

Lojel Ascent IATA

IATA in the name of this suitcase stands for International Air Transport Association. That’s because Ascent’s carry-on size is both approved and recommended by IATA. So, you’re pretty much guaranteed that you’ll be able to carry this on any plane. The weight of this suitcase is also impressive – it’s the lightest out of all Lojel suitcases I’ve reviewed here.

It has a durable and scratch-resistant shell made from polycarbonate, which is ideal for a hardshell. But the shell does have a smooth texture, so any scuffs and scratches will be clearly visible. Also, this suitcase doesn’t have reinforced corners or a frame and it is not as sturdy as some others we checked out.

But keep the size in mind – this is a carry-on, and you don’t really need to worry about baggage handlers tossing it around. So, I think it should hold up pretty well. Except for the wheels, maybe – they are single spinners and they are not remarkably durable. But wheels are usually the first thing to go on a brand-new suitcase, so it’s not really a big deal.

Lojel’s Ascent opens up into two packing compartments. But there’s only one pocket inside this suitcase, and it is on the divider – not really great for organization. The bottom compartment has tie-down straps that keep your clothes in place, and the external TSA lock will keep everything safe when you doze off on the plane.

Other Lojel Bags

Lojel Exos (The Hybrid Suitcase)

The Exos is different from the other Lojel suitcase because it is a hybrid. The bottom compartment of the suitcase is made from polycarbonate. But the top compartment is actually softside, which is both good and bad. It’s bad because it doesn’t really have the best impact-resistant, but at least there are corner guards. And it’s really good because you get the advantages of the typical softshell on the front – additional compartments.  

The Exos has a large zippered pocket on the front, which is great for any last-minute items you remember to pack. But what’s even better is that you have an entire front compartment with a padded sleeve for electronics, magazines, or whatever you want to put in it. And that’s in addition to the two packing compartments.

The typical hardside features you get on this hybrid suitcase are the spinner wheels and the TSA lock. The retractable wheel handle locks into multiple stages, allowing everyone to adjust it to the right height. And the top and side handles are spring-loaded so that they can rest flat against the suitcase when you’re not using them.

Overall, the Exos is certainly an interesting suitcase. It has the best of both worlds – the compartments and organization of a softside and the safety and ease of maneuvering of a hardside. If you want to try out something new, I highly recommend this suitcase!

Lojel Urbo Vachetta Bags

The Urbo Vachetta bags are a great option if you don’t really need a proper suitcase. All of them are carry-on sized and can fit all your in-transit necessities.

The type of bag depends on your personal style and preferences. The backpack is pretty unique, while the other three bags are actually really similar. And all four of them have a trolley sleeve, and are made from the same materials – vegetable tanned leather, polyester, cotton, and felt. So, you can expect the same quality whichever one you pick up.

This backpack is a great option if you’re looking for convenience. It has a few different secret external pockets, so your personal items should be pretty safe in it. And it also has both zippered and slip pockets inside. There’s a sleeve for your electronics, which can fit a tablet or a 13” laptop at best. So, not a great choice if you have a large laptop.

If you want to get the largest Urbo Vachetta bag, then pick up the duffel. It is 21” wide and bout 14” tall, so it can easily fit your 15” laptop. The duffel also has a secret external pocket, as well as a bunch of smaller pockets inside. It’s a great bag for overnight or weekend stays, and it’s actually really comfortable to carry around thanks to the padded shoulder strap.

The messenger bag is for you if you want something that you can carry your stuff in every day. It has a divider inside, so you can easily organize your on-the-go must-haves. And it has plenty of smaller pockets, as well as a secret pocket on the back. The shoulder strap is adjustable and padded, and actually pretty comfortable. The messenger bag can fit 13” laptops at the most, but I’m not 100% if it has a proper sleeve.

Urbo Vachetta Backpack

Urbo Vachetta Messenger Bag

Urbo Vachetta Travel Tote

Urbo Vachetta Weekend Duffel