This is Valencia and Plum leaving their riad in Marrakech. They had a whirlwind exploration of Morocco and Spain, and have since been resting in their dusters. For those who don’t know me, I name inanimate objects in my life to give them more character. If they are going to be vibrant, vivacious, and a part of my life for an elongated period of time, why not truly make them apart of your world.
These two pieces, Valencia and Plum, are members of the Lojel tribe – a Japanese travel accessories brand that has altered what we travel with since 1989. Many companies want to re-invent the wheel, where Lojel ensure the wheel is technologically current for its consumers. Consumers like me who wants something that stands out, is reliable in construction, understands that I will pack a lot and probably purchase more, so need every ounce I can get, and can take a beating from baggage handlers. And as demanding as this comes off, these are requirements I won’t comprise on; but in reality, why should I? Better yet, why should you?
Valencia comes from the Carapace family. Known for their curved aluminum frame and advance polycarbonate shells, these cases begin at 7.4 lbs and 21 ¾ ×14 ½ × 9 (innovatively almost the exact size of the standard carry-on size of 22 × 14 × 9) with the largest being 12lbs at 31 × 21 ¾ × 12. Internally it features two mesh separators – one that is sewn in and another that can be removed. Most other suitcases house the sewn-in portion and the snap back elastic, but if you’re trying to keep your dirty away from your clean, isn’t it essential to have something more than elastic and mesh to help. I’m huge on germs and cross-contamination, so wrap my dirty bits in a plastic bag beforehand; but the removable separator holds it in place. For those who are traveling on business and need to keep receipts for reimbursement or tax purposes, take advantage of chucking everything in the zippered pouches rather than cluttering your handbag or backpack with extra paper. Upon return, I organized all my receipts, information sheets, notes taken, into respective folders to refer back to when writing my travel posts.
Plum on the other hand, is the complete opposite of her younger sister Valencia. She’s from the Hatch branch of the Lojel tribe and is a bit more seasoned in the features department. At 29 × 20 × 12 (or 13) and 10.4 lbs, she has the capacity to hold more volume than some of her heavier, often bulky, competitors. There’s an expansion mechanism, which had I read the how-to instructions before, would have added a little over an inch of extra storage. It too is made of advance polycarbonate, but includes an anti-scratch texture to ward off those incessant travel scuffmarks [Valencia isn’t so lucky in that department though]. There’s one separating insert, has straps for you to create divisions throughout packing, and its flattop lid has attached pockets ideal for toiletries (or more receipts!).
Both styles have wheels that can be dragged from behind and stroll alongside you, which is beneficial for those who understand the dangers of elbow hyperextension, or already have joint issues. If you plan on packing light, but purchasing tons, think about packing a packed small case into the large one on your leg there, fill up the large suitcase with items purchased, and use the small one for the things you originally brought with you, or fragile purchases, on the way back. Now this is a tip I wouldn’t use for all airline carriers, but definitely for the ones you trust won’t send your stuff to Paris, France when you’re going to Paris, Texas.
Lojel has many other styles and color ways, and are continually enhancing each one to meet the modern needs of the varying travelers of the world. From business executives to gap year seekers to 30-year-old bloggers searching for experiences across the globe, Lojel has a luggage especially for you.
As an added treat to your new Lojel, save 15% when you use the promo code TILLIE15 on your next purchase. So if your case cost $299, with the code, it saves you roughly $45. That’s money you could put towards your next trip!