HONEST Level8 Luggage Review: From a Repeat Customer!
Within weeks of buying my first Level8 suitcase I ordered a second one (for my husband), and more recently, added a third to the collection!
This was after my trusty 10-year-old suitcase was sadly destroyed and I urgently needed high-quality luggage to accompany on my frequent travels.
I’d made the mistake of purchasing cheap suitcases in the past—the kind with flimsy zippers that can’t handle a chronic over-packer like me… and those obnoxious handles that refuse to retract at the very worst moment (like when you’re trying to put it in the overhead bin!!)
Fast forward through several hours of research and I ended up with not one but two Level8 Luminous Textured 20 inch carry-on’s. And more recently, I got one of Level8’s larger checked bags.
And in this Level8 review I’m sharing my honest opinion of both of these bags, after taking them on several flights!
Note: This post was kindly sponsored by Level8, but every word is my own. In exchange for writing this honest Level8 review, the company sent me the Voyageur checked bag. However, I bought my first two Level8 bags myself.
What I Was Looking for in a Suitcase
Given how often I travel, I really needed luggage that I could depend on. Specifically, I was looking for:
- Hardshell luggage made from a lightweight but durable material
- Smooth, 360° spinner wheels
- High-quality material and zippers that don’t feel like they’ll burst when *slightly* overpacked
- Zippered compartments for organization
- A handle that expands and retracts smoothly
- Fairly priced but great quality
- For my carry-on: A size that fits into the overhead bins for both US and European airlines
- For my checked bag: A suitcase that isn’t too bulky but has plenty of room
My Carry-On: Level8 Luminous Textured 20”
So far, my Level8 Luminous Textured 20-inch carry-on bag has accompanied me on two separate trips to Hawai’i (the Big Island and Maui), a 3-week adventure through the Caribbean, and a few other trips around the US and Canada to visit family.
It cost me $169 and after all these trips I can genuinely say it was worth every penny (which is why we bought a second one for my husband!) I chose this suitcase for a myriad of reasons, but overall it seemed like the highest quality carry-on I could find for under $175. (By the way, you can get it for even less when you use my 10% off discount code: YFTN10)
✨ Features I Love:
✅ 360° Silent Spinner Wheels
These wheels are buttery smooth. Genuinely the easiest suitcase I’ve ever rolled through an airport. Even when it’s fully packed (well, maybe overpacked!), the bag glides effortlessly. Since they’re 360° wheels you can push it in front of you, pull it behind you, and slide it beside you.
✅ Carry On Size for *Most* Airlines
I fly on a variety of airlines each year and the 20-inch version of this bag fits in the overhead bin for all the airlines I frequent! Of course, some airlines are excessively restrictive. Check Level8’s airline carry-on size chart for up-to-date measurements for global airlines.
✅ Smooth Handle with Smart Latch
Instead of putting the retract button on the top of the handle (like most suitcases have), Level8 puts the button on the bottom, where your fingers naturally land. It makes a lot more sense! And the handle glides up and down smoothly, with several height options and no wobble!
✅ German-Made Makrolon® Polycarbonate Shell
The hard shell feels much higher quality than the shells of suitcases I’ve had in the past. And although it’s sturdy, it’s also lightweight!
✅ Zippered Inside Compartments
Both sides of the interior zip close, which makes it easier to keep things organized even if you don’t use travel cubes. The bag also has a few zippered pockets—including a waterproof pocket where you can put toiletries, or maybe a wet bathing suit!
✅ TSA-Approved Lock
Although I don’t typically use a lock, it’s nice to have it built in, and it’s very easy to set and change the lock combo!
✅ Timeless, Elegant yet Practical Look
I like that this bag isn’t flashy—it’s simple, elegant, and will age well with time! We have one in black and one in olivine (lime green)!
My Checked Bag: Level8 Voyageur 26”
I bring my Level8 carry-on on every single trip, but like to bring a bigger checked bag on some travels. For example, we visit Hawai’i several times a year and get a free checked bag on most of those flights. I like to check a bag when I can so I have extra room for snorkel equipment, beach gear, hiking shoes, etc.
I chose Level8’s 26-inch Voyageur bag because it seemed like the perfect size—it’s not as large as some checked bags, but has plenty of room inside for everything we need!
✨ Features I Love:
✅ Wide Trolley Handle
Have you ever had the experience of a heavy suitcase tipping from side to side?? (I have!) The Voyageur suitcases come with a wide trolley handle that make it much more stable. After experiencing it myself, I don’t think I could ever go back to a regular handle for larger checked bags like this one!
✅ 360° Spinner Wheels
Like the carry-on, this one also has quiet, smooth wheels that can handle airport floors and rougher terrain. It makes an even bigger difference for the checked bag, since its usually right around the 50-pound mark!
✅ German-Made Makrolon® Polycarbonate Shell
As with the carry on, the Voyageur is a hard-shell bag with a high quality German shell that is durable but doesn’t add too much extra weight to the bag!
✅ Zippered Inside Compartments
The Voyageur’s interior is just as intuitive, with zippered compartments on both sides! Again, this makes it easy to keep things organized even if you don’t have packing cubes.
✅ TSA-Approved Lock
The TSA-friendly lock is helpful since this is a checked bag! It’s easy to set and reset the password and it doesn’t require a key—just a code!
✅ Aesthetic Colors
I love the limited-edition celadon colors on my Voyageur! It stands out amongst all the basic navy and black suitcases, so it’s easy to spot when I’m looking it at airport baggage claim!
Final Thoughts: Is Level8 Worth It?
For me—100% yes. That’s why I’m a repeat customer, after all!
Out of all the comparable luggage brands I researched, Level8 seemed like it offered the most bang for your buck. Unlike competitors, their suitcases are not overpriced, but are incredibly sturdy and thoughtfully designed.
Level8 offers a variety of different bags, and I haven’t tried them all, but the two models I’ve chosen have proven practical and reliable. I expect this new luggage setup to last me many years, but if I find myself shopping for a new suitcase for whatever reason, Level8 will be my top choice.
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