Is top-opening luggage worth it? My Level8 Adventure review

Back when I was a kid, most of my suitcases would open at the front, with a single flap that gave you access to the full case as one huge compartment.

Nowadays, all my suitcases open up like a clam, splitting into two halves that you can lay flat across your hotel room floor, giving you access to two main compartments.

Convenient if you prefer packing into separate compartments, but a bit of a faff when you’ve got very little room on your hotel or Airbnb floor.

This is one of the reasons I was intrigued to try out top-opening luggage again. Level8 sent me their Adventure 24″ to test, which opens from the top, like a chest. I’ve been using it to go on some week-long trips, and in this review, I’ll be sharing my experience of using it!

Buy the Level8 Adventure suitcase here

What does top-opening luggage mean?

Most suitcases open in one of two ways. The classic clamshell splits down the middle into two halves, so you pack into both sides and zip them together.

A top-opening case works differently. The lid hinges up from the top, and your things sit in one deep compartment underneath, a bit like a chest. You’re packing down into it rather than across two flat halves.

The top-opening style is less common (although it was the style I used to see a lot when I was a kid), and it comes with its own set of pros and cons, which I’ll get into now.

My experience with Level8’s top-opening suitcase

I have a lot of experience using Level8 luggage. Overall, I love the build quality, design, and value for money, across the board. So I expected the top-opening Adventure 24″ to be no different in my testing.

I’ve been living out of the Adventure 24″ on my week-long trips for a while now. Here’s how it’s actually held up.

How is the top-opening design?

Most of my suitcases open into two halves, which means finding room to be able to lay the whole thing out flat. In a small hotel room that’s a nightmare.

The Adventure top-opening suitcase doesn’t do that. The lid hinges up, and everything sits in one deep space below, so it only takes up about half the space of a normal suitcase, plus a bit of room above for the lid to open.

I have been able to leave it to sit open on the floor without it getting in the way. Which has been great when I am only staying somewhere for a few days and can’t be bothered to unpack.

It expands too, which can be a lifesaver. There’s a zip round the middle that adds another 7 litres, taking it from 74 up to 81. Handy for when I’ve overpacked and need to squeeze in a few extra bits.

The obvious trade-off here is that it’s one big open space. Anything at the bottom means lifting out whatever’s on top, so digging for that specific top you swore you packed can be a bit of a faff.

That said, plenty of people just bung everything in and grab whatever’s nearest, and if that’s you, this won’t bother you at all.

For my week-long trips, the 24″ has been spot on. Level8 advertises it for trips between 5 and 7 days, and that feels about right to me.

How well is it built?

The shell is German-made Makrolon polycarbonate, and there’s an aluminium frame running around the case with aluminium corner protectors on top of that.

The wheels are dual spinners that glide nicely, and Level8 reckon they’ve tested them to less than 2mm of wear after 276,000 rotations. The handle is a wide four-stage aluminium telescopic one, and there’s a dual TSA lock built in.

It’s also lined with 100% recycled polyester. And it feels well made and durable – with solid stitching holding the fabric together.

It’s all backed by a lifetime warranty covering the shell, wheels, handles and zips, which is an added bonus!

How it compares to my other Level8 cases

I’ve tested a few Level8 cases now, including their textured suitcase and their aluminium suitcase, so I’ve got a decent basis for comparison.

The obvious difference is the opening. Both of those open in the traditional clamshell way, splitting into two halves, whereas the Adventure opens from the top.

I’d pick the top-opening Adventure case for any trips where I know I am going to be stuck for space. I.e. a tiny hotel room, or Airbnb that I am sharing with a few friends.

Otherwise, I’d say they are all very similar when it comes to durability, sleek design, and value for money. You can’t go wrong with any of the Level8 cases really!

Is it worth the price?

The 24″ Adventure comes in at £379.99, with the larger 28″ at £439.99. That’s not cheap, but it is similarly priced to competitors like Monos. And they are the only brand offering a top-opening case made to this quality that I am currently aware of.

Is it worth it? For the build and the lifetime warranty, I’d say it holds up well against other cases at this price. The top-opening design is the main difference between brands here, and whether that’s worth it comes down to how much the space-saving appeals to you.

Level8 Adventure suitcase review verdict

The Adventure has earned a spot in my rotation, mainly for the top-opening design. Being able to leave it open in a poky hotel room without it swallowing the whole floor has been a genuine game-changer for me. Add in the expandable zip and the solid build, and it’s an easy case to recommend for shorter trips.

It won’t be for everyone. If you like grabbing things from a clamshell without unpacking, the single deep compartment might frustrate you. And if you’re a long-haul traveller who counts every kilo, the weight will put you off.

But if you take a lot of week-long hotel trips and don’t mind packing into one big space, the Adventure is well worth a look.

Buy the Level8 Adventure suitcase here