As a full-time traveller, one of the things I geek out about most is luggage. It brings me a great deal of satisfaction to find a suitcase that perfectly fits my life inside it.
And I’ve tried many different luggage brands over the years, but I’ve found that most just don’t meet my needs. They are either too clunky and heavy, or the wheels don’t move as seamlessly as they should, or there are simply no useful compartments to organise my luggage.
Therefore, I have stuck with my old soft-shell suitcase for years, despite it being peed on by a few cats I’ve housesat over the years.
But, Level8 sent me out two of their Voyaguer Collection cases to test, the carry-on 20-inch and the checked 30-inch. And I have to say, after a few trips with these cases, I may well now be a convert to their hard-shell 4-wheeled suitcases.
In this Level8 luggage review, I will cover everything from the designs, build quality, ease of use, security features, and value for money. So we can discuss whether this is the right luggage brand for you!
TL;DR
Level8 makes stylish, durable hard-shell luggage that’s a pleasure to use, with thoughtful interiors, wide handles, and smooth-rolling wheels. They’re not the cheapest, and minor scuffs can appear on hard-shell cases, but you get solid build quality, smart design, and a lifetime warranty in return. Perfect for frequent travellers who want luggage that looks good and lasts.
Pros
- Just the right amount of compartments
- Easy handling and smooth wheels
- Great designs and colour options
- Feel sturdy and built to last
Cons
- The outer case can scuff (like all hard-shell cases)
- Not cheap – but they are built to last
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What is Level8?
Level8 is a luggage brand built around smart design, durability, and thoughtful travel. Their suitcases are sleek, hard-shell, four-wheeled, and made from high-quality materials like polycarbonate shells and recycled PET linings. They also offer luggage accessories, from straps to clothes organisers.
Sustainability is a big part of their approach. Many of their bags use eco-friendly linings, and their packaging is minimal and recyclable. Their design philosophy is simple: create long-lasting, functional luggage that reduces waste and makes travel easier.
Level8 also backs their products with a lifetime warranty on shells, wheels, handles, and zippers, so you can rely on their luggage for the long-term!
My experience with Level8 luggage
I have been testing out my two Voyageur suitcases from Level8, taking them across the country, tossing them into taxis, hauling them onto trains, and generally wheeling them around everywhere I go.
Here is what I thought about them!
The design
These suitcases look great. Sleek, simple, and stylish, with colourways I genuinely love. They even have some limited-edition designs with bold two-tone colours if you want something a bit more eye-catching.
Inside, the Voyageur cases are really well thought out. Each opens into two compartments, both with zip covers and extra pockets to keep things organised. On the larger checked bag, one side is bigger, perfect for stuffing in extra clothes. It also has practical handles on the front, top, and side. I also love the look of the wider telescopic handle (more on how that is to use below).
I also like that the carry-on and checked bags match, so you can travel as a stylish, coordinated set rather than a random mix of luggage.
Build quality and durability
The outer case feels solid and really holds up to bumps whilst travelling. I even sat on it to test whether it would dent. And it didn’t! It also survived being placed on the bottom of a luggage rack with piles of huge suitcases on top and came out looking just fine.
The zipper feels sturdy but has a little give, and the case is fully waterproof, as tested on a very wet day moving through London (see photo above).
I do have a few scuff marks from banging it around on the tube, but they’re purely cosmetic and don’t affect the luggage at all. Most of them also wash off with a quick wipe.
Ease of use
The wide telescopic handle makes manoeuvring the case much easier, whether you’re weaving through tight spaces or lifting it onto a carousel. I find it sturdier to hold on to and move around, plus I can even rest my arm on it when rolling the case upright next to me.
The wheels roll smoothly, and whilst it handles most surfaces well, like any upright four-wheeled suitcase, it can struggle on rough terrain. So sometimes you’ll want to switch to pulling it behind you.
In terms of weight, it’s a solid middle ground: light enough to carry comfortably even when fully packed. Wheel noise is also relatively quiet. Quieter than most other suitcases I’ve used, though obviously not completely silent.
Inside their cases, they have multiple compartments with a few pockets, which make packing (and unpacking) effortless!
Security features
All of Level8’s luggage comes with TSA-approved locks, which are simple to set up and use. They feel secure and give you peace of mind when leaving your luggage unattended or checking it in.
On the larger checked bag, the lock sits on the side, which is handy for keeping it protected from rain or spills, whilst the carry-on’s lock is on top, making it easy to access quickly. I honestly can’t decide which location I prefer.
Having TSA locks also means you don’t have to worry about airport security needing to cut anything open. Combined with the sturdy shell and solid zippers, it gives me the impression that my stuff is well-protected.
Value for money
Level8 offers a good range of price points. Some of their models, like the aluminium cases, are on the pricier side, whilst others are much more affordable. This means that there’s something for most budgets.
Overall, their pricing sits in a similar range to competitors like Monos and Antler. For me, what sets them apart is the build quality. Even though the outer case can get a few scuffs and marks in everyday use, it still feels more durable and resistant than some of its competitors.
For example, compared to Monos, the Voyageur cases feel sturdier and less prone to dents. I have seen some pretty bad dents on Monos suitcases before, after only one journey to an airport!
Below is a quick overview of some of their key models and current prices to give you an idea of what’s on offer:
| Model | Type | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Voyageur | Carry-on and checked | From £259.99 |
| Luminous | Carry-on and checked | From £159.99 |
| Adventure | Carry-on | From £349.99 |
Who is Level8 best for?
Level8 has something for most travellers. If you’re the average holidaymaker, whether you travel light with just a carry-on or prefer adding checked baggage, there’s a size to suit you. The Voyageur range, for example, comes in:
- Carry-on 20″
- Checked 26″, 28″, or 30″
They also have an 18″ carry-on in a different design for slightly lighter packing. One thing to note is that none of their suitcases fit Ryanair’s stricter luggage limits, so keep that in mind if you fly with them frequently.
Beyond suitcases, Level8 also offers backpacks and a range of luggage accessories, so their bags cover most major travel needs. That said, if you’re after adventure-sports style luggage built for specific needs (like ski cases), Level8 isn’t really the place.
Level8 luggage review verdict
After spending several weeks testing the Voyager Collection carry-on and checked suitcase, I can confidently say Level8 has impressed me. These cases offer style, practicality, and durability, making them the perfect choice for travellers like me, as well as holidaymakers and business travellers.
Design-wise, the suitcases are sleek and minimalist, with genuinely appealing colourways. I particularly like that the carry-on and checked options match, so you can travel as a coordinated set rather than a mismatched pair.
Inside, the organisation is thoughtful: dual compartments, zip covers, mesh pockets, and compression panels make packing easy and efficient. On the larger checked bag, the slightly oversized compartment and the additional handles (including the wide handle design) make manoeuvring the bag simple, whether lifting it onto a carousel or steering through crowded train stations.
In terms of build quality, Level8 delivers. The hard-shell cases feel solid and withstand the usual bumps and knocks of travel. Whilst minor scuff marks can appear from everyday use, they’re purely cosmetic and don’t affect the performance. The zippers feel strong, and the cases are waterproof, which adds an extra layer of reassurance when travelling in wet conditions.
Ease of use is another strong point. The wide telescopic handle and smooth-rolling wheels make travelling through airports and stations much less stressful. The wheels are quieter than most other suitcases I’ve used, though not completely silent, and the wheels handle most surfaces well – just swap to pulling the suitcase behind you when on rougher terrain.
Sustainability and long-term value are also worth noting. Many of Level8’s cases feature recycled linings, recyclable packaging, and durable construction designed to last for years. They even back their products with a lifetime warranty on shells, handles, wheels, and zippers. This definitely gives me peace of mind!
Of course, as with most well-designed, hard-shell luggage, Level8 cases come at a price. But you do get durability, thoughtful design, and a suitcase that will last for years of frequent travel in return.
For anyone looking for luggage that looks good, handles well, and can survive the realities of modern travel, Level8 is an excellent choice!
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