As our 1 million monthly regular readers know, the team here at the Broke Backpacker are into, erm, backpacking. As such we know all there is to know about backpacks but I will admit that we know a bit less about luggage and suitcases (“suitcasing around Southeast Asia” for your gap year doesn’t really sound all that much fun does it?).
Still, over the last few years I have tried a fair few different pieces of luggage and you can find luggage roundups and suitcase reviews dotted around this site. Well, today I am going to try, test and tease a review of some new (to me) luggage pieces from a new (to me) luggage brand – Level8.
Over the course of the next 1000 or so words, I will introduce Level8, tell you about the products they offer and chuck in a little HONEST review of the pieces I have personally laid hands on and tried for myself.
Who The Hell Are Level8?
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According to Dante, there are 7 levels of both hell and heaven but he wrote that nearly 500 years ago so they must have built an extension by then…and if you’ve ever been to Rotherham you’ll know what I mean!
Level8 is a premium luggage brand founded in 2008 and based in New York. They primarily specialise in creating durable, stylish, and very functional hard-shell luggage pieces for modern travellers.
Known for their innovative features, such as integrated laptop pockets and USB charging ports, the Level8 team combines high-quality materials with thoughtful design.
While Level8 do make a couple of backpacks and other accessories, their wheelhouse is luggage and this is what I’m going to focus on here because frankly, I’m getting too old for backpacks! Plus, we all know how being a digital nomad changes the way you travel and carry your gear.
The Level8 Range at Glance
Level8 Carry On
Any self-respecting luggage brand offers a good selection of carry-ons. Just note that carry-on sizes and standards have changed a lot over the last few years and the European Budget airlines are getting increasingly absurd about what they will and won’t allow so before you buy any carry-on piece, check the dimensions. Ryanair’s carry-on sizes are known for being particularly stingy.
Level8 currently offers 12 different carry-on ready luggage pieces but we are going to focus on 3 of them.
Voyager Carry on 20”
- Dimensions(including handle & wheels): 15.1”L*9.8”W*21.3H (38.5*25*54.5cm)
- Weight: 8.1lbs (3.7kg)
- Capacity: 43L
- Price: $229.99
The Voyageur luggage uses its wide handle design to enhance packing efficiency, offering a sturdy base that maximises space. Crafted from German-made Makrolon polycarbonate, this excellent suitcase is both lightweight and durable, with a scratch-resistant hard shell ready to withstand the toughest travel conditions.
The micro-diamond finish adds a touch of elegance, while the aluminium alloy telescopic handle ensures comfortable handling. Inside there is an intuitive compression system that keeps your belongings neatly in place that is complemented by a dry-wet separation pocket for organised packing. With two spacious compartments, the Voyageur accommodates all your essentials.
Finally, it comes with a built-in combination lock, which, as a digital nomad carrying lots of expensive gear, makes me feel much more secure.
Road Runner Carry on 20”
- Dimensions: 14.4”L x 10.1”W x 21.5”H (37 x 26 x 55cm)
- Weight: 9.5lbs (4.3kg)
- Capacity: 38L
- Price: $179.99
Welcome to a new horizon of travelling with the Road Runner Carry-On. Crafted from durable German-made Makrolon polycarbonate, this suitcase combines sophistication with reliable strength. Glide with ease through bustling streets and busy airports with whisper-quiet 360° spinner wheels, ensuring effortless manoeuvrability. The water-resistant shell protects your essentials, including tech items, keeping them safe throughout your journey. Performance-driven features include quick-access sleeves for a 17″ laptop and a 10.9″ tablet, making it perfect for any digital nomad packing list.
The German-made Makrolon® polycarbonate hard shell offers unmatched impact and weather resistance. For added security, the TSA-approved dual locking system and a dedicated front-pocket lock keep your belongings secure. Spacious and thoughtfully designed compartments ensure you can fit everything you need for your travels.
Captain Aluminum Pro Carry On 20”
- Dimensions: 14.72”L* 8.46”W 21.3”H
- Weight: 10.8lbs
- Capacity: 37L
- Price: $999.99
Crafted from aerospace-grade aluminium-magnesium alloy, this cracking lil case is both classic and durable. It features keyless and zipperless TSA-approved locks, allowing you to breeze through security while keeping your valuables safe. The embedded wide handle includes slow-release mechanisms to avoid noise and prevent hand pinching.
The 360° durable spinner wheels feel great to use and are as quiet as a monastery, and you can easily stay organised with a mesh pocket interior divider. Designed to fit most aircraft overhead compartments, this 20-inch case is ideal for air travel when you want to travel carry-on only. Plus, with a lifetime warranty, your satisfaction is guaranteed.
Level8 Check In
Personally, the only time I use a luggage piece is when I need something big, strong and spacious for check-in. Well, this is where Level8 truly excels offering 6 classic pieces of check-in luggage. We will look at just 2 of them.
Voyageur 30”
- Dimensions: 32.1”H x 16.7”W x 13.3”D |
- Weight: 13.9 lbs
- Capacity: 105 L
- Price: $309.99
Durability meets sleek design with the Level8 Voyageur thanks to the feel of its wider handles and the protection of a durable German-made Makrolon® polycarbonate hard shell. Every feature on this luggage is crafted for super-smooth travel, from those ultra-quiet 360° spinner wheels e to the TSA-approved combination lock that ensures streamlined security checks.
The micro-diamond finish also adds a touch of elegance while remaining resilient against the rigours of travel. Inside, the aluminium alloy telescopic handle offers comfortable handling, and the interior compression system keeps your belongings neat and secure. The dry-wet separation pocket ensures smart, clean organisation, while two expansive compartments provide ample room for all your essentials. With all these features it’s got to be one of the best travel bags on the market.
Luminous Large 28”
- Dimensions: 16.6”L x 13.3”W x 29.1”H
- Weight: 11.44 lbs
- Capacity: 99 L
- Price: $299.99
The Luminous Trunk Luggage is amongst the largest check-in options offered by Level8. This one is designed for extended trips with ample storage capacity and refined functionality.
Finely crafted from premium Germany Bayer Makrolon material, this luggage features a scratch-resistant, three-layer composite hard shell for exceptional durability. Its ultra-quiet 360° spinner wheels ensure a smooth, effortless glide through airports, making travel a breeze. With a truly spacious 99-liter capacity(!) you can pack everything you need and more, enhancing your travel experience.
Stylishly equipped with an aluminium alloy handle, YKK zippers, and a TSA-approved combination lock, the Luminous Trunk Luggage keeps you secure and elegant on the go. It may just be the GOAT for big luggage suitcases, but clearly it isn’t going to get past the beady eyes of the Ryanair ground staff at boarding!
Level8 Sets
In practice, 1 single piece of luggage is never enough. When it comes to travel there is no ‘one size fits’ all gear and the reality is we all need a variety of shapes and sizes. Well, Level8 offers some luggage sets that typically (but not exclusively) include a carry-on piece along with its big brother check-in.
Luminous Set
- 20” Carry-On Overall: 14.5” L x 9.2” W x 21.5” H | 7.7 lbs | 40 L
- 24″ Checked Overall: 17.5” L*10.4” W*26” H | 9.8 lbs | 65 L
- 28“ Checked Overall: 16.6” L*13.3” W*29.1” H | 11.4 lbs | 99 L
- Price: $369.99
The lovely Luminous set includes a spacious 24” check-in luggage piece for extended adventures along with the 20” carry-on which fits comfortably inside larger sizes for easy storage.
Key features of both pieces in the set include sturdy aluminium alloy handles, TSA-approved locks, and a well-organised interior with a mesh pocket divider, zipper pockets, and an X-Strap compression system to maximise space.
It comes with a built-in combination lock.
Voyageur Set
The vibrant Voyageur set is where durability meets sleek design. Key features of this set includes a highly innovative handle design for maximum packing efficiency, a TSA-approved lock for streamlined security checks, and, to cap it all off, a micro-diamond finish for a refined, resilient exterior.
The aluminium alloy telescopic handle offers great comfort, while the interior compression system keeps your belongings neat and secure. Additionally, the dry-wet separation pocket facilitates seriously smart organisation, and two expansive compartments provide ample space for all your essentials. For me this fits with my digital nomad lifestyle perfectly.
Final Thoughts
As you can see, Level8 offer a decent range of high-quality, top-spec performance luggage. All of their pieces are built with modern travellers firmly in focus packing in great features. While their wares are not the cheapest on the market, they are still reasonably affordable and well priced for the quality standard that they assure.
Check out their store for yourself and have a browse.
