Level8 Luggage Review (Honest): Is This the Best Suitcase for Maximum Packing Space?
Disclaimer: LEVEL8 gifted me the suitcase featured in this review with one clear agreement: I would share my honest opinion. This post also contains affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you make a purchase (at no extra cost to you). Click on this link to get a 10% off with the code BRB10.
I have a confession.
Every time I’m at the airport and see someone effortlessly gliding by with a sleek, modern suitcase, I think to myself: I want one of those. You know which ones—the hard-shell ones with four smooth wheels. Meanwhile, I’m dragging my bulky, 2-wheel, 15+ year-old fabric suitcase behind me. It’s heavy before I even pack it.
So I finally decided: it was time for an upgrade.
Why I Needed a New Suitcase
I felt that I needed a new suitcase after my latest trip to Europe. The truth is that I don’t know how many more trips my current suitcase can take (probably more than I can predict). I didn’t want to be at the airport at my destination with a broken suitcase and buy a cheap one out of necessity, only for it to break on the next trip. So I started my research on those fancy suitcases I keep longing for.
I have another confession: I’m an overpacker.
I’ve gotten better over the years, but the moment a trip involves multiple climates, I panic-pack and overpack. And somehow, I still don’t bring what I actually need. If it’s a warm destination, I can survive a month with a carry-on. But add layers and jackets? I go crazy. I needed a suitcase that could keep up with me while I continue to figure out how to pack like a normal person. So, I continued my research for innovative luggage with smart design, not just something that looked good.
Why I Chose LEVEL8
When I first came across LEVEL8, I was immediately drawn to the design and its quality materials. Their suitcases are beautiful! They are sleek, minimalist, and modern—exactly like the ones I longed for at the airport. But beyond aesthetics, the reviews consistently mentioned durability and smart design, which is what ultimately convinced me to make the switch.
Level8 is a luggage brand based in New York, founded in 2008. They claim to be the best suitcases for maximizing packing space, which actually makes travel easier. Their items are very minimalistic and sleek, which is perfect for all travellers. They sell carry-on and hard-shell checked suitcases, as well as backpacks and packing cubes.
Which Model I Chose
LEVEL8 offers several collections, and I’ll be honest, I felt a little overwhelmed at first. Which one to choose? For me, this is a life commitment. I ultimately chose the Voyageur Collection, specifically the 30” checked suitcase. The Voyageur comes in four sizes: 20’’, 26”, 28”, and 30” (inches). I chose the largest one… and it’s BIG! It’s like half my size (I know I’m small, but still).
Here are the dimensions:
30” Checked: 32.1” H x 16.7” W x 13.3” D
Weight: 13.9 lbs
Capacity: 105L
If I’m being completely honest, I probably could have gone one or two sizes smaller. Because more space = more overpacking temptation. So if you’re like me, my suggestion would be to consider the 26” or 28” unless you truly need the extra room. These sizes are also more convenient for road trips.
Design: Sleek, Minimal, and Easy to Spot
One of the main reasons I said yes to this partnership is the design. LEVEL8 suitcases are clean and modern, distinctive without being flashy, and very importantly, easy to recognize on the baggage carousel.
I chose the limited edition, a two-tone Celadon colour—subtle but different enough to stand out. The other limited edition was yellow and black, which was a bit too bold for me. Right out of the box, the first thing I noticed was how lightweight it felt—a huge upgrade from my old suitcase. The cases have small stands so you can place your luggage on the ground without scuffing it.
Durability & Materials
The Voyageur is a lightweight polycarbonate suitcase made from Makrolon®, a German-engineered material known for being lightweight, flexible, and extremely durable. This means the suitcase can absorb impact and bounce back instead of cracking. It also features a micro-diamond textured surface, which helps reduce visible scratches and scuffs over time. The outer shell is waterproof, which is great for rainy travel days. This makes a big difference from soft-shell suitcases, where, during a storm, your items inside can get wet. The zipper itself is water-resistant, not fully waterproof, but this is not a problem; the zipper size is small, and your items inside will not get wet.
The Wide Handle: Game-Changer… or Not?
Let’s talk about the most unique feature: the wide-handle design. Instead of the center bar, the handle runs along the sides of the suitcase. This is an ergonomic design with a telescopic handle. One of the biggest benefits of wide-handle luggage is the added stability, especially when the suitcase is fully packed. It has better weight distribution, more stability, smoother steering, and no wobbling when fully packed. When I tested it in busy areas, it genuinely felt easier to maneuver.
However, I’m a bit torn. Because the handle is wider, you can’t easily hook a bag on top like you would with a traditional handle. The bags made to be inserted on the handle don’t fit. And for me, that’s slightly annoying, especially when travelling with a personal item.
One major advantage of the wide handle is what it does inside the suitcase. Because the handlebars are moved to the edges, you get a completely flat interior, with no awkward bumps or ridges, and significantly more usable space. This makes packing way easier and more efficient.
So while the design improves movement and packing space, I'm not 100% sold on this idea. You let me know what you think in the comments!
Wheels: Smooth, Quiet, Effortless
One of the reasons why I decided to change suitcases was that I wanted a suitcase with four 360° spinner wheels. The Level8 wheels are super smooth, quiet (no annoying rattling), and more importantly, easy to control. I don’t feel like they have a life of their own. They claim that they are tested to withstand 276,000 wheel rotations and 12,000 handle pulls, built to handle cobblestones, airports, and everything in between.
Interior Organization
Inside, the suitcase is thoughtfully designed. There are zippered compartments on both sides, a mesh divider, compression straps, multiple smaller pockets, and a waterproof pocket (great for toiletries or wet swimwear). Everything stays in place, and it’s easy to organize your items without digging through everything. Both sides of the Voyageur have zipped compartments, unlike my previous suitcase, which had a compression strap on one side. Everything stays neatly in place, and there’s no risk of items spilling out if opened in a hurry.
Hardcase vs Soft Luggage
It is an endless debate, and there are no right or wrong answers; it is a personal decision. After using both, I personally prefer hardcase luggage. Why? Better protection (especially for fragile items), water-resistant, and more durable overall. The downside is that you don’t have the expandable option. And some people really like external pockets; I have personally never used them, so I don’t see this as a problem. This is one of the reasons why I chose the bigger baggage; since you cannot add more space, a feature that I always used on my previous suitcase.
I saw reviews about it being hard to clean and that you can see smudges on the case. Frankly, who cares? When I’m travelling, I’m not there looking at my suitcase thinking, “Ahh, I can see my greasy fingers on it.” I do care if my suitcase will hold; I might care if it has too many scratches, which inevitably will happen. But smudges from your fingers will never cross my mind. If you are worried about this, I’m sorry to tell you that your suitcase will be very dirty when taking it on trips.
What I like about hard cases is that if you are bringing something fragile, it will be more protected. I always tend to bring a bottle of alcohol home from where I was, and packing is always a struggle. I used to put them at the end of the suitcase because I had a soft shell, and the bottom is always more structured. You don’t have this problem with a hard case.
Security
The suitcase includes a TSA-approved lock, which allows airport security to open your bag without damaging it. These locks are designed to be opened by airport officials, meaning your luggage can be checked without forced entry. This reduces the risk of damage to your belongings and ensures that your luggage stays secure throughout your journey. Another great benefit of a TSA-approved combination lock is convenience. Combination locks are easy to use and can be quickly reset if needed. You won’t have to worry about carrying a key; just set your combination, and you’re good to go.
Where to Buy Level8 Luggage and Warranty
You can shop for Level8 luggage on their official website, Level8Cases.com, and on Amazon (though the selection of items on Amazon is smaller).
They offer:
Free shipping to Canada, the U.S., and Europe
Fast delivery (3–7 business days). Mine arrived within 3 days!
LEVEL8 offers a lifetime warranty covering:
Shell
Wheels
Handles
Zippers
Which definitely helps justify the price.
Sustainability Efforts
LEVEL8 is also making some effort toward sustainability: minimal plastic packaging, recyclable materials. Some interior linings are made from recycled PET. This was really important for me when choosing a company. I always pay attention to their sustainability efforts.
Real-Life Testing in Montreal
I ordered my Voyageur suitcase after a recent trip, so I haven’t yet had the chance to use it on a full journey, but I still put it through a series of real-life tests to make sure I could give an honest review. I took it through Old Montreal to see how it would handle the cobblestones, and it passed. I’d feel confident taking it to Europe. I also poured water over it, and it proved to be waterproof. Living in Montreal, there’s a high chance I’ll be rolling it through dirty, slushy, and snowy streets (especially since I’m always trying to escape the cold), and it handled the snowy sidewalks without any issues.
Price: Is It Worth It?
Let’s be real, this is not a cheap suitcase. But considering the durability claims and tests, and the lifetime warranty, it is a long-term investment. If it lasts me another 10+ years like my last suitcase, it’s worth it. And yes, I’ve got a discount code for you, so you’re welcome 😉
Final Verdict: Is the LEVEL8 Luggage Worth It?
If you’re looking for innovative luggage that maximizes packing space while staying sleek and durable, the LEVEL8 Voyageur is a strong contender.
Pros:
✔ Sleek, modern design
✔ Lightweight but durable
✔ Flat interior = more packing space
✔ Smooth, quiet wheels
✔ Lifetime warranty
Cons:
✖ Wide handle makes it harder to attach a bag on top
✖ No expandable zipper
✖ Easy to overpack (if you choose a large size like me)
✖ Price
Verdict:
It is on the expensive side, but since they have a lifetime warranty and are durable, it feels like I won’t be buying a suitcase for another couple of years, which is exactly what I was looking for!
Remember to Click on this link to get a 10% off with the code BRB10.
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Honest Level8 luggage review of the Voyageur suitcase. Discover if this innovative, lightweight polycarbonate luggage with a wide-handle design and flat interior is the best suitcase for maximum packing space, durability, and smooth travel. Ideal for overpackers and multi-climate trips.