Level8 luggage was originally gifted to me with one condition: say exactly what I think. No fluff, no pretending, no “influencer gloss.” And after testing these cases across airports, safari trucks, cobbled streets, budget airlines, and chaotic overhead lockers… I’ve got thoughts.

Since first writing this Level8 luggage review in 2023, I’ve added more pieces to my collection (including their aluminium carry-on and laptop backpack), which means this isn’t a “first impressions” post anymore, it’s a real-world, long-term test.

So if you’re wondering whether Level8 luggage is worth it, whether it can survive actual travel (not just a glossy airport floor), and whether you should spend your money on it… let’s get into it.

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⭐ Quick Verdict: Is Level8 Luggage Worth It?

If you just want the short answer:

👉 Yes, Level8 luggage is absolutely worth it for frequent travellers who value durability, smooth wheels, and smart design.

But…

👉 It’s not ideal for strict budget airline travellers (looking at you, Ryanair).

My rating: ★★★★☆ (4.5/5)

Best for:

• Frequent travellers
• Digital nomads
• Business travel
• Anyone who values smooth, stress-free airport movement

Not ideal for:

• Ultra-budget airline travellers
• People looking for the cheapest option

Standout features:

• The smoothest wheels I’ve ever used
• Shell cases that feel solid and genuinely durable

Biggest drawback:

• Cabin size doesn’t always meet stricter airline limits

TL;DR

Level8 luggage combines sleek design with practical features that actually matter when you travel.

• Durable shell cases that feel solid even after rough handling
• Ultra-smooth wheels that glide across almost any surface
• Smart compartments (even better when paired with packing cubes)
• TSA approved locks for extra peace of mind
• Lifetime warranty backing it all up

It’s not the cheapest luggage out there, but if you travel often, it quickly proves its value.

✅ Pros and Cons

Pros

• Exceptionally smooth, quiet wheels
• Durable shell cases that handle real travel well
• Smart organisation (especially useful with packing cubes)
• Sleek, minimalist design
• TSA approved locks for added peace of mind
• Lifetime warranty

Cons

• Cabin size not always airline-approved (budget airlines especially)
• Outer shell can scratch (cosmetic only)
• Not the cheapest option

👀 Who Should Buy Level8 Luggage?

Level8 luggage is a great fit if:

• You travel regularly and want something that lasts
• You’re tired of broken wheels and flimsy cases
• You value ease of movement (airports, cities, transfers)
• You want luggage that looks good without being flashy

It’s probably not for you if:

• You mainly fly ultra-low-cost airlines with strict baggage rules
• You’re looking for the absolute cheapest suitcase available

Travel in Style with Level8 Luggage

Level8 first landed on my radar after one of my cheap suitcases gave up on life mid-airport sprint. One of the wheels fell off while I was running through Schiphol, which was both inconvenient and a little humiliating. It was also the moment I decided I was done with flimsy luggage.

I’m not a luxury traveller, but I do travel a lot, and I need bags that can keep up. For city breaks and work trips, I want hard shell cases with four wheels that glide beside me rather than fighting me at every corner. For longer trips, I want something that feels solid, practical, and built for real life rather than just looking pretty on a product page.

That’s what made Level8 interesting to me in the first place. And after using multiple pieces from the range over several years, I can safely say this is no longer a first-date review. This is the “we’ve been through some things together” version.

Level8 Cases

Level8 is a New York-based luggage brand focused on sleek, functional, minimalist travel gear. In plain English: they make luggage for people who want their suitcase to work properly, look smart, and survive more than three trips.

Their range includes polycarbonate and aluminium shell cases, backpacks, and travel accessories, and the overall focus is clearly on durability, clean design, and ease of use rather than gimmicks. That matters to me because cheap luggage usually ends up costing more in the long run, not just financially, but environmentally too.

If a suitcase falls apart after a handful of flights, it isn’t a bargain. It’s landfill with wheels.

My first impressions

My first impression of Level8 was that it felt more premium than the price point suggests. The cases arrived quickly, well packaged, and with the kind of attention to detail that immediately made them feel a step above the bargain suitcase graveyard many of us have at home.

But more importantly, they felt solid straight away. The wheels were noticeably smoother than what I was used to, the handles felt sturdy rather than flimsy, and the overall finish gave me confidence that these cases might actually survive real travel.

A lot of luggage makes a good first impression. What matters is whether that impression survives baggage handlers, cobbled streets, and sprinting across airports. Thankfully, in this case, it did.

What are the main features of the Level8 Luggage range?

The best wheels you’ve ever seen!

The first thing I did as I was excitedly pulling the cases out of the boxes was to push one of them across the sitting room to my husband, who was keen to check them out too. No word of a lie; the first words that came to my mouth were, “Oh wow! That is so smooth. Push it back, push it back” (so he could experience the smoothness for himself). I don’t know what the technical word is to describe that. In fact, any words I try and use don’t do it justice. “Wheels that work”. Well, you’d hope that was the case for all luggage! But honestly, once you try it, you will know just how good these wheels feel!

Of course, I wanted to use better language as part of this Level8 luggage review, so I went on their website to figure out how they describe it. “The best wheels you’ve ever seen”. We were on the same wavelength! Of course, they also have some more technical jargon: “Bi-metal bearings. 360-degree polyurethane wheels with a Covestro AG Polycarbonate Case.” I’m sure it means as little to you as it means to me, so I will say it in layman’s terms: extremely quiet, super smooth, can handle cobblestone streets and comes with a lifetime guarantee. Big fat tick from me! 10/10 for wheels.

Premium Waterproof Outer

A few years ago, I was sitting on the aircraft watching the ground crew load the luggage. It was torrential rain outside, and the conveyor belt loading the luggage broke. The ground staff took shelter from the deluge while they worked out a plan. Meanwhile, I watched as my bag, which was sitting uncovered on the conveyor belt, got pelted with big, fat, heavy raindrops. I wasn’t so worried at the time as I thought it was waterproof. But when I picked up my belongings at my destination a couple of hours later, everything in my bag was sodden. It was not ideal, considering I was on a business trip and had an important meeting the next day. To add insult to injury, it had been a cabin bag that I’d been forced to check due to the flight being full. Thank you, FlyBe!

Putting it to the test!

So I was very excited when I read that the Level8 Luggage was waterproof. However, I did want to check this for myself, so I filled it with kitchen roll and put it to the test outside with the spray from a watering can. What did I learn?

The outer shell IS waterproof and doesn’t let any water in. The zip and material around the zip are not waterproof. How big a deal is this? If your luggage falls off the boat into the water, everything will be wet (but that is likely the least of your problems!). If it is left out in very heavy rain for a long time, your belongings will also get wet. However, for the average amount of rainfall your luggage will encounter while being transferred from the terminal to the plane, I am sure your belongings will remain dry!

8/10 on waterproofness, but this would not deter me from buying it since I believe that it remains fit for purpose.

Great for short and tall people alike!

The Level8 Luggage is designed to cater to individuals of all heights, thanks to its telescopic handle crafted from an ultra-lightweight aluminium alloy. It boasts multiple adjustable levels, allowing for a personalised fit for anyone who uses it. Whether you’re as tall as my 6’1″ husband or as vertically challenged as me at 5’3″, this luggage works seamlessly for both of us!

TSA-Approved Combination Lock

Increased security is one of the most significant benefits of a TSA-Approved Combination lock. 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 or remembering a complex code; just set your combination, and you’re good to go.

The bag comes with instructions on how to set the lock. I found the instructions easy to follow. However, I decided to ask my 75-year-old mother to also have a go. Considering she managed to lock herself out of our Airbnb in Gibraltar because she couldn’t use the very simple keypad, I thought she would be a good test. I won’t pretend it was a smooth process, but she still managed it on her own. Another big fat tick from me. 10/10 for the lock, 9/10 for the instructions.

It is super lightweight

The Level8 luggage range is made from Makrolon®, a lightweight but durable German-made material. With airlines becoming increasingly strict on baggage allowances, that matters. You want the suitcase itself to be light enough not to eat into your packing allowance, while still feeling durable enough to survive the journey.

After extended use, I think Level8 strikes that balance well. The polycarbonate models feel sturdy without being annoyingly heavy, which is exactly what I want from a case I may need to lift into overhead lockers, drag up steps, or repack in a hurry at check-in. 9/10 for weight.

Easy to organise

The Level8 luggage comes with a mesh pocket divider, zipped sections, and straps that make it easy to keep everything in its place. I’m a big fan of luggage that helps me stay organised without feeling over-engineered, and this gets that balance right.

The layout is practical rather than fussy. Smaller items like chargers, documents, or toiletries can be separated easily, and if you use packing cubes, the whole thing becomes even more efficient. I personally think Level8 works best with packing cubes because the case design already gives you a good structure to build on.

It makes packing, unpacking, and finding things on the go much less annoying, which is all I really ask from a suitcase. 9/10 for organisation.

Easy to store

I love that the sets can be stacked inside each other like Russian dolls to maximise storage space. Such a great space saver for storing them at home! 10/10 for ease of storage.

Level8 Warranty

Level8 Luggage takes pride in providing only the best quality luggage for their customers. Their commitment to quality shines through in the extensive testing their luggage undergoes to ensure it meets their stringent standards. Level8 luggage has a lifetime warranty covering all functional aspects, including the shell, wheels, handles, and zippers. So you can rest assured knowing that your luggage will be there with you, no matter where you go. With their uncompromising approach to quality, you can trust them to provide reliable, durable, and stylish luggage that will stand the test of time.

It is worth noting that the warranty covers only manufacturing defects and does not cover any damage caused by misuse (such as transportation of unusual items), neglect, accidents, abrasion, exposure to extreme temperatures, solvents, acids, water, normal wear and tear or transport damage (by airlines for example). In the event that there is a warranty issue, they will either repair or replace the luggage for you.

Does Level8 Luggage have any cons?

I said from the beginning that this Level8 luggage review would be honest, and the biggest downside for me is simple: not every Level8 carry-on is ideal for stricter budget airlines.

That doesn’t make the luggage bad, but it does mean you need to pay attention. If you mainly fly with full-service airlines, you’ll probably be absolutely fine. If you’re a frequent Ryanair or easyJet gambler who enjoys living on the baggage allowance edge, double-check the airline luggage dimensions before you buy.

The other thing worth mentioning is that, like most hard shell cases, they can pick up scuffs. Personally, I don’t care much about that because I’d rather have a suitcase that survives real travel than one that looks untouched because it never leaves the wardrobe.

The perfect luggage for every occasion

I have four very different travel styles:

1. Adventurous trips that require a backpack. This includes travel to off-the-beaten-path destinations where it is easier to carry the luggage than trying to drag it. For example, Sierra Leone. This is not Level8’s remit.
2. Short-haul city breaks that I travel to with a cabin bag, such as visiting the Christmas Markets in Gdansk. The Level8 Luminous Textured Bag would have been perfect for this.
3. Longer trips where extra space is a necessity, such as long road trips. I really wish I’d had my Level8 luggage when I made my 17-week US trip last year.
4. Short-haul business trips that require me to travel with my laptop. This is where I feel Level8 really excelled for me. I will explain why it was so handy to have my Level8 Road Runner for my most recent business trip to the Netherlands further down.  

The perfect short-haul cabin luggage: Level8 Luminous Textured 20” Luggage Review

I’ve been testing the Level8 Luminous Textured 20” Bag for well over a year now, and I’d happily recommend it to anyone wanting a smart, practical cabin case. It looks sleek, the wheels are excellent, the handle still feels sturdy, and the TSA approved locks add that extra bit of peace of mind when you’re travelling.

Has it picked up scratches? Yes. But after being rather aggressively handled, including falling off the roof of a safari truck in Kenya, I think it’s earned the right. Importantly, it didn’t crack, the wheels still worked, and it kept doing its job.

See the latest price and check availability here.

The perfect luggage for longer trips: Level8 Luminous Textured 24″ Bag

If you’re travelling for longer, the Level8 Luminous Textured luggage gives you the same smooth handling and practical interior layout as the cabin version, just with far more room to play with. It’s a good option for anyone who likes to pack properly, rather than treating every trip like a hand-luggage challenge.

The extra space makes it particularly useful for road trips, longer holidays, or anyone travelling with bulkier items. And because the interior is well designed, it doesn’t just become a giant hole of chaos. Add packing cubes and you’re positively organised.

If you’re considering more than one case, it’s also worth checking whether the set offers better value, because that’s often where the savings are.

Level8 offers free shipping on all orders, so your next travel upgrade will come straight to your door at no extra cost!

Check out what savings they are offering right now!

The perfect luggage for business trips: Level8 Road Runner 20″ Cabin Bag

I find business travel a nightmare as I need to take a carry-on bag with my clothes and toiletries, a laptop bag with all my electronics, notebooks and other stationery. And lastly, I also have my handbag. The problem is that most airlines are very strict and only allow one bag, or maybe one bag and a small handbag. So I am forever either being told off, or having to squeeze everything in with my clothes only to pull it back out again as soon as boarding staff are out of sight.

Level8 has the perfect bag to overcome this issue: The Level8 Road Runner 20” Cabin bag! THIS is the bag that has made me fall in love with Level8. Not only does it have the same amazing wheels and features that I have already shared above, but it also has a quick-access sleeve that can hold a 17″ laptop and a 10.9″ tablet.

The “business compartment”, as I like to call it, also has two additional smaller pockets to keep stationary, business cards and phone chargers neatly stored. This bag has been a complete game-changer, and I cannot recommend it highly enough!

If you travel with a laptop, this is the bag for you! And best of all, I have a discount code for you to use! Use the code FIVEOFF to get 5% off your first purchase!

New In My Collection: Gibraltar Carry-On & Atlas Backpack

Since writing this review, I’ve added two more Level8 products to my travel arsenal: the Gibraltar Full Aluminum Carry-On (their most premium case yet) and the Atlas Laptop Backpack (designed especially for digital nomads like me). Both have now been tested in real-world conditions—crowded airports, dusty roads, and long-haul flights included.

Here’s what I thought…

Level8 Gibraltar Full Aluminum Carry-On: For When You Want Your Luggage to Feel Like a Tank (a Sexy One)

If the Road Runner made me fall in love with Level8, then the Gibraltar made me feel like I was travelling with the Rolls Royce of suitcases. This is their top-of-the-range, full aluminum carry-on, and let me tell you, it looks the part. Sleek, shiny, and turning heads in the airport security queue (I literally had someone ask if it was Rimowa), this case is pure luxury with a functional core.

But it’s not just about looks. The build is rock solid. I’ve put this through overhead bin wrestling matches, a cross-continent trip, and even used it as a makeshift seat while queuing for immigration in Senegal. It hasn’t got a scratch. It has all the brilliant features I’ve come to expect from Level8, those ultra-smooth wheels, a silent telescopic handle, and internal dividers that actually make sense.

That said, it is heavier than their polycarbonate models, aluminum will do that, but I didn’t mind the trade-off for how durable and secure it feels. It also comes with dual TSA locks, which somehow makes me feel like James Bond, even though I’m mostly carrying socks and a half-melted cereal bar.

If you want something that screams I’m a grown-up and I take my travel gear seriously, this is it.

Check out the Gibraltar Carry-On here.

Level8 Atlas Laptop Backpack: The Bag That Finally Replaced My Handbag

I’ll admit I wasn’t expecting to fall in love with a backpack. Backpacks are practical, sure, but they don’t usually excite me. This one? Game changer. The Level8 Atlas Backpack has completely streamlined my airport experience, my laptop has never felt safer, and for the first time in years, I’ve ditched the handbag.

What makes this different? First off, the structure. It holds its shape beautifully without being bulky. It fits a 16” MacBook perfectly (and snugly), has a USB charging port, clever interior compartments, and a dedicated tech section that makes it ridiculously easy to access your laptop at security without creating a gear explosion on the belt.

It’s water-resistant, stylish enough for meetings, and surprisingly comfortable even after hours of airport delays and wandering cobbled city streets looking for decent WiFi. And if you travel with a suitcase (like, say, the Gibraltar…), it has a luggage strap that slides right over the handle. Effortless.

If you work on the go, are always plugged in, or just want something that’s both beautiful and practical, the Atlas is 100% worth it.

Check out the Atlas Laptop Backpack here

Level8 Carry-On Luggage Airline Approved?

Short answer: sometimes, but not always.

Level8 cabin luggage generally meets the requirements for full-service airlines like British Airways or Lufthansa. However, many budget airlines (such as Ryanair) have stricter depth allowances, which means some Level8 carry-ons may exceed their limits.

👉 If you regularly fly low-cost airlines, double-check dimensions before travelling, or be prepared to pay extra.

Where Is Level 8 Luggage Made?

Level8 is a New York-based company, but their luggage is manufactured in China using high-quality materials such as German Makrolon® polycarbonate.

What matters more than location, though, is quality control, and this is where Level8 performs well. The cases feel solid, the components are durable, and the lifetime warranty adds an extra layer of peace of mind.

What I Think After Long-Term Use

Most luggage reviews are written after one trip.

This one isn’t.

By now, my Level8 luggage has been dragged across cobbled streets, thrown into safari trucks, shoved into overhead lockers, and tested in rain, dust, and general travel chaos. And that’s when you find out if a suitcase is actually good, or just good in theory.

Because the truth is, most luggage is fine when it’s new. What matters is what happens after a few months. Or in my case, 3 years!

Here’s what I’ve noticed:

The wheels are still incredibly smooth. Not “fine”… properly smooth. The kind where you stop thinking about your luggage entirely.

The structure still feels solid. No warping, no weak points, no sense that it’s about to give up on you. These shell cases are built to take a hit.

The handle hasn’t loosened. If you’ve ever had a wobbly suitcase handle, you’ll know how big that is.

The exterior does pick up marks, but all hard shell cases do. Most wipe off, and the rest just look like a bag that’s actually travelled.

But more than anything, it’s the peace of mind.

I don’t worry about this suitcase. I don’t baby it. It just does its job.

And honestly, that’s what makes Level8 luggage worth it.

Is Level8 Luggage Good?

Since this review first went live, it’s helped plenty of travellers choose better luggage, and many have messaged me to say they’ve ended up loving their Level8 cases too.

So, is Level8 luggage good? Yes, I genuinely think it is.

More importantly, I think Level8 luggage is worth it if you travel often enough to appreciate the difference between a suitcase that merely exists and one that actually makes life easier. The wheels are brilliant, the cases feel solid, the design is thoughtful, and the range now covers everything from business travel to longer trips and digital nomad life.

It isn’t the cheapest luggage on the market, and it isn’t perfect for every airline scenario, but after years of use, I trust it. And in travel, that counts for a lot.

If you want luggage that looks smart, performs well, and gives you a bit more peace of mind every time you hand it over at check-in, Level8 is a very solid choice.

Explore the full Level8 Luggage range here. And if you are not ready to pay in full, don’t worry. With Level8’s buy now, pay later option, you can split the cost and start travelling smarter today.