This is a transparent review of LEVEL8 luggage, more specifically the LEVEL8 Voyageur 26” Checked Luggage, including how it held up on two back-to-back trips, what sets it apart from other suitcases, and whether it’s really worth the investment.
There comes a time in every traveler’s life when that old suitcase you once “borrowed” from your mom just doesn’t cut it anymore. Or maybe, like me, you just realize that if you’re going to be hauling a suitcase halfway across the world, it should be something you actually love.
That’s what led me to LEVEL8.
I’d seen the brand floating around online—clean lines, modern colors, and the kind of sleek, structured design that instantly appeals to anyone who values both aesthetics and practicality. But what really sold me was the brand’s promise: luggage made for people who travel not just for pleasure, but for growth. For the moments that shake you up. For the stories you bring home.
In this review, I’m sharing my honest experience with the LEVEL8 Voyageur 26” Checked Luggage, which I recently tried out firsthand on a trip from Orlando to NYC, and soon after, a transcontinental trip from NYC to Rio de Janeiro.
The story behind the LEVEL8 luggage brand
LEVEL8 luggages were made for people who are always on the move—not just for those who travel for leisure, but for those who travel with intention. The ones who travel for connection, with the unlikely strangers who cross their paths and with themselves. It’s a brand created for those who crave the jolt of unfamiliarity that hits when you land in an airport where nothing on the signs makes sense and you can’t understand a single word. The ones who welcome the discomfort of foreign territory, knowing that’s where growth begins—especially when you’re doing it alone.
How does this philosophy translate into a luggage brand?
Simply put: reliability. Durability. Ease. When you arrive in a new place—tired, excited, maybe a little disoriented—the last thing you should worry about is whether your suitcase made it in one piece or if the wheels will survive one more cobblestone street.
With that in mind, LEVEL8 created a line of luggage that’s more than just a box to carry your things across oceans. It’s a trusted travel partner. A quiet confidant. The keeper of your most cherished belongings—the pieces of home that ground you while you wander far from it.
With the right luggage by your side, you can stay focused on being fully present, making the connections you came for, stress-free.
“At LEVEL8, we believe that travel should be about real moments and cultural connections. We want to provide a seamless experience, allowing travelers to focus on the destination rather than the obstacles of the journey,” says Steven Lin, CEO of LEVEL8.
And that’s exactly what it felt like to travel with my LEVEL8 luggage for the first time: seamless. In this LEVEL8 luggage review, I’ll walk you through the luggage’s performance on the road, its interior organization, and what makes it stand out. I’ll also talk about why I prefer a hard case vs. a soft case, and what I personally look for when buying a new piece of luggage.
Let’s dig in.
LEVEL8 Luggage Review: Which suitcases were tested?
For this LEVEL8 luggage review, I tested the Voyageur 26” Checked Luggage—a midsize suitcase that sits right in that sweet spot between too big and too small. I didn’t want anything oversized, but I also knew I needed more room than a carry-on could offer. It’s been years since I invested in a checked bag, but lately, my travel priorities have shifted.
I genuinely find joy in picking up thoughtful gifts for friends and family in far-off places like Japan and India, the kind of destinations that many may never visit. I also love bringing back pieces that make my new home feel more like me—handmade coffee mugs from a local market in Mexico City, a small Vietnamese print I wrapped in my sweaters for safekeeping, and a hand-painted Japanese sushi set I found in Kyoto. Even though I always prefer traveling with just a carry-on, these sweet souvenirs almost always push me over the limit.
That’s why the 26” Voyageur felt like the right choice. It’s compact enough to avoid overpacking but spacious enough to carry the memories I want to bring home. My next buy? The Voyageur carry-on (and if you want to go ahead and grab both, LEVEL8 offers a great deal on this two-piece set).
My first impressions of LEVEL8 luggage
The Voyageur 26” arrived cocooned in a soft white dust bag—the kind of protective wrap you’d expect for a designer handbag, not a suitcase. That alone made a statement. As I slid the bag off, I could already tell this wouldn’t be just another piece of luggage. The case was smooth, sleek, and instantly satisfying to the touch.
The Voyageur is hands down the most beautiful one I’ve ever owned. Its boxy shape gives it a minimalist, modern silhouette, but what really caught my eye was the two-toned blue finish. It’s subtle but striking—elegant without trying too hard. I actually laughed when I realized it matched the color scheme in my living room. To be honest, it’s still sitting in the corner like a piece of furniture. I haven’t had the heart to put it away.
One feature that surprised me? The wide handle design. I’d never seen a suitcase with a handle like that—it spans the full width of the case, rather than the traditional single-bar setup. I wasn’t sure what to think at first, but after just a few minutes of wheeling it around, I was sold. Not only does it feel more stable when rolling, but it also opens up more flat space inside the suitcase for packing. It’s a small design shift that actually makes a big difference.
From the jump, the Voyageur felt like more than a travel tool. It felt like something I wanted to take care of, and something that was going to take care of my things in return.
What to look for when buying luggage
Everyone travels differently, but over time, I’ve realized what really matters to me in a suitcase. It’s not just about the specs or the price tag; it’s about how well the luggage fits into the rhythm of my travel life.
Personally, brand recognition plays a big role. I want a brand that understands how I travel—and that usually means long-haul flights, sometimes spending weeks at a time away, and several modes of transportation (sometimes on the same day). I also value aesthetics. If the luggage I’m hauling around the world can make my jet-lagged, messy-haired travel self look just a bit more put-together, I’m all in.
But a good-looking suitcase isn’t enough. The interior matters even more than the exterior. I need a thoughtfully designed bag (organized, functional, and easy to pack). I don’t want to fight with compartments or feel like I’m playing Tetris with my clothes. My suitcase should help me pack smarter, not harder.
Of course, price is always part of the decision. I’m willing to invest in quality, but it needs to make sense for my travel needs and frequency.
Other things to consider:
- Durability: Will it survive being tossed, dragged, and rained on?
- Weight: Can I lift it up stairs or into an overhead bin without breaking a sweat?
- Wheels: Are they smooth and quiet, or squeaky and stiff?
- Warranty: Does the brand stand behind its product?
Ultimately, the best suitcase isn’t just one that gets you from point A to B—it makes the whole experience easier, lighter, and more enjoyable.
Why choose a hard case vs. a soft case
I switched to hard-case luggage years ago—and I haven’t looked back. If you’re carrying valuables, traveling long distances, or checking your bag often, the durability and structure of a hard case like this one are hard to beat. The LEVEL8 Voyageur just takes it a step further with its refined design and thoughtful details.
Here’s a quick breakdown of the pros and cons of choosing a hard-shell case:
Pros of a hard case
- Durable & protective: Better at shielding fragile items (like the beautiful statues I brought from India) and holding up to rough baggage handling
- Water-resistant: Less likely to absorb rain or spills during transit
- Secure: Often includes built-in locks and is harder to tamper with
- Stylish & sleek: Modern designs, structured shapes, and a polished look
- Easier to clean: Just wipe the surface, no fabric to stain or fray
Cons of a hard case
- No exterior pockets: No quick access to essentials like books or chargers
- Less flexible: Doesn’t expand or compress as easily for overpacking
- Can scratch: Despite being tough, scuffs may show over time (though the Voyageur’s micro-diamond finish hides it well)
My LEVEL8 luggage’s first journey: From Orlando to NYC to Rio de Janeiro
I didn’t waste any time putting my LEVEL8 Voyageur to the test. Just days after it arrived, I packed it up for a flight from Orlando to New York City—filled to the brim with a haul from the outlets. Packing it was a pleasure, which says a lot. The flat interior layout made everything feel organized and easy to access, and I genuinely enjoyed the process.
When I picked it up at baggage claim, it had a few scuff marks on the lighter blue panel—but nothing a rag and a little water with baking soda (my mom’s go-to stain remover) couldn’t fix. The light blue color is beautiful, but keep in mind: it does show marks more easily. That said, they wiped right off with some light effort.
A few days later, I repacked it—this time with even more stuff. I’m talking a mini dish rack, towels, a new sheet set, and some small kitchen and bathroom decor. It all fit. I checked it again for a longer journey: NYC to Rio de Janeiro, with a layover in São Paulo. Once again, it held up beautifully—just a few minor scuffs after two international flights, all easily cleaned off.
She’s now sitting proudly in the corner of my living room—and still looks great doing it.
LEVEL8 Luggage Review: The main features that set this bag apart
Let’s talk about what sets this suitcase apart from the rest—because the Voyageur isn’t just pretty, it’s packed with innovative features that make a real difference on the road.
1. The Wide Handle Design
This might be the most underrated feature of them all. Instead of a traditional center-mounted handle, the Voyageur’s telescopic handle stretches across the entire width of the suitcase. This not only adds stability while rolling, but it also completely changes the interior layout. There’s no bulky handle track eating into my packing space—just a flat, open surface that makes it easier to stack and organize my stuff. It’s the kind of design tweak you didn’t know you needed until you experienced it.
2. German-Made Polycarbonate Shell
The hard shell is made from lightweight, ultra-durable Makrolon® polycarbonate. What does that mean? It can take a beating without showing it. It’s scratch-resistant, slightly flexible (so it won’t crack), and feels strong enough to handle the chaos of international baggage handling. Plus, the micro-diamond texture adds an air of sophistication.
3. 360° Spinner Wheels
Quiet and super-smooth wheels that glide like a dream—even when the case is fully packed. I wheeled it through airports, uneven NYC sidewalks, and lugged it in and out of cabs with no wobble or resistance.
4. TSA-Approved Lock
I never remember to bring my own lock, so this built-in combination lock gave me peace of mind at check-in.
5. Interior compression system & organization
Inside, you’ll find two roomy compartments, a compression strap system to keep things secure, and a dry-wet separation pocket. It’s designed to make packing (and unpacking) simple, clean, and satisfying.
Just note: LEVEL8 ships two versions of the interior so organization details may vary slightly.
6. Lightweight yet spacious
At just under 12 pounds, the 26” model offers 93 liters of space—more than enough room for a long trip or a chronic over-packer. And thanks to its shape, you can use every inch without playing luggage Tetris.
There’s a LEVEL8 option for every occasion
LEVEL8 designs with versatility in mind, and there really is a suitcase for every type of traveler. Here’s how I’d break it down based on the kind of trip you’re planning:
For Short-Haul or Weekend Trips: Voyageur Carry-On or Gibraltar Carry-On
Compact, lightweight, and designed to fit in overhead bins. The Road Runner has a front laptop compartment for easy airport access, while the Gibraltar brings that sleek, minimalist style LEVEL8 is known for.
For Long-Haul Adventures: Voyageur 26” or 28” Checked Luggage
Spacious interiors, smart organization, and that ultra-durable Makrolon® polycarbonate shell make these perfect for longer journeys. The 26” gives you all the room you need without going overboard.
For Business Travel: Road Runner Pro Carry-On with Laptop Compartment
Designed with professionals in mind, this carry-on includes a front-facing padded laptop sleeve, interior compartments for clothes, and an elegant, clean design that fits right in at any conference or meeting.
So, Is LEVEL8 Luggage Worth It?
If you value a mix of form, function, and durability, then yes—LEVEL8 is absolutely worth it. The Voyageur 26” Checked Luggage felt like an upgrade in every sense: easy to pack, smooth to maneuver, and beautiful to look at. I’ve already taken it across the U.S. and on an international flight to Brazil, and it held up wonderfully.
At just under $300, my checked bag is not the cheapest luggage on the market, but that’s not what LEVEL8 is trying to be. It’s for travelers who want something dependable, sleek, and thoughtfully designed. Something that feels good to use, that protects the things you care about, and that you can trust to show up in one piece, trip after trip.
If you travel often, check your bag regularly, or simply want to invest in a piece that will last, LEVEL8 delivers.
LEVEL8 Luggage FAQs
Let’s conclude this luggage review with frequently asked questions about LEVEL8.
Is LEVEL8 luggage durable?
Yes. LEVEL8 luggage—especially the Voyageur series—is made from German Makrolon® polycarbonate, a lightweight yet highly durable material that resists cracks and scratches. It’s built to handle long-haul travel and rough baggage handling.
Is LEVEL8 considered a luxury brand?
LEVEL8 positions itself in the premium category, focusing on sleek design, smart features, and high-quality materials. It’s not luxury in the designer sense, but it offers a luxury experience without the steep price tag.
Does LEVEL8 luggage come with a warranty?
Yes. LEVEL8 offers a limited lifetime warranty on most of its luggage products, covering manufacturing defects in materials and quality.
Where can I buy LEVEL8 luggage?
You can purchase directly from the LEVEL8 website or through authorized retailers like Amazon.
Is LEVEL8 carry-on luggage TSA-approved?
Yes. Their carry-on models meet TSA and most airline size requirements, and they feature TSA-approved locks for smooth security checks.
How do you clean LEVEL8 luggage?
For scuff marks or dirt, a soft rag with warm water—and a little baking soda if needed—does the trick. Avoid abrasive cleaners that might damage the shell’s finish.
Is LEVEL8 luggage good for international travel?
Absolutely. With sturdy wheels, TSA locks, ample space, and a resilient hard shell, it’s an excellent option for frequent flyers and long-distance travelers.
Where can I buy LEVEL8 luggage?
You can purchase LEVEL8 products directly from their official website, where they often offer bundles and promotions. They’re also available on Amazon and select authorized retailers online.
LEVEL8 vs. Samsonite: How do they compare?
Samsonite is one of the most recognized luggage brands globally, known for its wide range of styles and price points. LEVEL8, on the other hand, focuses more on minimalist, modern design with premium materials and innovative features, like the wide handle design.
- Design: LEVEL8 has a sleeker, more modern look. Samsonite offers more variety.
- Functionality: LEVEL8’s wide handle and interior layout give it an edge for organized packers.
- Durability: Both are strong contenders, though LEVEL8’s use of Makrolon® polycarbonate is a highlight.
- Price: LEVEL8 falls in the mid-to-premium range, while Samsonite has options from budget to high-end.
If you prioritize style, innovative design, and a more curated collection, LEVEL8 is a great alternative to big-name brands like Samsonite.
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