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LEVEL8 swooped in recently at the exact right moment in life.
I had just wrapped up a brutal travel season with a battered 2-year-old suitcase whose handle never worked anymore and whose zipper broke twice (after being repaired).
It was time for a new suitcase.
I am now the proud owner of the Voyageur Set and a set of packing cubes (which I requested specifically) and ready to test them in various conditions.
So if you’re wondering whether LEVEL8 luggage is worth it, especially if you make a lot of multi-week trips abroad like I do, this review will cover everything I know so far.
🥳 QUICK VERDICT ON LEVEL8
Even though I haven’t had a chance to thoroughly test every aspect, here’s my overview of what makes Level8 stand out.
- Butter-smooth wheels that feel noticeably different
- Smart separation of compartments (can fit a lot without feeling cramped)
- Sturdy shell cases that also look good
- Lifetime warranty
- Good options on colors and aesthetics to fit every need
Disclosure: LEVEL8 gifted me this suitcase to review and publish about as I see fit. As always, all opinions are my own, and I only recommend products I’d genuinely use myself.
My Luggage Needs
Everyone appreciates different products, because they travel differently.
As a backstory to my travel needs for those not aware, I make half a dozen business travel trips a year, for 2+ weeks at a time as a tour leader.
That, of course, doesn’t include the trips I take for myself, or the month-long places I travel to.
Overall, I have lived out of a suitcase since I was a kid, so I’ve also changed various suitcases in the past 25+ years that I remember.
I’ve never been a carry-on-only type of traveler, mostly because I travel for long periods, but also because I enjoy having suitcases that can take a beating.
Level8 was not a company I was aware of, but imagine my surprise when I saw they are considered both a super stylish and also durable option for long-term travelers like me. I had to try this!
I opted for the LEVEL8 Voyageur 2-Piece Set in the color Celadon.
It comes in three options for the checked luggage:
- 26”
- 28”
- and 30”
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Delivery
Even though I’ve shopped for suitcases before, I always went in store to check them out first.
Living in Europe on a small Greek island, though, that could not be the case here. So I had to trust that their delivery times are indeed as fast as they say, and was super surprised when the delivery man brought in two beautiful big boxes.
In terms of delivery timelines, Level8 has a 3-7 business day timeline for most locations.
They also do free shipping across the US, Canada and Europe.
Since I live in a small town in the middle of nowhere in Greece, I thought the 10 days was still super fast, since it took the longest to get them from the depot to my house, rather than the original sending.
First Impressions and Unboxing
My first impression upon opening the fabric covers that protect your bags in storage, and seeing them in person, is that they feel classier and more premium than the price point.
I was also struck by the design, which is noticeably different — especially the wide handle. As soon as you start moving it, you notice how easy it is to maneuver.
What Are the Standout Features?
A lot of luggage looks pretty, but LEVEL8 has some standout features that make people choose them again and again.
The Wheels
As I excitedly pushed the two bags into the living room, my partner came over to check out the new toys. While I focus on design, his engineer brain was more focused on the mechanism.
He prodded at the wide handle and was curious to test it. “Let’s push it towards each other,” I said excitedly.
Pheeewssh, it went across the room. Without much noise or jiggling or changing course. Well, that is really cool, I thought.
In terms of how or why, the specs shared by the company describe the wheels as:
- 360° quiet spinner wheels
- Made from polyurethane rubber with bi-metal bearings
- Squared edges for functionality
- Able to be repaired through internal zipper access
Even though the specs alone don’t tell me much, the experience of using them supports the claim. They are noticeably quieter, smoother and easier to pull, even when the bag is fully packed.
The Shell Case
LEVEL8 has a double polycarbonate shell, with a fortified YKK puncture-resistant zipper and German-made Makrolon polycarbonate construction that keeps it light yet durable.
The other advantage of the German Makrolon® polycarbonate exterior is that it is water-resistant and can keep out rain.
However, the zippers and seams are not fully waterproof when submerged.
This means that rain and water spills will be fine; prolonged rain or sitting under a heavy rainstorm will not work.
I put this to the test using two methods.
- First, I lined the inside of the suitcase with paper towels, which make it easy to spot even the smallest amount of moisture. I then used the mist setting on my garden hose to simulate a couple of minutes of light rain. The luggage was horizontal to the ground similar to how you might have during transport and handling in airports. For this the paper towels stayed completely dry.
- Next, I repeated the test with the bag vertical, directing the water at the shell, zipper, and corners at the top. This was to simulate how it might get wet during a trip walking through the rain. Again, the interior and papers remained dry. I only noticed one tiny drops near the area on the interior. However, since the zipper compartments were also closed, I think they prevent some of the water from coming in.
For my type of travel, this level of water resistance is more than enough. Many of my trips take me to places like Scandinavia and Iceland, where sudden rain showers are common and you often have to walk with your luggage between airports, train stations, bus stops, and hotels. While it won’t survive being submerged, it will hold up just fine and keep clothes and electronics safe.
The mist on this hose is quite intense, so I kept the hose on the zipper from this distance for a good 30 seconds.
Organization Compartments
As a frequent traveler, I can pack everything for a month-long trip within half an hour. With so many work trips during the year, I know the exact amount of things I need and how to pack them, based on my previous bag.
So I put my Level8 Voyageur to the test, to see how the two-compartment layout helps.
The first thing I noticed is how deep and spacious the interior was. Due to the placement of the handle, the interior is noticeably bigger.
You basically have a flat surface without the two sticks poking through.
As you can see in the photos below, one side is deeper and has the shell lining with two pocket compartments, while the other is for non-clothing items and has a mesh compartment to also keep everything secure and dry.
As you can see, the three packing cubes are packed full and there is still a lot of space.
The other thing that is hard to explain is the overall dimensions or proportions of the luggage. From the outside, the shell feels narrower and taller, yet on the inside there is a lot of depth within the compartments that lets it pack a lot of things.
Other Features I Like
- The height being adjustable: One of my biggest issues as a tall girl (6ft or 180cm) is handles that are not tall enough. The Voyageur Set has adjustable telescopic handles that allow me to push it without having to bend half my body into a weird position. A small note on that is the set up while pushing the bag. It is much easier to push the bag straight (without tilting) and I don’t have to extend my arm as much). The small con is that with the handle being so much wider, I can’t slide in a bag on top of it (like my backpack). This is not a huge issue though because the flat surface is much wider so you can fit the bag on top of it, without it falling off.
- TSA locks: Even though I’m not traveling through the US a lot, it still adds some peace of mind that I can lock my belongings and deter people from rummaging through them, especially when staying in hotels or hostels that are not 100% secure. There is a super simple 1-page instruction manual for the locks specifically when you first get your bag, that lists the default code and where to click to open them. It took me about 30 seconds to figure it out, and I was also able to Google instructions (in case you lose your instruction manual).
- Stacking: You can stack the two bags inside each other, to save space when storing.
- Rubber rests: Another small feature that gets overlooked is the small rubber rests at the back of the bag. These are great when you open the bag so the exterior does not touch the floor directly and get scuffed or damaged. It also helps with wear and tear when sliding in and out of buses, taxis and trolleys.
Sustainability and Durability
Two words that come up frequently when discussing LEVEL8 are sustainability and durability.
According to the company, its suitcases are tested for 276,000 wheel rotations and 12,000 handle pulls.
What does that mean in practice? Based on a wheel diameter of roughly 7–7.5 cm, 276,000 rotations would equal approximately 38–40 miles (61–64 km) of continuous rolling.
For a frequent traveler completing around 10 trips per year and pulling their suitcase for approximately one mile during each trip, that works out to roughly four years of heavy use. Someone who travels less frequently or relies mainly on taxis and airport transfers could take considerably longer to reach the same distance.
The handle test is even more reassuring. If you extend or retract the handle around 15–20 times during each trip—between airport security, boarding, taxis, trains and hotels—12,000 pulls would equal approximately 600–800 trips.
These figures do not mean the wheels or handle will suddenly fail once those numbers are reached. They represent the conditions the suitcase was tested under, while real-world wear will also depend on cobblestones, curbs, baggage handling, overpacking and general care.
In theory, the shell and handle could last for many years. As a heavier user, however, I could realistically approach the wheel-testing distance within four or five years, which is why I’ll continue updating this review as I use the suitcase on more trips.
The Perfect Packing Cube System:
LEVEL8 Packing Cube Travel Set (6-Pack)
I bought my first set of packing cubes more than 15 years ago, when I was constantly backpacking or traveling with family. So when I saw the LEVEL8 packing cube set that is specifically designed for their sets, I knew I wanted to try them as well.
They come in a set of 6 that contains:
- 1 x small
- 2 x medium
- 1 x large
- 2 x extra large
From a design perspective, they are minimally branded, and unisex in color and feel. They suit everyone from backpackers to business-minded travelers, which I thought was well thought out.
When you unpack the packing cubes, you instantly realize how compact and compressed everything fits into each other.
All of them also feature expansion zippers, so you can keep the zippers closed if you need less space.
The finish and feel of the cubes is also really good — soft and velvety on the interior, with an almost satin-like quality on the exterior. I thought I’d test how the material handles liquid spills, so I tested “accidentally dropping” some of my toiletries.
The shoe bag has a different material, and the zipper is placed in the middle for easy access. You can also wipe that bag down or wash it in lukewarm water in case it gets dirty.
For my packing test, I added all the items I usually use for a mid season trip (no jumpers or heavy coats).
I used three packing cubes for clothes and underwear, and had three more leftover. As you can see there is also lots of space left for heavier or bulkier items.
My other comment is the smell. A lot of packing cubes I’ve bought in the past carry a plastic-y smell and feel that takes a while to wear off. These had no chemical smells.
Is LEVEL8 worth the price?
Before answering that, I want to be transparent that the Voyageur Set was gifted to me. However, I’ve purchased plenty of my own luggage over the years, from more affordable suitcase sets to travel bags costing over $250.
The Voyageur Set sits firmly in the premium category. For me, the durability, aesthetics and overall attention to detail are what make it worth considering. I would rather spend more once than repeatedly replace luggage, especially after spending the last six months dealing with broken zippers and handles during trips.
LEVEL8 also offers several collections at different price points, so you can choose something that suits your budget and style. This is my first experience with the company, and I hope I get the chance to test more of its luggage in the future.
👉Use code BACHELOR15 at checkout for 15% off your LEVEL8 order.
Awards & Recognition
The LEVEL8 Voyageur collection received the 2024 Red Dot Design Award in the Luggage & Bags category, recognizing its product design.
As a brand, LEVEL8 has earned 18 international design awards over the past eight years, including recognition from the Red Dot Design Award, iF Design Award, and International Design Excellence Awards (IDEA) across several of its luggage collections.
In addition, LEVEL8’s S-TEK wheels first received independent SGS “Silent Wheels” certification in 2024, before earning the certification again in June 2026. After using the Voyageur myself, I can see why—the wheels are among the smoothest I’ve used on a suitcase.
Voyageur Set — Size & Weight
| Size | Dimensions (H×W×D) | Weight | Capacity |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20” Carry-On | 21.3” × 15.1” × 9.8” | 8.1 lbs | 43 L |
| 26” Checked | 27.3” × 16.6” × 13.3” | 11.8 lbs | 93 L |
| 28” Checked | 29.1” × 16.6” × 13.3” | 12.4 lbs | 99 L |
| 30” Checked | 32.1” × 16.7” × 13.3” | 13.9 lbs | 105 L |
Pros & Cons So Far
Pros
- Durable Makrolon® polycarbonate shell that feels premium and well-built.
- Excellent wheel performance on smooth surfaces.
- Wide telescopic handle is comfortable to pull and feels very stable.
- Spacious, well-designed interior with practical organization.
- Water-resistant shell and quality YKK zippers.
- Clean, minimalist design that looks premium.
Cons
- The wide handle doesn’t leave space to slide another bag over it, so if you normally stack a backpack or personal item using a luggage sleeve, that’s something to keep in mind.
- Slightly heavier than some ultralight suitcases. The extra weight comes from the sturdy construction, but if you’re trying to maximize every kilogram on airlines with strict baggage limits, it’s worth considering.
- Premium price compared with budget luggage brands.
Final Thoughts
So far, the LEVEL8 Voyageur Set has made a great first impression. The smooth wheels, spacious interior and thoughtful design make it feel like a suitcase built for people who travel often, not just occasionally.
I’ll continue updating this review as I take it on more trips, but based on everything I’ve tested so far, I’d happily recommend it to frequent travelers looking for premium luggage that is built to last.
👉 View the LEVEL8 Voyageur Set here.
👉 Use code BACHELOR15 at checkout for 15% off your LEVEL8 order and save up to $60
