As someone who works in travel, I’ve been to over 90 countries, meaning my cases are put through their paces on the road. I’ve tested out a number of luggage brands, from the cheap to the expensive and I’ve regularly come back from trips with cases barely held together with tape and cling wrap.
It has taken me a long time and a lot of testing to find a brand that I’m really happy with and I wanted to share some of my observations in a Level8 suitcase review – with information about some of their innovations and how the products stand up to very thorough use.
I’ve been a fan of Level8 for years now and if you’ve been researching premium luggage options yourself, chances are you’ll have come across them on social media. Known for their sleek design, durability, and clever features, Level8 has become a favourite among modern travellers.
In this Level8 luggage review, we’ll focus specifically on two standouts from the Level8 Voyageur series that I’ve been using.
Level8 Luggage Review – The background
Founded in New York City, Level8 is a luggage company that has been around since 2008. They actually seem to listen to their customers and create products that solve problems for frequent travellers and are stylish but actually durable.
In this Level8 suitcase review I’m going to take you through some of the stand out features and design aspects and see how helpful they were after thorough use.
Level8 Voyageur Review: Key Features
Dry-Wet Separation Pocket
One of the features travellers rave about in every Level8 Voyageur review is the dry-wet separation pocket. This is honestly the first luggage brand I’ve seen that has this feature!
We’ve all been there…you’ve just had your final day at the beach or indeed a workout session, and you need to pack a damp swimsuit or sweaty gear into your case. Instead of risking leaks and smells onto your clean clothes, you can safely stash them in this special wet zip lock compartment!
This feature exists in all sizes of the Level8 Voyageur luggage, and whilst the wet pocket isn’t huge, I’ve been able to use it for a few pieces of dirty laundry, as well as wet swimwear and it’s also helpful for things like a toothbrush when it’s still wet or a shampoo bottle that looks like it might explode.
It’s easy to wipe down to clean too with a damp cloth or wet wipe – honestly now I’ve had a case with a wet compartment I couldn’t go back! Of course if this feature isn’t useful for you, then you can just use it as an extra case divider.
Hard shell
Level8 suitcases are made with hard shells, and both the Voyageur Check-In 28” and Voyageur Carry-On 20” are made with German Makrolon® polycarbonate – a term that for us laymen might not mean much – but it’s essentially a material prized for being strong yet incredibly lightweight. In simple terms: you get a suitcase that can withstand rough handling by airlines without weighing you down. Having a lightweight suitcase is so important as you don’t want waste precious kg of packing space on the case itself!
I’ve been so impressed with how light the cases are, especially the larger 28″ case, as it’s truly huge. It has a deep trunk like shape which gives so much space, but isn’t clunky to carry around.
Extra wide handle
Unlike the thin, wobbly handles you find on standard luggage, Level8 designed the Voyageur with a wide telescopic handle. When I’ve been using the Level8 Voyageur cases, this is the thing that is commented on most often as it’s such an unusual feature. It extends high enough that I (at 5’10” / 178cm) don’t have to remotely bend over to use it. I’d say it would be comfortable for someone well over 6 foot too.
Why does the wide handle make a difference? Firstly, it’s very comfortable to use – this makes a world of difference when pulling the suitcase through long terminals. The wide grip distributes weight more evenly, reducing wrist strain.
Secondly it’s just sturdier. I’ve had cases where the handle has simply snapped when someone has tried to lift the case using the handle, but this one is definitely staying put.
Third – it actually gives you more space within the case itself. When the handle is down the middle then that eats into the room inside, whereas with the wide handle the extending poles are on the edge meaning you don’t have an inconvenient bump in the middle.
360° Quiet Spinner Wheels
Smooth wheels might not sound exciting until you’ve dragged a noisy suitcase across a crowded airport at 5am. The 360° quiet spinner wheels on the Level8 Voyageur range glide really quietly and possibly more importantly, smoothly across most surfaces.
I’ve often rushed through airports with the cases, whilst trying to get my phone out of my pocket or find a ticket, and I’ve let go of the case whilst it’s moving. The 360° design of the wheels have meant that the case has continued alongside me! I’m not suggesting you should do that all the time, but it does show how easy the cases are to manoeuvre.
The design means that you can either use the case on all four wheels, or alternatively it’s very easy to tip it onto two if you’re taking it uphill
Style and Aesthetics
Clearly style is a personal choice, but I actually love the look of the Level8 Voyager luggage. The trunk like design of black Voyageur Check-In 28” is really classic and doesn’t go out of style, yet it surprisingly still stands out enough in the luggage collection area. They have a range of colours including an out there black/yellow design and the newer edition dark olive Voyageur Level8 Carry-On 20′‘ provides a stylish and more low key alternative for those who want to stand out.
As many level8 voyageur review posts note, Level8 suitcases have seemingly mastered the art of combining minimalism with elegance – I genuinely haven’t come across such nice looking luggage.
The check in Level8 Voyageur range have a front handle too, as well as a side handle – meaning it’s easy to lift the suitcase from different angles. It’s also helpful luggage tags at the airport too.
Size & Space
The Voyageur Range comes in a number of different sizes. They have 28″ & 30″ for checked/hold luggage options. I’ve been using the 28″ which is absolutely enormous inside! The wide handle means you’ve got more space than other cases of similar sizes and also the super thin (but durable) shell casing means more room for clothes.
Inside, you’ve got the wet/dry compartments which I use for toiletries and underwear/socks respectively – this side has a fully zip-able top. On the other side of the case you’ve got a slightly deeper area with a mesh zip covering it. This side also has a divider, which you can choose to fold down if you don’t want it. That’s quite helpful for separating shoes etc from your clothes.
Meanwhile in the carry on size I’ve been using the Voyageur Carry-On 20′‘ which fits within every airline carry on size that I’ve flown with recently. The wheels rotate 360 degrees so they can fold within the shape of the case itself rather than sticking out. Equally the handles don’t protrude too much which can also cause problems. It has been plenty spacious for weekends away and it has even fit in the overhead racks on train journeys I’ve been taking.
Built in lock
Both the Carry On size and Checked luggage sizes in the Voyageur range have built in locks. They are TSA-approved locks for streamlined security checks and from a personal perspective – very easy to use. There’s a video here if you’re trying to work out how to change your Level8 luggage lock code.
Admittedly, I don’t actually use the carry on lock that often, but I use the checked luggage lock every time I fly and it’s so handy! I’ve previously had separate locks and it’s far too easy to lose the key, so having one inbuilt is such a time saver!
Who Should Buy the Level8 Voyageur Series?
- Business Travellers: Wide handle + quiet wheels make airport navigation easier
- Leisure Travellers: Dry-Wet pocket is perfect for swimwear, gym clothes, or unexpected spills.
- Frequent Flyers: Durable materials and easy lock bag
- Style-Conscious Travellers: Unique colours and timeless elegance
Final Verdict: Is Level8 Worth It?
For decades I had been getting a new case every year or so as they just couldn’t stand up to the amount of travelling I do. I realised that these cheaper brands are simply a false economy – you might be paying less initially but you’ll be paying it time and time again.
My Level8 luggage has withstood being thrown under buses, strapped on the top of cars and countless airlines whilst still looking stylish. The wet zip pocket has been invaluable for me on my trips, with the ease of just throwing some wet swimwear in there without worrying about it making the rest of my clothes wet. Equally, having built in locks is so helpful, gone are the days of worrying about losing the key for the lock!
I really can’t see myself using a different luggage brand in the future!
I hope this Level8 luggage suitcase review and level8 voyager review have given you some insight into whether these cases are worth your investment.
See the Level8 full range here.
