If you are a frequent traveler and often jet around the world on business trips, you definitely need a top quality carry-on suitcase and I have recently come across one that may be just perfect for you: the Level8 Pro Carry-On. I have recently used it on a number of business trips and weekend getaways and truly liked it.
If you have never heard of Level8 before, let me reassure you that they are a great company! They specialize in hard-shell suitcases that come in a variety of sized; they are US-based and have warehouses in the US and in Europe, so whether you live in North America or in the Old Continent, you will be delivered your brand new suitcase from the nearest warehouse and typically free of charge.
In this post, I will share a complete Level 8 Luggage Review, with the main pros and the (very few) cons, so that you know exactly what to expect in case you decide to purchase a Level8 Pro Carry-On.
Are you already a fan of Level 8? Get your hard shell suitcase here! Use my special discount code myadventures10 to get 10% off any purchase.
Should You Pick A Hard Shell Carry-On?
Let me start by saying that I always recommend traveling light, and packing even lighter. I have been on 3-weeks trip where I traveled carry-on only, and never felt I needed more things than those I had carried (in fact, I probably needed less!).
Traveling carry-on only means you can skip the line at the check-in desk and you don’t have to wait for your luggage to arrive – not to mention, you don’t risk losing it altogether and have to go through the hassle of locating it and collecting it later, with multiple delays and annoyances that would have a bad effect on your trip.
Make sure to read my post How To Pack Light.
With this in mind, should you opt for a hard-shell luggage? This is more of a personal choice, but it definitely has its benefits. First of all, if you are carrying things that may break easily – ie a traditional ceramic dish you bought as a souvenir in Sardinia – a hard shell suitcase (even better if it’s a carry-on one) will help protecting it.
Hard shell luggage is easy to wipe clean and it’s water resistant, so if for some reason your bags end up stranded in an airport and left outside, you won’t have to wash and dry all your clothes once you get your suitcase back (yet, is happens, and it has happened to me a couple of times!).
With all this in mind, what Level 8 luggage should you opt for? Continue reading for my personal recommendations.
Get your Level 8 hard shell suitcase here! Remember to use my special discount code myadventures10 to get 10% off any purchase.
Level8 Pro Carry-On With Laptop Pocket 20″ Review
I have been using the Pro Carry-On for some time now and my experience has overall been very good. Here are a few things to keep in mind if you are considering this carry-on suitcase.
Quick facts
Here are all the basic facts about Level 8 Pro Carry-On suitcase.
• Capacity: 35 L
• Weight: 9.3 lbs (4.2 kg)
• Dimensions: 21.6” (54.86 cm) H x 14.5” (36.3 cm) L x 9.3” (23.6 cm) W
• Available colors: Black, grey and navy
If you check the dimensions of the Level 8 Pro Carry-On, you will soon realize that it complies with the size requirements for cabin baggage of many airlines. I still suggest you double check with the airline you are flying with, just to make sure.
Let’s check some of its features in more detail now.
Get your Level 8 hard shell suitcase here! Make sure to use my special discount code myadventures10 to get 10% off any purchase.
Main features
Anti-scratch and waterproof shell
The Level8 Pro Carry-On has an anti-scratch and waterproof shell, which means it won’t get ruined just after one trip. No matter how bad you treat it, your suitcase won’t appear old and ruined after a few trips.
Compartments
If you are an organization-geek, you will love this! This carry-on suitcase has several compartments. There is a super-useful front pocket for your laptop with a sturdy strap and a couple more pockets. If you aren’t carrying your laptop with you, you can use it to store other useful things – wallet, documents, power-bank etc. There even is a built-in USB port that allows you to quickly connect your phone or iPad to your power bank in case you need to charge it – so you don’t have to fiddle with cables anymore!
Internally, the Level8 Pro Carry-On is lines with grey-color fabric and divided into two main compartments. On one side, there is a compression trap to secure all your stuff; the other side is secured by a cover that you can zip all the way around and that is separated in two large pockets.
Get your Level 8 hard shell suitcase here! Remember to use my special discount code myadventures10 to get 10% off any purchase.
TSA-approved lock
There’s a locking system for extra safety, too – you will find the instructions attached to the handle once you get the suitcase delivered. With that, you can lock both the main compartment and the laptop pocket.
Handle
The handle has multiple heights so no matter how tall (or short) you are, you can find a comfortable measure to walk around with it.
Spinner wheels
One thing you will really appreciate are the spinner wheels that are multi-directionals, which make moving around with it super easy.
Dust bag
The suitcase will be delivered at your address in a large box, and wrapped in a dust bag which is actually very useful for when you need to store it.
Get your Level 8 hard shell suitcase here! Remember to use my special discount code myadventures10 to get 10% off any purchase.
Level8 Pro Carry-on performance
I tested my Level8 Pro Carry-On with Laptop Pocket 20″ during a couple of recent trips.
First of all, I used it during a road trip in Sardinia, where I live, and found it super easy to pack (I also used Level 8 packing cubes and that helped even further) and it carried just the right amount of stuff I needed for the trip. I could easily fit it in the trunk of my car too. I particularly appreciated that thanks to the compression trap things didn’t move around inside and my clothes didn’t get creased!
I then tested my Level8 Pro Carry-On on a flight and it made my trip a real breeze – when it could have been a nightmare! For this particular trip, I was traveling with a dog that I was volunteered to take to his forever home. I really needed my hands free and as little weight on my back / shoulders as possible so that I could carry the dog carrier easily and having a top quality rolling suitcase made everything much easier.
You can get your Level 8 Packing Cubes here.
Get your Level 8 hard shell suitcase here!
Pros and cons of using the Level8 Pro Carry-On with Laptop Pocket 20″
Pros
- Spacious for being a carry-on suitcase – it can easily fit 5 or 6 days worth of clothes in it.
- Easy to maneuver.
- Practical – the laptop pocket makes it easy to access documents.
- Protects your valuables – the TSA lock keeps your valuable safe.
- Stylish.
- Easy to clean.
Cons
- Heavy – this is especially relevant with carry-on baggage allowances.
- Does not expand – if you fill it up, you won’t be able to squeeze in any shopping.
- Few color options.
- Too big to travel carry-on on some airlines.
Get your Level 8 hard shell suitcase here! Remember to use my special discount code myadventures10 to get 10% off any purchase.
Costs
Level8 Pro Carry-On with Laptop Pocket 20″ is sold at $209.99 on the official website and on Amazon.
Get your Level 8 hard shell suitcase here!
Level8 Luggage Warranty
Your Pro Carry-On 20” comes with a lifetime warranty meant to cover any manufacturing defects. This means that you can’t appeal to the warranty for repairs that are needed because of carrier damage, misuse or for the simple tearing that may be caused by use.
Final Considerations
With all that has been said in mind, should you buy a Level8 Pro Carry-On with Laptop Pocket 20″?
Absolutely! This carry-on suitcase has quickly become one of my favorite travel accessories and I definitely recommend it. And if you are going on a longer trip, you should consider the 26″ Voyager Check-In – I have it in yellow! Make sure to check out the website of Level8 for more options.
Legal Disclaimer: The Level8 Pro Carry-On was donated to me by Level8 and I wish to thank them for that. Needless to say, the opinions expressed in this post remain my own.
Further Readings
Packing for a trip? These posts may be useful: