If you are about to go on a long trip (think 2 weeks or more), crossing several climates and needing to pack for each of them, you definitely need a top quality suitcase and I have recently come across one that may be just perfect for you: the Level8 Voyageur check-in.
I have recently used the Level8 Voyageur on 29 days trip to Chile and Argentina and found it easy to use and even easier to carry it – not to mention, incredibly stylish.
Level8 specializes in hard-shell suitcases that come in a variety of sizes; they are US-based and have warehouses in the US and in Europe, so whether you live in North America or in Europe, you will be delivered your brand new suitcase from the nearest warehouse and free of charge.
In this post, I will share a complete Level8 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 Voyageur suitcase.
Should You Pick A Hard-Shell Suitcase?
While I generally recommend packing light (and carry-on only for as much as it is feasible), there are occasions when this is simply not possible. This was the case for my latest trip to South America, during which I crossed several climates – from the high desert of Atacama to tropical Rapa Nui, cold Patagonia and even colder Tierra del Fuego.
Going through so many climates, I had to pack accordingly and carry a reasonable amount of gear that would serve me for my hikes, sightseeing, and the various activities I had planned. There was no way I could pack under 15 kg (that’s 33 pounds) for this trip, which meant that I would have to check in my luggage.
I could have probably used a large backpack to fit those 15 kg, but I didn’t think that carrying that much weight on my back would be a good idea (I had excruciating lower back pains last December, and didn’t want to repeat the experience).
So I oped for a hard-shell, rolling wheels suitcase.
However, not all suitcases are created equal – so I researched carefully for one that suited my needs. I specifically looked for a suitcase that has a waterproof shell, that is easy to organize, that has an easy-to-use lock, spinner wheels that make it easy to carry.
That’s how I landed on the Level8 Voyageur suitcase.
Obviously, opting for a hard-shell suitcase is more a matter of personal choice, but I think it 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 – a hard shell suitcase 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 (it happened to me plenty of times), you won’t have to wash and dry all your clothes once you get your suitcase back.
Now, let me tell you a bit more about the Level8 suitcases and specifically about the Level8 Voyageur.
What Is Level8?
Level8 is a New York-based company that was founded in 2008. They sell very minimalistic, sleek luggage that is perfect for all travelers.
They sell carry-on and hard-shell checked suitcases (as well as backpacks and packing cubes.
You can shop for Level8 luggage on their official website Level8Cases.com and on Amazon (though the selection of items on Amazon is smaller).
Delivery is within a few days of your order (I think mine arrived in 3!) – you will get your suitcase in a sturdy box, which means there’s no way it can get ruined before you even use it, and they also all come with a protective lightweight dust bag.
Each of their item has been reviewed multiple times and has a 4.5 stars review or higher (and there are thousand of reviews for every product).
Level8 Voyageur Suitcase
I have used the Level8 Voyageur suitcase during my latest trip to South America and my experience has overall been very good. Here are a few things to keep in mind if you are considering this suitcase.
Quick facts
Here are all the basic facts about Level8 Voyageur suitcase.
- Capacity: 99 L
- Weight: 12.4 lbs (5.6 kg)
- Dimensions: 29.1” (73.9 cm) H x 16.6” (42.1 cm) W x 13.3” (33.7 cm) D
- Material: German-made Makrolon® polycarbonate
- Available colors: Black, navy, darkolive, yellowblack, celadon.
This is a very big suitcase that is perfect for longer trips. It’s also great for a couple or for a small family – there are two separate compartments, so you can use one side each.
Let’s check some of its features in more detail now.
Main features
Anti-scratch and waterproof shell
The Level8 Voyageur 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.
Of course, you will need to wash it to make sure it maintains it polished look. All it takes is a surface detergent and a wet cloth.
Clamshell design and compartments
Level8 suitcases are a clamshell design like most hard-shell luggage. The zipper goes around the middle and the case opens up entirely, exposing the two sides.
This means you don’t have to dig to find your things at the bottom of the suitcase, and it’s easy to organize – but once opened the suitcase can take quite a bit of space in your hotel room.
On the other hand, if you are an organization-geek, you will love this suitcase! Like all other Level8 suitcases, the Voyageur has two main compartments, which are separated by two dry-wet separation pockets which provide even more organization space.
I used the pockets to place my cables and smaller items such as tissues, my hat, scarf and gloves, snack bars that I took with me.
Internally, the Level8 Pro Carry-On is lined with grey-color fabric. On one side you will find a compression trap to secure all your stuff. You can secure this side further with one of the separation pockets. The other side is slightly narrower and can be secured by the cover that you can zip all the way around and which has a pocket too.
Capacity
I tested the Level8 Voyageur 28” and found its capacity to be well above the 99 liters listed.
I packed a lot of winter and hiking gear (as well as hiking boots) in the suitcase and I was impressed at how much space I still had left. In fact, I did not dare fill the entire suitcase for fear it’d be too heavy for me to lift!
TSA-approved lock
One thing I love about Level8 suitcases is that they have a built-in and very easy to use locking system for extra safety. Instructions are attached to the handle once you get the suitcase delivered.
Having a built in lock means you don’t have to worry about the key (and possibly losing it). My friend lost her lock key a couple of times during our South America trip and each time it was a nuisance having to find a way to break the lock.
I should also add that the lock is TSA (Transportation Security Administration)-approved. This means that security authorities can inspect your suitcase without damaging it (the TSA have the right to cut off any non-approved lock when searching).
Handle
The handle of the suitcase has multiple heights so no matter how tall (or short, in my case) you are, you can find a comfortable measure to walk around with it. The handle slides up and down with minimal resistance, so it’s very easy to adjust it.
Spinner wheels
What you will really appreciate about this hard-shell suitcase are the spinner wheels that are multi-directionals, which make moving around with it super easy, even when it’s full and heavy.
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.
Level8 Voyageur performance
As I said at the beginning of this post, I tested my Level8 Voyageur suitcase during a trip to Chile and Argentina.
I found it super easy to pack (I also used Level8 packing cubes, which are also compressing and reduce the volume of the various items packed, and that helped even further) and it carried just the right amount of stuff I needed for the trip.
I particularly appreciated that thanks to the compression strap things didn’t move around inside the suitcase.
During this trip, we took a whopping 13 flights and each time the check-in procedures were seamless. Thanks to the many handles, the suitcase is easy to lift and easy to place on the conveyor belt. It’s just as easy to pick it up once it’s delivered after the flight.
What I especially love about the Voyageur is the fact that it allows me to have my hands free and as little weight on my back/shoulders as possible – this was essential to me after having bad lower-back pains last December.
I saw my friend struggle to carry her classic duffel bag, and always having to look for a cart to place it on (or carry the heavy bag on her shoulder) while I was zipping through the airport: having a top-quality rolling suitcase made everything much easier.
Costs
The Level8 Voyageur 28” is sold at €299.99 on the official website. It’s more expensive than your average suitcase, but then again this is not your average suitcase in terms of ease of use, durability, materials and even style.
Weight
If there’s one con I need to point out for the Voyageur suitcase it that it’s heavy.
When empty, it already weighs 5.6 kg. Airlines typically have weight restrictions for checked-in luggage – typically 23 kg in economy class, but some only allow 20 or 15 kg. This means you may incur in overweight fees with some airlines (unless you buy extra baggage allowance).
For business class, it can be up to 32 kg.
The fact that the suitcase is so heavy reduces how much you can pack it. Once you pack your clothes in it, the suitcase it significantly heavier than what a regular backpack or duffel bag would be with the same amount of clothes packed.
Another thing to keep in mind with such a heavy suitcases is that it makes it harder to carry up the stairs when full: keep this in mind if you know you will be traveling to places where there may be no elevator.
Pros and cons of using the Level8 Voyageur suitcase
Of course, traveling with a hard-shell suitcases has lots of benefits but it has some cons as well. Here are the main pros and cons that I can point out to, after traveling with it for an entire month:
Pros
- Great design.
- Spacious – it can easily fit a month (or more )worth of clothes in it. In fact, it’s spacious enough to fit the clothes, shoes and toiletry bag of a couple, and (for shorter trips) even that of a family of four.
- Multiple sizes available.
- Handles on both tops and sides make the suitcase very easy to lift.
- Easy to move around with – I never had an issue carrying the suitcase.
- Practical – it’s easy to pack, you can separate thanks to the two compartments.
- Protects your valuables – the TSA lock keeps your valuable safe.
- Stylish.
- Easy to clean.
- Lifetime warranty for any functional damage to the shell, wheels, handles, zippers, that make it difficult to use the luggage.
- Free shipping to the US and Europe.
Cons
- Heavy.
- Not expandable – this is hardly an issue as it’s a rather big suitcase already.
- Hard shell scratches easily.
- Cost – it’s not the cheapest suitcase.
Level8 Luggage Warranty
Your Voyageur 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 On Level8 Suitcases
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 Voyageur suitcase was gifted 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:
- The Best Patagonia Packing List
- What To Pack For Sri Lanka
- What To Pack For South Africa
- What To Pack For Italy
- What To Pack For Mexico
- What To Pack For Cuba
- What To Pack For The Amazon
- What To Pack For A Safari
- What To Pack For Paris
- What To Pack For New York
- What To Pack For Venice
- What To Pack For Rome
- What To Pack For London
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