For the last 15 years, for the majority of my extensive travels, everything I needed for weeks or even months has been packed into a single backpack, accompanying me across countries, airports, train stations, and overnight buses to reach the most remote destinations. My luggage was always chosen for practicality, not elegance.
The Level8 luggage on the road – the review.
But as my travels evolved, so did my expectations. My journeys became longer, my itineraries wilder, mountain expeditions more extreme, diverse and ambitious. One week, I might be exploring a historic European city, the next attending a business event, boarding a cruise, or setting off on a multi-country road trip. I found myself carrying more than just clothes: cameras, laptops, chargers, photography equipment, and the countless essentials for a modern traveller.
After countless flights, damaged bags, a broken back, and the endless frustration of disorganised packing, I started questioning whether carrying everything on my shoulders was really the smartest way to travel.
I started looking for something different. Something durable. Minimalist. Innovative.
I’ve come to appreciate the value of reliable gear that can withstand the rigours of frequent travel. More and more often, I need to drop my climbing backpack and travel a bit more comfortably.
This time I decided to go for something different from my previous suitcase, and I chose to go for Level8, which seemed a perfect luggage for a modern traveller. I chose two suitcases for testing:
- Voyageur Checked 28” – for the check-in luggage with its innovative ‘wide-handle’ – a type of suitcase that I always wanted to have.
- Gibraltar Aluminum Carry-On 20″ – made with aerospace-grade aluminium magnesium alloy, 4-piece packing cube travel set included and a lifetime warranty.
Honestly, the experience felt surprisingly close to what Apple products feel like the first time you use them. Not because it’s flashy. But because every detail feels intentional. I’ve learned that the best suitcase isn’t necessarily the most expensive one. It’s the one that quietly makes every part of your journey easier.
Join me on this LEVEL8 exploration and my honest review of this innovative luggage.
The Level8 luggage.
As someone who spends a significant part of the year in airports, hotels, and rented cars, I’ve developed an appreciation for good luggage. Most travelers don’t think much about their suitcase until something goes wrong, like a broken wheel or jammed zipper, before an international flight.
Over the years, I’ve travelled with several brands. Each had strengths and weaknesses. Some were exceptionally durable but uninspiring. Others looked beautiful but lacked practical functionality.
I’ve already given a decent travel test to both suitcases: the Voyageur Checked 28″ and the Gibraltar Aluminum Carry-On 20″. Together, they represent two very different approaches to modern luggage design, yet they complement each other remarkably well.
After several trips involving international flights, road travel, and plenty of airport miles, I’m quite impressed with both suitcases – mainly because they’ve managed to improve many of the small details that frequent travelers deal with every day.
Innovative design.
Many luggage brands seem determined to attract attention. LEVEL8 takes a different approach. I have to say its sophisticated appearance really captivated me. It arrives carefully packed in white linen. They look premium without trying too hard and the moment you try it out; you notice the advantages over other brands. The Voyageur and Gibraltar are minimalist, solid and modern.
From the moment I unpacked it, the Voyageur stood out with its minimalist design and premium finish. The LEVEL8 Voyageur Checked 28″ is one of those rare suitcases that immediately feels engineered by people who actually want to make your travel easier.
Stand out features: spacious capacity, smooth wheels, wide-handle and premium build quality.
The Gibraltar Aluminum Carry-On 20″ represents one of the most impressive designs I’ve seen so far. Its sleek metallic shell combines exceptional durability with timeless elegance. The rigid aluminum frame provides exceptional protection for fragile items such as laptops, cameras, and business equipment, all highly secured with dual TSA-approved locks.
Stand out features: the exceptional design – aerospace-grade aluminum magnesium alloy, dual TSA-approved locks and slow-release handles.
Voyageur Smart Packing Solutions.
The interior of the LEVEL8 Voyageur is a masterclass in organisation, the thing I keep appreciating more and more with every year of my travels.
The Voyageur interior is divided into sections that cater to different types of items, such as electronics, clothing, and accessories. It offers multiple zippered compartments, compression panels, and intelligent separation zones that make packing and unpacking surprisingly efficient. Rather than becoming a giant empty cavity, the interior encourages organised packing for longer trips.
It’s equipped with a dry-wet separation pocket for smart, clean organisation, making it easy to keep your clean and dirty clothes separate. Additionally, the suitcase boasts a TSA-approved lock, providing peace of mind that your belongings are secure during transit.
Sometimes I wonder how I managed while backpacking for months to stick to one backpack and the endless game of unpacking and repacking. Every item seems to disappear when you need it most. The biggest challenge isn’t carrying the backpack—it’s organising everything inside it.
Gibraltar Zipperless Closure System.
Another area where Gibraltar demonstrates thoughtful innovation is its zipperless closure system. Most luggage failures occur at stress points, and zippers are often among the first components to wear out. By replacing traditional zippers with precision-engineered TSA-approved latch locks, LEVEL8 enhances both security and durability.
The result is a system that feels incredibly satisfying to use. Opening and closing the suitcase is faster, smoother, and more secure than wrestling with long zipper tracks.
For frequent travelers who access their luggage multiple times during a trip, this seemingly small improvement significantly enhances the overall user experience. Gibraltar Aluminum Carry-On 20″ also comes with a brilliant Bonus – 4-piece packing cube travel set.
Both suitcases accommodated perfectly the need to have all my gear and equipment in order. They simply look minimal, solid and timeless. And with thoughtfully designed multiple compartments and pockets, Level8 allows you to organise the belongings systematically: clothes, gadgets, travel essentials, everything has its place, ensuring that nothing is left behind and everything is easily accessible.
Nothing gives a better test than intensive travelling. After a few flights and trips, I can say both suitcases stay with me for good!
With the LEVEL8 discount code “Freestyletraveling”, you will save 10% on your order.
Level8 stand-out features after first usage.
- Gibraltar 360° durable spinner wheels.
Level8 suitcases have one outstanding feature, which brings them above the rest of the brands –a brilliant mobility thanks to the ultra-quiet 360° durable spinner wheels.
The innovative luggage features a 360-degree rotating wheel system that guarantees smooth and effortless movement. Even fully loaded, the suitcases felt remarkably easy to manoeuvre.
Gibraltar’s strongest features:
- Water resistant (this was a game changer for me).
- Better long-term durability
- Ultra-quiet 360° durable spinner wheels
- Perfect suitcase for business trips
- Voyageur Checked 28” wide-handle.
The ‘wide-handle’ is the smartest solution that deserves special mention. It not only maximises usable packing space but also provides exceptional stability during transport.
Voyageur’s strongest features:
- Wide-handle
- Dual zippered compartments
- Compression panels & Multiple organization pockets
- Wet/dry separation pocket
- Light yet durable
My first impression after first trip:
- Easy to push it with one finger, easy handling and maneuverability,
- 360 Spinner Wheels, the suitcase glides effortlessly across the floor /ideal for seniors and heavy travelers/.
- Fabulous organization pockets
- Wide-Handle” innovation, which provides superior stability and control compared to traditional luggage handles.
- The slow-release handles are one of those small details that completely change how premium the luggage feels. Instead of snapping loudly against the shell like most suitcases, the handles gently return into place with controlled movement. It sounds small — until you experience it.
Key Advantages of LEVEL8 luggage.
- Premium materials for the price.
Many LEVEL8 models use German Makrolon® polycarbonate, a material also found in higher-end luggage. It offers good impact resistance while remaining relatively lightweight.
- Excellent wheel performance.
One of the most consistently praised features across reviews is the smooth, quiet 360° spinner wheels, which compare favorably with more expensive competitors.
- Better organization.
Several carry-ons include front laptop compartments and thoughtfully designed interiors, making them attractive for business travelers and digital nomads.
- Distinctive wide-handle design.
LEVEL8 uses a wide telescopic handle system on many models. This creates a flatter interior packing area because fewer handle tubes are protruding inside the suitcase.
- Strong design and aesthetics.
The brand focuses on minimalist, premium-looking luggage that often resembles higher-priced luxury brands.
PROS & CONS.
Gibraltar Aluminum Carry-On 20″
PROS
- Water resistant!
- Zipper replaced by a handy dual TSA-approved latch locks
- The 360-degree spinner wheels are class and brings exceptionally smooth mobility
- Slow-release handles for noise-free use and hand protection
- Stylish Design – its sleek and modern look caters to fashion-conscious travelers. This is the best design I’ve ever seen among travel bags.
- Useful Travel Accessories Included – The suitcase comes with practical extras including packing cubes, a luggage tag, and a protective cover, increasing its overall value
- long-term durability, sophisticated design,
- Lifetime warranty.
CONS:
- Weight – the suitcase is slightly heavier than Polycarbonate Carry-Ons (approximately 10 lbs/4.5 kg). Frequent travelers who prioritize lightweight luggage may find this a drawback, especially on airlines with strict cabin weight limits.
- It also might not meet carry on rules for cheap airlines like Ryanair or Easyjet. The easiest way would be to check carry-on luggage rules and dimensions for each airline.
- Scratches on the alumni surface.
Voyageur Checked 28”
PROS:
- Innovative Wide-Handle Design
- Great organizer & capacity – it offers exceptional interior compartmentalization and multiple storage pockets.
- The suitcase is both durable and lightweight,
- The 360-degree spinner wheels – makes cruising the airport light and pleasant,
- TSA approved locks for added peace of mind
- Interior compression system for neat, secure stowing.
CONS
- Not the Lightest Checked Suitcase. The Voyageur is slightly heavier than some competitors in the ultra-lightweight category. Visible scratches and scuff marks after repeated flights,
- Smaller service and repair network than the main competitor. Travelers who prioritise extensive after-sales support may consider this a factor.
Level8 vs. Competitors
Monos is known for minimalist elegance, pastel colour options, and sustainable materials, while Level8 leads in practicality, focusing heavily on structural durability and performance.
Samsonite might be slightly more expensive with less refined interior layouts. However, it leads with a massive global service network.
Rimowa represents the gold standard for luxury aluminum luggage but it costs significantly more, whereas Level8 is praised as an affordable and high-quality in this segment.
OVERALL LEVEL8 RATING: 9/10
Best For:
- adventure travelers wanting organization
- digital nomads
- creators & photographers
- minimalist travelers
- people who value design and durability
- premium travelers
Not Ideal For:
- ultralight travelers
- strict airline weight restrictions
- travelers wanting expandable luggage
Is Level8 good?
The Gibraltar is one of the most beautiful and satisfying carry-ons I’ve used so far, and I admit I’ve always wanted a suitcase like that. It’s very practical and leads in the areas that matter most to adventurous and modern travelers like packing efficiency, organisation, mobility, and protection.
Perhaps it is not the cheapest suitcase on the market, but if you want a solid and durable luggage companion, this one is a good choice.
For me, travelling is an integral part of my life, and both suitcases accommodated the majority of my travel needs in a highly satisfying way. Being constantly in a travel mode sometimes is not easy, and tiny adjustments make a huge difference by making your life easier.
The result is simple: less physical strain, better organisation, and a far more enjoyable travel experience. And that’s perhaps the greatest compliment any travel gear can receive.
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