Best Zipperless Luggage for Chronic Overpackers by Level8
Zipperless luggage is becoming more and more popular, but not all options are created equal. After traveling to 34 countries over the last 10 years, I’ve tried my fair share of luggage brands—and when it comes to the best zipperless luggage, Level8 is hands-down my favorite.
I first tried Level8 back in March when I tested two of their suitcases: a zippered checked bag and a zipperless carry-on. More recently, I got my hands on the Level8 Gibraltar Aluminum Carry-On, and it’s a ziperless dream for chronic overpackers like me.
Unlike other zipperless suitcases I’ve tried, I can actually stuff the Gibraltar full without worrying about the closure popping open. It’s also hearty enough to take on the lean, mean streets of Italy…which is no small feat.
If you’re shopping for a durable zipperless carry-on that you can actually overpack, Level8 needs to be on your radar, and here’s why.
🧳 Shop the Level8 Gibraltar Aluminum Zipperless Carry-On—with discount code MADISON10 for 10% off your purchase! ↗
**I want to extend a huge thank you to Level8 Luggage for gifting me their gorgeous Gibraltar Aluminum Carry-On for review! This post is sponsored by Level8 Luggage, but all opinions in this review are my own.
Why I Recommend Level8 Zipperless Luggage
My favorite thing about Level8’s zipperless luggage is simple: I can actually overpack it.
I’ve tried other zipperless suitcases that pop open under too much strain, but that hasn’t been an issue with either of the Level8 carry-ons I’ve tested.
Earlier this year, I reviewed the Level8 Freeloop Carry-On, and more recently, I got my hands on the Gibraltar Aluminum Carry-On (pictured below). Although they’re very different styles, both have given me the same freedom to pack like I would with a traditional zippered suitcase.
I can stuff them full, close the locks, and not worry about the suitcase popping open under the pressure.
I’ve also found Level8 to be consistently reliable when it comes to quality. Both carry-ons feel sturdy and well-made, with smooth handles, 360° spinner wheels, TSA-approved locks, and organized interiors.
The Gibraltar Aluminum Carry-On
If you’re looking for a solid zipperless carry-on, the Gibraltar Aluminum Carry-On is my top pick in the luxury sector. It combines the features I already love about Level8 luggage with a sleek aluminum design and a few extras that make packing even easier.
Here’s a closer look at the features, interior, pros, and cons of the Gibraltar—and whether I think it’s worth the price tag.
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Product Information
- Weight: 10lbs
- Dimensions: 22”L x 15”W x 8.4”H (55.8 x 38.1 x 21.3cm)
- Capacity: 36L
- External Material: Aerospace-grade aluminum magnesium alloy
- Dual TSA combination locks
- 360° S-Tek spinner wheels
- Removable mesh pocket interior dividers x2
- Comes in two colors: Silver and Grey
- Always covered with a lifetime warranty
- Bonuses: Includes a 4-piece Packing Cube Travel Set ($49.99 value) and a Luggage Tag ($29.99 value)
Interior and Packing Cubes
Two of my favorite features of the Gibraltar are the organized interior and the included packing cube set.
Surprisingly, with how much I’ve traveled, I’ve never really been a packing cube person. But I love having the option with this carry-on, especially because the set feels like another little luxury added to an already high-end suitcase.
The Gibraltar comes with four packing cubes in different shapes and sizes, plus little labels so you can keep track of what’s inside each one.
The smaller sizes work well for things like makeup, electronics, underwear, socks, swimsuits, or other travel essentials, while the largest cube has enough room for clothes or even a few full outfits.
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The suitcase itself also has two removable interior organizing pouches—one on each side. I love that Level8 gives you the extra organization without forcing you to use it.
If I’m packing reasonably, I can keep everything divided and organized. If I’m trying to cram every last thing I own into my carry-on, I can simply remove the pouches, leave them at home, and use that extra space instead. It’s the best of both worlds for an overpacker.
Pros & Cons
Overall, there’s a lot I like about the Gibraltar, especially when it comes to the design, organization, and how well it handles overpacking.
That said, no suitcase is perfect, so there are a few downsides worth considering before you buy.
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Pros 👍🏼
- Sleek minimalist design: The aluminum shell gives the Gibraltar a clean, high-end look without being overly flashy.
- Smooth and quiet spinner wheels: The 360° S-Tek spinner wheels are smooth, quiet, and efficient—even on the uneven streets of Rome.
- Optional removable inserts: The interior organizing inserts are completely removable, so you can use them when you want more structure or take them out when you need every last bit of packing space.
- Secure interior setup: When you do use the inserts, they keep everything securely contained on both sides of the suitcase instead of letting your stuff shift around every time you open it.
- Compact carry-on size: The 20″ size is perfect for shorter trips when you want to avoid checking a bag, and it’s small enough that you never have to be worried about lugging it around as a solo female traveler.
- Latch closure still works if the suitcase is full: This is a big one for me because not every zipperless suitcase handles overpacking well. When I tested the Carl Friedrik Carry On, I found that even a little too much pressure inside could make the latches difficult (or impossible) to close. I didn’t have that problem with the Gibraltar. I was able to pack it pretty tightly and still secure both latches without fighting to keep the suitcase closed.
- Free shipping to the U.S. and Canada.
- Fast delivery: Typically within 3-6 business days.
Cons 👎🏼
- No expansion zipper: This suitcase doesn’t have an extender, so if you’re someone who tends to overpack, you may find the space a bit limiting.
- Higher price point for a carry-on: At $459.99 (at the time of posting), this carry on is definitely priced in the luxury sector. While I personally think it’s very high quality, it might be out of budget for some travelers. You can save 10% with code MADISON10, or the Freeloop Carry-On is another great zipperless luggage option that’s almost half the price tag of the Gibraltar!
Is the Level8 Gibraltar Worth the Price Tag?
If you have money to burn and love the look of the Gibraltar, then yes—I think the quality justifies the price tag. It’s a luxury suitcase, and based on the materials and overall build quality, I would expect it to stay fully usable for years to come.
That being said, I would never recommend putting yourself into debt over a suitcase. One thing I really like about Level8 is that they have carry-ons and checked bags, both zipperless and zippered, at a wide range of price points.
If the Gibraltar is stretching your luggage budget a little too far, take a look at the Freeloop Carry-On instead. At the time of posting, it’s priced at $229, and I’ve had a great experience with that zipperless carry-on as well (it also held up to being stress tested on the streets of Italy).
Ultimately, it comes down to your budget. If you have extra money to spend and want a high-quality luxury suitcase, I think the Gibraltar is worth the splurge.
If you don’t, Level8 has plenty of more affordable options that I’d recommend checking out instead (that feel like similar quality).
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Can You Overpack Zipperless Luggage?
Not always. Whether or not you can overpack zipperless luggage really depends on the suitcase.
One of the reasons I love the Level8 Gibraltar Aluminum Carry-On so much is that you can actually overpack it. I can stuff both sides full, sit on the suitcase if I have to, and still get the latch closures to fully close and click into place.
I don’t have to worry about one suddenly popping open on a train or, God forbid, on the streets of Rome next to the Colosseum.
However, I highly recommend giving any zipperless suitcase the old overpacking test before you decide to keep it. Stuff a shitload of clothes in there, pack it fuller than you probably should, and see if you can still close it securely.
If the latches keep popping open or won’t click into place once there’s a little pressure on them, I would send that bad boy back. A suitcase should work with your packing habits—not force you to suddenly become a light packer.
…or at least that’s what I tell myself when I get charged for overweight luggage at the airport 😂
Are Zipperless Suitcases More Secure?
Generally, yes.
I’ve found zipperless suitcases to have a few security advantages over traditional zippered luggage.
- Anti-puncture protection: Traditional zipper tracks can potentially be punctured or forced apart with a sharp object. Zipperless luggage eliminates that weak point entirely because there’s no zipper track to break into.
- Built-in locks: Instead of locking two zipper pulls together, zipperless suitcases typically use built-in combination latches or TSA-approved locks. The Level8 Gibraltar has two TSA-approved combination locks that clamp the two halves of the suitcase securely shut.
- Better weather resistance: Zipperless luggage doesn’t have exposed fabric zipper tape, which can make it more resistant to rain and other bad weather. Which would have been super helpful when my luggage was on top of a chicken bus in a thunderstorm on a trip to Honduras 🙄
As someone who is generally paranoid af about her luggage (seriously—you should see me track my AirTags when my luggage is under the bus), I love having the added sense of security that comes with zipperless luggage.
Another Zipperless Option From Level8
Quick shoutout to my personal favorite Level8 suitcase I’ve tried: the Freeloop Carry-On.
I’m a girl and I’ll be honest—part of the reason I love this suitcase so much is because it’s cute as a button. I mean, look at this thing. It’s adorable. Mine is this super cute robin’s egg blue, but it also comes in sage green and a pretty pinky-white color.
It’s about the same size as the Gibraltar and has a lot of the same features I love. It’s zipperless, has removable interior organizers and securing mechanisms, and, most importantly, I can overpack the hell out of it without the latches popping open.
The Freeloop also comes in at a much lower price point than the Gibraltar. So, if you want a zipperless Level8 carry-on that won’t break your budget but will look cute as fuck in your travel photos, definitely check this one out.
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Is the Gibraltar the Best Zipperless Luggage by Level8?
When it comes to Level8’s luxury luggage options, the Gibraltar Aluminum Carry-On takes the cake for the best zipperless luggage.
Between the aluminum construction, smooth spinner wheels, organized interior, removable inserts, included packing cubes, and reliable latch closures, it checks pretty much every box I look for in a high-quality carry-on.
I’ve become a big fan of zipperless luggage in general. There’s no zipper to puncture or break, the built-in latches feel secure, and—if you choose the right suitcase—you can still overpack the hell out of it.
The Gibraltar gives me all of those benefits without making me sacrifice packing space or organization.
For me, the Gibraltar is Level8’s best zipperless luggage in the luxury category. That doesn’t necessarily make it my personal favorite, though. I still have a soft spot for the Freeloop Carry-On, especially because it gives you many of the same benefits at a much lower price point (and it’s cute as fuck).
Ultimately, Level8 has some great zipperless options at different price points. If you have the budget and want something sleek, sturdy, and luxurious, I’d go for the Gibraltar. If you’d rather spend less, definitely check out the rest of Level8’s zipperless collection before deciding which one is right for you.
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