Level8 Luggage Review from a Frequent Flyer in 2026
When you travel as often as I do, a good suitcase quickly becomes one of the most important things you own. Over the years I’ve tested quite a few different brands—some that I’ve loved, and others that definitely didn’t live up to the hype.
Recently, I had the opportunity to collaborate with and review Level8 Luggage, a fast-growing brand known for their durable and stylish suitcases.
They gifted me two of their best pieces—the Luminous Textured Check-In Bag and the Freeloop Carry-On—so I could try them out on my travels and share my honest thoughts.
I brought both of these suitcases with me on a recent trip to beautiful Naples, Italy, which ended up being the perfect test run. After putting them through buses, metros, and the ever chaotic Napoli Centrale train station—I’m here to give my honest opinion on how they stacked up.
…Plus offer you my exclusive discount code for Madison’s Footsteps readers! Use code MADISON10 at checkout for 10% off 😘 (on the official website only).
**I want to extend a huge thank you to Level8 Luggage for gifting me two of their gorgeous suitcases for review! This post is sponsored by Level8 Luggage, but all opinions in this review are my own.
About Level8 Luggage
Level8 was founded in New York City in 2008, and their whole focus is creating sleek, durable suitcases for frequent travelers—like myself 💁🏽♀️.
The brand quickly became known for their minimalist hard-shell suitcases that are simple, modern, and hold up over time. They prioritize function—like durable hard shells, smooth spinner wheels (a must-have), and interiors that actually make sense when you’re trying to pack for a trip.
Their designs also lean pretty unisex, so there are plenty of great options regardless of your personal style.
Over the years, Level8 has expanded beyond just suitcases and now offers things like backpacks and travel accessories too. But luggage is still their main focus—and the two pieces I tested out for this review definitely fit their clean, functional intention.
Their strategic design approach has even earned several international design awards, including Red Dot, iF, and IDEA.
The Luminous Textured Check-In 24″
Starting with the checked bag, the Luminous Textured Check-In 24″ is the larger of the two suitcases I tested from Level8.
This hard-shell suitcase is designed for longer trips where you need a bit more space but still want something durable and easy to maneuver through the airport, on public transit, or around town.
Use code MADISON10 for 10% off at checkout on level8cases.com! 🎉
Product Information
- Weight: 9.8lbs
- Dimensions: 42 x 26 x 64cm (also comes in 44.5 x 26.5 x 66cm)
- Materials: External = German-made Makrolon® polycarbonate
- Diamond textured anti-scratch surface
- TSA combination lock
- Ultra-quiet 360 degree spinner wheels
- Comes in three colors: Navy, Black, and Gray (I chose the Navy)
- Dual handles + telescopic handle
- Limited lifetime warranty
Insert & Interior
This suitcase doesn’t come with a removable insert, but honestly, I didn’t feel like it needed one. The interior already has plenty of built-in organization to keep everything in place.
When you open the suitcase, the left side has a full zippered cover with two mesh pockets. These are perfect for things like dirty laundry, socks, or smaller items that tend to get lost when you’re packing for a trip.
Underneath that cover, you’ll also find compression clips that help secure everything down once the suitcase is packed.
On the other side, there’s a similar setup with compression clips and a zippered mesh divider over the entire compartment, although this side doesn’t include the smaller mesh pockets.
Between the clips and the zippered panels, your items stay securely in place—which is especially helpful if you’re checking the bag and it’s getting tossed around during travel.
This is how the suitcase looks when it’s empty 👇🏼
…and here is an example of how the suitcase looks when it’s fully packed. Below, you can clearly see the difference in the mesh covers on the right and the left.
Pros & Cons
Pros 👍🏼
- Diamond textured anti-scratch shell: The exterior really does hold up well. One of my biggest issues with hard-sided luggage is how quickly it gets scratched up, but this suitcase still looked pretty pristine by the end of the trip. I’m sure it would pick up some marks if you checked it with an airline, but that’s just the reality of luggage in general.
- Ultra-quiet 360° spinner wheels: The wheels were super smooth and surprisingly quiet. I had no trouble maneuvering the suitcase around train stations or over the extremely uneven streets in Italy.
- Very spacious interior: The suitcase has plenty of room for packing, and the compression clips combined with the zippered dividers keep everything secure so your items aren’t shifting around.
- Great value for the price: At a little over $200 USD, this suitcase is actually pretty affordable compared to many other hard-shell checked bags with similar features. 👉🏼 10% off with code MADISON10!
- Minimalist, modern design: The suitcase is really cute in a sleek, minimalist way. It looks polished without being flashy, but the navy is still attention grabbing enough to be easily spotted on an airport luggage belt (although the black might not be).
- Free shipping to the U.S., Canada, and Europe.
- Fast delivery: Typically within 3-7 business days.
Cons 👎🏼
- Smaller checked bag size: At 24 inches, this suitcase is a bit on the smaller side for a checked bag. If you tend to pack a lot or want as much space as possible, Level8 also makes this suitcase in a 28-inch version.
- No expansion zipper: This suitcase doesn’t have an extender, so if you’re someone who tends to overpack and relies on that extra bit of space to close your bag, this could be a downside.
Is this Checked Bag Right for You?
Level8’s Luminous Textured Check-In is right for you if… 👍🏼
- You want a sleek, modern suitcase that still feels durable enough for frequent travel.
- You’re looking for a high-quality checked bag at an affordable price point compared to many other hard-shell suitcases on the market.
- You like luggage with secure interior organization that keeps your belongings from shifting around while the suitcase is being handled during travel.
- You like your checked luggage on the smaller side so it’s easier to maneuver around.
This suitcase might not be right for you if… 👎🏼
- You’re looking for an extremely low-budget suitcase, as this one sits in the mid-range price category.
- You never check a bag, since the 24″ size is too large to be used as a carry-on. In this case, check out the Level8 Freeloop Carry-On in the next section…
- You tend to overpack and rely on an expansion zipper.
Use code MADISON10 for 10% off at checkout on level8cases.com! 🎉
The Freeloop Carry-On 20″
Although I really loved the Luminous Textured Check-In from Level8, I have to admit that the Freeloop Carry-On 20″ they sent me ended up being my favorite of the two.
*wink wink Level8*—This is me begging for a matching check-in version 🙏🏼.
As far as carry-on designs go, this is genuinely one of the cutest ones I’ve seen. It still has that clean, minimalist look, but the design feels a lot more unique than most carry-ons on the market. Perfect if you want those cutie airport shots 📸
I’ve tested quite a few carry-ons over the years—including the Béis Carry-On and the Carl Friedrik Carry-On—and while I do love the color options from Béis, I honestly think this one is even cuter.
Product Information
- Weight: 8.8lbs
- Dimensions: 38.5 x 23 x 56cm
- Materials: External = German Bayer polycarbonate, Internal = polyester
- TSA combination lock
- Ultra-quiet 360 degree spinner wheels
- Comes in three colors: Sage Green, Coconut White, and Arctic Blue (I went with Arctic Blue)
- Aluminum alloy handle with cushion + telescopic handle
- Limited lifetime warranty
- Comes with leather luggage tag and suitcase cover protector
Insert & Interior
Unlike the Luminous Textured Check-In, the Freeloop Carry-On does come with a removable insert. One side of the insert is mesh and includes a small zippered pocket where you can store smaller items.
Personally, I usually skip removable inserts like this, and I didn’t use it on my trip to Naples because I tend to pack both sides of my suitcase pretty full and it just gets in the way. That said, if you like having that extra layer of organization, it’s nice that the option is there.
On the right side of the suitcase, you’ll find compression clips that secure your belongings down once everything is packed. On the left side, there’s an attached zippered divider with a mesh compartment where you can store smaller items or dirty laundry.
The clips actually secure to the side so the divider sits neatly over your clothes, which helps keep everything from shifting around while you’re traveling. There’s also a small clear zippered plastic pocket, which I used to hold my Apple AirTag (a must-have travel essential).
Below, you can see the suitcase when it’s empty 👇🏼
…and here you can see an example of when it’s fully packed.
Pros & Cons
After using the Freeloop Carry-On 20″ on my trip to Naples, here are its biggest pros and a few things to keep in mind.
Pros 👍🏼
- Super unique design: This is genuinely one of the cutest carry-on suitcases I’ve seen. It still feels minimalist, but the design stands out compared to most other carry-ons.
- Smooth and quiet spinner wheels: Just like the checked bag, the 360° spinner wheels roll really smoothly and quietly, which makes navigating airports and city streets much easier.
- Removable insert option: Even though I personally didn’t use it, the removable insert is a nice feature if you like that extra level of organization when packing.
- Secure interior setup: Between the compression clips, zippered divider, and removable insert, your belongings stay very secure and organized inside the suitcase.
- Compact carry-on size: The 20″ size is perfect for shorter trips when you want to avoid checking a bag.
- Latch closure still works if the suitcase is full: Some carry-ons with double latch push-button closures can be extremely difficult to close if you pack them even slightly too full. I experienced this in the past with the Carl Friedrik Carry On. In that case, the latches simply wouldn’t secure shut if there was any extra pressure. Thankfully, this wasn’t an issue. Even when the suitcase was packed pretty tightly, I was still able to close it without worrying it would pop back open.
- Free shipping to the U.S., Canada, and Europe.
- Fast delivery: Typically within 3-7 business days.
Cons 👎🏼
- No expansion zipper: Just like the checked bag, 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 $229.99, this carry-on is $20 more expensive than the larger Luminous check-in suitcase. While I personally think the quality justifies the price, it could feel a bit expensive if you’re shopping for a more budget-friendly carry-on option. 👉🏼 10% off with code MADISON10.
Is this Carry-On Right for You?
Level8’s Freeloop Carry-On is right for you if… 👍🏼
- You want a stylish carry-on that is well built, polished, and stands out from the typical hard-shell designs you see in most airports.
- You prefer traveling carry-on only for shorter trips and need something compact but still easy to keep organized.
- You like having multiple interior compartments that help keep your belongings in place during a trip.
- You hate struggling with zippers and prefer an easy latch closure.
This suitcase might not be right for you if… 👎🏼
- You’re trying to keep your carry-on purchase as low-cost as possible, since this one sits a bit higher than many entry-level options.
- You’re a constant over packer who always relies on an expansion zipper.
Use code MADISON10 for 10% off at checkout on level8cases.com! 🎉
My Final Verdict on Level8
Overall, I was genuinely impressed with both of the suitcases in this Level8 Luggage review. If you’re working with a mid-tier luggage budget but still want something that feels high-quality and unique, this brand is definitely worth checking out.
Level8 is a great option for frequent travelers who need luggage that’s built to last. The brand also offers a nice range of sizes, colorways, and features, which makes it easier to find something that fits your specific travel style.
On my trip to Naples, both suitcases performed really well. Between taking three separate trains each way, and dragging them through the busy streets, they definitely got a proper test.
The anti-scratch surface on the Luminous Textured Check-In really lived up to the hype—it came back looking almost brand new with barely a mark on it. The Freeloop Carry-On held up just as well, which was refreshing since hard-sided luggage often gets scratched up almost immediately.
I was also pleasantly surprised by how roomy both suitcases felt and how well the interiors kept everything organized. The compression clips, zippered compartments, and dividers did a great job of keeping my belongings from shifting around while traveling.
All things considered, between the quality of the luggage itself, the thoughtful design features, and a smooth ordering and shipping experience, I think Level8 offers excellent value for the price. If you’re looking for stylish, durable luggage that can actually handle the realities of travel, these suitcases are a solid choice.
Don’t forget to claim your 10% off discount with code MADISON10 at checkout!
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