Level8 Voyageur Carry-On Luggage: My Honest Review
This Level8 Voyageur review is here to help you decide whether this carry-on suitcase is right for you. I’ve now tested it on multiple trips and am sharing my personal experience with it.
As someone who works full-time, I often travel on short trips for both work and leisure, using various modes of transport including rail, plane and car. The London Tube is also a regular part of my travel experience.
I rely on carry-on luggage to travel light and keep things simple, no matter the surroundings. It needs to perform well on different terrains, including European cobblestones, fit into various compartments, and, ideally, be relatively lightweight.
My parents drilled into me the importance of investing in quality luggage from a young age. You get a better overall experience, better aesthetics, and the items tend to last longer. I’ve owned a premium carry-on suitcase from another brand for a while, but I was looking for something more spacious and with better security. Mine also started to show signs of wear.
I came across Level8, a New York City-based brand that was new to me, although it’s been around since 2008. Its minimalist design caught my eye, and the technical credentials sealed the deal. The brand has also built a strong global following, which is reflected in the many positive reviews online.
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Level8 Voyageur Carry-On: An Overview
Here are the details of the model I chose:
Model: Voyageur Carry-On 20”
Price: £259.99
Colour: Celadon (light blue – limited edition)
Size (including handles and wheels): 38.5x 25 x 54.5 cm (15.1” x 9.8” x 21.3”)
Weight: 3.7 kg (8.1lbs)
Capacity: 43 litres
Material: Makrolon® polycarbonate
The Voyageur range is also available in navy, black, and olive. At the time of writing (January 2025), there are also limited-edition yellow and black options.
The range also includes larger suitcases, such as 26”, 28”, and 30”, although I didn’t test those.
Key Features
Let’s take a closer look at Voyageur’s key features, from its build and wheels to the packing experience.
Aesthetic
As mentioned earlier, the Voyageur suitcase has a distinctive look, with a modern shape, clean lines and a micro-diamond finish that adds lovely texture. It looks smart and professional, and stands out in the crowded luggage market.
While you can opt for more traditional colours like black or navy, I chose celadon because I loved the two-toned design, which adds personality without being loud.
Aesthetics won’t matter for everyone, but if you enjoy travelling in style, this suitcase is worth considering.
Build quality and material
There’s more to the Voyageur than just good looks. Its hard shell is made from Makrolon polycarbonate – a premium material known for being robust, impact-resistant and durable, while remaining relatively lightweight.
In practice, this means that the suitcase feels built to last and capable of handling different environments and weather conditions, while maintaining its finish. The lighter weight makes it easier to handle and helps with carry-on limits.
I know that hard-shell suitcases aren’t for everyone, as they can feel heavier than soft-shell alternatives. Personally, I prefer them because they are more resistant to water and dirt and tend to hold their shape better over time.
Telescopic handle
One of the standout features of the Voyageur is its wide telescopic handle, made from aluminum alloy – another material commonly used in premium luggage.
It slides smoothly at the press of a button and locks securely at different heights. It felt sturdy and stable during use, and I could easily maneuvre the suitcase with one hand, whether rolling it beside me or pulling it behind me. The wider grip is also comfortable to hold.
The handle isn’t just a design feature. Because the handle base sits on the side rather than running through the back of the compartment, it frees up more usable packing space inside the suitcase.
TSA-approved lock
The suitcase features a TSA-approved three-digit combination lock. Instructions are included and setting it up is straight forward.
If you’re unfamiliar with TSA-approved locks, they allow airport security to open your suitcase using a special key during inspections and then relock it without causing damage.
These locks are marked with a small red diamond symbol, which the Voyageur has. While not all countries follow TSA guidance, it’s still a useful feature to have when travelling internationally.
360° spinner wheels
The Voyageur comes with four 360° spinner wheels, allowing it to glide smoothly and change direction easily.
I found it very easy to maneuver on different surfaces, including airport floors and carpet, even when fully packed. I was also impressed by how quiet the wheels are, even on cobblestones.
My suitcase is still fairly new, so it will be interesting to see how the wheels hold up over time, but first impressions are positive.
Internal organisation
My carry-on luggage works hard when I travel, so I appreciated the clamshell design, which opens into two separate compartments. I prefer this layout as it makes organising items easier and avoids piling everything on top of each other.
The internal compression system helps keep items neatly in place, and there are both dry and wet pockets for additional storage.
I was pleasantly surprised by how much I could fit inside, which means that I don’t have to compromise on the items I take with me. This is especially important for me as I frequently travel for work between Manchester and London and often need extra items, such as work shoes, make-up and a jacket.
Dust bag
The suitcase arrives in its own dust bag, which adds to the unboxing experience. It’s worth keeping and using it when the suitcase isn’t in use, as it protects the shell from dust and sunlight.
Airline Carry-On Compliance
You should’t have any issues using your Level8 Voyager carry-on with most major airlines. However, budget airlines are a different story.
While the suitcase meets the large cabin bag allowance for EasyJet and Jet2, it doesn’t meet Ryanair’s requirements, meaning you may need to pay extra to bring it on board.
This isn’t an issue for me as I don’t usually fly Ryanair, but it’s something to bear in mind if you do.
Value for money
Value is subjective and depends on your financial baseline. Level8 sits firmly in the premium segment, using higher-end materials and thoughtful design, which does make it more expensive than budget alternatives.
That said, I don’t recommend cutting corners on luggage if you can afford not to. You really do get what you pay for here.
When compared with other premium brands, Level8 offers very good value for the features and build quality you get.
Purchase process
The purchase process is straightforward – you can order directly from the Level8 website. Delivery typically takes between three to seven business days.
The brand offers free delivery in the US, Canada and Europe.
Performance on the road
So far, my Level8 Voyageur has been on two trips with me: a weekend break in York and a holiday in Malta.
Weekend Break in York
We travelled from Manchester to York by train in late December, just before Christmas. The suitcase was easy to navigate through train stations and fit into the overhead storage compartments on trains.
On Northern services, some sections of the luggage racks were narrower, and the suitcase didn’t fit as easily, but it was simple enough to reposition it.
The suitcase also handled rain and puddles well. It was water resistant, so none of my belongings got wet. After returning home, it just needed a quick wipe-down with a damp cloth.
Week in Malta
We initially planned to take the suitcase into the cabin, but realised shortly before flying that our EasyJet fare only included a small under-seat bag and a checked bag.
Rather than paying extra, we checked the suitcase in. It was a good test: on arrival, there was some dirt and light scratching, but no dents or structural damage. I was able to clean it easily at home.
That said, I’d still recommend avoiding checking it in if possible, to minimise cosmetic wear.
Pros and Cons
Now that we’ve covered the main features of the suitcase, here is a quick summary of its pros and cons.
Level8 Voyageur Pros
- Stylish design, if aesthetics matter to you
- Lightweight yet durable hard-shell material
- Spacious interior with excellent organisation
- Quiet, smooth, multidirectional wheels
- Good value within the premium segment
- TSA-approved lock for added security
- Free shipping to US, Canada, and Europe
- Easy to clean
Level8 Voyager Cons
- Too large for some budget airline cabin allowances
- Scratches can show if not looked after
- May feel pricey if you’re upgrading from budget luggage
How to care for your Voyageur suitcase
If you’re investing into a premium suitcase, it’s worth taking care of it so it lasts for years.
Wipe the shell with a damp cloth after travelling to remove any dirt. Shake out any internal debris or use a small vacuum to clean the fabric lining.
Store the suitcase in the dust bag provided, in a dry place to protect it from dust and moisture.
If any issues arise, Level8 offers a lifetime guarantee, and their support can help.
Verdict: Is the Level8 Voyageur Worth It?
Level8 was a new brand for me, and overall I’ve been pleased with the experience. The Voyageur is a stylish, practical addition to my luggage collection and will accompany me on many work trips, city breaks and holidays.
If I were buying a larger version, I’d invest in extra protection when checking it in to avoid scratches. For carry-on use, however, I don’t think this is necessary.
I consider it good value for money within the premium segment, provided you’re comfortable spending more upfront. For travellers who prefer hard-shell luggage, appreciate good design and want effortless travel, it’s well worth considering.
Final thoughts
As I’ve only owned the suitcase for a couple of months and used it on a handful of trips, it’s early to comment on long-term durability. The material itself is proven, but I’ll update this review over time as I use it more.
If you have any questions about the Level8 Voyageur carry-on suitcase, feel free to leave them in the comments.
Note: The Voyageur suitcase was given to me by Level8. However, the review is based on my personal experience of using it on multiple trips.
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