If you’ve ever wrestled with a suitcase that tips over, wheels that jam, or handles that eat up half your packing space, you know how quickly “light travel” can turn into a full-blown workout. For frequent travelers, unreliable luggage is more than an inconvenience—it’s a trip disruptor.
I’ve tested my fair share of carry-ons over the years, and while many look sleek online, they rarely hold up in real-world travel. Handles get wobbly, zippers catch, or the bag weighs more than what’s inside it. And for travelers like me—constantly on the move between airports, road trips, and group adventures—a dependable, thoughtfully designed suitcase can make all the difference.
Level8 luggage differs from the traditional suitcases utilizing simple, modern design with practical details that actually make sense.
After testing two models, the Creator Carry-On and the Voyageur Carry-On, here’s my honest review.
First Impressions: Design, Function, and Feel
Before I even touched the suitcases themselves, I could tell Level8 was different.
Both the Voyageur Carry-On and the Creator Carry-On arrived in protective drawstring bags—an unexpectedly thoughtful touch that made the unboxing feel more like unwrapping a gift than opening a shipment. The packaging was simple but elegant, hinting that the brand values presentation as much as practicality.
Both carry-ons have that clean, modern aesthetic that feels confident without trying too hard. The materials feel solid but lightweight, and the color palettes—especially the Celadon blue-gray of the Voyageur—add a subtle elegance that stands out in a sea of black luggage.
You can sense the quality before you even roll them across the floor. The shells feel durable, the zippers glide easily, and the finishes are smooth and refined. And while I’ll get into all the details in a moment, my very first impression was simple: these bags are beautifully made and clearly built with travelers in mind.
Level8 Creator Carry-On 20” Review (Grey)
The Level8 Creator Carry-On, is the smarter, more tech-savvy of the two. This is the kind of bag that makes you feel like a more efficient traveler. Everything has a place, and every feature feels like it was designed to solve a real travel problem.
Design and Build
The Creator’s look is understated but premium. The Grey color feels timeless and sleek enough for business trips, yet neutral for everyday travel. The shell has a smooth matte texture that feels refined and durable, resisting scratches and fingerprints surprisingly well. It’s lightweight but doesn’t feel flimsy, which makes it ideal for travelers who need reliability without adding unnecessary weight.
Like all Level8 models, this carry-on is made with Global Recycled Standard–certified materials, which gives it an edge for anyone who prioritizes sustainability. It’s rare to find eco-friendly luggage that feels this solid.
Smart Features That Actually Make Travel Easier
- Front Laptop Compartment: The padded compartment fits laptops up to 17 inches, with built-in USB-C and USB-A charging ports.
- External Charging Port: Plug in a power bank inside the case, then charge your devices right from the top.
- Wide Handle Design: Instead of losing interior space to bulky middle rails, the Creator moves its handle system to the outer edges of the case to make more room for clothes, shoes, and essentials.
- 360° Spinner Wheels: These roll like a dream. I tested them on rough pavement, smooth tile, and even gravel. Each time, the suitcase glided silently and stayed balanced.
- TSA-Approved Lock: The integrated locking system is secure and easy to program.
- Interior Organization: Inside, you’ll find a full divider, mesh zip pockets, and elastic straps that make packing structured and neat.
Real-World Experience
I tested this bag on both short regional trips and longer multi-stop journeys. It held up beautifully. The smooth rolling motion makes tight spaces like airport lines or hotel corridors feel effortless, and the laptop compartment became my favorite feature fast. It made TSA checks a breeze—just unzip, slide your computer out, and move along.
Even fully packed, it stayed easy to lift into overhead bins. The handle feels sturdy, and the weight distribution is perfectly balanced thanks to the outer-rail design.
Who Level8 Creator Carry-On Best For
The Creator Carry-On is a top pick for:
- Business travelers or digital nomads who need carry-on luggage with a laptop sleeve.
- Frequent flyers who value both form and function.
- Travelers looking for eco-friendly luggage that doesn’t feel like a compromise.
This is the kind of suitcase that makes you feel like you’ve finally upgraded to something intentional. Every inch of it feels considered because of it’s smart design, sleek look, and sustainability built right in.
Level8 Voyageur Carry-On 20” Review (Celadon)
The Level8 Voyageur Carry-On instantly feels lighter, simpler, and somehow even smoother than its sibling. If the Creator is the efficient, business-minded traveler, the Voyageur is the minimalist companion you take on long weekends or multi-stop trips where you need to stay nimble.
Design and Aesthetic
The Celadon color is a showstopper—soft, elegant, and distinctive enough to spot on the luggage carousel without shouting for attention. The exterior shell has that same matte, high-quality texture Level8 is known for: sleek, durable, and resistant to scuffs.
Right out of the box, the first thing you’ll notice is how incredibly lightweight it is. This suitcase easily qualifies as one of the best lightweight carry-on luggage options I’ve tested. It’s effortless to lift, pull, and maneuver, even when fully packed.
Like the Creator, the Voyageur is built using Global Recycled Standard–certified materials, which means it’s not just beautiful—it’s also an eco-friendly carry-on option for travelers who value sustainable design.
Key Features That Stand Out
- Wide Handle Design: The same outer-rail system that the Creator uses is here too, giving you noticeably more internal space than traditional carry-ons. You can fit more without the awkward lumps caused by center handles.
- Smooth 360° Spinner Wheels: Just like the Creator, these glide effortlessly and quietly, no matter the surface. Rolling through terminals or hotel hallways feels frictionless.
- Velvety Interior Lining: The inside is surprisingly soft and velvety which gives it a subtle luxury feel that most hard-shell suitcases lack.
- Dual Packing Compartments: One side has a clear plastic pocket, ideal for toiletries or separating clean and worn clothes. The other side features a mesh zip divider for clothes, shoes, or accessories.
- TSA-Approved Lock: Built-in security that’s easy to use and travel-compliant.
- Dual Handles: Sturdy top and side handles make it simple to lift, even when packed tight.
Real-World Experience
I used the Voyageur for a recent Midwest road trip and was surprised by how well it handled constant movement—cars, hotels, family homes. The compact size fit easily into tight spaces, and despite being bumped around more than a few times, it still looks brand new.
The wheels rolled perfectly over uneven pavement, and the lighter weight made it easy to maneuver even on crowded sidewalks. The interior organization was simple but effective; the clear pocket kept toiletries separate and easy to find, while the mesh divider made it easy to access everything without digging.
Who It’s Best For
The Voyageur Carry-On 20” is ideal for:
- Travelers who prioritize lightweight carry-on luggage that doesn’t skimp on style.
- Minimalists who love clean, functional design.
- Eco-conscious travelers who want sustainable luggage that lasts.
- Anyone who needs a reliable companion for road trips, short flights, or multi-week adventures.
The Voyageur feels like the kind of suitcase that makes travel smoother and lighter, not just physically, but mentally too. It simplifies the process so you can focus on where you’re going, not what you’re carrying. And goodness is that Celadon color to die for.
Size and Capacity Comparison: How Level8 Maximizes Packing Space
The feature that makes all Level8 suitcases stand out is their wide handle design. Instead of placing the telescopic bars through the center of the suitcase—like most traditional carry-ons—Level8 moves them to the outer edges.
It might sound like a small change, but the difference is immediately noticeable the first time you pack. You gain a few extra liters of space and a perfectly flat interior floor, which makes folding clothes easier and eliminates those awkward raised ridges that waste room.
Compared to traditional 20-inch carry-ons, you can expect 2 – 4 liters of additional capacity which is enough for a pair of shoes, an outfit, or even a small toiletry kit.
Both designs make it easier to pack efficiently—especially for travelers who like to stay organized without bringing multiple bags. During my Midwest trip, I easily fit a week’s worth of clothing, a toiletry bag, and two pairs of shoes inside the Voyageur without feeling cramped.
That’s the kind of functionality most travelers don’t realize they’re missing until they’ve packed one of these. It’s one of the main reasons I’d consider both models among the best luxury carry-on luggage options for anyone who values smart design and extra space.
My Favorite Features of the Level8 Carry-Ons
After testing both the Creator Carry-On and the Voyageur Carry-On, I realized that the things that impressed me most weren’t flashy or over-engineered. They were the quiet, thoughtful design choices that made travel feel easier and smoother.
Here are a few of my favorite features that truly stood out:
- The Wide Handle Design: This is easily my top feature. The moment I opened the suitcase, I noticed how much more room there was inside. By moving the handle rails to the outer edges, Level8 eliminates that bulky center ridge most suitcases have. It means more usable space, easier folding, and a perfectly flat packing surface.
- The “Butter-Smooth” Wheels: I said this in my review video and I’ll say it again — these wheels roll like butter. I tested them in my driveway, through hotels, and across parking lots, and they glided effortlessly on every surface. No wobbling, no catching, no fight.
- Eco-Friendly Materials: Both carry-ons are made from Global Recycled Standard–certified materials, and that’s something I deeply appreciate.
- The Charging Port (Creator Carry-On): I’ve never had a suitcase that lets me charge my devices on the go, and this one makes it easy. You just plug your power bank inside the compartment, and your devices connect right from the top.
- Lightweight Yet Strong: The Voyageur Carry-On in particular feels featherlight, but not fragile. It’s rare to find a lightweight carry-on luggage piece that can take the bumps and scuffs of real travel without showing wear.
- Velvety Interior (Voyageur Carry-On): The inside of the Voyageur is soft and luxurious and more like fabric than plastic. It makes packing feel a little more intentional and less utilitarian.
- Simple, Beautiful Design: I love that Level8 doesn’t overdo it with logos or color accents. Their branding is subtle, their colors are sophisticated, and their finishes look premium without feeling pretentious.
These are the kinds of features that quietly make your trips smoother and your packing easier. They don’t scream for attention, but after using them, it’s hard to imagine going back to luggage that doesn’t have them.
What’s Not Included (and Why It Matters)
As much as I love both of these carry-ons, there are a few things that travelers should know before buying. These aren’t deal-breakers, but they’re worth noting if you prefer certain features in your luggage.
- No Expandable Zipper: Neither the Creator nor the Voyageur expands. For travelers who love to bring home souvenirs or pack “just in case” extras, this might take a little adjustment.
- Limited Backpack Compatibility: The wide handle is amazing for balance and interior space, but it can make it tricky to slide a standard backpack over the top. I tried it with my Brevitē backpack, and the sleeve wasn’t quite wide enough, although I can flip it sideways and tighten the straps to secure it. However, if you’re open to a new backpack, Level8 has it’s own line of backpacks designed to fit perfectly.
What I appreciate most is that these omissions aren’t oversights. They’re more like design decisions. Level8 focuses on simplicity, durability, and ease, not unnecessary bells and whistles. These are suitcases for travelers who value functionality and aesthetics over gimmicks.
In a way, what’s missing is part of what makes them work so well. They’re refined, not overloaded. The kind of luggage that lets you travel smarter, lighter, and more intentionally.
Choosing Between the Two
If you’re someone who’s always working on the go, answering emails in airport lounges, carrying a laptop, and needing to charge your phone mid-connection, the Creator Carry-On 20” is going to feel like a small luxury. That front compartment and charging setup save time and frustration every single trip.
But if you prefer simplicity, packing light, moving freely, and keeping things minimal, the Voyageur Carry-On 20” is hard to beat. It’s lighter, softer inside, and somehow even easier to move through crowded terminals or train platforms.
Both are eco-friendly, thoughtfully designed, and built with that clever wide-handle system that gives you more space than most 20-inch suitcases. You really can’t go wrong—it’s just a matter of whether you want more tech or more lightness.
Final Thoughts on Level8 Luggage
After spending time with both suitcases, I can honestly say that Level8 has found that rare balance between beauty, function, and sustainability.
Both carry-ons impressed me with how easy they were to handle, how thoughtfully they were built, and how well they held up to real-life travel. What ties them together is the attention to detail and that feeling of quiet confidence when you roll through the airport knowing your gear won’t let you down.
You can find both carry-ons here:
