The best carry-on luggage: Level8 Review
Last Updated on September 2, 2024 by Ingrid
After traveling for over twenty years and living worldwide, I now know how important it is to choose the right luggage. Choosing the right carry-on luggage is a pivotal decision for any traveler, whether embarking on a quick weekend getaway or a lengthy international voyage.
The carry-on serves as a crucial companion throughout the journey, impacting convenience, comfort, and even the safety of your possessions.
Let’s see why Level 8 is at the top of my list for the best carry-on luggage and the best backpack for traveling with a laptop.
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Carry-On Luggage: Level8 Review
Why Level8?
Level8 is a NYC-born premier luggage brand renowned for its innovative designs and unwavering commitment to quality.
With a focus on durability and functionality, Level8 crafts luggage solutions that seamlessly blend style with practicality.
Whether you’re looking for a sleek carry-on for business trips or a sturdy suitcase for globe-trotting adventures, Level8 offers a diverse range of products to cater to every traveler’s needs.
From lightweight materials to advanced security features, each piece is meticulously engineered to withstand the rigors of travel while maintaining a sophisticated aesthetic.
With a reputation built on excellence, Level8 continues to elevate the travel experience for discerning individuals worldwide.
Top reasons why Level8’s Road Runner is a great carry-on luggage
Size Matters
One of the most critical aspects to consider when selecting carry-on luggage is ensuring it meets airline size restrictions.
Airlines often have specific dimensions for carry-on bags, and exceeding these limits can result in additional fees or having to check your bag.
Before making a purchase, familiarize yourself with the size requirements of the airlines you frequently fly with to ensure your luggage will fit in the overhead bin or under the seat in front of you.
The Road Runner has been designed for those who travel extensively and want to keep everything in one place.
Its front pocket has room for my laptop and papers – making them easily accessible at the airport.
The luggage comes in a standard international carry-on size.
Dimensions: 14.4”L x 10.1”W x 21.5”H (37 x 26 x 55cm).
Weight
As I usually travel with carry-on on European flights that impose weight restrictions, I am mindful of the luggage’s weight.
The Road Runner doesn’t weigh too much when empty. That allows me to maximize the number of outfits I pack for a weekend getaway.
Durability
That’s the number one thing that comes to mind as you watch people unloading luggage at the airport.
Travel can be rough on luggage, with bags subjected to handling by airport staff, crowded overhead bins, and rough terrain.
Therefore, durability is paramount when choosing carry-on luggage. Look for bags made from sturdy materials such as ballistic nylon, polycarbonate, or ABS plastic, which can withstand the rigors of travel without succumbing to wear and tear.
Reinforced corners, sturdy zippers, and quality stitching are also indicators of a well-constructed bag that will stand the test of time.
Level8 luggage has a German-made Makrolon® polycarbonate hard shell. This hard shell protects my belongings from unwanted impact and the weather.
Wheels
Navigating crowded airports and bustling city streets requires luggage that is easy to maneuver.
Opt for luggage with durable, multidirectional spinner wheels for smooth maneuverability, especially in crowded airports or narrow aisles.
The Road Runner has 360° spinner wheels that offer effortless handling. It is easy to carry on any type of terrain, whether you climb a hill or walk in the airport.
Handles
Choose luggage with strong, ergonomic handles that are comfortable to grip and retractable for easy storage. Telescoping handles should be sturdy and ergonomic, providing a comfortable grip for long walks through the terminal.
I used to have and love this small bag with a handle. I would take it everywhere with me for short trips. However, its handle would almost always get stuck. Getting stuck on the aisle trying to put my luggage in the overhead compartment was always frustrating.
That’s why I opted for qualitative luggage when I decided to make a change.
Compartments and Organization
Consider your packing needs and choose a bag with multiple compartments, pockets, and straps to keep your belongings organized and secure.
A well-designed carry-on should offer ample storage space and organizational features to keep your belongings tidy and easily accessible.
Look for bags with multiple compartments, pockets, and dividers, allowing you to separate clothing, toiletries, electronics, and other essentials. Interior compression straps can help secure items in place and minimize wrinkling, while exterior pockets provide convenient access to items you may need during your journey.
In addition to the front pocket, the whole bag has thoughtfully crafted compartments that fit more of what I need. It is easy to pack for a short or long escape.
Security Features
Protecting your belongings while traveling is paramount, making security features a crucial consideration when choosing carry-on luggage. Look for luggage with built-in TSA-approved locks or lockable zippers to keep your belongings safe during travel.
The Road Runner has a TSA-approved dual locking system plus a dedicated front-pocket lock.
Style and Personal Preference
While functionality is paramount, there’s no reason why your carry-on luggage can’t also reflect your style.
Choose a bag in color and design that appeals to you, whether it’s sleek and minimalist or bold and eye-catching.
Additionally, consider whether you prefer soft-sided or hard-sided luggage. Each offers its own advantages in terms of flexibility, protection, and aesthetics.
Warranty
LEVEL8 offers a lifetime warranty that covers any functional damage to the shell, wheels, handles, zippers, or anything else that impairs your use of the luggage.
Top reasons why the Atlas Laptop Backpack is the best carry-on backpack
Durability
A travel laptop backpack should be made from durable materials, such as abrasion-resistant fabrics and sturdy zippers, that can withstand the rigors of frequent travel.
Level8’s Atlas Laptop Backpack is made of water-repelled polyester fabric and is heavily padded by 3D EVA foam.
Laptop Compartment
A dedicated padded laptop compartment is essential to protect your device from bumps and scratches while on the move.
It should be well-padded and, ideally, have a suspension system to keep the laptop off the bottom of the bag for extra protection.
The Atlas Laptop Backpack has an independent laptop compartment, heavily padded with 3D EVA foam, which provides maximum protection for laptops from 13 inches to 16 inches.
Comfortable Padding and Straps
Comfort is crucial, especially if you’ll be carrying the backpack for extended periods.
Look for ergonomic padding on the back panel and shoulder straps to provide support and alleviate pressure points.
Level8’s backpack has an ergonomic carrying system with heavily padded back straps that provide more comfort. It is very comfortable, even when the backpack is heavy, and doesn’t put much pressure on the back or shoulders.
Organization
Ample organization features, such as multiple compartments, pockets, and sleeves, help keep your belongings organized and easily accessible. These include compartments for essentials like passports, chargers, and water bottles.
The Atlas has 26 Multiple Organizer Pockets for phones, pens, keys, wallets, and passports. Although the backpack looked relatively small at first glance, once I started filling it, I understood it could hold a lot of stuff.
It is actually designed to carry up to 31 liters, and it is a great companion whenever I travel with my baby. Even for a short walk, there is never enough space for everything you bring.
Water Resistance
Whether you encounter unexpected rain or accidental spills, water-resistant or waterproof materials help protect your belongings from moisture damage.
The Atlas Backpack is made out of water-repelled polyester fabric, making it the perfect travel companion.
Size and Weight
A travel laptop backpack should be compact enough to carry onto planes as a personal item yet spacious enough to hold all your essentials. It should also be lightweight to minimize strain on your shoulders and back.
The Atlas is 12.6”L x 6.5”W x 18.6”H and only weights 3.33 lbs.
Warranty and Customer Support
A solid warranty and responsive customer support can provide added reassurance of the backpack’s quality and durability, offering peace of mind for your investment.
All LEVEL8 backpacks (Except LEVEL8 Atlas) are protected by a 1-year warranty. The LEVEL8 Atlas backpack is protected by a lifetime warranty. Read the complete warranty policy here!
Other things worth knowing
Where to buy the Level8 luggage from
The best place to purchase their high-quality products is directly on the Level8 website.
Use “ingridzenmoments10” on the website and get 10% OFF on your purchase!
Shipping and returns
USA & Canada take advantage of FREE shipping.
Orders are processed in around 1-2 business days and usually arrive within 3-6 business days.
If you are outside the US or Canada, as I am, you can find all the shipping information here.
In my experience, the shipping process was seamless, and the order arrived in Italy in less than one week.
If you wish to return a purchased item, that can be done within 7 days of delivery.
In conclusion, selecting the right carry-on luggage is a crucial step in ensuring a seamless and enjoyable travel experience.
Considering factors such as size, durability, mobility, organization, security, and personal preference, I decided that Level 8’s luggage and backpack were the perfect products for me.
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