LEVEL8 Luggage Review: Textured Carry-On 20″ Suitcase

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by Maggie Turansky


Disclaimer: This article contains affiliate links. That means if you click a link and make a purchase, we make a small commission at no extra cost to you. For more information, see our privacy policy.

This article is sponsored by LEVEL8 who sent us the Textured Carry-On 20" to try ourselves. All opinions are our own.


Are you thinking of buying a LEVEL8 Textured Carry-On 20″ and searching for a detailed review before making such a significant purchase? Well, you’ve come to the right place.

If you’re on the hunt for a new carry-on suitcase to bring on your next trip or are wanting to upgrade from a travel backpack, LEVEL8 is an excellent choice and their carry-on luggage is one of the top options of their line.

The suitcase comes in a variety of colours and has a number of features that makes it a worthwhile purchase for any traveller looking for a great carry-on sized suitcase for their next trip.

If you want to know more about the LEVEL8 Textured Carry-On, its features and limitations and even the pros of purchasing this kind of suitcase, then keep on reading.

Looking for a LEVEL8 discount code? Click this link and use our exclusive promo code WORLD10 to get 10% off any purchase!

LEVEL8 Textured Carry-On 20"
LEVEL8 Carry-On

Why Choose LEVEL8 Luggage?

There are countless luggage brands out there on the market – what makes LEVEL8 special? Is there something distinctive that sets it above the rest?

LEVEL8 is a New York City-based luggage company that strives to create practical and efficient suitcases without sacrificing style or looks. The result is a range of luggage that can definitely suit most needs and tastes. Their suitcases are tested and considerations are made for all kinds of usability.

This is a premium brand which is likely why you’re looking for a review of these suitcases – they all do cost a decent bit of cash so you want to make sure you’re making the right choice. They do however, come with a lifetime warranty so you can have peace of mind that the investment will be worth it.

However, if you are looking for a well-made and stylish suitcase that fits most airlines’ requirements, the Textured Carry-On 20″ could be a great choice for you.

Packing our LEVEL8 Luggage
Packing our LEVEL8 Luggage

Textured Carry-On 20″ Features

The LEVEL8 Textured Carry-On 20″ comes in a range of different colours – in fact, it is available in a total of seven! The colours are grey, navy, black, olive drab, light blue, pink and floral white.

We have the suitcase in both the grey and pink colours and they look very true to what is advertised on the website. The sheer array of colours means that you can definitely find something that suits your own personal style.

The Textured Carry-On 20″ is a hard shell suitcase that is made from a Germany Makrolon®  polycarbonate hard-shell material that is both lightweight and durable. It has a small, diamond texture that makes it scratch-proof so it will keep looking its best even if you’ve taken it on hundreds of trips!

It has a telescoping handle that’s made from an aluminium alloy so that it doesn’t add too much weight to the overall suitcase. The handle is adjustable at a number of different levels meaning that the suitcase is usable for both the tallest and shortest of users. Keep in mind that the handle is a standard width unlike the wide handle found on the Voyageur luggage.

Adjustable handles on the LEVEL8 Luggage
Adjustable handles on the LEVEL8 Luggage

Another great feature of this suitcase is that it has a built-in TSA-approved lock on the zippers. This means that you can keep your belongings safe and secure without having to worry about bringing a separate luggage lock.

It also makes everything less clunky. It’s also very easy to set the code (instructions are included with the suitcase, but they are also available on the website).

The suitcase also features, 360° spinner wheels that are both super durable and ultra-quiet, meaning that they can withstand cobbled streets while not causing an absolute cacophony.

The exterior of the suitcase is also waterproof, so you can be searching for your accommodation in the rain without worrying about getting your items wet on the inside.

Speaking of the interior, it is lined with fabric and has zippered pockets on either side. On one side. there are also smaller zippered compartments included so you can keep your smaller items organised when packing.

TSA Lock on the LEVEL8 Textured Carry-On Suitcase
TSA Lock on the LEVEL8 Luggage

Pros of the Textured Carry-On 20″

The first one that jumps to mind is that the case is very lightweight, especially for a hard-shell suitcase. At 3.5kg (7.7lbs), it is lightweight enough to be able to pack your carry-on items and still likely meet your airline’s weight requirements, no matter how strict they tend to be.

The suitcase is also small enough to comply with the vast majority of airlines’ carry-on requirements so you can travel with an easy mind (provided that you’re also under the weight requirements!). It is always worth checking with your specific airline’s size and weight specifications before travelling just to ensure that you’re all above board.

The wheels of this suitcase are also very durable and manoeuvrable so you can easily wheel it next to you, behind you or navigate it down the aisles of an aeroplane.

Also, with a capacity of 38L, it is large enough to bring a good amount of items with you – especially if you’re a fan of packing light. This means that it’s a great suitcase to bring if you’re fond of packing carry-on only but still want to have a bit of room to play around with.

Inside of the LEVEL8 Textured Carry-On 20"
Inside of the LEVEL8 Textured Carry-On 20″

Features Available in Other Models

Now that we’ve discussed all of the features and pros of the Textured Carry-On 20″, let’s take the time to discuss what maybe some other LEVEL8 models have that this one does not.

One major thing, in my opinion, that the Textured Carry-On 20″ lacks is a laptop sleeve. For instance, both the Pro Carry-On and Road Runner Carry-On models feature a built-in laptop pocket. They don’t, however, come in the array of colours as the Textured Carry-On does.

Having a laptop pocket makes it easier when going through airport security and can help you keep your electronics a bit safer, but it really isn’t a game-changer. Especially if you want the colour options that the Textured option provides.

Some of the more premium options of the LEVEL8 suitcases come with packing cubes along with the suitcase itself. This is true of the Full Aluminum Carry-On Luggage 20”.

This suitcase comes at a significantly higher price tag than the Textured Carry-On 20″ and also doesn’t have anywhere near the colour options. It is also a fair bit heavier, meaning that it will be harder to fit within the limitations of various airlines’ strict carry-on weight requirements.

And finally, if you’re looking for something that has a more antique aesthetic, then the Vintage Carry-On 20″ is an excellent choice. It has many of the same features as the Textured Carry-On, however, it is slightly lighter and has a more rounded body. The capacity is the same and it comes in 5 different colours.

The LEVEL8 Luggage is easy to wheel around
The LEVEL8 Luggage is easy to wheel around

Final Thoughts on LEVEL8 Luggage

There is a lot to like about the LEVEL8 Textured Carry-On 20″ and it is definitely an excellent choice for those looking for a lightweight and stylish carry-on suitcase for travel. The case is well-made and durable and you are getting good value for money with it.

One great feature of these suitcases is if you decide you want both the carry-on size and the checked luggage size, a small discount applies if you purchase them as a luggage set.

Hopefully, this LEVEL8 review has helped you to decide whether or not the LEVEL8 Textured Carry-On 20″ is the right suitcase for you and your travel needs!

And if you click this link and use our LEVEL8 discount code WORLD10, you can get 10% off any purchase!

Are you considering purchasing a LEVEL8 suitcase? Have you found this review helpful? Let us know in the comments!

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Maggie is a co-founder and writer for The World Was Here First. Originally from the US, she has lived in five different countries and has travelled to dozens more, both solo and with her partner, Michael. She particularly loves exploring Spain and spending time in the Caucasus and the Baltics.

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