Level8 Luggage Review: Is the Luminous Suitcase Worth the Money?
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In my early days of traveling (and especially now for longer travel stints), I packed my clothes into a backpacking bag. It’s easy to carry and you can stuff a lot in there. But going on shorter trips more recently has shown me that having a good suitcase is beneficial. That’s why I decided to test out the Level8 Luminous Luggage.
I was skeptical about spending a lot of money on a new piece of luggage because a backpacking bag has worked out so great for me in the past. But these new suitcases are now designed for ease of access to clothes, which makes them so helpful on shorter trips.
The Level8 Luminous Carry-on Luggage worked perfectly on a recent short trip to Belize and also driving across the country, where I needed quick access to items for hotels.
Having a carry-on suitcase for these small trips relieves a lot of the stress I once had and I think it’s worth the money!
Level8 Luminous Luggage Overview: My Verdict
I’ll cut right to the chase for those interested in my ranking. The Level8 Luminous Luggage is an outstanding product for the price and I’d rate it a 4.2/5.
There are some things I wish were a little better, but those issues wouldn’t keep me from buying this product.
The overall quality of this suitcase is great and I know I’ll have it (and use it) for many years to come.
| Feature | Score (out of 5) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Design / premium look | 4.8 | Sleek, polished carry-on that looks more premium than many budget hard-shell suitcases. |
| Shell quality / build feel | 4.0 | The hard-shell construction feels sturdy and protective enough but I worry about it for continued use. |
| Wheel smoothness | 4.7 | Spinner wheels appear to glide well and should make airport navigation easy and comfortable. |
| Handle comfort / adjustability | 3.9 | The handle is more on the flimsy side when its all the way up. I haven’t had any issues with it yet but it could cause problems in the future. |
| Interior organization | 4.4 | Split-case design and interior compartments make it easier to separate clothing and smaller travel essentials. |
| Carry-on friendliness | 4.6 | Size is designed for carry-on use, making it a strong option for travelers trying to avoid checked baggage. |
| Scratch resistance / scuff visibility | 4.1 | The textured shell may help hide some wear, but hard-shell luggage can still show scuffs over time. |
| TSA lock / security features | 4.3 | Built-in lock adds convenience and makes it feel more travel-ready right out of the box. |
| Value for the price | 4.2 | Strong balance between style, features, and price, though it may still feel expensive compared to entry-level carry-ons. |
| Best for minimalist travelers | 4.6 | A great fit for travelers who pack efficiently and care about both looks and function. |
| Best for overpackers | 3.6 | This is primarily a carry-on suitcase, so you’ll be limited to what you can bring. |
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Best For:
The Luminous is a fantastic suitcase for those looking for mid-level budget carry-on luggage and is also fashionable.
This suitcase can pass for a more expensive piece simply by the minimalistic look and diamond-textured shell.
The amount you can pack into this suitcase (especially with packing cubes) is way more than enough for a weekend getaway and even a week-long vacation to your favorite spot.
Not For:
Starting at $170, this can be a pricey suitcase. And the price can increase all the way up to $300 if you get the largest size of 28″.
So if you’re looking for a cheap option, then this might not be the suitcase for you.
I will say, I used the 20″ Luminous Carry-on and I didn’t feel like I needed anything more.
If you do feel the need to purchase the larger one, just remember that they are meant to be checked and not fit in the overhead compartment.
What Stands Out About the Level8 Luminous Right Away
First impressions don’t mean everything but they are important. You can sometimes tell how well a product is made the second you lay eyes on it.
First Impressions of the Design and Build
When I first unboxed my Luminous Carry-on, I loved the crisp, minimalistic style that clearly stood out.
I don’t like flashy things and the Level8 logo goes well with this look, too.
The shell did feel a little flimsy at first and I was nervous, but so far, so good. I’m not expecting it to withstand a category 5 hurricane but it still gets the job done.
Here are the things that look good to the eye when taking it out of the box:
- Diamond-textured shell: Not too flashy, but also fancy at the same time
- Designed Wheels: I love how they implemented their design into the wheels and so perfectly too
My Favorite Features After Using It
Smooth 360 Spinner Wheels and Airport Handling
The Level8 Luminous Luggage slides across the floor with ease. I was never worried about the wheels getting stuck or even embarrassing myself because something went wrong.
They even work surprisingly well on carpet, which is great and not all suitcases have that capability.
Carry-on Size
This one might be obvious but having this suitcase fit perfectly as a carry-on item is super clutch.
I was never stressed that it wasn’t going to fit into the overhead compartment or I was going to get flagged by someone at the gate.
I try my best to only fly with a carry-on, which makes this suitcase that much more of a win in my book.
Light-weight
Even after I read the weight of the Luminous carry-on suitcase, I was shocked at how light it felt when I first used it.
This feature helps their 360 wheels work smoothly and fit in the overhead compartment without issue.
Atlas Backpack Attaches to Handle
I always travel with my laptop, and its portability matters. What’s great is that the Level8 Atlas Backpack has a slot that you can slide over this suitcase’s handle.
This is great when sitting at the airport and you don’t want to put the backpack on the ground.
It’s small but it’s a nice little perk for keeping your gear in the Level8 family.
What I Didn’t Like About It
Padlock Was Hard to Use
There’s a TSA-approved padlock on the side of the Luminous suitcase that locks it with a combination.
I found it a little difficult to use when unlocking it, as the pin would stay stuck in there until I pulled on it hard enough.
I only take this suitcase as a carry-on item, so I don’t even bother with almost all padlocks on suitcases to begin with but just something to note.
Shell Felt Flimsy
Disclaimer: I tested and used one of the cheapest versions of suitcases that Level8 offers. So, with that being said, I wasn’t expecting a bulletproof-type shell.
It was a tad flimsy after first checking out and using the Lumionous.
I need more testing to be sure of how long this shell will last, and I’ll update this post at a later date to let everyone know.
Handle Flet a Little Unsturdy
This is something I think should be improved or at least looked at. When the handle is at full length, it can be torqued to the side and doesn’t seem sturdy.
Nothing happened to the handle while traveling, so it still seems strong enough that it probably doesn’t matter.
Packing Test: How Much Actually Fits Inside?
For a small carry-on suitcase, I was actually shocked at how much I could stuff into it.
The extra zippers on the inside helped hold things like a toothbrush, deodorant, etc., without having another compartment on the outside.
I’d always suggest using packing cubes as they:
- Helps to keep clothes organized so you know where everything is
- Pack more things into your bag
- Less Wrinkles
Is a One week Trip Possible?
A one-week trip is definitely possible if your only suitcase is the Level8 Luminous carry-on.
This can vary slightly depending on what type of destination you’re going to. A beach destination is much easier than a winter destination due to needing thicker jackets and such.
But overall, you can fit outfits for the entire week in this one suitcase and not have to worry about checking a bag and (god forbid) it gets lost.
FAQs
Does the Level8 Luminous Fit in Overhead Bins?
Yes! The Level8 Luminous Luggage fits perfectly in the overhead compartment on an airplane and you will not have to worry about being charged extra for an oversize suitcase.
Is the Level8 Luminous Carry-on Worth it?
Absolutely! I think if you’re looking for something that isn’t too flashy but is a reliable carry-on suitcase, then the Luminous won’t disappoint.
Does the Shell Scratch Easily?
From my experience, it seems that the Level8 Luminous Shell isn’t fully resistant to scratches but it does take some effort to scratch deep enough for them to show up.
I’d say to expect scratches to show up on your suitcase, especially if you end up checking the bag on multiple occasions.
What are the Level8 Luminous Carry-on Dimensions?
The 18″ Luminous Carry-on dimensions are: 13.7” L*9.2″ W*20.2” H | 7.1 lbs | 39 L
The 20″ Luminous Carry-on dimensions are: 14.5” L*9.2” W*21.5” H | 7.7 lbs | 40 L
Final Thoughts
Level8 is a trustworthy brand that prides itself on minimalist designs that look great. And I think they nailed that again with the Luminous Carry-on Suitcase! This suitcase is everything I need for shorter trips across the country and even abroad. The different compartments help keep my items organized while also giving me enough room to pack as many packing cubes as possible. What I love is that there’s a wide range of prices for their suitcases, so you can pick the one that is best for you.
Overall, I think this would be a great selection for anyone’s travel gear and should be in consideration as a new suitcase before your next vacation!
