Level8 Voyageur 28'' Review: Is It the Best Checked Luggage for Long-Haul Travel?
With my most recent suitcase sadly on its way out, it was time to find a new one. As a serial traveler who rarely heads home, I needed something that could withstand everything my travels throw at it; road tripping in Australia, navigating ferries through Southeast Asia, and long-haul flights to visit friends and family in England or the US.
But beyond durability, I wanted a brand that was working towards sustainability, a suitcase built to last rather than one that adds to the fast fashion overload. So I put the Level8 Voyageur 28'' checked bag to the test on a long-haul flight, and here is what worked, what did not, and why it might be your next travel companion.
Note: This is my initial review based on one long-haul flight. I will update this page once I have traveled with it for a few months.
Luxury 8 kindly sent me the Voyageur 28’’ checked bag to try out, but as always, these are my honest thoughts. I’m sharing what I really liked, what could be better, and how it handled my long-haul travel adventures. Some links in this post may be affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you if you make a purchase.
Traveling with the Voyageur 28’’: My Checked Bag Review
What I Look for in Checked Luggage
When looking for the best checked luggage for long-haul travel, there are a few non-negotiables for me.
Packing Space — I travel between climates and often dive, so I need space for everything from fins and camera gear to jackets and snacks.
Durability — My suitcase needs to handle being thrown around at airports, dragged over cobblestones, and occasionally exposed to sand or water.
Wheels — Smooth, sturdy wheels are a must, especially when navigating airports or uneven surfaces. My suitcase of the past failed me in the middle of Paris, while I was still a few miles from my accommodation. I had to carry the thing on my shoulder the rest of the way. Lesson learned.
Weight — I try to balance durability with weight, since airline limits can be tight.
Handle Comfort — A good handle makes a huge difference, especially when the bag is heavy, and you have not slept on your overnight flight.
Security — Zipper locks are non-negotiable for me when leaving my bag unattended.
Sustainability — I also look for brands making an effort toward more responsible materials and production.
My First Impressions
I will be honest, I was not expecting to fall in love with a suitcase the moment I opened the box, but you know, sometimes miracles happen. The Level8 Voyageur 28'' arrived, and the first thing that struck me was how sleek and minimalist it looks. No flashy branding, no unnecessary detailing, just a clean, well-designed hardside case that looks expensive, yet simple.
I went with the dark olive color, and I am so glad I did. It is one of those shades that is distinctive enough to spot immediately on a baggage carousel, no more waiting anxiously while identical black suitcases roll past, but still dark enough that every scuff and mark from the conveyor belt is not on full display. Anyone who has owned a light-colored suitcase knows that pain.
Picking it up for the first time, the wide handle immediately felt different from what I was used to. It felt sturdy and balanced in a way that my old suitcase never did. Rolling it around the room, the wheels were quiet, which is perfect for someone who does not like to draw attention to themselves in the airport.
Opening it up, the flat interior was a highlight for me. No awkward bars cutting through the middle or wasting packing space, just a clean, open surface ready to be filled. For someone who packs as chaotically and specifically as I do, dive gear, camera housings, allergy-friendly snacks, and somehow still a few things to wear, that first look inside felt genuinely promising.
Packing & Storage Space
The number one thing I look for in my luggage is packing space. Usually, I am traveling between different climates and diving on top of it. So my suitcase needs to accommodate fins, masks, my underwater camera housings, jackets, bathing suits, and more. Plus, being a gluten-free, dairy-free complicated girl, I need some room to stuff in snacks for the trip. You would be surprised at how much I can pack in a checked suitcase.
I am a huge fan of simplicity, and the Level8 Voyageur 28'' does exactly that. With a 99 litre capacity, there is genuinely a lot of room to work with. One thing I noticed straight away was how flat the interior base is. Unlike my previous suitcases, where the internal handle bars used some of my packing space, the Voyageur moves them to the edges, leaving me with a completely flat surface to work with and no awkward shapes to pack around. For someone packing different-shaped items like fins and camera housings, this actually made a noticeable difference for me.
The suitcase opens as most do, splitting into two sides. Each side has a zip section (thank you, Level8), making it secure to stuff all my belongings into, instead of just the usual clip across the area. Unzipping each side, you are left with large empty compartments, allowing you to pack and organize the way that works for you. When I am traveling with some of my nicer attire or want to be a bit more organized, the space is perfect for fitting in numerous suitcase organizers and packing cubes. When I am headed out for a colder trip with bulkier clothing, the internal zip compression pockets are a game-changer. I was able to stuff my puffy winter coat in, zip it down, and keep everything packed tightly and securely without it taking over the entire suitcase.
Overall exterior dimensions: 29.1″ high × 16.6″ wide × 13.3″ deep (about 74.5 cm × 42.5 cm × 34 cm) - suitable for all airlines.
How It Rolls and Handles
Handle Comfort:
This was actually a huge selling point for me. The main wide handle has moved its connection points to the outline of the suitcase rather than through the middle, which not only frees up interior packing space but also distributes the weight across a wider grip rather than a single narrow point. The bag feels more balanced and easier to maneuver, even when I have potentially overpacked, and it puts less long-term stress on the handle itself.
But what I personally loved was the multiple handles. Having one on the front of the suitcase and another on the side makes carrying a heavier suitcase up stairs or over puddles so much easier. Especially for short girls like me. I mean, most suitcases are half my height. How am I supposed to carry it otherwise? Even if I lifted it, the wheels would still be touching the ground.
Wheels:
The wheels of the Level8 Voyageur 28” are metal rather than plastic, so rough surfaces are not a problem. It also means the wheels are less likely to give in if you are packing on the heavier side…like me.
Quality & Durability
Next is durability; can this suitcase handle being tossed around from airplane to airplane? Can it ride over old cobblestone streets in Europe? Move through sand to reach my beachside accommodation? Or even withstand some water when I am ferrying to smaller, remote islands? Some of these questions, of course, have not been answered yet, but I am confident it will withstand.
After some research, what gives me confidence is the shell. It is made from Bayer Makrolon® Polycarbonate…the same material used in aerospace engineering…which flexes on impact rather than cracking. Level8 also stress tests each case to 276,000 wheel rotations… so while I have not yet put it through every scenario, the engineering gives me reason to trust it will hold up. Plus… I may have stood on it to reach some items at the top of my closet (short girl problems), and it did not budge.
I will say, 12.4 lbs is on the heavier side for an empty suitcase, especially with most airlines allowing around 23 kg or 50 lbs for checked baggage. That said, I am willing to wave a white flag and pack a few fewer outfits in exchange for a stronger, more durable suitcase that will actually protect my belongings long term. Level8 specifically highlights the Voyageur collection as a step toward more responsible travel gear. The idea being that a suitcase built to last is one less suitcase ending up in a landfill.
BONUS: Nowadays, I will not buy a suitcase unless it has zipper locks. I am constantly leaving my suitcase behind in hotels to explore for the day, or leaving it with baggage crews at ferry and plane terminals, not really knowing if it is safe. The Level8 Voyageur 28” has a TSA-approved lock for streamlined security checks.
Who I Think This Suitcase Is Best For
Serial travelers, like myself, or those who pack a lot: Anyone traveling between climates, diving, or carrying bulky or oddly-shaped items like fins, camera gear, or winter coats.
People who value organization: The flat interior, zip sections, and compression pockets make it easy to pack neatly and access everything.
Travelers who want durability over weight: If you prefer a suitcase that can handle rough surfaces, cobblestones, and heavy loads, even if it’s a bit heavier when empty.
Minimalistic, yet luxurious: Those who appreciate sleek, understated luggage without flashy logos.
Airport stealth fans: Quiet wheels for smooth rolling through terminals, so you do not announce your arrival.
Eco-conscious travelers: If small sustainability efforts like recycled linings, recyclable packaging, and tree-planting initiatives matter to you.
Shorter travelers or anyone who struggles with lifting luggage: Multiple handles (top, front, side) make stairs and puddles much easier to navigate.
People who value peace of mind: TSA-approved lock keeps your bag secure when left unattended at airports, ferries, or hotels.
Pros & Cons
Pros:
Sleek and minimalist; no flashy branding, just clean and simple
Dark olive color is easy to spot on the baggage carousel but hides scuffs and marks
Wide, sturdy handle feels balanced and different from my old suitcase
Multiple handles (front and side) make lifting heavy luggage easier…short girls, please clap
Quiet, smooth metal wheels that can handle rough surfaces
Flat interior base with moved internal handle bars gives max packing space
Zip sections and compression pockets keep everything organized, even bulkier winter clothes
A durable shell
TSA-approved zipper lock makes leaving your suitcase unattended less stressful
Sustainability efforts: recycled PET linings, recyclable packaging, tree planting, and donations of unsold inventory
Cons:
On the heavier side at 12.4 lbs empty, so packing extra outfits might need a rethink
True durability in extreme travel scenarios (cobblestones, sand, water) not fully tested yet
My Final Verdict
I am genuinely impressed with the Level8 Voyageur 28’’. Sleek, durable, and thoughtfully designed, it feels like a suitcase that actually makes traveling easier for me, especially when I am packing lots of gear, trying to stay organized, and rolling quietly through airports. The multiple handles, flat interior, and metal wheels are game-changers for me.
That said, I still need to put it through its paces over the next year (rough cobblestones, sand, ferries, and heavy packing), so I will update this review with more insights once I have truly tried and tested it.
For now, it is a strong contender for anyone who values style, functionality, and durability in a checked bag.
If you are thinking about trying the Level8 Voyageur 28’’, you can check it out here. It does not cost you anything extra, but it does help me keep reviewing gear I actually use and love. And yes, I will be updating this review as I really put it to the test over the next year.
Psst: Use Coconuts10 for 10% off your purchase!
