Christmas came early to The SavvyBostonian HQ! The doorbell rang, and two beautifully boxed Level8 carry-on suitcases appeared on my doorstep. It was the perfect excuse for an honest Level8 luggage review after my last carry-on lost a wheel in Birmingham.
Level8 kindly gifted me two of their best-selling models — the Luminous Textured Carry-On 20″ and the Road Runner Carry-On 20″ — to share a review here on the blog. I selected these two, as the Road Runner model has a front compartment for your laptop, while the Luminous Textured model is a similar to the carry-on that I previously had. Depending on the type of trip I’m on, I thought having one of each style carry-on would be beneficial. But, let’s get more into that in my review!
Unboxing Experience: Luxury Meets Practicality
The packaging immediately impressed me. The suitcases arrived in sturdy cardboard boxes, both in pristine condition, and the kind of detail that makes you feel like you’re opening something special. Each suitcase arrived in its own white dust sleeve, much like a designer handbag, which makes my luggage less likely to collect dust between trips (not that my suitcases are ever sitting in my flat for too long!).
If you’ve ever been hesitant about ordering luggage online, don’t be. Level8’s unboxing experience feels secure, premium, and thoughtful — exactly what you’d hope for from a brand at this quality level.
The Level8 Road Runner Carry-On: Sleek, Smart & Travel-Savvy
I first opened the Road Runner Carry-On 20”, and right away, it ticked my boxes for form and function. It’s incredibly lightweight yet durable, and the front laptop compartment is a game-changer for anyone who travels with multiple devices. For example, sometimes I travel with two laptops or a laptop and a iPad, plus a book or two, and my back often suffers from trying to carry them all in my backpack or tote bag. This carry-on suitcase option would allow me to spread the weight out more evenly, which is a big perk for me!
Open the front flap, and you’ll find a padded laptop sleeve (fits a 17″ laptop and 10.9″ tablet) and several smaller compartments for earbuds, passports, and pens. The pocket (and main suitcase compartment) even has its own TSA-approved lock, which is great for extra security when staying at hotels, apartment rentals, or at a train station locker.
Inside, the Road Runner offers three sections:
- A spacious main compartment with compression straps to hold clothing in place.
- A middle zippered divider — ideal for socks, underwear, accessories, or smaller items.
- A mesh zip pocket for delicate or grab-and-go essentials.
Road Runner Carry-On 20″ Key Features:
- Durable German-made Makrolon polycarbonate hard shell light with an anti-scratch finish.
- Front laptop compartment with lockable zippers for easy access and added security.
- TSA-approved combination lock for peace of mind.
- 360° spinner wheels that glide silently and effortlessly.
- Telescopic handle with multiple height options.
- Dual handles on the top and side for easy lifting.
- Backed by a 5-year warranty.
- Dimensions: 14.4”L x 10.1”W x 21.5”H (37 x 26 x 55cm)
- Weight: 9.5lbs (4.3kg)
- Capacity: 38L
- Comes in three colors – black, navy and grey.
- Price at the time of writing this review: £179.99 – but check the website for local prices as they ship to the US, Canada, UK, Europe.
So, who is the Road Runner 20″ Carry-On for? I would recommend it for business or leisure travelers who need quick laptop, book, or document access without sacrificing style. If you’re always reaching through your carry-on mid-flight or train journey, this is the suitcase for you.
The Level8 Luminous Textured Carry-On: Chic, Light & Spacious
After thoroughly exploring the Road Runner model, I kept pinching myself with having a second and equally lovely carry-on to unbox. Next, I opened the Luminous Textured Carry-On 20”. This one skips the front pocket in favor of a more streamlined silhouette, making it slightly lighter with a bit more interior space. It’s perfect for travelers who want to maximize every inch of space in their carry-on!
I adore the matte black textured finish (although it does come in six colors!), which is not only stylish but also resistant to scratches and scuffs. In comparison to my previous carry-on in a similar style, both interior sides zip completely closed, which keeps clothing and accessories neat and contained. It also features two mesh dividers, giving you flexibility for how you organize. I like using one side for clothing and shoes, and the other for beauty products, accessories, and tech gear.
It’s the kind of design that allows travelers to thoughtfully cram as much as possible into their carry-on. Not that I would ever do that – wink wink!
Luminous Textured Carry-On 20″ Key Features
- Anti-scratch hard shell made with German-made Makrolon polycarbonate
- 360° silent spinner wheels for smooth airport navigation.
- Aluminum alloy telescopic handle with ergonomic grip.
- Dual handles for multiple lifting options.
- Fully lined interior with two zippered compartments.
- TSA-approved combination lock.
- Backed by a lifetime warranty.
- Dimensions: 14.5” L x 9.2” W x 21.5” H (37 x 23.5 x 54.5cm)
- Weight: 7.7lbs (3.5kg)
- Capacity: 40L
- Comes in six colors – Olivine, Black, Grey, Navy, Pink, White
- Comes in multiple sizes in those colors – 18″, 20″, 24″, or 28″ – perfect for those who want a matching set
- Price at the time of writing this review: £169.99 – but check the website for local prices as they ship to the US, Canada, UK, Europe.
So, who is the Luminous Textured Carry-On for? I would recommend this one for travelers who like to fill their carry-on. As this suitcase is slightly lighter and has slightly more interior capacity, this helps when weight limits are low or when the need to fit more in is high. As a bonus, you can select some really fun colors like olive green or pink, which also extend across many sizes, so you can build a matching set of suitcases (which is the ultimate in travel chic!).
Final Verdict
After unboxing and testing both, I’m genuinely impressed. Level8 has managed to create luggage that’s equal parts stylish, durable, and practical. These suitcases feel built to last, with just the right amount of polish to make your travel days feel elevated.
I would recommend the Road Runner 20″ Carry-On for those that want a front compartment for easy grab and use devices and documents, plus the ability to diversify the weight of your personal item versus carry-on bag.
Whereas, I would recommend the Luminous Textured 20″ Carry-On for those that want a slightly lighter suitcase with a bit more interior capacity. Bonus: the number of sizes and colors this suitcase comes in also makes it perfect for building a matching set.
Do you need both? As a girl who loves having options, I know I’ll absolutely be using both on future trips!
I would love to hear – which of the two carry-ons would be your preference? Do you love the idea of a front pocket for your laptop and other essentials or do you want more space to fit a few extra bits of clothing?
Disclosure: The SavvyBostonian was very kindly gifted both suitcases from Level8. I only accept and feature collaborations that I would purchase from and genuinely recommend to friends and family.
Jessica Gioglio founded the travel and lifestyle blog, The SavvyBostonian and is the co-author of The Laws of Brand Storytelling and The Power of Visual Storytelling. Professionally, Jessica has led innovative marketing and public relations programs for Dunkin’, TripAdvisor, Sprinklr, and more. Today, Jessica is a keynote speaker on brand storytelling (book her here) and founder of With Savvy Media & Marketing, a strategic branding, storytelling, and content strategy consultancy.
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