I’ve had a chance to test out the Level8 Voyageur Luggage 2 Piece Set for quite some time now. Flights with quick connections, train transfers, hotel switching…the luggage has been through it all.
It’s one of those luggage sets that looks bland when you first see it. But once you actually start packing and rolling it around town or through airports, the design aspects start to become apparent.
In this review, we’ll see how it holds up to long-term use. We’ll touch on build quality, interior design, rolling performance, comparisons to other premium polycarbonate luggage sets, and where it misses the mark because let’s face it, no luggage is perfect.
Build & Materials
The Voyageur line is made from German-engineered Makrolon® polycarbonate. This puts it miles ahead of luggage made from ABS as soon as you hold it.
The shell has a nice firm feel without being brittle. It’s rigid enough that the suitcase keeps its shape when packed full.
The micro-diamond textured exterior does two things nicely. For starters, it gives the luggage a more sophisticated modern appearance that isn’t trying to be flashy. Secondly, it helps hide superficial scratches better than a smooth glossy shell would.
Granted, scratches do happen. After several trips, including some as checked luggage, scuff marks became apparent. However, these were not cracks in the shell or denting, just cosmetic scuffs that took a bit of work to remove.
The aluminum alloy telescopic handle feels sturdy and fits snugly. There is barely any wiggle once extended, even when pulling a fully loaded suitcase.
Interior Design & Packing
The reason the base of the Voyageur suitcase is able to remain so flat when you wheel it around is thanks to the wide trolley handle system. The rails are designed to sit farther apart from each other. This creates more room inside the suitcase when compared to others with narrower bases.
Speaking of the interior, it’s divided into two full-sized compartments. One has compression straps while the other has full zipper panels enclosing the storage space. There are also dual zipper compartments for miscellaneous items and a wet/dry separation pocket. I actually found this last feature decently useful for separating laundry or wet items after short trips.
Packing the Voyageur was straightforward. I easily fit more into the 20-inch carry-on than I thought I would. Items didn’t shift around like somehard-sided luggage I’ve tested. Compression cubes were also easy to use and didn’t strain the zipper pulls.
Rolling Performance
Ah…where this luggage truly excels.
Rolling was buttery smooth. The 360-degree spinner wheels glided over almost any surface quietly. On flat surfaces, the case pulled itself. Okay, I’m exaggerating. But when the wheels have a slight incline and you let go, the suitcase actually moves by itself. That right there should speak volumes about wheel quality. However, it does mean you have to keep hold of it.
On textured surfaces such as train stations/platforms or uneven pavement the wheels didn’t chatter or bounce. This is noticeably quieter than some other high-end brands as well. I didn’t hear that empty banging noise that cheaper spinner wheels emit.
Lastly, the telescoping handle adjusts smoothly and stays put where you set it. Whether I was pushing one or two cases through crowded train stations or airports it felt simple. I never felt weighed down when rolling a single suitcase either.
Travel Security & Accessibility
Each piece comes equipped with a TSA-approved combination lock. This is somewhat standard these days for luggage in this price range, but worth mentioning anyway. The locks glide on and don’t feel cheap or sticky.
The carry-on size fits in overhead bins just fine. I never had an issue packing this on international flights. Same goes for checked sizes. They’re meant to be travel-ready for longer trips. Having a set that nests together for storage at home is a nice bonus when not in use.
Real-World Traveler Experiences
The thing that really stuck with me after testing this luggage set was how similar each trip felt to the next. Wheels were still smooth, handle didn’t loosen, and shell didn’t show structural damage like denting or cracking.
I’ve noticed the same thing with other travelers who have these cases. Many have used them on multiple continents over years of traveling. Wheel performance always seems to be brought up when choosing this set over more well-known brands. The toughness of the polycarbonate shell is also frequently mentioned as being blast resistant over time.
I will say the number one complaint I saw was present with my luggage as well. Scuffs happen, and because the shell is fairly stiff, they can take some elbow grease to remove. If you’re wanting luggage that will stay pristine forever, you may want to look elsewhere. But if you’re okay with putting some wear and tear on your luggage in exchange for durability and performance, I don’t think you’ll be disappointed.
Size Options & Features
Typically, this 2-piece set will come with a 20-inch carry-on and 1 checked size.
Sizes for carry-on come in just one option. It measures in around 21.3” x 15.1” x 9.8” and weighs roughly 8.1 lbs with a 43-liter capacity.
Checked luggage ranges from 26” to 30” with bag capacities from 93 liters up to +100 liters.
Similar Luggage Compared
Compared to other polycarbonate luggage sets like Samsonite, the Voyageur just feels smoother rolling and handles don’t loosen as much. Samsonite wins in the scratch department on some of their sets, but not all. Level8 feels buttery smooth where Samsonite can be lackluster in comparison.
When I throw budget-friendly polycarbonate brands into the mix, the gaps are wider. Better materials used, quieter wheels, and the interior is designed with frequent travelers in mind. Overall, the Voyageur just feels like it was designed by people who travel.
Not Ideal For
- Extremely picky travelers who don’t like cosmetic scuffs. Yes the shell is durable, but luggage takes a beating and scuffs are going to happen.
- Light-weight travelers who only care about the number on the scale may also find this set slightly on the heavy side compared to ultra-lite carry-on suitcases.
Final Thoughts
The Level8 Voyageur Luggage 2 Piece Set is an excellent example of a luggage set that offers the perfect mixture of durability, modern design, and real-life application. I love the wider handle system for more efficient packing. Interior layout is practical, and the rolling experience is top notch.
If you’re looking for a sleek, modern luggage set that performs amazingly while moving around and can take a beating long-term, look no further. Built like a tank but without feeling like it.
Overall Rating: 4.6 / 5
Near perfect scores across the board. Only thing really holding this set back is cosmetic scuff damage. But that’s expected when traveling with hard-sided luggage.
Have a Level8 Voyageur yourself? Let me know your thoughts down below. It always helps fellow travelers decide when hearing real-world user experiences!
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