LEVEL8 Luggage After 25,000 Miles of Travel

[@AaronandTodd]

Use code AARON&TODD10 for additional discount + free shipping! Current Sale : www.anrdoezrs.net/click-100691859-15195301 Best check-in suitcase: www.anrdoezrs.net/click-100691859-15195342 Best 2 Piece Luggage Set: www.tkqlhce.com/click-100691859-15499773 Best budget Carry On: www.anrdoezrs.net/click-100691859-15543463 Best budget Checked Luggage: www.anrdoezrs.net/click-100691859-15499766

[@UzeYoNoodle]

This review is exactly what I was looking for. I am so sick of ‘review’ videos being nothing but an unboxing. Thank you for this in depth review!

[@AaronandTodd]

Thank you for the comment! Level8’s quality is legit and stood up to being checked by airlines on 14 flights we took around the world on our honeymoon. They sent us 2 more bags to review. If you’re looking for a carry-on, the wide handle of the Voyageur 20” is a game changer. We haven’t posted this yet but we have the Hegent 20” we’re taking on a cruise next month. Both are solid choices. Use our code AARON&TODD10 for that discount! Cheers!

[@StClair-yt1ss]

That is good to know, thanks. I am looking for a new set and had no idea where to start. They look pretty good after 14 dates with the airport gladiators 😂. You answered any questions I could have had. Have a lovely day.

[@AaronandTodd]

Thank you for the comment. Be sure to use the link and discount code to save you some money. My pick would be the Voyageur 20” carry on. Multiple colors too!

[@mizlandry]

This review was so good, that it helped me decide on purchasing the Level 8 yellow set, agreeing to the splurge. I loved the look of the yellow ones. Your comments on how it held up when CHECKED were especially important to me. While I'm overall happy with my purchase, I used my pieces on a trip to Ireland and was very disappointed in the amount of scuff marks that came out of the plane after the first trip (flying from SFO to DUB then back again. The roominess of the pieces, the way the handles are constructed, and the wheels were excellent. But the scuffing on that beautiful case was heartbreaking. My heart sank when I picked up my luggage. Then, knowing I'd have to send it through the ringer again made me cringe. I came home and used a magic eraser and 409 to clean it and got about 95% of the scuffs off, but not all, so it now looks like it's an old piece of luggage. Nothing broke. Definitely durable, but won't stay pretty. Maybe get the black one. Getting a color was risky and I kind of regret it.

[@AaronandTodd]

Thank you for your valid feedback and your experience with LEVEL8. I agree the baggage handlers show no mercy to luggage or keeping it clean as it moves from bag belts to the plane and back. We found some cleaning success with a magic eraser. We see scuffs and dings as a reminder of the joys of travel. Each scuff or dings is another notch in the belt. The most important point is that the luggage held up and did its job as you stated. Carry on’s will get less abuse and maybe the brighter colors are best for hand luggage and to your point on checked luggage maybe they should consider a darker color that maintains that distinctivefor 2-tone effect, it would hide the scuffs better than a bright yellow. Thank you again. For your thoughtful review and your purchase!

[@DavidMiller212]

Best real use review, fantastic insights! Thanks!

[@AaronandTodd]

Thanks for taking the time to comment! We have historically used luggage from Away (aluminum) but gave Level8 a good shake down and was pleasantly surprised how well they did!

[@richiecolon3774]

Thank you for the honest review, definitely helped me make a decision and informed me that it’s better to not buy an aluminum bag for checking

[@AaronandTodd]

Yeah an aluminum bag from any company is going to dent and ding. Best to stick with aluminum if you’re carry-on only but we wanted to demonstrate what stresses bags go thru when checked. Level8’s build quality stood up to the abuse! Thanks for watching and taking the time to comment.

[@kevwwong]

I know you did it as an experiment Todd but how freaked out were you when you first saw denting on that aluminum suitcase? It would probably annoy me quite a bit. I prefer compression cubes as well. Most of my travel clothes are lightweight and moisture wicking, so they squeeze down quite a bit with the compression cubes. Which is great, since my wife will gladly take up the extra space I create with makeup and stuff.

[@AaronandTodd]

So on the aluminum, we have long used the aluminum series from Away-both the Medium and bigger carry on models. They have been our suitcases for years. And the dents show it. So we weren’t surprised at all. But we wanted to demonstrate the durability of LEVEL8 and if they held up to the banging around we did and dint break then they are a solid choice. I see the dents as reminders of its adventures. Over the years, we’ve covered our Away bags in stickers of our travels so you don’t really see the dents and scratches anymore. The 1 thing I didn’t touch on was the Gibraltar fits European overhead requirements which are slightly smaller than US carriers. LEVEL8 is a solid premium choice at a lower price point. We are happy and will continue to use them.

[@jinraiden]

@@AaronandToddwould you buy a level 8 over the away aluminum carry-on if you had to buy one? How would you ultimately compare the two? Those are the two bags I'm sticking between and your answer would help tremendously.

[@AaronandTodd]

@@jinraiden wow great question! I’d begin with what size you’re looking for. LEVEL8 has only a carry-on in aluminum. We have both carry on and check in aluminum from Away and Away was our goto for years…so I feel qualified to answer. Both are heavier than a poly bag, both have incredibly quiet wheels, both have locking mechanisms with TSA approved locks, both have a gasket to resist elements getting in. Both have internal organization. Both have taken a beating and protected my stuff. Both have never broken. The LEVEL8 is European size and the Away “carry on” are both European compliant. The Away “bigger carry on” is slightly larger and doesn’t fit in some European sizers. The ridges in the front and back of the Away “possibly” provide more rigidity to the flex of the frame but would be imperceptible by most. The pull handle on the LEVEL8 did give away a few times and feel the pull handle is more sturdy on the Away. That wide handle design on the new Captain Carry on, we haven’t tested but that wide handle is a game changer. The Voyageur we have has this wide handle and it’s MUCH sturdier to pull. I did prefer the interior organization on the Away, but the LEVEL8 provides more customization on the interior (removable panels). It’s a tough question. I did find the LEVEL8 didn’t allow me tonal carry as much but it is European sized. As for cost, the LEVEL8 is a better bang for the buck with the lower starting price then the 20% sale going on until July 15 using the coupon code and link in the video. Both have outstanding warranties. Away wins on capacity but LEVEL8 wins on price. Clear as mud, I know, but capacity is our #1 need and 36L (LEVEL8) vs 40L (Away), 4L means a lot when on the road weeks at a time. I’d lean towards Away for long term travel and LEVEL8 if you’re going on “normal” people length trips.

[@jinraiden]

@@AaronandTodd great great response. Thank you. Didn't realize the away is four liters larger. I'll really have to put some more thought into it.

[@AaronandTodd]

@@jinraiden Away has 2 sizes of their carry on - The "Carry On" and the "Bigger Carry On" - the first one is the same size as LEVEL8 and complies with almost all European carriers for size restriction. The bigger carry on is slightly larger and accommodates for the larger carry on sizes of most airlines operating in the US...(sans Frontier and Spirit...they always have wonky luggage rules)

[@AaronandTodd]

Do you have a preferred brand of luggage? What features are most important to you when shopping for luggage?

[@dustytin]

I have a leather carry-on from JW Hulme that I bought in 2017, and I think he looks better today than he did when I first bought him. He has been through a lot - I travel a fair amount and I always always check him in because I stuff him to about 20 kgs most times (he is about 4kgs empty). I can say he's been though a lot. Leather is probably similar weight to aluminium, but a much better material, from what I can see. So if you, like me, are looking for something that will last forever, can pack for long trips in a carry on size but will likely check it in, would recommend leather. I have never tried aluminium (because most reviews seem to show the damage), but have tried polycarbonate and hybrid suitcases, and they disappoint me everytime.

[@AaronandTodd]

Thanks for this post! I do indeed love a good leather bag. When at home, my EDC is a robust leather bag from Waterfield Designs (called the Rough Rider I think). And you are correct, good leather patinas over time and looks better and better the more it’s used.

[@dustytin]

@@AaronandTodd Exactly! People tell me the bag looks amazing now more than they ever did when he was new!

[@justinkoff4252]

When checking a bag it’s best to stick with poly or aluminum. Airlines ship many commodities other than luggage, most notably fish in leaky containers and even remains. It’s my line of work and I’ve seen some things

[@GGLD888]

10 pounds means 5kg. Domestic travel in oz has carry on wight of 7kg. Which means you cant use this without checking it

[@grisferdy1219]

Awesome review. Tysm🤗

[@AaronandTodd]

It was a fun trip and the bags were the real champs with all the flights we were on

[@markhof]

Thanks for the review, I'm thinking of getting the Voyageur 26 but have one question. How do you fix the backpack to the luggage? Luggage pass-through doesn't work with the wide handle but I can see in some of your shots that you have the backpack on top of the luggage and it seems pretty secure.

[@AaronandTodd]

Thanks for taking the time to respond! So you are correct, luggage passthru doesn’t work. Aaron’s backpack was laid on the side, using the backpack straps and secured with a carabeaner.

[@AaronandTodd]

⭐️⭐️⭐️ LEVEL8 LUGGAGE LINK & DISCOUNT CODE: bit.ly/48qRtNw - Save 10% with code AARON&TODD10. Thru JULY 15, 2024 use code L8SS to save 20%!

[@sachinmathew3741]

Nice video, thank you! How is the yellow side of Voyageur holding up against scratches? Are deep scratches visible? I am struggling to choose between yellow to darker double color :/

[@AaronandTodd]

Let me tell you the yellow side is a trooper. With all the flights we had nothing dug deep, the raised pattern hides scuffs. Just got the Voyageur carry on in the Caledon and taking a trip in a few weeks to put that to the test as well

[@mizlandry]

@@AaronandTodd I wrote earlier that my yellow cases were scuffed AF on a trip from SFO to DUB. I made the decision to buy and am disappointed. I don't doubt your honestly in the review, but my experience makes me sad because these bags are expensive. I'd NOT get yellow. I'd go with black, even tho I wanted yellow. I was able to rub out most of the scuffs, but not all. I found it hard to clean. The wide handles really are great for packing. And great wheels.

[@robingoong6775]

Thanks guys!

[@fernandocoba7074]

What is the brand of the backpack that appears on the yellow suitcase???

[@AaronandTodd]

Thanks for asking. It’s the Transit Travel Backpack from Wandrd. Here’s our link to their site. We LOVE their bags, slings, and camera bags. bit.ly/wandrd

[@AaronandTodd]

(Wasatch Green color)

[@michaelx4810]

I use YMMV all the time 😂😂. Best caveat when giving advice.

[@AaronandTodd]

Yeah while our experience is ours, others may not have the same so we try to always lay out that disclaimer.

[@Maurice181]

Other commenters mentioned the interior snaps coming loose. Do they really actually help with packing..?

[@AaronandTodd]

@maurice181 we didnt find them to be useful in holding down an over-packed interior because they snap loose. We just remove it and dont use it. I think they have made some design modifications and went with a zipper interior which works better. Thanks for the reply!

[@grammygram7551]

Thank you guys for this as I've mad emy decsion, Now more importantly; Aaron, where did you get your shirt?

[@AaronandTodd]

Cheers! Thanks for taking the time to watch the video. Aaron’s tshirt came from the Apple Campus store in Cupertino. San Francisco was a stop on our honeymoon around the world and we landed in SFO after leaving Australia. That visit to the Apple Campus was incredible! We will post that part of our trip soon. What was the deciding factor in your decision on the luggage?

[@takeaguess08]

YMMV 😉