This article is sponsored by LEVEL8, which provided the Textured Check In 24” to test. However, all opinions expressed in this suitcase review are my own.
Choosing the right check-in suitcase matters more than most people think, especially when you’ve been burned before.
I have. Budget suitcases are, in my experience, a false economy. A wheel gives out. A zip fails. You end up buying again within a year.
I tested my LEVEL8 Luminous Textured Check-In 24″ on a two-week solo trip to Mauritius. I wanted to know whether it justifies the price? Here’s what I found.
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LEVEL8 Luminous Textured Check-In 24″: At a Glance
| Capacity | 65 L |
| Weight | 9.8 lbs (4.4 kg) |
| Dimensions | 17.5" L x 10.4" W x 26" H |
| Shell | Aerospace-grade Bayer Makrolon® (hard shell) |
| Surface | Diamond-textured, scratch and scuff-resistant |
| Colours | Black, grey, navy, olive, pink |
| Warranty | Lifetime (functional damage) |
Impressive Build Quality
I’m a convert to hard-shell suitcases. The rigid frame keeps fragile items safe, a lesson I learnt after one too many soggy backpacks and a very sad bottle of champagne from Reims. Hard-shell luggage doesn’t have that problem.
The shell here is aerospace-grade Bayer Makrolon® — the same material used in the LEVEL8 carry-on range — which is light, rigid and water-resistant. The aluminium telescopic handle adjusts smoothly and feels solid.
What makes this model distinctive, though, is the surface. The diamond-textured finish is both waterproof and wipe-clean, and it does a better job of hiding scuffs than a matte shell. After two weeks in Mauritius — including hold luggage handling — it looked exactly as when I pulled it out of its dust bag.
The high-quality YKK zippers run smoothly and feel reassuringly robust.
The Wheels: Brilliant, But Watch Out
The 360-degree spinner wheels glide smoothly on flat surfaces and cope well with uneven ground.
The distinctive orange logo on each wheel is also a surprisingly useful feature — the case is easy to spot on a busy baggage carousel, even from a distance. If you’ve ever stared at a conveyor belt trying to identify your grey suitcase among dozens of grey suitcases, you’ll understand why this matters.
One caveat: these wheels are almost too smooth. Mine took on a life of its own across more than one train carriage floor.
Capacity and Interior Design
Even though I consider myself a bit of a packing ninja, I was worried 65 litres wouldn’t be enough for a fortnight. It was more than enough. There was even spare capacity after I’d packed for two weeks, which says a lot about how cleverly the interior is designed.
Both sides of the suitcase have a zip-around mesh cover; one side has two individual pockets on its face, which I used to keep toiletries and chargers separate from everything else. Each side has internal compression straps to hold belongings in place
TSA-approved Lock
The integrated TSA-approved combination lock means no fiddling with padlocks. The code is simple to set up using the included instructions. If you ever forget the combination, a quick email to LEVEL8 will sort you out.
Easy to Carry
The Textured Check In 24’’ has two comfortable luggage straps, one on the side of the case and a second on the top. These, and the lightweight nature of the luggage, make it easy to carry.
And I’m speaking as a feeble lightweight who lives in a second-floor apartment without a lift.
Warranty
LEVEL8 suitcases come with a lifetime warranty that covers any functional damage to the product, including the wheels, handles and zippers. The usual exclusions apply: misuse, neglect, airline damage and wear and tear are not covered.
The Only Real Downside
Hand on heart, there’s not much that I would change about this suitcase.
You can’t beat the organisational power of packing cubes, and it’s a pity that the LEVEL8 Luminous Textured Check In 24” does not include these. However, you can buy a set of four LEVEL8 cubes, available in three sizes, made from two-tone, water-repellent polyester fabric with anti-mildew properties.
If you are travelling lighter on a shorter break, or prefer to go with a carry-on only, consider the LEVEL8 Road Runner Pro Carry-On 20″, which I’ve also tested and rate highly for short trips. You can quickly check the carry-on luggage requirements here.
Where To Buy It and How to Save
Buy through the LEVEL8 website for the best experience. Use code theflashpacker10 for 10% off. Shipping is free to the UK, EU, USA and Canada, with a seven-day return policy
You can also buy on Amazon, where prices are usually comparable. Note that the lifetime warranty activates automatically with a direct purchase; for Amazon orders, you’ll need to contact LEVEL8 to activate it.
If you need both a carry-on and a check-in, the Luminous Textured 2-Piece Set (Carry-On 20″ and Check-In 24″) is better value than buying separately. Families travelling together may prefer the 3-piece set, which adds a 28″ suitcase.
My Verdict
The LEVEL8 Luminous Textured Check-In 24″ is the best hard-shell check-in suitcase I’ve owned.
It’s well-engineered, stylish and practical in all the ways that matter on a longer trip. The textured finish is a particular highlight — two weeks of travel and not a mark on it.
Remember that if you order your luggage here and use the exclusive promo code theflashpacker10 at checkout, you’ll get 10% off any purchase.
About Bridget
Bridget Coleman has been a passionate traveller for more than 30 years. She has visited 70+ countries, most as a solo traveller.
Articles on this site reflect her first-hand experiences.
To get in touch, email her at hello@theflashpacker.net or follow her on social media.