On the hunt for a better carry-on bag? I got you covered.
In this article, I give you my take on the Level8 Road Runner 20” Carry-on breaking down my experience with it to help you decide if it’s worth the splurge.
Let’s be real – as much as we love the thrill of traveling, the journey itself can be a bit of a grind. From enduring long flights to navigating cramped seating and facing the not-so-appetizing plane food, there’s enough to worry about.
That’s where your bag steps in. It shouldn’t just be a carrier; it should be your travel sidekick, offering the organization, size, and accessibility you need to level up your entire experience.
Coming from someone who has been traveling the world for the last 9 years, investing in good quality gear is crucial.
This is why I am always on the lookout for carry-ons that are not only sleek and stylish, but durability and reliability needed on those long-hauls.
So let’s go find out if the Level8 Road Runner Carry-on lives up to these standards.
View Contents
About Level-8
Founded in the heart of New York in 2008, Level8 is a luggage company that prides itself on delivering efficiency through its sleek and straightforward products tailored for contemporary travel.
Beyond just luggage, their repertoire extends to backpacks, carry-ons, and a range of travel accessories that cater to the needs of every kind of traveler.
People are flocking to Level8’s products because they’ve nailed that high-end look and feel without breaking the bank.
In this article, I will walk you through my honest review of the Road Runner 20″ Carry On bag.
Level8 Road Runner Carry-on Features
This Level8 Carry-on is a hard-shelled 20” with the following standard features:
- Weight – 9.5lbs (4.3kg)
- Dimensions – 14.4”L x 10.1”W x 21.5”H (37 x 26 x 55cm)
- Material – German-made Makrolon polycarbonate
- Capacity – 38L
Material
The bag is constructed with durable German-made Makrolon polycarbonate, a high-performance thermoplastic known for its lightweight yet robust qualities.
This material provides exceptional impact resistance and a sleek aesthetic. Its polished finish resists scratches, ensuring a lasting, sophisticated appearance.
Makrolon polycarbonate’s temperature resistance makes the bag suitable for diverse weather conditions.
Here’s another nifty feature of the material – it’s waterproof. Now, I’m not saying you should toss your luggage into a swimming pool, but when you’re caught in the rain or facing other damp conditions, this bag’s got your back.
It stays dry, ensuring that your interior, especially your electronics, remains snug and protected.
The bag feels pretty sleek and durable which I was actually pretty surprised about. I honestly didn’t expect it to feel tough given that it was a carry-on size.
Editor’s Note: We are currently in Mexico so we ordered the bag through Level8’s Amazon store.
Computer and Tablet Sleeve
One standout feature that I personally adore about this bag is its thoughtfully designed laptop and tablet compartments. Positioned for easy access, they eliminate the need to dig through your belongings during a flight.
The laptop sleeve can easily fit a 17” computer and there’s also a smaller tablet sleeve for a iPad air, plus two smaller pockets for other accessories.
One of the things I hate the most is having to open my entire carry on bag during security checks. This to me is so cumbersome so having a sleeve that’s easily accessible is a huge plus.
Forget digging through your bag for gum, Airpods, or a quick snack during the flight—Level8 is one step ahead.
They’ve smartly integrated two small pockets within the laptop compartment, ensuring easy access to your essentials.
Now, you can keep your in-flight must-haves separate from items needed at your destination, all within reach. Talk about travel convenience done right.
From a quick test, the zippers seem to be pretty sturdy and the sleeve integrates well with the bag and doesn’t make it balloon up which was something I was worried about.
Locking System
The Road Runner Carry-on uses a TSA approved dual locking system on both your front and back pockets allowing you to secure your belongings with a code and/or locking the zippers in place.
I love the fact that I don’t need an external lock for the front zips and that it attaches to the same place. The lock system itself looks pretty durable too which is always a huge plus.
360-Degree Spinner Wheels
I’m always on the lookout for one specific feature in my luggage: the 360° spinner wheels. These wheels are absolute game-changers in our travels, providing the freedom to move effortlessly and smoothly.
Their importance shines in those hectic moments – quick connecting flights, brief train layovers, or when things simply go awry. Let’s face it, perfection is a rare find in travel, and hiccups are inevitable.
That’s why I value being as mobile and ready as possible, and those spinner wheels? They’re my secret weapon for navigating the unpredictability of the journey.
The wheels of the Level 8 Road Runner are smooth, glide easily, and are very quick to respond.
Level8 Warranty
The Level8 Luggage comes with a fantastic bonus – a 5 year warranty.
They’ve got your back on functional damage to the shell, handles, zippers, wheels, and other crucial parts that might cramp your travel style.
This is actually something I now look for whenever I buy luggage as some bags end up being very flimsy and break apart after a couple of uses.
But here’s the scoop: Level8 doesn’t mess around. Before their products hit the shelves, they go through rigorous testing to make sure they meet top-notch standards.
That’s why they proudly slap on that guarantee. Just a heads up, because of this– it’s all about manufacturing defects. They won’t cover the nitty-gritty caused by neglect, misuse, accidents, scratches, extreme temperatures, transport hiccups, or the usual wear and tear.
“If the damage is covered under Level8’s warranty, the product is repaired for free and then returned to you. But if the product isn’t repairable and it’s still covered under warranty, there will be a comparable replacement for free.”
This means damages caused by airlines aren’t covered however, the outside shell of the bag itself seems very sturdy and durable.
Having previously reviewed a Level8 suitcase before, we actually got to test out their warranty guarantee as we noticed a small damage to the zipper. Within no time, they sent us a new bag which we’ve been using for years now.
On a side note: They used to offer lifetime warranty but was surprised to see a tag which said 5 years on my bag. Regardless, this is still pretty good!
Luggage Space
I will be traveling to the UK for 12 days and intend to just pack carry on so this will be a good time to put the bag to the test.
I already started packing and so far, pretty pleased with the amount of space there is, especially for just a carry on bag. The compartment where the laptop sleeve is located is much narrower as it needs to leave room for your electronics so do take this in mind.
Regardless, I can still fit a decent amount of things inside, definitely enough for a short trip!
The bag itself has zippered compartments inside as well as compression straps to keep everything tucked in which is an added bonus. I’ve used carry-on bags before where the inside compartment and straps seem like an afterthought.
Psst...Want in on a Secret? 🤫
We've scoured the internet for the best ALL-AROUND travel shoe and Tropicfeel wins by far. We've taken ours through rivers, jungles, and cities and they're still alive and kickin'. Check them out below.
What I Don’t Love: Level8 Carry On
While there are limited downsides, the only thing I can really think of is that colors are quite limited.
If you’re someone who wants to make a statement with your travel gear, this bag might not be your best match. The color choices are a bit on the simple side, giving you just three options: Navy, Black, and Grey.
Since the material has a shiny finish, I notice that I can spot my fingerprints pretty easily but honestly, this is just if I am nitpicking. Everything else works really well and is made from top material.
Aside from this, I can’t say I’ve found anything at fault with it as I think it has a great price to quality ratio.
Overall Thoughts on Road Runner Carry-on
From experience, investing in quality luggage is crucial. You’re better off shelling the $$$ once for bags that would last you a couple of years than to buy a cheap one that you will have to replace yearly.
With that being said, so far, I am very impressed with the overall look and feel of the bag. It doesn’t feel cheap or flimsy and looks very well made.
If you are looking for a proper check-in luggage, be sure to check out our Level8 luggage review (2024 Guide).
If you’re looking for a backpack to take with you on your trip, check out our reviews for Tropicfeel backpack as well as our favorite Osprey Talon Pro and Osprey Tempest Pro.
Overall, I was very impressed with this bag. It is sleek, durable, and has a high-end feel to it. It is pretty lightweight for a hardshell suitcase and I love being able to access all my electronics thanks to the added outer compartment. The colors are pretty limited but they are pretty neutral colors which is great.