LOTUS EATERS TRAVEL

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LEVEL8 LUGGAGE REVIEW: ADVENTURE 28

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I’ll be straight with you: we’re usually hand-luggage-only travellers. More than that, we’re far more familiar with backpack travel than suitcase travel. My trusty 30-litre Osprey backpack has been with me for four years and countless kilometres of walking adventures.

Then, late last year, we went on our first Caribbean cruise.

Given that our usual travel style involves exploring as much as possible on foot, that might sound a little strange. But we were craving some proper R&R, and a Caribbean cruise turned out to be a delightful combination of exploration and luxury.

There was just one problem: our luggage game left a lot to be desired.

We cobbled together what we already had, but checked luggage simply wasn’t something we’d ever needed to invest in before.

So, we’ve decided to try something a little more grown-up: a proper Level8 suitcase, which will be accompanying us on our next long-haul or cruise adventure.

In this post, I’m sharing our honest review of the Level8 Adventure 28.

Why we chose the Adventure28

We knew we wanted a proper checked suitcase: something spacious enough for a longer trip, but not so enormous that it would be impractical.

For P&O Cruises, which is currently our preferred cruise line, our luggage allowance is 23kg. With that in mind, we ruled out the 30-inch suitcase, as we felt it might tempt us to pack more than we could comfortably fit within the weight limit.

We also ruled out the 26-inch version, which we thought might be a little too small for longer trips.

So, just like Goldilocks, the 28-inch Adventure seemed to be just right. And I had a feeling it would be just the perfect size for future trips.

I was then torn between the Voyageur and the Adventure. The two suitcases are similar, but they have slightly different styles. In the end, I preferred the sportier look of the Adventure.

And, if I’m being completely honest, I also just liked the name.

To me, every style of travel is an adventure – whether we’re hiking with backpacks or sailing around the Caribbean – and I rather like having that little reminder.

Adventure 28 first impressions

We ordered the suitcase from Level8 and it arrived very quickly with a seamless delivery. Even the unboxing experience felt rather special.

I loved that it arrived inside a cloth bag, helping to protect the suitcase from scratches and damage. As my other half pointed out, the bag could also make a rather handy laundry bag on our next cruise.

I ordered the limited-edition yellow and black colourway.

If I’m honest, I had originally been drawn towards the more muted green Celadon option. However, I knew my other half was particularly keen on the yellow, so I decided to surprise him.

Besides, I suspect he’ll be the one pulling the suitcase more often than I will!

The colour was actually a pleasant surprise. I thought I might find it a little garish, but I really like it in person. The other half of Lotus Eaters Travel is certainly very pleased with the choice.

And I have a feeling we’ll never struggle to spot our suitcase on the luggage carousel.

All the fixtures and fittings feel sturdy and well-made, so my first impressions were very positive.

Packing the suitcase

The interior of the suitcase was one of the first things that really impressed me.

As soon as I opened it, I appreciated the thought that had gone into the design. The neat straps that hold up the lid are particularly satisfying and, somewhat oddly, reminded me of lifting the bonnet of a classic car.

There are four useful zip compartments: one in the lid, two in the side “wings”, and another hidden within the lining of the case.

I sometimes travel with packing cubes, but recently I’ve been converted back to the good old roll method. I think that works particularly well with this suitcase, as there is plenty of depth for neatly rolled clothing.

You can fit an impressive amount inside.

For our next trip, I can see myself using one half primarily for clothing, with the other half reserved for shoes, accessories, toiletries and various other travel essentials. The smaller zip compartments are also handy for chargers and other loose items that would otherwise end up floating around the suitcase.

For me, this feels like the ideal size for a two-week trip.

And I will most definitely be wheeling it proudly onto our next cruise ship.

Pros and Cons of the Level8 suitcase

Here’s my take on the pros and cons of the Level8 Adventure 28. By the way, you can get 10% off with the code ‘Lotus10’ when you order luggage from Level8.

Pros

It’s spacious without being enormous

The suitcase is designed to be fairly deep, which is great for bulkier items and for packing plenty of clothing. I favour the roll method, and I think the layout works particularly well for that style of packing.

It expands when you need a little extra space

The suitcase can expand from 96 litres to 105 litres using a simple zip mechanism. That extra space could be particularly useful on a longer trip, when packing winter clothing, or if you happen to return home with more than you left with.

The top-opening design is incredibly practical

I actually love the top-opening design because it means you can access your belongings without completely unpacking the suitcase. The neat straps also help to keep everything in place, so your carefully packed clothes don’t immediately spill everywhere when you unzip it.

If we were travelling with multiple stops, I could see this being particularly useful.

The interior feels genuinely premium

This might sound like a small thing, but I really love the interior details. Everything feels thoughtfully designed and well finished. It’s a little like getting into a car with leather seats – you immediately notice that bit of extra attention.

As a self-confessed organisation freak, I also love how neatly everything can be packed away.

There are some eco-friendly credentials

The lining is made from 100% RPET recycled polyester, which is a nice bonus.

Cons

The black trim can show fingerprints and marks

I noticed that the black trim can get a little grubby quite quickly, particularly from fingerprints and general handling. It is easy to wipe clean, though, so this isn’t a major issue.

The suitcase is relatively narrow

The suitcase is 17.3″ wide and 14.2″ deep. This design works brilliantly for clothing and standard travel items, but it’s worth bearing in mind if you regularly need to pack wider items, such as suit carriers or larger baby essentials for example.

It’s not the lightest checked suitcase

At just over 5kg (or 12.3lbs), I personally think that it’s on the heavier side for a checked suitcase. The hard shell undoubtedly contributes to that weight.

It doesn’t feel heavy to pull, even when fully packed, but the suitcase itself takes up a reasonable chunk of your airline weight allowance. That’s something worth factoring in if you’re travelling with a strict baggage limit.

Lifetime Warranty

I also think it’s worth mentioning the Level8 lifetime warranty, which applies if you buy luggage directly from the Level8 website.

The Adventure 28 is a premium suitcase, so the warranty is an important part of the overall package. According to the warranty terms, it covers manufacturing defects affecting the shell, wheels, handles, zippers and other components that impair the use of the luggage.

However, it’s important to read the full terms and conditions, as damage caused by misuse or other circumstances may not be covered. If your suitcase is damaged while in the care of an airline, for example, you may need to pursue a claim through the airline or your travel insurance, depending on the circumstances.

*As always our posts may contain affiliate links, see disclaimer below. On this occasion, we were lucky enough to be gifted the Level 8 luggage. All opinions are entirely our own.

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Written by Emma

Wine Lover. Yogi. Hiker. Writer.

British travel writer and long-distance hiker, native to Kent. Emma has walked the Camino de Santiago more than ten times, completed trails across Europe from the Corfu Trail to the Fisherman’s Trail, and covered thousands of kilometres on foot. She always writes from first-hand experience. Her goal? Inspire just one person to go on their first long-distance hike.

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