When it comes to choosing the best carry-on for travelling, it can be difficult to find the right balance between practicality, design, and durability. I’ve been using LEVEL8 suitcases for a few years, and I’ve always been very pleased with their features and performance. LEVEL8 is known for delivering high-performing and sleek suitcases that are designed with modern travellers in mind. That’s very much the case with the two carry-ons that will be looked at below.
Both the Adventure Carry-On 20” and the Captain Aluminum Pro Carry-On 20” stand out as excellent choices for both casual and business travellers. Their size may be the same, but they serve different travel needs. That’s why it’s always important to compare features before deciding on the right carry-on for you. So, which one is better for your adventures? Let’s find out.
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About LEVEL8

LEVEL8 is a New-York based company that was founded in 2008. Their suitcases are designed to be stylish and minimalist, without compromising on performance. All of their products are built to last. That’s thanks to the high-quality materials and details added into their designs that make travelling more efficient. Regardless of if you’re a frequent flyer or someone who enjoys a trip abroad every so often, there are plenty of LEVEL8 suitcases available to suit your needs and price range.
Key features of the Adventure Carry-On 20”

Crafted from a lightweight and durable polycarbonate, the Adventure Carry-On 20” is both tough and flexible. The shell is scratch-resistant, which is ideal for travelling, especially on planes where luggage can get thrown around easily. This makes it the perfect choice for travellers who are frequently on the go.
It’s currently available in 3 colours, including this beautiful yellow and black limited edition version. The 20” model weighs just 9 lb. It can be expanded from 45 L to 50 L thanks to the expandable zipper on the outside too. It’s priced at $349.99 on LEVEL8’s official website.

Everyone always wants to know about the features of suitcases, and the Adventure Carry-On has a lot of them. As well as the expandable capacity, this LEVEL8 suitcase has a top-opening design. This allows for easy access without needing to open the whole case. Its wide-trolley handle has 4 stages of locking. When the case is full or you’re in a rush, you’ll find you have much better stability.
As with all LEVEL8 suitcases, the Adventure Carry-On also features incredibly smooth and durable wheels. The dual spinner wheels with precision bearings makes the suitcase glide across most surfaces with ease. Just make sure you don’t let go because the wheels will keep spinning! On the side of the suitcase you’ll find a TSA-approved lock where you can input your personalized code for added security.

One key feature that the Adventure Carry-On doesn’t have is a laptop compartment. This can be a downside for those of you who travel with a laptop or tablet. However, the interior can hold a lot. The inner lining is made of 100% recycled polyester which provides durability and helps with the company’s environmental impact. The compression packing system is great for making your clothes stay in place, and there are small pockets on either side of it for smaller accessories.
The Adventure Carry-On only has one main compartment, since it has a top-opening design. But the expandable space gives you more capacity when needed. The side-lid opening design also means you get extra storage space on the lid, where you can store things like documents and passports.
Top features of the Captain Aluminum Pro Carry-On 20”

If you’re on the hunt for premium-quality LEVEL8 suitcases, the Captain Aluminum Pro Carry-On 20” might be the perfect choice for you. It’s made from a premium aluminum-magnesium alloy that provides a sleek finish and superior durability. The reinforced corners on this suitcase add an extra layer of protection when travelling against drops and bumps too.
This is one of LEVEL8’s higher-end models of luggage, so its price range reflects that. It’s currently priced at $1,099.99 and is available in two colours – black or silver. It weighs 10.8 lb and has a 37 L capacity. This is a very popular suitcase for those wanting to add a luxurious touch to their travel gear, so it’s common to find both versions out of stock from time to time.

In terms of unique features, the Captain Aluminum Pro Carry-On Pro packs a lot into its size. Its keyless and zipperless design helps to increase its protection and durability, while the dual locking system makes it more secure than regular zipper locks. One of my favourite features of this suitcase is the handle. The embedded wide handle has a slow-release mechanism and four adjustable heights. When pushed completely down, it sits flush against the top of the suitcase.
The flat top design of the Captain Aluminum Pro Carry-On Pro is perfect for business travellers or digital nomads. You can easily place your laptop or tablet on top, turning your suitcase into the perfect portable work station. Due to this design, there’s only one static handle on the suitcase, located on the side. You’ll also find premium spinner wheels that produce virtually no noise when rolled.

The interior layout is similar to a traditional suitcase, with two separate parts to store your belongings in. One half features a mesh pocket divider to help you organize your items, while the other is a simple mesh divider to keep everything in place. Inside the suitcase you’ll find a hard shell laptop sleeve that can be used to store documents or other flat objects that need additional protection.
Which carry-on is best for travelling?
All LEVEL8 suitcases are designed with travelling in mind, so ultimately the best option comes down to your needs and budget. Both the Adventure Carry-On and the Captain Aluminum Carry-On Pro shine in different areas. Whereas one is lightweight, practical, and more budget-friendly with functional features, the other is far more durable and stylish, with a price point that reflects its high-quality build and unique design. Personally, I tend to travel with practical gear, but it’s never a bad idea to have a flashy suitcase ready to go at a moment’s notice either.
If you have any questions regarding which LEVEL8 suitcases you should buy, please feel free to reach out. There are a lot of carry-on options available from LEVEL8, so it’s worth taking your time and doing some research before committing to one (or a couple).
And if you see something you like but are still on the fence about purchasing a new suitcase from LEVEL8, make sure you use the code kristatheexplorer10 for 10% off all orders!
This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may earn a commission from the discount codes used or when a link/ad is clicked. All purchases made will come at no extra cost to you, and I only include products and services that I would personally recommend.
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