Looking to upgrade your travel gear? Torn between countless carry-ons on the market? You’re not alone. With so many options—hard shells, soft shells, spinners, overhead-friendly sizes—it’s tough to find “the one.” Enter Level8, a brand that’s made waves by blending German-engineered materials with traveler-friendly features. In this review, we’ll compare two of their standout carry-ons: the Road Runner Carry-On 20 and the Voyageur Carry-On 20. Despite some key differences, both cases share common ground: minimal fuss, maximum durability, and design that helps recapture the joy of traveling. Read on to see which one suits you best—or if you might end up wanting both!
1. First Impressions & Aesthetic
Road Runner Carry-On 20″
- Overall Look: Sleek shell lines and a more minimalist vibe. Available in navy, black, or grey, each color keeps a subtle, sophisticated aura.
- Shell Material: Made from German-made Makrolon® polycarbonate, offering a refined sheen with robust scratch resistance.
- Reviewers Rate It: A near-perfect 4.9 rating from 649 reviews suggests travelers love the reliability and style.
See the Level8 RoadRunner here.
Voyageur Carry-On 20″
- Overall Look: Eye-catching subtle touches—especially that micro-diamond finish, adding texture and elegance. Colors like celadon or black with limited-edition options (e.g., bright yellow) let you stand out.
- Handle Design: Widely spaced handle bars for extra packing space.
- Reception: 858 reviews at 4.9—clearly the brand’s fan-favorite. The handle silhouette alone signals a more design-forward approach.
Our Take: If you want a classic, subdued aesthetic, the Road Runner’s your pick. If you’re craving a bit more flair or that unique wide-handle innovation, the Voyageur beckons.
See the Level8 Voyager here.
2. Key Features & Tech
Shared Core Strengths
- German-made Makrolon® Polycarbonate: A common selling point for both—light yet impressively impact-resistant.
- 360° Spinner Wheels: Whisper-quiet wheels that pivot gracefully. No more fighting stuck wheels or grating sounds in the terminal.
- TSA Locks: Each offers a TSA-approved locking system, so you breeze through security without bag damage.
- Water-Resistance: The shells deter moisture, safeguarding your essentials or electronics in drizzle or overhead bin mishaps.
Road Runner Highlights
- Front Quick-Access Sleeves: A 17″ laptop slot plus a 10.9″ tablet compartment. This is a real boon for on-the-go folks needing to whip out devices at security or for a mid-flight Netflix session.
- Dual Locking: The brand mentions a dedicated front pocket lock—meaning better security for your tech and docs.
- Slightly Heavier: At about 9.5 lbs (4.3 kg), it’s marginally heavier than typical carry-ons, likely due to those extra protective compartments.
See the Level8 RoadRunner here.
Voyageur Highlights
- Innovative Wide Handle: The handle design frees up the interior base, translating to slightly more packing capacity (~43L vs. Road Runner’s ~38L).
- Micro-Diamond Finish: Minimizes visible scuffs while upping that sleekness.
- Interior Compression System: Two compartments plus a dryness/wetness separation pocket help keep items tidy.
- Lighter at 8.1 lbs: That difference in weight can matter if you’re near airline carry-on limits.
Our Take: Both excel in durability and organization. If easy device access is crucial, Road Runner wins. If a lighter overall weight and more packing space matter, Voyageur edges ahead.
See the Level8 Voyager here.
3. Real-World Usability
Airport Maneuvering
- Wheels: Both lines use 360° spinners. Rolling them side by side, they performed equally well on smooth airport floors. On less even surfaces (like cobblestones), they remain stable but might jostle slightly.
- Overhead Fit: Each meets standard carry-on dimensions. The Road Runner is 14.4″ L x 10.1″ W x 21.5″ H, while the Voyageur is ~15.1″ L x 9.8″ W x 21.3″ H. Both are within most major airlines’ 22″ height limit.
Packing for a Weekend vs. Week
- Road Runner: With 38L capacity, it’s enough for a weekend to 4-5 day trip if you’re a strategic packer. The front compartments shine for quick laptop retrieval.
- Voyageur: 43L capacity is a slight advantage. If you’re going for a week’s getaway and want that “extra pair of shoes,” the Voyageur might store them more comfortably.
See the Level8 RoadRunner here.
Our Take: They’re both agile for short or mid-length travels. If you frequently carry electronics, the Road Runner’s specialized front pocket is invaluable. If you want maximum capacity in a carry-on, pick Voyageur.
4. Price & Value
Road Runner: Regular price €179.99
Voyageur: Sale price €239.99
Yes, the Voyageur is pricier, but also offers a bit more capacity and that distinct wide-handle design. However, Level8 often runs a “10% off” or special promotions—“Enjoy 10% off your purchase- Discount automatically applied at checkout”—which might bring the cost down.
Worth the Investment?
Absolutely. Considering the robust Makrolon shell, strong warranty, and user feedback, these are carry-ons you’ll rely on for years. They’re less “throwaway suitcase” and more “built to last,” which aligns with the brand’s tagline of “Your Suitcase, Your Travel.”
See the Level8 Voyager here.
5. Warranty & Brand Support
Level8’s lifetime warranty covering functional damage to the shell, wheels, handles, zippers is a standout. They’ll fix or replace if it’s a manufacturing defect. That’s a testament to confidence in materials. “Service after the sale” can be crucial for frequent travelers who put bags through heavy stress.
Key Points:
- Lifetime Shell Warranty: They’ll repair or replace if the shell breaks from normal usage.
- No Overstuffing or Airline Mistreatment: Obviously, airline mishandling is not covered.
- Returns: 7-day returns if unused.
Our Take: The brand’s robust policy indicates they trust their craftsmanship. If you’re tired of cheap suitcases failing after a few flights, Level8’s guarantee suggests genuine longevity.
6. A Quick “Road Runner vs. Voyageur” Decision Guide
| Feature | Road Runner | Voyageur |
|---|---|---|
| Laptop Access | Front laptop/tablet pocket | No dedicated front device pocket |
| Weight | 9.5 lbs (4.3 kg) | 8.1 lbs (3.7 kg) |
| Capacity | 38 L | 43 L |
| Price | €179.99 | €239.99 (sale price) |
| Distinct Handle Design | Standard telescopic | Wide handle = more base room |
| Recommended For | Tech-savvy travelers | Extra capacity lovers |
See the Level8 RoadRunner here.
In short: Road Runner is perfect for business or digital nomads needing quick device access. Voyageur suits those wanting a lighter, slightly larger interior, and a unique wide-handle for stability.
See the Level8 Voyager here.
Conclusion
Both the Road Runner and Voyageur show that Level8 invests in durability, convenience, and style. Sure, they’re an investment above discount suitcases, but the payoff is reliability, plus a lifetime shell warranty. If you’re seeking an upgrade from flimsy luggage, or if you want a purposeful carry-on that merges modern aesthetics with real-world function, either model justifies the price. Now the question remains: are you a Road Runner quick-access type or a Voyageur “pack all you need lightly” type?
Final Tip: If you still can’t decide, test them out by imagining your next trip’s must-haves—do you need that separate device pocket? If yes, Road Runner. If you prefer a bigger main compartment, Voyageur might be your jam. Either way, you’re stepping into a new era of traveling “light yet ready,” courtesy of Level8.
About the Author: Ruben, co-founder of Gamintraveler.com since 2014, is a seasoned traveler from Spain who has explored over 100 countries since 2009. Known for his extensive travel adventures across South America, Europe, the US, Australia, New Zealand, Asia, and Africa, Ruben combines his passion for adventurous yet sustainable living with his love for cycling, highlighted by his remarkable 5-month bicycle journey from Spain to Norway. He currently resides in Spain, where he continues sharing his travel experiences with his partner, Rachel, and their son, Han.