You know that moment when you’re rushing through airport security, juggling your laptop, phone, and boarding pass while trying to yank your suitcase through the scanner? I had one of those mornings at Heathrow last month on a short hop to Madrid. Except this time, I wasn’t fumbling. My Level8 Grace let me grab my laptop from the front compartment in about three seconds, and the thing just glided through on its own while I sorted myself out.
Small win, but it set the tone for the whole trip.
That’s what pulled me towards Level8 in the first place. The brand’s been around since 2008, starting in the US with this clever MacBook compartment design that had something like 230 shock-absorbing points (bit excessive, maybe, but impressive). They’ve won a bunch of design awards – Red Dot, iF, IDEA – and even did a collab with Jay Chou’s fashion label PHANTACi back in 2018. Not bad for a luggage company.
The Grace series feels like a natural extension of all that. It’s aimed at people who want something functional but stylish, without the eye-watering price tag of some of the fancier brands out there. I’ve been using the Grace EXT Expandable Carry-On (the 20-inch model) for a few months now, and I wanted to share what’s worked, what hasn’t, and whether it’s actually worth your money.
Quick specs: It’s an ABS+PC hardshell suitcase that expands up to 15%, has a front laptop compartment (fits up to 15.6″ screens), weighs around 8.5 lbs, and comes with a lifetime warranty. It’s also airline-compliant, which is always a relief when you’re trying to avoid checked baggage fees.
I’ve taken it to Amsterdam, a quick jaunt to Edinburgh, and a longer trip through Spain. So I’ve got a decent sense of how it holds up. Let’s get into it.
First Impressions
The suitcase arrived in a couple of days – free shipping to the UK, which was nice. Packaging was minimal, just enough to keep it safe without being wasteful. I went for the blue matte finish, and honestly, it looks more expensive than it is. The surface has this slightly textured feel that doesn’t show fingerprints, which I appreciate because I’m constantly grabbing it.
It’s light enough that I can lift it into an overhead bin without feeling like I’m at the gym, but it doesn’t feel flimsy. The expandable zipper sits flush when it’s not in use, so it doesn’t look bulky or weird. I spent a few minutes figuring out the TSA lock (the instructions were a bit vague), but once I set it, it’s been solid.
The front pocket was the first thing I opened, and I’ll admit I was a bit skeptical. I’ve had suitcases with front compartments before, and they usually feel like an afterthought—too shallow, awkward to access, that sort of thing. This one’s different. It’s padded, roomy enough for my 14-inch laptop, and has little pockets for cables and documents. I tried stuffing in a notebook, charger, and headphones alongside the laptop, and it all fit without feeling crammed.
Build Quality
The shell is made from ABS+PC, which is basically a blend of two plastics that are meant to be both lightweight and impact-resistant. I’ve knocked it around a fair bit – bumped it down cobblestone streets in Madrid, shoved it into tight train luggage racks, and watched baggage handlers toss it onto the carousel with zero care. So far, no cracks, no dents. There’s a tiny scuff on one corner from where I misjudged a doorway, but the matte finish hides it well.
I read someone’s post from a few years back about taking their Level8 Grace through Japan – four flights, multiple train rides, and it came out looking pretty much the same. That lined up with my experience. The shell’s sturdy without being heavy, which is the whole point really.
The wheels are another standout. They’re 360-degree spinners, and they actually spin smoothly. I’ve used suitcases where the wheels feel like they’re fighting you the whole time, but these just glide. They’re quiet too, which matters when you’re rolling through a hotel corridor at 6am trying not to wake everyone up. I did notice a bit of noise on rougher pavement – nothing terrible, just a slight rattle – but on smooth airport floors, they’re whisper-quiet.
The handle extends to multiple heights, and it feels solid. No wobbling, no awkward angles. I’m about 5’10”, and the highest setting works perfectly for me. My husband’s taller, and he didn’t have any complaints either.
Inside, the lining is thinner than I’d like. It’s functional – mesh pockets on one side, compression straps on the other – but I did get a small snag when I was pulling out a jacket a bit too quickly. Not a dealbreaker, but worth mentioning. The organisation is decent, though. I can separate clean clothes from dirty ones using the dividers, and there’s enough pockets to keep smaller items from floating around.
One thing I really appreciate is the lifetime warranty. I haven’t needed to use it yet, but I’ve heard from others that Level8’s customer support is pretty responsive. Someone mentioned getting a lock replaced within a week when theirs stopped working, which is reassuring.
Key Features
Expandable Design
The 15% expansion is genuinely useful. I didn’t think I’d use it much at first, but on my way back from Spain, I’d picked up a few bottles of wine (questionable decision, I know) and a ceramic bowl I couldn’t resist. The expansion gave me just enough room to squeeze everything in without having to rearrange the entire suitcase. It’s not going to turn your carry-on into a checked bag, but for last-minute additions, it’s a lifesaver.
Front Laptop Compartment
This is probably the feature I use most. Being able to access my laptop without unzipping the whole suitcase is such a small thing, but it makes security checks so much less stressful. There’s also space for documents, a pen, my passport—basically everything I need to grab quickly. I’ve seen a few reviews where people said this alone convinced them to buy the Grace, and I get it. It’s one of those features you don’t realise you need until you have it.
Wheels and Handle
I’ve already raved about the wheels, but they really do make a difference. I tested them on airport tile, hotel carpet, cobblestones, and even some dodgy pavement in Edinburgh, and they handled it all without much fuss. The only time they felt a bit clunky was on really uneven surfaces, but that’s to be expected.
The handle’s ergonomic, which is a fancy way of saying it doesn’t hurt your wrist after 20 minutes of pulling it around. I’ve had suitcases where the handle felt like it was positioned at a weird angle, but this one’s spot on.
Security
The TSA lock took me a minute to figure out, but once I did, it’s been reliable. I haven’t had to deal with customs opening it yet, but knowing they can do so without breaking the lock is a nice bit of peace of mind. The zippers feel sturdy too – no snagging or sticking, even when the suitcase is fully expanded.
Interior Organisation
The mesh dividers are thin but functional. They’re not going to keep a heavy coat from shifting around, but for lighter items, they work fine. The compression straps are good for keeping everything compact, which helps with the overall balance of the suitcase. There’s also a couple of velcro pockets that I use for socks and underwear, because why not.
Packing and Real-World Use
I packed this for a five-night work trip to Amsterdam: three shirts, two pairs of trousers, a jacket, trainers, toiletries, and my laptop setup. Everything fit in the main compartment with room to spare, and the front pocket held my work stuff. I didn’t need to expand it on the way there, but I did on the way back after picking up some stroopwafels and a couple of books.
The organisation system makes it pretty easy to keep things tidy. I put clothes on one side, shoes and toiletries on the other, and used the mesh pockets for smaller bits. The expansion zip is hidden along the sides, so you don’t notice it until you actually need it. When I did use it, the suitcase still fit in the overhead bin without any issues, though it was a tighter squeeze.
I also took it on a longer trip through Spain—five cities in two weeks. By the end, I’d definitely overpacked (shocker), but the Grace held up. No broken zippers, no busted wheels, no dents in the shell. It got knocked around quite a bit on regional trains, and it still looked fine.
What Works and What Doesn’t
What I Like:
- The front laptop compartment is a genuine game-changer for work trips
- It’s light but doesn’t feel cheap
- The wheels are smooth and quiet on most surfaces
- Expandable design gives you flexibility without adding bulk
- Lifetime warranty and solid customer support
- Looks sleek without trying too hard
What Could Be Better:
- The interior lining’s a bit thin and prone to snags
- If you’re a chronic over-packer, this probably won’t hold everything you want
- The wheels can be a bit noisy on rough terrain
- The front pocket does eat into the main compartment space slightly, though it’s worth the trade-off
Is It Worth It?
For the price, yeah, I think so. It’s not the cheapest carry-on out there, but it’s also not trying to compete with brands that charge twice as much for similar features. The build quality feels premium, the design’s thoughtful, and it actually makes travel a bit easier, which is the whole point.
It’s ideal for short trips – long weekends, business travel, that sort of thing. If you’re someone who needs to pack for two weeks in a carry-on, you might find it a bit limiting. But for most people, it strikes a good balance between capacity and convenience.
The front compartment alone makes it stand out from a lot of other suitcases in this price range. Add in the smooth wheels, expandable design, and lifetime warranty, and it’s a solid investment if you travel even semi-regularly.
Final Thoughts
I’m giving the Level8 Grace a strong 8.5 out of 10. It’s not perfect, no suitcase is… but it’s well-made, practical, and looks good while doing its job. I’ve used it enough now to know it’s not just a honeymoon phase. It’s become my go-to for short trips, and I can see it lasting for years.
If you’re in the market for a new carry-on, especially one that makes airport security less of a faff, the Grace is worth a look. Level8 offers free shipping to the US, Canada, and Europe, and their customer support’s meant to be decent if anything goes wrong.
Set out boldly, as they say. Just maybe don’t overpack quite as much as I do.