The Best Suitcase I’ve Ever Owned? Let’s Talk About the LEVEL8 Road Runner Pro

I’ve always been a softshell suitcase kind of girl. They just always felt like they held more, lighter, and didn’t have that cheap, crackable plastic feel that a lot of hard shell luggage gives off.

So when LEVEL8 reached out and offered to send me their Road Runner Pro carry-on for a premium travel suitcase review, I was curious—but not overly optimistic.

Fast-forward to today, and I can confidently say: this suitcase seriously impressed me.

Not only is it sleek, sturdy, and surprisingly spacious, it’s also lightweight, smooth-rolling, and just feels… well, elevated.

I’ll get into all the details below, but if you’re in the market for a lightweight luggage option for frequent travelers or simply looking for a stylish carry-on with a secure laptop compartment, this LEVEL8 luggage review is for you.

Use code Latoya10 for 10% off your own Level8 suitcase. 🧳✨

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My First Impressions of the LEVEL8 Road Runner Pro

When the LEVEL8 Road Runner Pro first arrived, I was immediately struck by how sleek and polished it looked. This is not your average carry-on. It gave modern, minimalist, and high-quality vibes right out of the box.

As someone who’s always gravitated toward softshell luggage, I had my doubts. But the second I picked it up, I could feel the difference.

The outer shell felt durable and firm without being overly heavy.

It’s made with German Makrolon® polycarbonate, which apparently means it’s built to last. And you know what? You can tell. It doesn’t feel like the kind of suitcase that’s going to crack under pressure (or after one bad toss from a baggage handler).

Speaking of which, yes, I literally tossed this thing down a flight of steps just to see how it held up (photo evidence below lol).

No cracks, no damage. Just some minor internal angst for treating such a nice suitcase that way. 😩

That said, there’s one small thing I noticed right away: this black finish loves to collect fingerprints. It’s not a dealbreaker, but if you’re like me and plan to take a million pics with your luggage, be prepared to wipe it down first.

Overall, though? It gives a strong first impression.

It’s a durable cabin bag with spinner wheels that somehow manages to look and feel premium without being flashy.

You can tell it was made with intention and I was more than a little excited to put it to the test.

Shop the LEVEL8 Road Runner Pro Here

Top Features I Loved About the Road Runner Pro

Now that I’ve spent some time actually traveling with the LEVEL8 Road Runner Pro, here are the features that stood out to me most—especially as someone who usually leans softshell and low-maintenance when it comes to luggage.

Here are a few of the standout features I genuinely appreciated:

The Front Laptop Compartment

This might just be my favorite feature. The front laptop compartment easily has enough space for my laptop plus accessories—charger, mouse, all of it.

And because it’s completely separate from the main compartment, I didn’t have to go digging through clothes just to pull my laptop out at TSA.

Oh, and it locks. Yes, the laptop compartment and the main suitcase both lock using the TSA-approved system. Love that for us.

Surprisingly Spacious Interior

This suitcase is a master of space. There’s way more room inside than I expected, and I was shocked at how much I was able to fit in.

I packed for a full week, and with the help of my compression bags, I was even able to squeeze in a second week of clothing in the hidden zipper section—IYKYK.

Inside, there are separate compartments for all your essentials: a mesh pocket, zippered divider, and enough space to stay organized without the chaos of one giant open cavity.

Whether you’re headed on a short work trip or a longer getaway, this really is some of the best carry-on luggage for business travel I’ve used so far.

Perfect if you like to stay organized on the go.

Spinner Wheels That Actually Keep Up

I wasn’t expecting much here, especially since I’ve always used 2-wheel suitcases that trail behind me. I’m also tall with a long stride, so I figured a 4-wheel suitcase wouldn’t be able to keep up by my side.

But to my great surprise… these smooth rolling luggage wheels were an absolute dream!

They glided effortlessly across carpet, sidewalks, pavement, store floors, and only needed a lift when I hit grass (which, let’s be honest, is probably true for any suitcase). I felt quite ‘fancy’ while power-walking through the airport lol. 🚶🏾‍♀️🧳Major win.

The Built-In Lock

Both the main compartment and the front laptop pocket can be secured using the TSA-approved carry-on luggage lock system, which gave me some extra peace of mind.

Just a heads-up: it comes pre-set to 000, so definitely change it to your own code before traveling because that’s probably the first combo someone who wants to get in your luggage would try.

Lightweight But Durable

I don’t know how LEVEL8 did it, but this thing somehow feels both lightweight and strong. 💪🏾 It feels sturdy and structured without adding unnecessary weight.

It’s easy to lift, even when packed full, and yet the shell gives serious “I can take a hit” energy.

If you’ve ever bought one of those “trendy” hard shell suitcases from a discount store, you already know the fear of a single drop turning it into a cracked mess. Not the case here. This one’s clearly made to last.

Softshell Luggage vs. LEVEL8 Road Runner Pro 💼

FeatureMy Softshell SuitcasesLEVEL8 Road Runner ProStorageFeels more flexible but less organizedSurprisingly spacious and structuredDurabilityFabric gets worn out over timeFeels sturdy and built to last 💪🏾SecurityNo lock / zipper-onlyBuilt-in TSA-approved locks 🔒Laptop AccessUsually buried in a laptop sleeve under my clothes 🙃Separate, padded front compartment ✅AestheticCasual and softSleek, minimalist, and elevated 🖤WeightSlightly lighterLightweight but sturdierWheelsTwo-wheel drag-along styleSpinner wheels that glide like a dream 🛞

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What I Didn’t Love

As I mentioned before, the black finish on the Road Runner Pro shows fingerprints really easily. I definitely had to wipe it down before taking photos.

If you’re the kind of traveler who likes things to stay looking pristine, this might bug you a little. Not a huge deal, but definitely something to be aware of.

Also worth noting: the LEVEL8 Road Runner Pro currently only comes in black. I personally think it looks super sleek and timeless, but I know some travelers love a pop of color, especially when trying to spot their bag in a sea of luggage. Hopefully LEVEL8 offers more options down the line!

Other than those two things? No complaints here.

Who Is the Road Runner Pro Best For?

The LEVEL8 Road Runner Pro is definitely not just for business travelers—but if you are one, you’ll probably love it.

Between the dedicated laptop compartment and the smooth, easy-to-roll design, it’s perfect for navigating busy airports and keeping your essentials organized.

It’s also a great choice for:

Minimalist packers who want structure without bulk
Frequent travelers who need a reliable carry-on that won’t fall apart after a few trips
Anyone who loves separate compartments and a place for everything (yes, even your chargers and socks)
Anyone else who just wants to feel a little more pulled-together while traveling

If you’re looking for something colorful or super flexible like a duffel, this might not be your thing—but if you want a durable, stylish carry-on that actually works, the LEVEL8 Road Runner Pro is a solid choice.

Is This Suitcase Right for You? ✈️

This Carry-On Is a Good Fit If…Maybe Not for You If…You travel often for work or weekend getawaysYou’re shopping for checked luggageYou love compartments and structureFingerprints on luggage drive you nuts 😅You need a built-in laptop sectionYou’re set on something colorful 🎨You appreciate quality materialsYou like a squishy, expandable softshellYou need your luggage to keep up (literally)You’re looking for a budget option

Snag the suitcase that won me over

Final Thoughts: Is this LEVEL8 Luggage Worth It?

Honestly? Yes.

This suitcase exceeded my expectations in every way. It’s sleek, functional, and thoughtfully designed for real travel life, not just for looking cute in a product photo.

And as someone who’s been team softshell forever, consider me converted.

If you’re looking for a lightweight carry-on that’s stylish, secure, and surprisingly spacious, the LEVEL8 Road Runner Pro is definitely worth considering. It feels premium, performs well, and holds up to real use (and yes, real tossing-down-the-stairs kind of use 😅).

Use code Latoya10 to get 10% off your own LEVEL8 Road Runner Pro. And definitely let me know if you love it as much as I do.

👉🏾 Shop the Road Runner Pro at LEVEL8

Still have questions? I’ve got answers. (FAQs)👇🏾

Here are a few quick things people often ask about the Road Runner Pro.

Is the LEVEL8 Road Runner Pro a TSA-approved carry-on?
Yes! The Road Runner Pro meets most standard TSA carry-on size requirements and even includes a built-in TSA-approved lock for added security.

Can you fit a laptop in the Road Runner Pro carry-on?
Definitely. The front compartment easily fits a laptop, charger, and accessories—no need to open the entire suitcase at security.

How much does the LEVEL8 Road Runner Pro hold?
You’d be surprised! With two spacious compartments and the help of compression bags, I was able to pack for two weeks!

Does the hard shell get scratched or damaged easily?
The shell feels strong and high-quality—way better than the hard shells I’ve seen in discount stores. That said, the black finish does show fingerprints, so be prepared to give it a quick wipe before pics.

Is LEVEL8 worth the price?
If you travel frequently or just want something stylish and durable, I’d say yes. I honestly wasn’t expecting to love it this much—but here we are. 😅