This LEVEL8 luggage review covers my real-world experience traveling through Canada in winter with a 26-inch LEVEL8 Voyageur suitcase. I carry how it performed in snowy cities, airports, trains, and hotels. If you’re looking for a durable checked suitcase for winter travel, this review will help you decide if LEVEL8 is the right fit.
With new luggage in tow, I headed back to one of my favorite winter destinations: Quebec, Canada. I normally travel with my trusted carry-on, but winter trips are a different story. Between bulky coats, snow boots, and extra cold-weather layers, packing light just isn’t realistic. I knew I needed something larger, sturdier, and built for winter travel — which is why I chose a 26-inch suitcase from LEVEL8 for this trip.
Over the course of a full week in Quebec, I put this LEVEL8 checked suitcase to the test, rolling it through airports, snowy city streets, train stations, and even up flights of stairs in winter boots. This post is my honest, real-world LEVEL8 luggage review covering how it performed, the quality, and whether it’s a good fit for winter travel. Let’s get into it.
Note: Some of the links below contain affiliate links. This doesn’t increase the cost of any item to you, but simply means that I’ll receive a small commission of any sales from those links. Thank you!
Why I went with a 26-inch suitcase – Level8 Voyageur 26”
Packing for winter destinations like Montreal and Quebec City requires more space than a typical trip. Heavy coats, snow boots, and warm layers add up quickly, and I knew a standard carry-on wasn’t going to cut it this time. That’s where the LEVEL8 Voyageur came in.
Trying to fit everything into a 20-inch carry-on can be a tight squeeze, even if you wear your bulkiest layers on the plane. Add in anything you buy along the way, and you’re suddenly dealing with a suitcase that’s barely closing — if it closes at all. Not ideal for your luggage or your sanity. Flashback to old me sitting on my suitcases to get them to close.
I chose a 26-inch suitcase so I wouldn’t have to stress about packing the layers I needed or second-guess buying souvenirs because they “wouldn’t fit.”
I initially debated with myself between a 24-inch and a 26-inch case, but ultimately decided on the larger size—and I’m so glad I did. The 26-inch LEVEL8 Voyageur turned out to be the perfect fit for this winter trip to Canada.
It gave me room to pack a second coat, which made all the difference for travel photos and dressier evenings out, as well as a pair of ice skates—something I’d never traveled with before.
With everything I brought, the 24-inch would have been a tight squeeze, even if it was still technically manageable. Since I would have needed to check either size at the airport anyway, choosing the slightly larger suitcase just made sense.
The Suitcase I Brought – LEVEL8 Voyageur 26” Check-In Bag
I was already on the hunt for a 24-inch or 26-inch checked bag when LEVEL8 reached out to me and offered to send me a couple of suitcases to test out. It was like the universe sending me the answer I needed!
I received a LEVEL8 Voyageur set that includes their 20-inch and 26-inch sizes. They also have sets with their 28-inch and 30-inch sizes for those who need a bit more room. I already own a 28-inch checked bag and I was searching for a smaller checked bag for my upcoming trip, so I opted for the 20-inch + 26-inch set.
I haven’t tested out the 20-inch carry-on suitcase, so this review will only be covering the LEVEL8 Voyageur 26-inch bag. I’m all about authenticity here, and I won’t speak to a bag I haven’t tested myself!
Appearance & Specs
Visually, the LEVEL8 Voyageur is stunning. I received the limited edition celadon color, which is their two-toned version combining a pale blue with a blue-ish gray. This version caught my attention right away! It’s easily the most attractive suitcase I’ve ever owned.
Other colors are also available including: Black, Navy, Darkolive, & Yellow/Black (limited edition)
General specs of the Voyageur suitcases include:
- Hardshell
- Wide handle
- Aluminum alloy telescopic handle
- Four 360° spinner wheels
- TSA-approved lock
- German-made Makrolon® polycarbonate construction
- Two compartments, both that zip shut
- Dry-wet separation pockets
The bag feels lightweight yet durable and stylish—a rare combination from my experience.
The wide handle offers more packing space as there is no handle area in the middle of the suitcase (like with normal handles).
The hardshell is textured with a micro-diamond pattern and feels sturdy. The shell includes two grip handles. There is one on the side with the TSA lock and one on the top.
The interior material is very soft and doesn’t have that cheap plasticy feel many suitcases have. Given the suitcases appearance and specs, I’d say the LEVEL8 team seem to have a clear attention to detail, making sure every aspect of the suitcase looks and feels high quality.
I also loved the small LEVEL8 “8” logo details on the wheels—a subtle but thoughtful branding touch. The wheels themselves rolled smoothly and quietly throughout my trip, and it was actually because of that detail that I noticed another LEVEL8 suitcase on my flight. It’s a small thing, but it speaks to the team’s attention to design.
Appearance: 5/5
Specs: 5/5
How LEVEL8 Luggage Performed During Winter in Canada
Now, let’s dive into the bigger details of this LEVEL8 luggage review. This is how the 26-inch Voyageur suitcase performed during my international trip from the US to Quebec (visiting Montreal and Quebec City).
At the airport
I brought my LEVEL8 checked bag and a personal-item-sized backpack–that’s it. As someone who usually travels with a carry-on, it was such a relief not to roll a suitcase through the airport as I’m checking out shops, using the bathroom, or picking up food. Not having to pull or push a bag made my time at the airport a lot more relaxing than usual.
The four wheels rolled effortlessly (like butter!) through the smooth tiles of the Nashville airport. I dropped my bag off at the Air Canada desk. They weighed it. I believe it was around 35 pounds. Most airlines allow checked bags to be up to 50 pounds before they charge for overweight baggage. So, I was in the clear there.
After I landed, I had to retrieve my bag from baggage claim. I was a little nervous because of horror stories of people’s bags coming out without a handle or the zipper broke, etc. Scuffs were the least of my concern—they’re inevitable.
When I got my bag, it was in nearly excellent condition. It did get some scuffs and marks on it moved through the airport and on/off a plane, but this is to be expected. The darker marks are a little more apparent on the pale blue side of the bag.
Airport performance: 5/5
On snowy streets
I walked with this suitcase from both my hotel to the Montreal train station and from the Quebec City train station to my hotel and back again. Each time I walked with this suitcase it was about a 10-15 minute trek.
Using the suitcase on Montreal’s snowy street was easy because the terrain was overall flat and the accumulation of snow wasn’t as heavy as it was in Quebec City. I was able to push the suitcase when I was on the sidewalks and then I pulled it behind me when crossing intersections for maximum efficiency.
In Quebec City, I did have to navigate a hill going from the train station up to my hotel in Old Quebec. However, this was surprisingly less stressful than I anticipated. Don’t get me wrong, it worked my legs to pull a checked bag up a hill, but I’m literally pulling 35 pounds, so what else can I expect?
And because this is a suitcase, not a 4-wheeler designed for snowy terrain, the suitcase did get caught in the snow whenever I had to pull it through thicker areas. I’d say if the wheels were slightly bigger or the distance between the base of the suitcase and the wheels was farther, it would have been easier in the snow.
Navigating snowy streets: 4.75/5
In hotels
The LEVEL8 Voyageur performed wonderfully through hotel floors. The wheels had no problem adjusting from carpet to tile to wood.
I stayed at three different hotels during my winter trip to Canada. My first hotel in Montreal had a narrow staircase and no elevator. I used the grip handle to pull the suitcase up a couple of flights of stairs. This was fairly easy, even for a checked bag.
My hotel in Quebec City also didn’t have an elevator, but the stairs were wide and I was only on the second floor. Once again, no problems getting it up the stairs.
If you do travel with a checked bag and your accommodation doesn’t have an elevator, make sure you can lift the weight that you’re bringing with you.
It wasn’t until I returned to Montreal for one more night that I had a hotel with an elevator—whcih I’m grateful for considering I was on the 15th floor. Once again, no problems at all.
Navigating hotels: 5/5
On the train
To get from Montreal to Quebec City, I took a 3-hour train. I pushed the suitcase through the train station without any issues whatsoever.
To board the train from Montreal, we had to gather in an orderly queue to get our tickets scanned and baggage size checked. Someone even complimented my bag while we were waiting in line!
I did have to pay $25 CAD to bring the checked-size bag onto the train going from Montreal to Quebec City. However, I wasn’t asked to pay it again on my return from Quebec City to Montreal.
The train tracks are accessed by going down an escalator. The 26-inch LEVEL8 suitcase easily fits on an escalator stair by turning it forward facing.
Once I was on the train, I located my seat and then wheeled the suitcase down the aisle. The aisle was wide enough to fit forward-facing, making it easy to navigate until I reached the baggage rack.
I placed my bag on the second shelf without any problems. Everything was easy-peasy on the train! No complaints.
Navigating the train: 5/5
Scuff mark in the top right corner after being checked at airport- Small, very light scugg mark in the bottom right
Wear and Scuffs
Like a good pair of boots, a quality suitcase is built for durability. That means they can endure some scuffs and wear without taking a hit to the overall longevity and performance.
Since this is a LEVEL8 luggage review, we’ve got to talk about wear and tear.
Expectedly—after a week of traveling, two flights, two trains, taxi rides, and navigating snowy streets—the 26-inch Voyageur suitcase did get a couple of scratches.
Also, the case did get dirty after navigating the polluted, snowy streets and all that was easy to wipe off with a damp towel.
Then, because of the micro-diamond texture on the case’s exterior, I did go in with a scrubby brush to get into the little crevices.
As for the scuffs and scratches, these all happened when the suitcase wasn’t in my possession—when it was going through the airport conveyer belt and getting loaded on/off the plane.
These attendants are notoriously rough on suitcases for the sake of speed and efficiency. That’s why it’s important to have a quality suitcase that can handle the bumps and pulls along the way.
The only noticeable marks on the suitcase are on the top left corner and toward the lower-middle right corner. From a distance, they are nearly practically invisible, but upon close inspection they are present.
Both marks are on the pale blue side of the celadon color I chose. I do wonder if I had chosen the navy, black, or darkolive colors if the scuffs would have shown up. While the color I chose is stunning, it may not be the most practical if I want to disguise scuffs and scratches.
Wear: 5/5
Scuffs: 4/5
Interior Design & Packing
I took advantage of every feature my LEVEL8 suitcase had to offer. The bag opens up like a book. The front section is a little smaller than the back, but both have zippers to keep everything inside.
I packed all my winter clothes into the larger compartment, as it also included a bungee cord to help keep all my clothes in place. Besides, I wasn’t bringing any packing cubes so I tried to make my set-up as convenient as possible.
For the smaller compartment, I put my ice skates, my day bag, a foldable backpack, and random items like my hair brush.
The Voyageur collection also includes two pockets. One pocket is mesh and one has a more silicone feel. I ended up using the mesh side for my scrunchies, earrings, comb, etc. Then, I used the silicone side for some tech items like my mini microphone set and SD-card reader.
If you’re wondering about my toiletries, I put them all in my personal item along with my passport, book, earphones, lip balms, etc. Anything I thought I might need access to during my travels.
What Surprised Me About the 26” LEVEL8 Voyageur
For this LEVEL8 luggage review, I want to highlight what genuinely surprised me about traveling with this suitcase.
First, it didn’t feel bulky. Every other checked bag I’ve owned has felt huge, clunky, and honestly a little embarrassing to lug around. That wasn’t the case here. The 26-inch size felt like the ideal middle ground when I wanted to travel with just one suitcase but needed more room than a carry-on could offer.
Second, it was far easier to maneuver on snowy streets than I expected. I assumed pulling a checked bag through winter conditions would be a nightmare, but it wasn’t. While hauling it uphill from the Quebec City train station to my hotel was definitely a workout, the rest of the trip was surprisingly manageable. For the most part, navigating snowy sidewalks in Canada felt straightforward.
Third, I didn’t regret going bigger. This was my first time traveling with only a checked suitcase, and I’m glad I committed to that choice. If I had brought both a carry-on and a checked bag, I would have felt weighed down and likely spent unnecessary money on taxis instead of walking.
Traveling with just a small backpack and the 26-inch LEVEL8 Voyageur felt balanced and stress-free for a week-long winter trip. I never felt overwhelmed or like I had overpacked.
And for the first time on a winter trip, I didn’t have to sit on my suitcase to close it. Everything zipped smoothly every single time. For me, that alone confirmed that this size made sense.
Who This Suitcase is Best For
If you’re considering buying the LEVEL8 Voyageur 26” suitcase, here’s who I’d recommend buy it.
Winter travelers: If you’re traveling for five days or more in cold-weather destinations, this size just makes sense for bulky winter gear like coats, boots, and layers.
Sporty travelers: If you’re bringing gear like ice skates, roller skates, or other compact sports equipment, the split interior makes it easy to dedicate one side to gear and the other to clothes and toiletries.
Longer trips: I’ve done long trips with just a carry-on, but if you plan on buying souvenirs, staying in one region, or simply don’t want to stress about space, a 26-inch suitcase is the more comfortable choice.
Travelers who value style: If a sleek, attractive suitcase matters to you, any bag from the Voyageur collection delivers on both form and function.
When This Bag is Not Ideal
While the 26” bag is brilliant in many ways, it’s not ideal for every travel scenario. Here’s when I don’t recommend it.
Shorter summer trips: Swimsuits and tank tops just don’t require the same amount of space as sweaters and boots.
Trips with frequent flights: If you’re spending a month in Europe and flying airlines like Ryanair or EasyJet, a checked-size bag will likely cost you more in fees and time. In that case, the 20-inch Voyageur is a better choice.
Minimalist travel: If you plan to bring the bare minimum, opt for the 20-inch Voyageur.
Would I Bring the LEVEL8 Voyageur 26” Again?
Short answer: absolutely.
Longer answer: yes, because it fits the way I actually travel. I tend to fly to one destination and spend one to three weeks exploring a region rather than hopping between destinations by plane.
For that travel style, a small-to-medium checked bag is ideal. It allows me to bring camera gear (a camera, a couple of lenses, a tripod), a capsule wardrobe, an extra pair of shoes, and larger toiletries that aren’t TSA-approved.
Going forward, I’ll be using the 26-inch Voyageur for longer trips, winter getaways, and trips where I need to bring extra gear. For shorter trips, beach vacations, or weekends away, I’ll reach for the 20-inch Voyageur instead.
Luckily, I have the LEVEL8 Voyageur Set so I have the option to bring one or even both, depending on the travel scenario.
Final Thoughts + Disclosure
LEVEL8 sent me these suitcases to test, but all thoughts and experiences are my own based on my recent Canada trip in January 2026. If you want to purchase this bag or any item from the LEVEL8 Cases website, you are welcome to use my code for 10% off your order: SPIRITEDEXPLORER10.
I only choose to work with brands that genuinely fit my travel style, and I wouldn’t recommend a product I wouldn’t personally use again. After a full week of winter travel-–through airports, snowy streets, trains, and hotels—the LEVEL8 Voyageur 26” proved itself as a reliable, stylish, and practical checked bag.
If you’re someone who prefers slower travel, longer stays, or trips that require extra gear, this suitcase makes traveling feel easier rather than heavier. And for me, that’s the mark of a good piece of travel gear.
This is a suitcase I’ll continue reaching for.
Thanks for reading this LEVEL8 luggage review. Happy travels!
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