Every journey starts with the right preparation – and for me, that includes choosing the perfect piece of luggage. I swear by a reliable carry-on suitcase when travelling. It saves time at the airport, both at check-in and after landing, and it completely eliminates the risk of lost baggage. Especially on short trips or when flying with airlines known for high loss rates, having everything you need right by your side is a real game-changer.

As a travel blogger, I rely on functional, durable travel gear that can keep up with my lifestyle. I’ve been using LEVEL8 suitcases for years now – both for carry-on and checked luggage – and they’ve impressed me from day one. In fact, they’re the best suitcase brand I’ve ever tested.

In this post, I’m sharing my review of my latest travel companion: the LEVEL8 Polaris Carry-On.

My Level8 Polaris Carry-On Review

1. First impression & design

What immediately stands out about the LEVEL8 Polaris Carry-On is its premium look: a sleek, minimalist design paired with a matte finish that feels both modern and refined.

The color and style are modern and sophisticated – making the Level8 Polaris Carry-On suitable for both business trips and city breaks.

The overall appearance of the Level8 Polaris Carry-On makes a high-quality impression on me – robust materials and precise workmanship.

2. Material & Safety

The Level8 Polaris Carry-On is a hard-shell case and the body is made of 100 % Makrolon polycarbonate. This material is extremely sturdy yet lightweight. In addition, its scratch resistance keeps the case looking amazing even after frequent use. I’ve been using it on quite a few trips already and it still looks brand new.

For protection, the Level8 Polaris Carry-On also has a reinforced YKK zip and an integrated TSA lock, which is ideal for air travel.

→ As a content creator with a valuable equipment like camera, laptop & co. in my luggage, a robust suitcase is especially important to me. That’s why I count on durability instead of cheap solutions.

→ If you travel a lot, you don’t need to compromise. A high-quality suitcase lasts for years and can cope with heavy travelling. 

If you travel often, you shouldn’t have to compromise. A well-made suitcase is a long-term investment that pays off with every trip. And LEVEL8 really delivers on its promises. My experience with their luggage over the years has been consistently positive. Our suitcases have been through a lot – from rugged terrain to chaotic baggage handling – and they’re still going strong.

3. Mobility

And the wheels? Game changer. The four high-performance 360° spinner wheels glide effortlessly across airport floors, cobblestones, and even those slightly questionable hotel driveways. You really feel the difference on long travel days, when every bit of ease matters.

One thing I immediately appreciated about the LEVEL8 Polaris Carry-On is the wide telescopic handle. It feels super solid in your hand, doesn’t wobble, and adjusts smoothly to different heights – which is great, because let’s be honest: dragging a wobbly suitcase through a busy airport is the worst. With this one, it’s all smooth sailing (or rolling, in this case).

It also has two padded handles – one on top and one on the side – which makes lifting it into overhead compartments or onto luggage racks so much easier.

→ For me, a suitcase has to feel like a reliable travel buddy. One that doesn’t slow me down, and just… works. That’s exactly what the Level8 Polaris does – and it makes a noticeable difference.

4. Interior & Packing Volume

Like all Level8 suitcases, the Level8 Polaris Carry-On has a well thought-out interior: two main compartments with dividers and zippers.

This keeps everything well organised and easy to find, even when travelling with multiple stops

 → My tip: This works even better with the packing cubes from Level8, as their dimensions are perfectly matched to those of the suitcases. I just love traveling with them as they keep my stuff organized – even after multiple hotel changes.

With a volume of 38 litres, the Level8 Polaris Carry-On is ideal for shorter trips of two to five days – depending, of course, on your packing style. Personally, I’ve even managed to travel for an entire week with just this carry-on and no additional luggage. Yes, really!

Packing light has become second nature to me. I love the freedom that comes with skipping checked baggage – no waiting at baggage claim, no lost luggage stress, and way more flexibility on the road. The Polaris fits everything I need, without feeling bulky or overstuffed.

5. Size, Weight & Airline Compatibility

The LEVEL8 Polaris Carry-On measures 55.5 × 37.5 × 23 cm and weighs around 3.5 kg – placing it solidly in the mid-range when it comes to carry-on luggage weight. But honestly? You don’t really feel it. The smooth-rolling wheels make it super easy to handle, even when it’s fully packed.

The dimensions are well within the standard hand luggage regulations of most airlines, which means no stress at the gate – even on stricter carriers. I’ve taken it on multiple flights already and haven’t run into any issues.

6. Who will love the Level8 Polaris Carry-On?

• Frequent travellers who value quality, design and functionality
• Business travellers looking for an elegant, reliable cabin trolley
• Travellers who pack smart for a short trip

7. Final Thoughts: Is the LEVEL8 Polaris Carry-On Worth It?

As someone who travels constantly, I can confidently say: the Level8 Polaris Carry-On is one of the best cabin suitcases I’ve ever used. The mentioned points above speak for themselves – easy organization, solid build quality, smooth handling, and a sleek, minimalist design.

Yes, the price point is on the higher side – but in my opinion, it’s absolutely worth the investment. I’d rather buy one high-quality suitcase that lasts for years and years than replace a cheap one every season. I’ve taken my Level8 Polaris on a few trips already, and it hasn’t let me down once.

→ If you’re looking for a reliable, stylish, and well-built travel companion, I wholeheartedly recommend checking out the Polaris by Level8!

I hope this review has helped you in your search for the perfect carry-on. If you have any questions or want to know more about how I pack light, feel free to drop a comment or message me!

Transparency: LEVEL8 provided me with this suitcase for testing. However, this did not influence my opinion in this product test. I only recommend products on my blog that have convinced me and that I would buy again!

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