As Amazon Associates, we earn from qualifying purchases. This means we may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you if you click through and make a purchase.
As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Links on this page are affiliate links.
You are comparing the level8 large suitcase vs carry on luggage compartment to decide which fits your travel needs. Both items share spinner wheels and TSA locks for security and mobility. The main difference lies in their form factor and capacity. One is a hardshell checked bag for longer trips, while the other is an expandable softside carry-on for quick getaways. Understanding these specs helps you choose the right tool for your itinerary.
Shell Material
PC+ABS Hard Case
Softside
Size
28 Inch
20 Inch
Weight
11 lbs
8.4 lbs
Capacity
104L
40-46L
Special Features
Cross straps and dividers
Front pocket for 15.6-inch laptop
Choose the first if
- You are packing for a trip lasting 7 to 10 days and need maximum storage space.
- You prefer a rigid shell that offers durability against impacts during checked baggage handling.
Choose the second if
- You need to keep your luggage within carry-on size limits to avoid checked bag fees.
- You want quick access to a laptop or documents via a dedicated front pocket.
Verdict
The 28-inch hardshell is best for extended trips where volume matters more than weight. The 20-inch expandable softside suits frequent flyers who prioritize mobility and onboard storage. Your choice depends on trip length and airline restrictions.
Hardshell Capacity vs Softside Access
Shell Material
Edge: LEVEL8 28 Inch Blue Hardshell Suitcase
Product A features a hardshell construction made from PC+ABS materials. It includes a 3-layer micro-diamond textured surface designed for outstanding durability and scratch resistance. Product B uses a softside design. This model is built with high-quality, durable materials and includes genuine leather handles on the top and sides. It also features YKK zippers and a comprehensive corner protection design to enhance longevity. The hardshell offers rigid protection, while the softside provides flexibility and tactile grip.
Packing Capacity
Edge: LEVEL8 28 Inch Blue Hardshell Suitcase
Product A is a large 28-inch suitcase with a total packing capacity of 104 liters. It is designed for trips lasting 7 to 10 days. Product B is a 20-inch carry-on with a base capacity of 40 liters. It features a triangular expansion design that increases the volume to 46 liters. Product A holds significantly more gear, making it suitable for extended travel. Product B offers compact storage that expands slightly when needed, ideal for shorter trips or minimal packing.
Front Access
Edge: LEVEL8 20 Inch Expandable Softside
Product A does not list a dedicated external front pocket in its specifications. Its interior features cross straps and dividers for organization, along with multiple internal pockets. Product B includes a prominent front pocket designed for easy access. This compartment can accommodate a 15.6-inch laptop, an iPad, documents, and other essentials. It also comes with a detachable waterproof toiletry bag inside the main compartment. Product B allows you to retrieve travel documents and electronics without opening the main suitcase.
Weight
Edge: LEVEL8 20 Inch Expandable Softside
Product A weighs 11 pounds. This includes the weight of the hardshell, wheels, and handle. Product B weighs 8.4 pounds. This lighter weight comes from the softside construction and smaller overall dimensions. Product B is 2.6 pounds lighter than Product A. For travelers who need to maximize their airline weight allowance, the lighter Product B provides more room for packing items. Product A is heavier, which may reduce the allowable weight for your belongings.
Dimensions
Edge: LEVEL8 20 Inch Expandable Softside
Product A measures 30.7 inches in height, 20.5 inches in length, and 11.8 inches in width. These dimensions include wheels and handles. It is classified as a checked luggage size. Product B measures 22.8 inches in height, 14.9 inches in length, and 9.3 inches in width. It is labeled as airline approved for carry-on use. Product B fits in overhead bins and under seats. Product A requires check-in and is too large for cabin storage.
Choose your LEVEL8 suitcase
You need checked luggage for week-long trips
Our pick: LEVEL8 28 Inch Blue Hardshell Suitcase
Product A measures 30.7 by 20.5 by 11.8 inches and holds 104 liters. Its 11-pound weight supports seven to ten days of clothing. The hardshell PC+ABS construction with a micro-diamond texture offers scratch resistance. Cross straps and dividers keep items organized inside this spacious checked bag.
You want a carry-on with laptop access
Our pick: LEVEL8 20 Inch Expandable Softside
Product B fits airline carry-on limits at 22.8 by 14.9 by 9.3 inches. It weighs only 8.4 pounds. The front pocket holds a 15.6-inch laptop and documents for quick access. The softside design expands to 46 liters, providing flexibility for short trips without checking your bag.
You prioritize lightweight mobility and compact storage
Our pick: LEVEL8 20 Inch Expandable Softside
Product B is lighter at 8.4 pounds compared to the 11-pound alternative. Its compact dimensions allow it to fit in overhead bins easily. The retractable handle features four adjustable speeds for comfortable pushing. Spinner wheels ensure smooth maneuvering through busy terminals while keeping your hands free for other tasks.
LEVEL8 28 Inch Blue Hardshell Suitcase
Best for: extended trips requiring maximum packing space
- Overall Dimensions
- 30.7 x 20.5 x 11.8 in
- Weight
- 11 lbs
- Shell Material
- PC+ABS
- Wheel System
- 8 spinner wheels
- Packing Capacity
- 104 L
- Lock Type
- TSA combination lock
This LEVEL8 large suitcase measures 30.7 by 20.5 by 11.8 inches and weighs 11 pounds. It offers 104 liters of packing capacity, making it suitable for seven to ten-day trips. The hard shell uses PC+ABS material with a micro-diamond texture for durability. Eight rubber-covered spinner wheels and an aluminum telescoping handle provide smooth mobility. A TSA combination lock secures your belongings during travel.
- 104-liter packing capacity for extended trips
- PC+ABS hard shell with micro-diamond texture
- Eight rubber-covered 360-degree spinner wheels
- TSA combination lock for security
- 11-pound weight is heavier than carry-on options
- 28-inch size exceeds standard carry-on limits
- You need ample space for week-long vacations
- You prefer a durable hard-shell checked bag
- You want smooth rolling with spinner wheels
- You require a bag that fits in overhead bins
- You prefer a lighter piece of luggage under 10 pounds
- You need a compact carry-on for frequent flying
Verdict: LEVEL8 28 Inch Blue Hardshell Suitcase fits travelers who prioritize capacity and durability for long trips. It is a practical checked bag for those who do not need to carry on.
LEVEL8 20 Inch Expandable Softside
Best for: Travelers needing extra packing volume
- Overall Dimensions
- 22.8 X 14.9 X 9.3 Inch
- Weight
- 8.4 lbs
- Wheel System
- 360° rotation spinner wheels
- Packing Capacity
- 40-46L
- Closure Type
- YKK zippers
- Lock Type
- TSA lock
This LEVEL8 carry-on suitcase measures 22.8 by 14.9 by 9.3 inches and weighs 8.4 pounds. It features a softside shell with a triangular expansion design that increases capacity from 40 to 46 liters. The front pocket fits a 15.6-inch laptop. It includes spinner wheels for smooth movement and a TSA lock for security. This model suits travelers who need extra packing room in a compact frame.
- Expandable capacity reaches 46 liters
- Front pocket holds a 15.6-inch laptop
- Spinner wheels rotate 360 degrees
- Includes detachable waterproof toiletry bag
- Weighs 8.4 pounds, adding to your load
- Softside shell offers less rigid protection than hard cases
- Base capacity is 40 liters before expansion
- You need extra packing space for longer trips
- You want easy access to a laptop at the gate
- You prefer a lightweight softside design
- You require a rigid hardshell for maximum impact protection
- You need a checked bag larger than carry-on limits
- You prefer a lighter suitcase under 8 pounds
Verdict: LEVEL8 20 Inch Expandable Carry On provides flexible storage with its 46-liter expansion and convenient laptop access. It fits travelers who prioritize packing volume and organization in a compact, wheeled frame.
Specifications side by side
| Spec | LEVEL8 28 Inch Blue Hardshell Suitcase | LEVEL8 20 Inch Expandable Softside |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Dimensions | 30.7 x 20.5 x 11.8 in | 22.8 X 14.9 X 9.3 Inch |
| Weight | 11 lbs | 8.4 lbs |
| Shell Material | PC+ABS | – |
| Wheel System | 8 spinner wheels | 360° rotation spinner wheels |
| Packing Capacity | 104 L | 40-46L |
| Closure Type | – | YKK zippers |
| Lock Type | TSA combination lock | TSA lock |
| Shell | – | Softside |
| Wheels | Spinner Wheels | Spinner Wheels |
| Features | TSA Lock | Carry-On, Expandable |
| Color | Blue | Black |
| Size | 28 Inch | 20 Inch |
| Style | Wheeled | Wheeled |
| Dimensions | 20.5 × 11.8 × 30.7 inches | 14.9 × 9.3 × 22.8 inches |
| Model | LA-6579-06T00 | LA-1568-02T00 |
Frequently asked questions
Does the 28-inch LEVEL8 suitcase fit in the overhead bin?
No. The 28-inch model measures 30.7 inches in height. This exceeds standard carry-on limits. You must check this bag at the counter. It is designed for extended trips where maximum packing space is required. Use it when you do not need to carry your luggage on board.
Is the 20-inch LEVEL8 bag expandable?
Yes. This carry-on model offers 46 liters of expansion. It provides flexible storage for travelers needing extra volume. The softside design allows for this expansion. You gain additional packing space without increasing the base dimensions significantly.
What is the weight difference between the two models?
The 28-inch hardshell weighs 11 pounds. The 20-inch softside carry-on weighs 8.4 pounds. The larger suitcase is 2.6 pounds heavier. This difference reflects the larger frame and hardshell construction. You should consider this if weight limits are strict for your checked baggage.
Do both suitcases have TSA locks?
Yes. Both the 28-inch and 20-inch models include TSA locks. These locks allow security agents to inspect your luggage without damaging the shell. This feature is standard across both sizes. It ensures your belongings remain secure during transit and screening processes.
Which model is better for laptop access?
The 20-inch carry-on is better for laptop access. It is designed for convenient laptop access. Its compact size and softside structure support this feature. The 28-inch suitcase is a checked bag. It lacks the quick-access design needed for frequent laptop retrieval during travel.
What type of wheels do these suitcases use?
Both models use spinner wheels. This style allows the suitcase to roll in any direction. You can push or pull the bag with ease. The spinner wheels are present on both the hardshell and softside options. This ensures consistent mobility across both product lines.
Can the 20-inch bag fit in a car trunk?
Yes. The 20-inch model measures 22.8 inches in height. Its compact dimensions allow it to fit in most car trunks. The 28-inch suitcase is larger and may not fit in smaller vehicles. You should use the carry-on for road trips where space is limited.
