Need a carry-on suitcase that appears totally different, rolls easily, and can nonetheless be working nicely subsequent decade? I’ve been touring round currently with the Gibraltar Aluminum Carry-on from Level8 Circumstances and I’m actually liking the best way it seems and feels. This journey case is constructed from an aerospace-grade aluminum magnesium alloy, so I do know what I’ve packed inside will keep protected, particularly because it has built-in TSA-safe mixture locks.
I’m usually a two-wheel suitcase man if I’m checking a bag as a result of I really feel like I can transfer a lot sooner with a kind of, particularly on carpet, and the wheels are usually extra rugged than on the suitcases with 4 wheels, particularly from lifetime assure corporations like Eagle Creek, Osprey, and Briggs & Riley. I’ve tried a number of uncommon spinners which are a giant step up from the norm, nonetheless, constructed for perform, not simply style. That is a kind of.
Level8 has a status for beauty and good high quality (try the entire line right here) and this Gibraltar suitcase positively confirmed that for me.
Building as Strong because the Rock of Gibraltar
That is the smoothest 4-wheel spinner suitcase I’ve tried, edging out the Bric’s Bellagio one which has been my go-to carry-on for a number of years. I’m unsure what’s behind the engineering, however I may stroll a lot sooner pulling this Gibraltar suitcase beside me than I’ve been in a position to with others and the wheels on this are an enormous enchancment from the ocean of cheapies you see getting hung up on carpet in lodges.
As a result of that is manufactured from steel, not low cost light-weight plastic, it does tip the dimensions slightly greater than most opponents, weighing in at 10 kilos. Airways hardly ever weigh your carry-on although, so so long as you’re in a position to raise it as much as the overhead bin after you’ve packed it, an additional pound or two isn’t going to matter. What you get in return is a case in your belongings that’s a lot stronger and extra lasting than the norm.
The deal with feels actually strong as nicely, additionally steel however with a rubber deal with to grip on the high. It clicks and stays in place at a number of ranges to adapt to your peak. There’s additionally one other folding deal with on the facet for when it’s essential decide up the suitcase or pull it out of the taxi trunk, plus one on the high as nicely.
The corners of the case are bolstered in order that the commonest contact factors are further protected and so they’re smoothed off in order that they received’t catch on something.
All of the supplies outlined within the packing part under really feel high-quality and well-designed, not just like the low-grade afterthoughts you see in lots of suitcases.
Compartments and Packing
Level8 suitcases are identified for being fashionable and trendy, but it surely’s apparent that they’re as involved in regards to the performance as they’re about how the merchandise will look in photographs. This Gibraltar case is extraordinarily versatile to accommodate totally different packing kinds. You could be super-organized and compartmentalized or you possibly can simply fold and roll and that works too.
Whereas many suitcases simply include one divider or some compression straps, this Level8 carry-on comes with built-in packing cubes for half of it that slot in precisely. They’re marked with icons for toiletries, electronics, or clothes/equipment and I discovered them to be well sized for these objects. I all of it my socks and underwear plus a belt in a single dice. Then they’ve an total case round them making it potential to take away them unexpectedly to put out on a shelf or in a drawer.
However wait, there’s extra! The electronics dice really has built-in dividers too so you possibly can separate the cords from the chargers from the GoPro…you get the thought. They’re adjustable with Velcro and detachable if you happen to don’t need to use them.
You don’t need to any of those further packing equipment, in fact, so if you happen to would fairly have an open compartment for cramming extra clothes in, you possibly can go away the cubes at residence. You even have a complete different facet of the clamshell suitcase to make use of although, in order that’s the place I put my further sneakers, pants, shirts, and sunhat. With 36 liters of capability, I had no downside taking this on varied journeys of lower than per week.
Different Gibraltar Aluminum Carry-on Options
As talked about earlier, this Gibraltar suitcase comes with built-in TSA-approved 3-number mixture locks, so no keys to hold. (Simply don’t neglect your mixture!) The directions to make use of them are clear and easy. A number of prospects have complained that these lock clamps are plastic, not steel, however they’re solidly constructed and I might think about that retains the burden down slightly.
The suitcase additionally has 4 rubber stands on the underside so the case received’t get scratched while you set it down on its facet. It additionally comes with a pleasant leather-based baggage tag you possibly can see in that image on the high of this submit.
See extra about this aluminum carry-on on this video I made:
You received’t have to fret about this Level8 suitcase failing you a yr or two after you purchased it. Right here’s their guarantee coverage:
We’re uncompromising on high quality. Our baggage undergoes stringent high quality exams and comes with a lifetime guarantee that covers practical points together with shell, wheels, handles, and zippers.
Talking of scratches, the one draw back I’ve seen up to now is that this spinner suitcase isn’t going to look new eternally. A steel case is topic to scratches and small dents and I’ve gotten a number of already. A part of that’s most likely as a result of I used to be on Southwest for one flight so I went forward and checked it by means of as an alternative of taking it with me on the airplane. Should you’re solely shifting between lodges and airports, placing it within the overhead bin every time, it’ll keep extra pristine.
The Level8 Gibraltar Aluminum Carry-on retails for $439. See extra pics and knowledge on the official Level8 web site and get it direct from them with free delivery. It’s additionally accessible at Amazon.
Article by Timothy
Timothy Scott is the founder and editor of Luxurious Latin America and has been masking the area as a journey journalist for the reason that mid-2000s. He has visited every nation we cowl a number of instances and is predicated in a UNESCO World Heritage metropolis in central Mexico, the place he owns a house. See contact info right here.