Want a carry-on suitcase that looks different, rolls smoothly, and will still be working well next decade? I’ve been traveling around lately with the Gibraltar Aluminum Carry-on from Level8 Cases and I’m really liking the way it looks and feels. This travel case is constructed from an aerospace-grade aluminum magnesium alloy, so I know what I’ve packed inside will stay protected, especially since it has built-in TSA-safe combination locks.
I’m normally a two-wheel suitcase guy if I’m checking a bag because I feel like I can move much faster with one of those, especially on carpet, and the wheels tend to be more rugged than on the suitcases with four wheels, especially from lifetime guarantee companies like Eagle Creek, Osprey, and Briggs & Riley. I have tried a few rare spinners that are a big step up from the norm, however, built for function, not just fashion. This is one of those.
Level8 has a reputation for good looks and good quality (check out the whole line here) and this Gibraltar suitcase definitely confirmed that for me.
Construction as Solid as the Rock of Gibraltar
This is the smoothest 4-wheel spinner suitcase I’ve tried, edging out the Bric’s Bellagio one that has been my go-to carry-on for a few years. I’m not sure what’s behind the engineering, but I could walk much faster pulling this Gibraltar suitcase beside me than I’ve been able to with others and the wheels on this are a huge improvement from the sea of cheapies you see getting hung up on carpet in hotels.
Because this is made of metal, not cheap lightweight plastic, it does tip the scale a little more than most competitors, weighing in at 10 pounds. Airlines rarely weigh your carry-on though, so as long as you’re able to lift it up to the overhead bin after you’ve packed it, an extra pound or two isn’t going to matter. What you get in return is a case for your belongings that’s much stronger and more lasting than the norm.
The handle feels really solid as well, also metal but with a rubber handle to grip at the top. It clicks and stays in place at several levels to adapt to your height. There’s also another folding handle on the side for when you need to pick up the suitcase or pull it out of the taxi trunk, plus one at the top as well.
The corners of the case are reinforced so that the most common touch points are extra protected and they’re smoothed off so they won’t catch on anything.
All the materials outlined in the packing section below feel high-quality and well-designed, not like the low-grade afterthoughts you see in many suitcases.
Compartments and Packing
Level8 suitcases are known for being stylish and fashionable, but it’s obvious that they’re as concerned about the functionality as they are about how the products will look in photos. This Gibraltar case is extremely flexible to accommodate different packing styles. You can be super-organized and compartmentalized or you can just fold and roll and that works too.
While many suitcases just come with one divider or some compression straps, this Level8 carry-on comes with built-in packing cubes for half of it that fit in exactly. They’re marked with icons for toiletries, electronics, or clothing/accessories and I found them to be smartly sized for those items. I it all my socks and underwear plus a belt in one cube. Then they have an overall case around them making it possible to remove them all at once to lay out on a shelf or in a drawer.
But wait, there’s more! The electronics cube actually has built-in dividers too so you can separate the cords from the chargers from the GoPro…you get the idea. They’re adjustable with Velcro and removable if you don’t want to use them.
You don’t have to any of these extra packing accessories, of course, so if you would rather have an open compartment for cramming more clothing in, you can leave the cubes at home. You also have a whole other side of the clamshell suitcase to use though, so that’s where I put my extra shoes, pants, shirts, and sunhat. With 36 liters of capacity, I had no problem taking this on various trips of less than a week.
Other Gibraltar Aluminum Carry-on Features
As mentioned earlier, this Gibraltar suitcase comes with built-in TSA-approved 3-number combination locks, so no keys to carry. (Just don’t forget your combination!) The instructions to use them are clear and simple. A few customers have complained that these lock clamps are plastic, not metal, but they’re solidly constructed and I would imagine that keeps the weight down a little.
The suitcase also has four rubber stands on the bottom so the case won’t get scratched when you set it down on its side. It also comes with a nice leather luggage tag you can see in that picture at the top of this post.
You won’t have to worry about this Level8 suitcase failing you a year or two after you bought it. Here’s their warranty policy:
We are uncompromising on quality. Our luggage undergoes stringent quality tests and comes with a lifetime warranty that covers functional aspects including shell, wheels, handles, and zippers.
Speaking of scratches, the one downside I’ve seen so far is that this spinner suitcase is not going to look new forever. A metal case is subject to scratches and small dents and I’ve gotten a few already. Part of that is probably because I was on Southwest for one flight so I went ahead and checked it through instead of taking it with me on the plane. If you’re only moving between hotels and airports, putting it in the overhead bin each time, it’ll stay more pristine.
The Level8 Gibraltar Aluminum Carry-on retails for $439. See more pics and information at the official Level8 website and get it direct from them with free shipping. It’s also available at Amazon.
Article by Timothy
Timothy Scott is the founder and editor of Luxury Latin America and has been covering the region as a travel journalist since the mid-2000s. He has visited each country we cover multiple times and is based in a UNESCO World Heritage city in central Mexico, where he owns a home. See contact information here.
