After years of hopping between continents, islands, and every sort of transit imaginable, I’ve come to really value quality luggage.
So when the Level8 Hegent series landed on our doorstep, I was immediately intrigued.
With its minimalist design and sturdy build, it promised to be both stylish and practical.
We tested both the 20″ Carry-On and the 24″ Checked version.
The Carry-On comes in at 38 litres with a 10lb (4.5kg) frame, making it lightweight yet impressively solid.
Meanwhile, the Checked suitcase offers a roomy 68 litres and weighs 12.6lb (5.7kg), giving it more than enough capacity for longer or multi-destination trips.
In this Level8 Hegent review, I’ll walk you through both versions in detail—highlighting what sets them apart, who they’re best for, and how they compare to other premium suitcases we’ve tried over the years.
If you're after a full overview of other products from the brand, take a look at our complete Level8 luggage review, or compare this case to others in our Luxury Carry-On Luggage guide.
Before we get fully into it, I want to note that I've not "edited" these pictures, other than adjust lighting and focus, because I want to show you what the product looks like in different lights, and it's easy to overedit black luggage so it ends up looking a different black...lol
So I've tried to keep it as raw as possible so you can get an idea of what it truly looks like on arrival!
Level8 is a New York-based luggage brand that's become known for its sleek, durable designs that fuse form and function.
Their Hegent line embodies this ethos beautifully—minimalist, strong, and built for real-world travel.
With materials like aerospace-grade aluminum-magnesium alloy and German Makrolon® polycarbonate, Level8 positions itself in the luxury luggage space without feeling overdesigned or gimmicky.
They also stand behind their products with a lifetime warranty that covers almost everything, including the shell, wheels, handles, and locks.
That kind of confidence is something we really appreciate after years of seeing cheaper cases crack, jam, or break mid-journey.
If you’re curious about how the Hegent compares to their other designs, check out our Level8 Aluminum Carry-On review for an alternative take.
From the first unboxing, the Hegent feels like something special.
Both the Carry-On and the Checked versions come with a sleek matte shell made from German Makrolon® polycarbonate.
The structure is reinforced by an aluminum-magnesium frame, which not only boosts durability but adds a high-end aesthetic you’ll notice right away.
One of the standout features of the Hegent line is the zipperless design.
Instead of standard zippers, you get dual TSA-approved latch locks that snap closed with a satisfyingly secure click.
It’s a subtle feature that makes a huge difference—no snagging zips, and an added layer of protection that makes it feel more like a vault than a suitcase.
This is probably one of my favourite features of this luggage. I really hate dealing with zips nowadays!
The Carry-On measures 15″ x 9″ x 22″ and offers 38L of space, while the Checked version comes in at 17.7″ x 10.6″ x 26″ with a 68L capacity.
Both are beautifully balanced in weight and structure, and despite the hard shell, they never feel bulky or cumbersome.
For comparisons, we’ve reviewed other premium cases like the Nomatic Carry-On Classic, July Carry-On, and the ultra-modern Horizn Studios luggage—and the Hegent holds its own effortlessly in terms of durability and overall feel.
I also love the Aluminum Corner Protectors. because truly, the corners are the easiest spots to get damaged on a suitcase, and plus they look really cool!
One of my favourite things about the Hegent is how effortlessly it rolls. Both versions come with 360° spinner wheels that will glide smoothly over airport floors, cobblestones, and even ferry decks without a hitch.
The telescopic handle extends in four stages and locks in with a comfortable grip that feels great in-hand.
Inside, Level8 keeps things simple but incredibly effective.
The Carry-On includes a padded laptop sleeve that fits up to a 15.6″ device, a wet/dry compartment, and compression straps that help you pack down efficiently.
The Checked version has the same, includes the same compression layout and divider, which makes it ideal for trips where you’re packing for multiple climates or occasions.
For our travels, I would find the Carry-On especially handy for short weekend trips or city-hopping, while the Checked model handled more extended journeys with ease.
When compared to similarly priced models like the Carl Friedrik Large Check-In, the Hegent feels more robust and a bit more refined in the details.
Choosing between the Carry-On and the Checked Hegent ultimately comes down to your travel style.
The Carry-On is a brilliant choice if you're heading away for a few days, especially if you’re travelling light and working on the go.
The Checked version, on the other hand, is built for longer stays and big itineraries. With 68L of space, there’s more than enough room for layered clothing, souvenirs, and multiple pairs of shoes.
If you're heading on a cruise or a two-week road trip, this one is your best bet.
To help decide what fits your journey best, we recommend checking out our Europe Packing List for lighter, multi-city travel, or our Cruise Packing List if you need a wardrobe that spans everything from swimwear to eveningwear.
But honestly, if you do a combination of both styles of trips, then invest in both and you'll be sorted for all styles of travel.
I've packed out the carry on luggage with enough clothes for up to 5 days, (I'm pretty confident I could stretch to a week if it was summer based), and the checked in will definitely do you for over a week/2 week trip!
I packed...
And I'm confident you could fit more in!
Combine them both, and you'll have plenty of space for your holiday!
My only con with the item, and it may be more so on the black colour, is that it marks from moisture, so if you're hands were sweaty, then it'll show on the case, or where you've touched it.
BUT, it does wipe off, it just means that for visual satifscation, you might want to carry a small cloth, or wipe it down after use.
Of course this doesn't affect the functoning of the luggae, but it's worth nothing.
Buy your suitcase here!
After thoroughly checking out both cases, I can confidently say the Level8 Hegent series earns its premium price tag.
The design is thoughtful, the materials feel high-quality, and the overall experience—right down to how smooth the wheels roll—is genuinely enjoyable.
The Carry-On is perfect for short-haul adventures and comes with smart storage features like the padded laptop sleeve. It's compact, secure, and easy to maneuver. The Checked version is ideal for those longer trips where you need to pack bulkier clothing or multiple outfits. It feels just as sturdy as the smaller model, and the extra capacity really makes a difference when you’re moving between climates or cities.
There are a couple of small caveats. These suitcases are heavier than their soft-shell counterparts, and the matte finish, while beautiful, may show a few scuffs over time. That said, the build quality and functionality more than make up for it.
If you’re someone who values a mix of durability, style, and thoughtful design, the Hegent could be your next go-to case.
And if you’re still deciding, then drop a comment below and I'll help answer any questions you may have!
Love,
Cazzy
Leave a comment
Let us know what you think!