This post contains affiliate links, which means we may receive a small commission, at no additional cost to you, if you make a purchase through these links. See our full disclosure here.
Level8’s Freeloop Carry-On looks like something you’d see in an old travel ad: glossy, rounded, and unapologetically retro. It’s a clear shift from the brand’s more technical designs, with a smooth shell, metal corner guards, and a leather side handle that feels straight out of the golden age of air travel.
It sits comfortably in the “premium but not luxury” category, positioned above the average hardshell while still well below high-end brands like Rimowa or Sterling Pacific.
I’ve taken the Freeloop on several trips over the past months to see if the vintage look holds up beyond the photos. Airports, cobblestones, overhead bins. Here’s how it did.
Specifications
- Dimensions: 38.5 × 23 × 56 cm (15.2″ L × 9″ W × 22.1″ H)
- Weight: 4.0 kg (8.8 lbs)
- Capacity: 37 L
- Materials: Exterior polycarbonate shell; interior lining polyester fibre.
- Key features: Aluminium frame, latch (zipperless) closure, TSA-approved lock, 360° silent spinner wheels, metal corner guards, wet-dry compartment.
Design and Aesthetics
Freeloop is one of those bags that instantly looks styled, almost too perfect for its own good. The frame construction gives it clean lines, and the gloss finish comes in muted tones like Sage Green and Coconut White. My first thought was: it’s an elegant piece that feels designed for travel photography rather than baggage carousels.
I have it in Coconut White, which is actually more interesting than the name suggests. Under certain light, it picks up a dusty pink undertone that makes it look warmer and more refined than plain white. The rounded corners are another small detail I really like; they give the case a softer, more sculpted profile compared to most carry-ons, which tend to be very boxy.
The proportions are balanced, the branding discreet, and the leather side handle adds just enough class.
The glossy shell will show fingerprints and light scuffs faster than a matte case, but the look is distinctive enough that I’m willing to wipe it down.
Construction and Materials
The suitcase is made from Bayer Makrolon polycarbonate, framed by aluminum edges and secured with two latch locks instead of a zipper. The structure feels solid – there’s a reassuring “click” when closing the latches – but the lack of flexibility means you can’t overpack. Once the frame is full, it’s full.
The reinforced metal corners add extra protection and make the case feel sturdier overall. They also give you a bit of peace of mind when it bumps against hard surfaces, since that’s usually where most suitcases start to show wear.
The handle system is stable and adjustable, and the unique side leather grip adds a tactile element that’s missing from most modern suitcases. It’s really comfortable to hold.
Level8 really knows how to make great wheels. I’ve tested several of their suitcases over the years, including a few larger checked ones, and it’s the one thing that always stands out. They glide effortlessly and stay whisper-quiet, even compared to more expensive brands. The Freeloop keeps that same smooth, balanced feel, which makes rolling it through airports or hotel corridors surprisingly satisfying.
At 4 kg, the suitcase isn’t light. It’s comparable to aluminum-frame models like the Monos Hybrid, but definitely heavier than most fabric or zip polycarbonate cases of the same size. In practice, though, it hasn’t been an issue. Even on Ryanair flights, which I take fairly often around Europe with their 10 kg cabin limit, I still had around 6 kg left for my things, which is more than enough for a few days away.
Interior and Organization
Inside, the Freeloop Carry-On keeps things straightforward. There’s a full-zip divider on one side, elastic compression straps on the other, and a small wet-dry compartment for toiletries or swimwear. The lining feels premium, and as always, I appreciate that they’ve chosen a light color, which makes it easy to find what you’re looking for. The zippers glide smoothly, and the Y-Strap with velcro is such a breeze to use.
What’s missing is flexibility. The case offers less “give” when you need to squeeze in a jacket or an extra pair of shoes. For minimalist packers, this won’t matter much, but for anyone who tends to return home with souvenirs, it might.
Performance and Everyday Use
In day-to-day travel, the Freeloop carry-on performs best when used as a statement piece for short, light trips. The wheels glide beautifully through airports and hotel lobbies, and the latch system adds an element of ceremony to packing. It’s a bag I really enjoy using, and I bet you’ll do too.
The shell comes with a thin protective film, which I actually kept on for the first couple of trips. It helped a lot with avoiding scratches, though eventually I peeled it off.
The glossy finish looks amazing, but it does make marks and scuffs more visible than on matte cases like Away, Monos, or Horizn Studios (all of which I use regularly). That said, it’s not a dealbreaker. This is a carry-on, and it won’t go through the same rough handling as a checked bag, so I’m perfectly fine with it as long as it looks this good. If it were a checked suitcase, however, I’d think twice about choosing a high-gloss finish.
Verdict
The Level8 Freeloop Carry-On is a well-built suitcase with real character. Its retro-inspired design, glossy finish, and metal details make it stand out in a sea of generic bags. It feels solid, moves beautifully, and has a few cool features you won’t find on pricier models, especially those wheels.
It’s not the lightest carry-on out there, but it’s one of the best-looking and most satisfying to use. If you appreciate design and like the idea of luggage as part of your personal aesthetic, the Freeloop is an easy one to love.