Hegent Carry-On Luggage Unbiased Review: Tested in Lisbon
Now Go See It is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.
Looking for a durable carry-on? This hands-on Hegent Carry-On Luggage review covers real-world performance on streets, stairs, overhead bins, and airport chaos.
Luggage Review - Hegent Carry-On: (Jump To)
We received the Hegent 20’’ Carry-On from LEVEL8 for free in exchange for a review, and we didn’t exactly go easy on it. This wasn’t a “spin it around the living room and give it five stars” kind of situation. We used it as our primary carry-on for a five-day international trip to Lisbon, Portugal—complete with a long-haul flight, airport transfer, a second flight, a train ride into the city, lots of walking on steep hills, uneven cobblestones, and one surprise fourth-floor Airbnb with no elevator.
This bag got put through it.
After all of that, we’re not only still using it—we’re recommending it. And thanks to the partnership, we’re also able to offer a 10% discount to our readers: just use the code NOWGOSEEIT at checkout on the LEVEL8 website.
So is this zipperless carry-on worth the investment? Here’s what we learned.
Hegent Carry-On: Quick Overview
The Hegent is part of LEVEL8’s Voyageur Series and is clearly marketed as a sleek, durable carry-on alternative for people who want something a little more serious than soft-sided luggage. The standout feature is the zipperless aluminum frame and the dual TSA locks that keep the bag tightly secured. There are no external pockets or zip tracks to break. Just a hard-shell case with a built-in lock system, smooth-gliding spinner wheels, and an organized interior.
Specs at a Glance:
Size: 22”H x 15”L x 9”W (56 x 38.5 x 23 cm)
Capacity: 38L
Weight: 10 lbs (4.5 kg)
Exterior: German-made Makrolon® polycarbonate (Sounds high-tech!)
Frame: Aerospace-grade aluminum alloy (Is it the future!?!)
Locks: Dual TSA-approved
Wheels: Ultra-quiet 360° spinner
Warranty: Lifetime coverage on shell, wheels, locks, and handles
Price: $239.99 (before discount)
It comes in gray, navy, and black, with a minimalist matte finish that doesn’t scuff easily and doesn’t scream “look at me.” It looks clean and professional without trying too hard. We chose navy. Classic.
Real-World Testing: From Home to Lisbon
We started our trip on a major U.S. airline, connected to a second flight, and then arrived in Lisbon with the Hegent rolling right along. We took the metro from the airport to the city center, wheeled it down uneven sidewalks, rolled it over tram tracks, and climbed countless hills. Lisbon doesn’t exactly roll out a smooth carpet for travelers—between the cobblestones and inclines, this was a real test.
And then there was the surprise: our Airbnb host somehow forgot to mention that our unit was on the fourth floor with no elevator. So yes, we carried this 10-pound bag, fully packed, up four flights of stairs after already dragging it across the city. It survived. We didn’t enjoy that last part—but the suitcase didn’t complain.
Despite all of that, the wheels still rolled like new, the locks still clicked shut with no fuss, and the body of the case showed just a few small scuffs. No dents, no damage, and nothing warped or bent.
Airline Miles and Hotel Points 101
We share tips and tricks for credit card points and miles. These tools help us save money on our trips around the world by allowing us to accumulate airline and hotel points.
Zipperless Design: This is New
Let’s talk about the feature that sets the Hegent apart: the lack of zippers.
Instead of the traditional zip-around closure, the Hegent closes with two TSA-approved combination locks and a secure aluminum frame. Once it’s clicked shut, it stays shut. You don’t have to worry about overstuffing a side and having the zipper give out or jam at the worst possible moment. If you’ve ever had to replace a carry-on because a zipper failed mid-trip, you’ll get it.
The locks feel solid and reliable—not the cheap kind you see on other bags. It takes an extra few seconds to open the bag, sure, but it gives you peace of mind and makes forced gate checks or crowded overhead bins much less stressful.
And the TSA locks, they work as advertised. We found one of those "just so you know, we went through your stuff" notes inside when we opened it for the first time in Lisbon.
Interior Layout: Minimal and Functional
Inside, the Hegent has a classic clamshell layout with a divider and compression straps. One side features a full zip divider with a wet/dry separation pocket and removable panel. The other uses a Y-strap compression system that helps flatten your clothing and hold things in place during transit. The minimal but functional interior organization lends well to any packing style.
There’s no laptop sleeve or tech compartment, but there’s room to pack one if you organize carefully. We used packing cubes (not included) and easily fit what we needed for our five-day Lisbon trip: clothes, shoes, toiletries, cables, and miscellaneous travel vlogger gear.
What it doesn’t have—and this is a preference thing—is any external pockets. There’s nowhere to stash your passport, boarding pass, or snacks. If you’re someone who relies on quick-access compartments, this may not be the bag for you. But if you travel with a small under-the-seat bag for in-flight necessities, it’s not a big deal. This is a suitcase meant to go in the overhead bin and stay there until you land.
Airline Size Compliance: What You Need to Know
The Hegent measures 56 x 38.5 x 23 cm. That fits within carry-on limits for many airlines—but not all, especially in Europe.
On major U.S. airlines, it’s rarely an issue. But on budget European carriers like Ryanair, the depth can push the limit. We’ve learned that the hard way. On a past trip, we flew to Europe on a major U.S. airline without a problem. But the return leg started with a smaller European carrier out of Paris. Our bag—one that had made the trip over just fine—was flagged at the gate for being too large.
They forced us to check it, which meant we had to leave the secure area, pick it up from the baggage carousel, go re-check it with the main desk, go through security again, and sprint to our connecting flight. We didn’t make it. We spent the night in an airport hotel—all because the carry-on that worked on one airline didn’t pass the next gate agent’s measuring tape.
Don’t let that happen to you. The Hegent fits within the size limits for airlines like British Airways, EasyJet, Lufthansa, TAP Air Portugal, and Air France-KLM. But on carriers that restrict bags to 20 cm in depth—like Ryanair and Vueling—you might be forced to check it unless you pay for a larger bag allowance. Check your airline’s baggage rules and always weigh your bag before flying, especially now that European airports are cracking down more strictly on liquid limits and cabin baggage compliance.
We’re on YouTube!
The same great content without all the pesky reading!
Handling, Weight, and Practicality
At 10 lbs empty, the Hegent isn’t the lightest carry-on out there. But you feel the reason for the weight as soon as you start using it. The aluminum frame adds serious structure, and the reinforced corners take the brunt of any impact.
The wheels are ultra-quiet 360° spinners. They rolled beautifully across everything from Lisbon’s old pavement to polished airport tile. We didn’t once have to fight the bag or realign the wheels mid-movement. The telescoping handle locks into four height settings and felt sturdy even under full load.
What It Fits
LEVEL8 says this bag is ideal for short trips—and we agree. For our five-day Lisbon trip, it handled our wardrobe, but you have to be strategic. If you’re someone who packs three jackets and five “just in case” shoes, you’ll run into space limitations. This is a carry-on that rewards discipline.
We used packing cubes to divide daywear, sleepwear, and toiletries, and we packed flat to keep the compression system effective. If you roll your clothes or try to wedge in oddly shaped items, the structure of the bag works against you. This isn’t the carry-on that’s going to stretch when you zip it closed with your knee. It closes when it fits—period. And that’s a good thing for overhead bin compliance, even if it forces you to think twice about bringing that second pair of boots.
LEVEL8 rates the bag for 2–3 day trips, but we comfortably used it for five with strategic packing:
5 shirts, 1 pair of pants, 3 pairs of shorts
Undergarments, workout wear, swim wear, and PJs
1 lightweight jacket
1 extra pair of shoes and flip-flops
Toiletries and electronics
The interior is 38L, which is on par with most international carry-ons. But unlike fabric bags, there’s no “give.” If you bought too many souvenirs or picked up a few new “European fashion” outfits on your trip, the Hegent won’t flex to accommodate. You’ll need to be more selective about what comes back with you—or check a second bag.
Durability: Built to Survive Real Travel
We dropped it. We dragged it. We overstuffed it and rolled it over more than one cobblestone sidewalk. The Hegent still looks good. The matte shell doesn’t show scratches as easily as glossy polycarbonate, and the reinforced corners protect it from most dings.
LEVEL8 claims the bag has passed drop, corrosion, grip, and shock-resistance testing—and it genuinely feels like it has. It's the kind of bag that can take a few hits without you needing to worry. That includes unexpected tests like carrying it up four flights of stairs in a Lisbon walk-up.
Warranty Coverage
LEVEL8 includes a lifetime functional warranty, covering wheels, handles, locks, and the shell. That’s a standout feature at this price point and adds serious peace of mind if you plan to use this bag for multiple trips a year.
Final Verdict: Is the Hegent Carry-On Worth It?
If you want a sleek, zipperless, hard-shell carry-on that performs well across international travel situations, this is a solid investment. It’s well-constructed, smooth-rolling, and professional-looking. It’s not built for overpackers or anyone who needs external quick-access pockets, but if you travel with a personal item and like to keep things streamlined, it just works.
If you travel often—whether for work, beach getaways, or long weekends abroad—the Hegent Carry-On has the kind of durability and design that pays off. It’s not a gimmicky suitcase with tech bells and whistles. It’s just a solid piece of gear that gets the job done, trip after trip. And that’s what really matters.
For us, it passed every test—including that fourth-floor walk-up and a week of Lisbon’s hills. It’s still in great shape and ready for the next trip.
Want to try it for yourself? Use the code NOWGOSEEIT for 10% off at LEVEL8.
![Packing For Summer in Europe [Downloadable Checklist]](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ee7e52abb85ae589d30a8db/1713885428179-0JC5XALNFGVGD7ER4WWT/Packing+For+Europe.jpg)
