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Two bags, one tape measure

Carry-on comparisons

• LEVEL8 slim versus the Travelpro that actually prints 22 × 14 × 9Buy the Travelpro Maxlite Air compact if the published 22 × 14 × 9 box is the requirement. Buy the LEVEL8 slim if you want the featured polycarbonate and you mostly fly airlines with a wider sizer.
• Zipperless LEVEL8 HeGent versus the Samsonite FreeformPick the HeGent if a blown zipper is the failure you are buying against and you can live with almost 10 pounds. Pick the Freeform if you want a lighter Samsonite with a stated 10-year warranty and you already expect to miss a 22 × 14 × 9 sizer.
• Softside Maxlite 5 versus hardside spinnersChoose the Maxlite 5 softside for weight, pockets, and a lifetime warranty, knowing the overall height is listed at 23 inches. Choose the Maxlite Air compact when the sizer is the constraint and a short trip is the plan.