A new started pack will be awarded to you at every five levels. When you reach level 20, you will be able to blitz a dungeon to finish it much faster.
Upgrades
Upgrading your troops is limited by your Barracks level. Upgrading the Barracks and other buildings are limited by the level of your Town Hall. You have to upgrade your Town Hall first, as it will allow everything that depends on it to also be upgradeable.