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Getting everything ready for a trip is always exciting especially if the whole family or the entire gang is going. But going on a trip with more than four people calls for some significant concerns like “How do we get all our things packed into the SUV? “How do we make them fit?” It is always a question of how to bring all the things needed – the essentials, plus all the things everyone wants and needs to bring with them. Well, the answer to those questions can be found in cargo bags.
Your next concern would probably be how are they going to be securely packed and placed on a steady position? Where will you put them in? This is where the handy dandy rooftop bags come into the picture.
The key to having adequately packed cargo on your rooftop is to put them into reliable cargo bags that are designed specifically to be placed on vehicle rooftops.
There are several kinds of rooftop cargo bags that consumers are raving about when it comes to their features, specifications, brand, and model. Let us all take a closer look at some of them below:
Best Rooftop Cargo Bags
#1. Keeper Waterproof Rooftop Cargo Bag
First stop is the Keeper Waterproof Rooftop cargo bag. As the product name suggests, this rooftop cargo is waterproof and is designed to resist any form or water solution. It prevents its content from being soaked wet from the rain, sun wind or even from mud, bird droppings or anything that can be encountered along the way during travel. As long as you follow the installation instructions and keep the zipper protected using its covering flap, you’ll be golden. With regards to the installation procedure, it is very easy to install with straightforward instructions.
Another critical feature is that it holds a lot. It can fit up to 15 cubic feet of items. Putting in up to 3 suitcases for the kids, five duffle bags for the teens and two backpacks for mom and dad is definitely not a problem for this cargo bag. Space can be maximized using small bags to fill in the gaps in between the big items inside. The size and weight of the items that you wish to put inside are not a problem as long as you can zip it close properly. This rooftop cargo bag can even free up the entire space in the back of your vehicles thus giving you more room for more items to bring with you.
The Keep Waterproof Rooftop Cargo is ideal for storing odd-shaped items. You can store kid’s toys, working tools, instruments or household items. It is made up of rubber laminated nylon consumes about 44” x 34” x 17” total in space when folded. The soft sides of the cargo bag adjust to the shape of its contents. The nylon used for this cargo bag is very heavy duty and does not easily break nor can be easily pierced by pointed objects. There is no need to worry whether the items you stored will suddenly fall out of a small or large incision in the bag.
This rooftop cargo bag fits all types of roof racks. There is no hard specification as to what kind of roof rack is suitable for this bag. You can even use this even if the vehicle has not been set up with a roof rack.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Can store oddly-shaped items, does not break easily and being pierced from inside and out will not be a problem | Wear and tear – being used for a number of trips can take its toll on the nylon used for this rooftop cargo bag and might cause for the fabric to tear |
| Easy to install and can fit in any rack installed in a vehicle | It can affect the vehicle handling during travel especially in high speeds |
| Space saving, as it can easily be retracted | |
| Storage space can hold up to 15 cubic feet |
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| Waterproof |
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#2. Slimack Rooftop Cargo Carrier Bag Waterproof Luggage
A feature that the consumer loves about this rooftop cargo bag is that it has six straps for securing the luggage in place. No matter what the items stored are, it can be securely latched onto the rooftop without any difficulty and fear of losing your things. The six straps make sure that the cargo bag will not shift in weird positions that might put the vehicle in danger during a high-speed drive or in bumpy road travels. With the security feature, you will not fear to go all out on your adventure and that your items in the cargo and everyone inside the car is safe.
This Rooftop cargo bag has a big storage space. You can easily place two medium-sized suitcases along with several medium to large bags inside. It is 39 inches in length, 35.5 inches in width and has approximately 18 inches in height in the back and 10 inches in height in the front. Paving the way for a roomy 15 cubic feet of space for your items to be securely stored.
Its waterproof feature makes sure that the items stored inside are protected from the heavy pour of rain, vast strikes of wind, heavy snowfalls, and it is also 100% UV proof. Made out of a heavy duty polyester and urethane zipper is designed to keep the moisture out. It has a great thick flap folded down to cover the zipper as an added feature to keep the insides dry.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Road noise is nonexistent when traveling | No added security if straps are removed |
| No need for a roof rack | Clips to hold the straps are not provided |
| Comes with an anti-slip mat | Price is on the top range for cargo bags |
| Waterproof features keep all items inside protected | |
| Easier handling with cargo bag handles | |
#3. Rightline Gear 100S30 Sport 3 Car Top Carrier
The main feature that this cargo bag highlights are the amount of capacity it has for the items to be stored. It has whopping 18 cubic feet of space. This cargo bag can fit up to 10 carry-on bags without the extra effort of pushing everything inside just to fit. It can fit not only bags but other heavyweight items like books, household items, bath towels, bedsheets, and others.
This cargo bag was designed to be used on SUVs and minivans which can be with or without any roof rack. This bag comes with four attachment straps, four car clips, and stuff sack with a sewn-in set up guide. You will not have any difficulty in installing it because the process is as smooth and straightforward. The straps included serves its purpose to provide stability during long and bumpy travels. The car clips will hold the straps in place and will not only protect your luggage but will also protect your car and provide safety during rough rides.
The Rightline Gear 100S30 Sport 3 Car Top Carrier is 100% waterproof. It has the latest Dual Seam Technology and the ZipRight System. These top of the line technologies equip this cargo bag with the ability to withstand strong rains, snowfall, and mighty winds. It is designed for extended durability and strength. With these features and add on technologies, you can never go wrong with this product if your main concern is keeping your things safe and sound on your rooftop.
Another key feature of this cargo bag is that it is absolutely noise free. Amidst the size and the straps and clicks that it has, it does not create additional wind noise during travel. Anyone who will use this can travel in peace and will not worry about disturbing noise that can cause a distraction to the driver and the passengers as well. The cargo bag and the peripheral parts function harmoniously together and do not create unnecessary movements especially if the cargo bag is strapped tightly, correctly and is in perfect balance.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Waterproof and ensures that the items inside are kept dry and moisture free | Where the temperature reaches more than 125 degrees, the outside rubber material of the bag can become soft |
| Does not create additional noise or disturbances during rough and bumpy travel rides | Straps are challenging to put on during windy days |
#4. RoofBag Waterproof (by Roofbag)
Aside from its waterproof feature, this cargo bag is a sturdy carrier made of heavy duty canvass coated on both sides with the latest abrasion-resistant waterproof vinyl. The water, mud, snow or debris slides off the cargo bag and ensures that no humidity is left to the bag and the items inside it. With a triple-seal technology, your items will be secured and will remain damp-free for the rest of your travel. This cargo bag has zippers on the front end which is as deep as the bag which makes it challenging to overfill the front part of the carrier. You can also stack items higher in the back portion of it and still can easily zip over them.
This cargo bag can accommodate up to 15 cubic feet of items. It can fit one large suitcase, three small suitcases, two medium sized duffle bags and 3 – 4 backpacks. You can even throw in a pillow and a mattress inside, and it still wouldn’t budge up. This cargo bag is designed in such a way that one side is more profound than the other for a tapered appearance and in function, to keep the wind resistance stable and reduce to a minimum when traveling in fast speed.
This cargo bag can be mounted or strapped in SUVs or sedan vehicles with or without racks installed. Manufactured in the US, this cargo bag comes with straps that can hold and securely fasten up to 3,000 pounds of items. These straps are made with the Anti Wick technology which pulls moisture from the body of the bag going to the exterior part of the carrier. Its fabric is made of high-tech polyester, which, unlike the usual cotton, absorbs every little water it touches.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Made of a very thick heavy duty material and has flaps over the zipper to avoid water and other debris from getting inside the bag | When not properly stored after use, the rooftop cargo bag can be damaged from improper folding and stacking |
| No significant noise made by the cargo bag during travel | When not tightly strapped in, the bag produces noise |
| Holds up to 15 cubic feet worth of items |
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| Can be used for vehicles without racks | |
#5. ROLA Wallaroo Cargo Bag, Rainproof, Expandable Hitch
This cargo bag has a number of zippers that enables the bag to expand from 9.5 cubic feet to as much as 11.5 cubic feet. The capacity it holds can fit up to 3 suitcases, three medium-sized duffle bags, and four backpacks. This bag contains flexibility because the zippers allow the user to control how much space can be available for storage. The expandable storage also allows for elasticity on the items that can be stored. You have the freedom to store uneven or odd-shaped objects inside without the fear of ruining the shape or sturdiness of the whole rooftop cargo bag.
This carrier is also a waterproof bag that is made from premium-quality materials with sonically welded seams. These seams are designed to make sure that no moisture will get in and that the edges and every inch of the bag are sealed correctly not only to prevent dampness but to prevent the material to be sliced or penetrated easily especially if the contents are pointy or sharp.
The ROLA 59102 Wallaroo Cargo bag comes with 6 sturdy and adjustable straps that provide confidence when securing it into the hitch cargo tray and baskets. The hitch tray also adds an extra layer of stability to the placement of the cargo bag unto the top of the roof.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Waterproof, large capacity and made of stable and heavy duty material | Frame must be added inside the bag to maintain the shape and stability of all four corners of the cargo bag |
| Elastic and can expand to fit all your items | Can get hot enough to melt the edge of the carrier and also the straps |
#6. MaxxHaul 70209 Hitch Mount Waterproof Cargo Carrier Bag
The UV coating and the PVC or Polyvinyl chloride material with polyester makes the whole cargo bag able to secure any item inside it. It can withstand multiple usages without fast deterioration of its material, and with no change to the ability to stand against heavy rains, snow and other debris encountered on travel adventures. It has three welded seams around the side of the bag. These zippers are covered with flaps with holes that allow the use of padlocks for safe keeping.
This bag weighs about 5.9 pounds. It is easy to install, use and easy to fold back and can be stored under the driver’s seat or anywhere inside the vehicle. There is definitely no need to wonder how this will be stored when not in use as it offers a compact storage feature wherein you can fit it in tight spaces especially when the vehicle in use is a sedan.
The cargo bag comes with straps made from polypropylene that keeps your bag sturdily secured on top of your vehicle’s roof. These straps are also plenty long and connect the bag to the roof or any rack installed in your vehicle. The straps can be easily adjusted to your liking and need. It can be adjusted between the top and bottom parts by merely lifting the buckle. Easy removal from the carrier by lifting the buckle as well so the feeder cable can effortlessly slide through. There is definitely no need for an additional ratchet strap to make sure that the cargo bag will stay in place.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Made from UV coated materials and heavy-duty fabric reinforcements | Reports of some noise on the rooftop |
| Padlock enabled and can be stored in compact spaces | Straps of this cargo bag can touch the ground and might reach the exhaust pipe of your vehicle |
| Waterproof, durable | |
#7. Thule 868 Outbound Cargo Bag
This cargo bag has an easy to install feature that is very beneficial for those who will be using a rooftop cargo bag for the first time. The straps are easy to assemble and are double stitched for a more stable grasp or hold to the racks’ crossbars or raised rails.
The Thule Outbound cargo bag features a PVC-free material that is environmentally friendly but still very heavy duty, durable and keeps all your items in place when in movement. The things you can store inside can consume up to 8” high and 10” wide in dimension. There is no limit as to the shape and size of your contents. Its shape supports its ability to help decrease the wind resistance when on a fast-paced journey or rough windy situations.
Even though not mentioned in the product name but this cargo bag is waterproof and is very well capable of maintaining the quality of your items and most especially damp and moisture free.
This rooftop cargo bag is best used for smaller vehicles or sedans. It is light in weight and perfectly fits and sets on top of cars with no installed racks or crossbars. The straps are in the perfect length for tying the bag in place and making sure that it will not slide in case of any sudden movement or jolt.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Easy instructions for installation; you can set this up in a jiffy with a few clicks | Made of PVC-free material, which can cause the cargo bag to deteriorate faster compared to other cargo bags |
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions):
✅ Can a rooftop cargo withstand heavy rains?
Yes, absolutely. As mentioned in the product features, most of them are totally waterproof. It is designed to resist water or any water solution. It holds the capacity to protect the luggage from heavy rains, sun, wind, and even mud. It is important to make sure and double check that the installation instructions are carefully followed, especially in keeping the zipper protected by using the covering flap.
✅ Is it easy to install and use?
Cargo bags are designed to be user-friendly. They do not require power tools upon installation. Just strap them into place and you’re good to go. Do make sure that everything is tightly secured and double checked before leaving.
✅ My kids love to go camping, what type of best rooftop cargo bags should I buy?
For camping activities, it is advisable to buy waterproof rooftop cargo bags like the Keeper 07023-1. These rooftop bags are intended to protect all your camping essentials from any type of moist such as fog, rain or even from the mud that you might encounter during the travel. On top of that, the bag can hold up to 15 cubic feet which means plenty of space for your kid’s stuff.
✅ I want to buy a rooftop cargo bag, but my car does not have a roof rack. Any recommendation?
For cars that do not have a roof rack, you can purchase the Rightline Gear 100S30 Sport 3 Car Top Carrier rooftop cargo bag for your convenience. Though most customers enjoyed its 18 cubic feet space capacity, many are using it because of its design. The bag includes straps for attachment and clips. It comes with an easy guide for installation.
✅ What type of cargo bag should I buy if I travel on a rough road?
One of the most common issues of consumers in using cargo bags is its security during the travel. Good thing, the Slimack Rooftop Cargo Carrier Bag Waterproof luggage will definitely stop you from thinking about if the bag stays still because it will. With its 6 sturdy straps, your luggage will not move around during your travel on a bumpy road. Not to mention its waterproof property that will keep all your stuff dry and safe.
✅ Is there a rooftop bag that has lots of pockets or compartments inside?
Most rooftop cargo bags have limited pockets and/ or has 1 zipper. However, if you are looking for a bag that you can customize according to your liking, then you can buy the Rola 59102 Wallaroo Cargo Bag which can bulk up from 9.5 cubic feet to 11.5 cubic feet. Its premium design is made possible by numerous zippers that allow the bag to expand or compress.
With the list of products above that we have carefully chosen to highlight, we hope that you can find the right fit for your needs for a rooftop cargo bag. Always remember to double-check your cargo load before proceeding with your long drive. Safe travels!
If you have any more questions about car storage methods or roof boxes, more specifically, please check out our other guides.
