Roof Bag Rooftop Cargo Carrier Box
Welcome to our review of Car Roof Bag Rooftop Cargo Carriers.
Let’s take you through our picks of these versatile and inexpensive rooftop cargo bags. These increasingly popular soft bags are a convenient alterntive to shell top cargo carriers and the great thing is you can buy a couple for different types of road trips. Read on….
RoofBag Car Top Carrier
Nothing compares to the made-in-USA RoofBag car top carrier. It’s made from a military-grade fabric resisting wear and tear and the large flap covering the zip makes it harder for water to enter through any gaps. The straps are water-repellent and no stitching is exposed to the weather. It is one of the bigger rooftop cargo bags on the market with 26 cubic feet of storage. You can carry anything from plastic containers to camping equipment in this rooftop cargo carrier.
The bag is sturdy and has many positive reviews with hundreds of miles traveled. With the strong nylon straps, there’s no need for a roof rack or crossbar system and the bag can rest on the roof with the straps and hooks attached inside through the seams of the doors. It’s worth getting a protection mat that can slide underneath the bag and protect the paint from any scuffles. It is taller at the back and lower at the front to help with a little aerodynamics and decrease the chances of the bag flipping over while driving. The bag is intended to be used at full capacity that supports its double flap which prevents water leaks.
The bag is extremely easy to install and takes less than 2 minutes. However, storing this large bag requires folding which can take time after regular trips.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Large storage capacity
- Do not require crossbars
- Weatherproof
- Easy storage
- Easy to install
- No assembly
- Cheap
Cons
- Can rough up the roof
- No locks and protection from theft
- Not ideal for smaller storage capacities
- Protrude is high which can worsen fuel economy
- Not ideal for skis and longboards
BAGMATE Military-Grade Waterproof Car Roof Bag
With most soft roofbags designed for storage, Bagmate is designed for safety and comfort during long travels. Bagmate’s waterproof car roof bag has a storage of 19 cubic ft with a robust tarpaulin construction. The bag is so sturdy and form-holding that it comes with a roof protection mat to keep the paint on your roof scratch free on large bumps and potholes. The bag is waterproof which is a must for our testing and has a flap that provides sufficient cover for the zippers.
Unlike most roof bags that have straps running inside along the roof of your car, Bagmate has hooks that attach to the vulcanized seam of your doors and act as a sturdy loop for tightening the grip on the roof bag. The top straps can hold some flat boards and surfboards and the sturdy construction does not give in under such weight. It’s great for carrying luggage and duffle bags for a road trip. The hooks going under the rubber seal of the doors bring a lot of road noise and the roof bag flops under the wind, if the straps get loose. The gas mileage with this bag installed can be a deal breaker as the strong construction does not factor in any aerodynamics.
Pros
- Large storage capacity
- Do not require crossbars
- Works with smaller luggage as straps can be tightened
- Weatherproof
- Easy storage
- Easy to install
- No assembly
- Cheap
Cons
- No locks and protection from theft
- Protrude is high which can worsen fuel economy
- Road noise
Rightline Gear Sport 2 Car Top Carrier
The Rightline Gear Sport is designed for people who want something temporary, inexpensive, and can hold extra luggage for short trips. The Rightline Gear Sport is a cargo box made from a tough fabric and flexible plastic mesh to keep your gear dry. The seams are water-repellent and all zips are concealed with a rubber covering. The cargo box sits 18” high and has a 15 or 18 cubic feet capacity.
The installation is easy. There are 4 nylon straps with hooks that can be placed inside the tiny gap where the car doors shut and later tightened for a nice grip on the bag. This technical fabric-made cargo box is perfect for people with a lot of luggage, bags, backpacks, and camping equipment that needs to be stored in a water-tight box. It is designed to expand luggage capacity but does not cater to any specific outdoor activity like skiing or camping. Need tips on packing a soft box roof cargo carrier?
To read our article on the different types of soft roof bags click through.