For drivers in need of more stowage than is offered by a vehicle’s interior, a rooftop cargo carrier can solve common overflow challenges that occur when packing for a camping trip, cross-country travels or even when moving. Both hard-shelled cargo and soft rooftop bags are built to protect belongings from harsh weather and road grime as well as keep cargo shielded from curious thieves.
A soft rooftop cargo carrier is lighter in weight, easier to mount to a vehicle’s roof and can be quickly stored when not in use. Most don’t require rack systems and can be loaded on top of even a naked roof using simple tie-down systems with adjustable straps, sturdy hooks and zippered compartments. Many soft cargo carriers boast welded or taped seams, so they are water tight.
A hard rooftop cargo carrier, or roof cargo box, requires a set of crossbars and will come with a roof rack system. Though they are more expensive and a bit more complex to use, they offer more security for high-value items such as skis, snowboards or other equipment used for outdoor activities, like camping or biking. Most have locking mechanisms and the hard outer shells are not at risk of being damaged by packing items that have sharp edges or oblong and odd shapes.
Soft roof bags are lighter weight, easier to load and store and don’t require crossbars. But they’re limited in what they can safely carry. Despite many top-rated products using durable and weatherproof material, they often tear or come apart at the seams. Roof boxes are heavier and require more equipment, which affects vehicle performance. The bulky shape of both can really work against fuel economy. Although some roof boxes are built to be more aerodynamic than others.
When shopping for rooftop storage solutions, it’s important to consider the dynamic weight limit of your vehicle as well as its fuel economy.
Here are our top choices of rooftop cargo carriers, which include selections from our Best Hard Rooftop Cargo Carrier and Best Soft Rooftop Cargo Carrier lists. They were chosen based on features, storage capacity, overall design and price, as well as their ability to fit on most sedans, crossovers and SUVs.
The 18 cubic-foot SportRack Vista XL Rear Opening Cargo Box fits square, round and most factory roof racks. With tool-free mounting, the SportRack Vista XL can be accessed from either side, as well as the rear of a vehicle—making it easy to grab gear from most angles. The SportRack Vista XL is made from ABS construction, is UV resistant and durable. Measuring 63 inches long by 38 inches wide by 19 inches high, the SportRack Vista XL can carry up to 100 pounds of cargo.
Manufactured from rugged and textured ABS, the Thule Pulse Medium can haul multiple sets of skis or plenty of camping gear for backcountry adventures. Measuring 67 inches long by 33 inches wide by 16 inches high, the Thule Pulse allows users to open the rooftop cargo carrier with one hand for easy loading and unloading. A central locking system adds security. This unit has 14 cubic-feet of storage and can fit a few sets of skis (up to 155 centimeters) or three to four snowboards for snow-filled adventures. There’s also a large, 16 cubic feet option or a smaller Alpine with 11 cubic-feet.
The Thule Force rooftop cargo carrier incorporates a sleek design and measures 82.68 inches long by 33.86 inches wide by 17.32 inches high. Made from a durable finish, this versatile roof-mounted cargo box can hold up to 165 pounds. The Thule Force is designed to fit most vehicles. Its clever quick-mount system clicks into place when the box is secure and tightened, ensuring a proper fit. Additionally, a dual-sided lockable compartment allows for security and easy unloading when needed. The 16 cubic-foot Thule Force XT can hold up to seven pairs of skis or three to four snowboards.
Measuring 75.5 inches long by 33 inches wide by 16.3 inches high, the SportRack Horizon Alpine Cargo Box is perfect for large SUVs or wagons and is a skier or snowboarder’s best friend. Fitting square, round and most racks, this rooftop cargo carrier is made from impact-resistant ABS material, has a centralized locking mechanism and a passenger side opening for cargo access that won’t hold up traffic. Holding various cargo or camping gear that stretches massively in length, the SportRack Horizon Alpine Cargo Box can hold up to six pairs of skis (up to 180 centimeters) or three to four snowboards.
Made from heavy-duty materials and heat-welded seams, the Fivklemnz soft rooftop cargo carrier is waterproof and keeps belongings dry, even in a deluge. The 15-cubic-foot Fivklemnz roof bag comes with an anti-slip mat and adjustable straps that will keep the carrier in place without scratching the vehicle. From multiple suitcases to a full camp setup including sleeping bags and a tent, the Fivklemnz soft rooftop cargo carrier is a top-seller in the marketplace. This unit weighs less than seven pounds and expands to over a foot in height. It’s 43 inches long and 33 inches wide.
The RoofPax soft rooftop cargo carrier is larger than most, offering 19 cubic-feet of space. It’s made of durable materials with waterproof double zippers and dual-seam technology. It also includes a water repellent double coating, making it a waterproof cargo hauler. It also has a lifetime warranty on its buckles and zippers and works with or without roof rails rails. It has a built-in protective mat and comes with 10 elastic Velcro straps. It expands to nearly 20 inches in height when packed to the brim. Its footprint is 47.2 inches long and 35.4 inches wide. A smaller 15 cubic-foot bag is also available. That one expands to the same height, but offers a smaller foot print (43.3 inches long and 33.5 inches wide).
The Amazon Basic Cargo Carrier does the job for under $50. It offers fade-resistant and waterproof protection to shield whatever fits within its 15 cubic-feet of storage. A flap shields the zipper from the natural elements and helps keep the rain from trickling in through the opening. There are eight straps for some extra security against buffering from the wind or wear from constant use. This bag requires at least roof rails, but would be better off attached to crossbars or inside a cargo basket. The straps are meant to loop around the vehicle’s side rails or crossbars and adjust individually via buckles. The zipper can be locked, but the bag cannot be secured to the roof.
For those who like choices (or have more than one vehicle type), the RoofBag offers four different configurations. There are two 11 cubic-feet bag options. They both are 40 inches in length and 36.5 inches in width. They both are good for cars with 48-inch long (or longer) roofs. One comes with straps and a mat, the other comes with three water-repellent duffle-shaped bags for extra security against weather or just more organized packing. The smaller bag also is a good choice for drivers of smaller sedans or smaller hatchbacks, especially with more restrictive roof load limits and to prevent the bag from hanging over the rear window. The larger option has 15 cubic-feet storage capacity and can also be paired with or without the liners. Both bags also have a distinct shape. That’s because the bag is lower in the front for increased aerodynamics. The smaller bag is 10 inches in the front and 17 inches in the back, and the larger bags add 1 additional inch of height at either end. The larger bag is ideal for cars with roofs over 58 inches. Its footprint is 48 inches long and 38 inches wide.
The San Hima soft rooftop cargo carrier packs a lot of punch for its price. Made from PVC mesh, a material that is both strong and flexible as well as waterproof and flame retardant. It also has good color fastness, so it won’t fade in the sun. Showcasing welded seams and a concealed waterproof zipper with Velcro zipper flaps, the San Hima bag keeps contents dry. Its carrying capacity is 14.6 cubic-feet and it expands to 17 inches in height when fully packed. Its footprint is 44 inches long and 34 inches wide. The San Hima also is designed with aerodynamics in mind for reduced drag. It will attach to a naked roof as well as rails, crossbars or a basket. As with other soft cargo carriers, the San Hima soft rooftop cargo carrier folds up for easy storage and fits most cars, SUVs and vans.
Bestselling Rooftop Cargo Carriers on Amazon Sponsored Bestseller No. 1 1,689 Reviews SportRack Vista XL Rear Opening Cargo Box 18 cubic foot (510 L) internal cargo capacityMade from durable UV-resistant ABS materialRear opening for easy access away from traffic Buy on Amazon Partner Offer Bestseller No. 2 1,081 Reviews Thule Pulse Rooftop Cargo Box, Medium Functional rooftop cargo box provides 14 cubic feet of additional packing spaceRugged and durable design keep contents protectedFastGrip quick-mount system assembles in minutes $599.95 Buy on Amazon Partner Offer Bestseller No. 3 2,617 Reviews JEGS Rooftop Cargo Carrier for Car Storage - Large Roof Rack Cargo Carrier - Heavy Duty Waterproof Storage - Made in USA - 18 Cubic Ft - 110 Lb Capacity - Zero Tool Easy Assembly - Aerodynamic Design Secure & protect your gear in this 18 cubic ft. HDPE plastic hard shell vehicle cargo carrier; high-capacity interior dimensions 57 L x 38 1/2 W x 17 3/4 H inches; aerodynamic design for fuel efficiencyWaterproof storage for your luggage with a four corner locking system, front latch, and weather-tight seal for ultimate car rooftop protection and securityEasy & convenient loading and unloading from either side of the car make for smooth travel and hassle-free storage $259.99 Buy on Amazon Partner Offer Sale Bestseller No. 4 189 Reviews Heavy Duty Hard Shell Roof Top Mount Car Storage Travel Luggage Box Cargo Carrier with Security Keys, 53 (L) x 34 (W) x 15 (H) Inches, Capacity 110 Pounds, 11 Cubic Feet (Tool-Free Install) ▶️ This roof top storage box is universal fit for mounting to max 13 inches wide cross bar, please check the dimension before purchase.▶️ The package comes with [1] 53 inches length storage box, [2] security lock key, and [4] heavy duty tool free installation mounting brackets.▶️ It is constructed of rugged, impact-resistant ABS material to ensure a long lasting life in outdoor conditions. More, it can open from the side and stay open till you close it with the strong support arm. $429.99 −$61.11 $368.88 Buy on Amazon Partner Offer Sale Bestseller No. 5 Rightline Gear Range 3 Car Top Carrier, 18 cu ft, Weatherproof +, Attaches With or Without Roof Rack QUALITY WEATHERPROOF + CONSTRUCTION: UV protected PVC Semi-Coated Mesh XT material, welded seams, and urethane coated zipper with hook-&-loop-close flap provide reinforced protection against rain, snow, heat, heavy winds, and other extreme conditions.1 YEAR MANUFACTURER'S WARRANTY: Shop confidently; our service team is based in the USA & skillfully trained to help you with any questions or concerns.ATTACHES WITH OR WITHOUT A ROOF RACK: Attach the carrier's straps to a vehicle’s roof rack or use the Car Clips to attach the straps to a vehicle's door frame weather molding. $99.95 −$20.26 $79.69 Buy on Amazon Partner Offer Bestseller No. 6 1,395 Reviews Thule Force XT Rooftop Cargo Box, Large A versatile roof-mounted cargo box for everyday useProvides 16 cubic feet of additional packing spaceDesigned to fit a wide range a vehciles with maximum space efficiency $749.95 Buy on Amazon Partner Offer Bestseller No. 7 653 Reviews Car Roof Bag Cargo Carrier, 21 Cubic Feet Waterproof Rooftop Luggage Bag Vehicle Softshell Carriers, Anti-Tear 1000D PVC with 8 Reinforced Straps + Storage Bag for All Vehicle with or Without Rack 【OVERSIZED 21 CUBIC FEET】Massive 21 cubic feet (L52" x W40" x H17.5") of space can easily hold all luggage of a family of 5-6. Most other roof cargo carriers are small and there is not enough room to accommodate everything you need.【HIGH DENSITY 1000D PVC】Features triple-layer high density 1000D PVC fabric. This material is 2 times stronger than 500D PVC fabric, which most other rooftop bags adopts and can easily rip. The coated surface can effectively protect your luggage against rain, grit, snow, wind and sun on the road.【UPGRADED WATERPROOF ZIP】While other rooftop carrier bags let in water through the normal zipper, we've upgraded it to a waterproof zipper and fitted it with a widened zipper flap that helps keep your items 100% dry. $89.99 Buy on Amazon Partner Offer Bestseller No. 8 48 Reviews DNA MOTORING PT-ZTL-8166-BK Car Roof Top Mount Travel Storage Box Luggage Carrier w/Lock with Cross Bars Only,Black CONSTRUCTION: Constructed of Rugged, Impact-Resistant ABS Material with Black Texture Finish for DurabilityOVERALL DIMENSION: 53" L x 34" W x 15" H; Opens to 14" Wide to Store Bulky ItemsCAPACITY: 110 lbs and 11 cu. ft. $369.99 Buy on Amazon Partner Offer Sale Bestseller No. 9 2,484 Reviews MeeFar Car Roof Bag XBEEK Rooftop top Cargo Carrier Bag 20 Cubic feet Waterproof for All Cars with/Without Rack, Includes Anti-Slip Mat, 10 Reinforced Straps, 6 Door Hooks, Luggage Lock 100% WATERPROOF &TEARPROOF MATERIAL - Made of 100% waterproof material, 700D PVC tarpaulin, Grid material with High frequency voltage technology, durable and heavy duty style bag;EASY TO USE - The MeeFar XBEEK roof bag come with 1x anti-slip mats, 1x luggage lock, 6x security hooks, and 1x storage box, it can be quickly and easily installed in minutes; Made of soft shell material, it can be folded into the storage bag to save space while not in use;UNIVERSAL COMPATIBILITY - The MeeFar XBEEK roof bag can be used with any sized car or SUV, work both with car with or without roof rack; $149.98 −$9.99 $139.99 Buy on Amazon Partner Offer Bestseller No. 10 Maelstrom Rooftop Cargo Carrier,Car Roof Bag,21 Cubic Feet Waterproof Roof Rack Cargo Carrier,Tear Resistant Vehicle Cargo Carrier for Car with/Without Rack,Gray (BST01-MSRB01-21CFBK-2) 800D HIGH QUALITY MATERIAL: Made of wear-resistant, waterproof and sunscreen 800D PVC fabric. Maelstrom rooftop cargo carrier can protect your items from any damage and wetness in extreme weather like rainstorm.LARGE CAPACITY: 21 cubic feet Maelstrom roof rack cargo carrier ( 53.15”x 40.55”x 16.93”) is designed to solve the problem of limited storage space in the car. This vehicle cargo carrier allows you to hold 4-6 suitcases,tents, sleeping bags and so on. This car roof bag comes with 1 non-slip mat,10 buckle straps, 6 door hooks,1 lock and 1 storage bag.100% WATERPROOF: Maelstrom car roof bag use the premium waterproof zipper.A long rope is added at the end of the zipper so as to find the zipper quickly.There is 6 extended Velcro to fix the zipper flap. Also,we design a ring-shaped fixing belt so that the items in car bag can be more compacted together and prevent the rain curtain from being opened by the storm.Our widened rain curtain is 17 CM,which is 8CM wider than others,protecting your items from wetness when traveling at high speed. $129.99 Buy on Amazon Partner Offer
In order to determine the best soft rooftop cargo carriers, we considered products readily available. We considered each item’s price, construction, materials, features and cargo-carrying capacity in cubic-feet.
Ease of use or installation and storage, as well as versatility were also top considerations. We also chose roof bags and roof boxes that work for different types of users.
Forbes Wheels reviewed five soft rooftop cargo carriers and five hard rooftop cargo carriers for separate lists. This list combines the results of each evaluation.
For partnership inquiries please reach out to us at partnerships@forbeswheels.com