A sturdy vehicle top carrier is indispensable, as any seasoned traveler will attest. They not only save extra room in the car’s inside and trunk, but they also keep stuff arranged, separate dirty goods from the cabin, and offer weather protection. There are several useful choices for you that may be mounted directly on the roof of your automobile if you need greater freight carrying capacity for it. You must first choose the type of cargo you will be hauling before searching for the best roof cargo carrier.
There are several goods available for various uses, including travel bags, roof baskets, and cargo boxes. Not all cargo carriers are created equal. We considered important factors, including accessibility and installation convenience, reliability, stability, and durability, as well as a range of various travel and activity kinds, while assessing each product. We also considered the general use of each car top carrier type. The Yakima GrandTour 18 is our best choice, but there are many more options as well.
The smallest, least expensive, and most straightforward to remove are cargo carrier bags, which often only need straps and minimal hardware. They work well for fitting items inside, and some models come with fitted duffel bags to simplify packing. Hard-sided cargo boxes must be fastened to pre-existing rails or crossbars in order to protect your belongings from the elements and prevent theft. Heavy-duty all-purpose carriers include roof baskets. These robust metal car rooftop cargo containers are suitable for odd-sized, wet, and dirty things. They are also fitted to existing roof bars. Here are the best car top carriers.
01. RoofPax Heavy Duty RoofBag
Best Overall
8.3 out of 10 Star Rating
Buy: RoofPax here
RoofPax 23 cft. Rooftop Cargo Carrier for SUV. Extra Waterproof Excellent Military Quality Car Top Carrier. Heavy Duty RoofBag. Fits All XXL Vehicles with/Without Rack. 4+2 Door Hooks Included.
- RoofPax is the ONLY brand that produces its Car Roof Carriers for maximum safety with the Patented 4+2 extra free door hook straps (included), instead of using straps that go inside the car. Tying down any car top luggage involving straps going through the inside of the car is HIGHLY dangerous as they interfere with air bags in case of emergency and are illegal to use in some states. RoofPax is the safest and most secure Car Roof Cargo Bag on the market today.
- DOUBLE ZIPPERS FOR EXTRA WEATHERPROOFING: This premium quality car top bag is made of military grade materials with TWO waterproof closing zippers, waterproof dual seam technology and water repellent double coating. This roof bag features include a built-in protective mat and 10 elastic Velcro strap restraints to prevent strap flapping. Security features also include a heavy duty SBS zipper, 10 sturdy straps with NIFCO buckles and double strap covers with 8 Velcro stripes.
- WORKS WITH or WITHOUT a ROOF RACK: Use the RoofPax EXTRA spacious 23 cubic feet car roof top luggage carrier with any sized car or SUV. It can be quickly and easily installed in minutes using either; raised side rails/crossbars/roof rack/basket and if none of them is installed – you can always use the included 6 door hook straps which attach under the door’s rubber seal gasket.
- EVERYTHING YOU NEED IS INCLUDED: Our set includes the 23 cft. rooftop cargo carrier, 6 patented door hook straps/clips, a TSA approved lock, and a sturdy storage bag, offering you a better and safer solution for safely storing your car top luggage when traveling.
02. BougeRV Hitch Cargo Carrier Bag Waterproof/Rainproof Hitch Mount
Editor’s Pick
8.7 out of 10 Star Rating
Buy: BougeRV here
- EXPANDABLE DESIGN: BougeRV hitch cargo carrier is made with rainproof 1000D polyester material with the dimensions of 48″ long x 20″ wide x 22″ high with a maximum of 12 cubic feet volume capacity. Can be easily folded for compact storage.
- LARGE CAPACITY: It was roomy enough for 2 medium suitcases, a cooler, 2 camping tents and other smaller items along, which almost completely freed up the entire car back and allowed your pet to hang out in the back of the car with room to move around.
- SUPERIOR SECURITY: The six included straps were adequate for securing to a cargo carrier and had enough length that should accommodate for various carriers. It won’t add any significant weight to your carrier.
- WATERPROOF ZIPPERS: The zippers of BougeRV hitch mount cargo carrier are heavy duty and waterproof and are recessed under a protective flap to provide additional protection from rain.
- 1-YEAR WARRANTY: Please feel free to contact us at first if there is any problem when you receive or use our products. Your every family road trip, weekend adventure, or moving day, BougeRV will be along! Note： Please make sure the metal carrier/basket is not too close to the vehicle’s exhaust output, which could prevent cargo bag/straps from melting, pls be careful of fire!
03. RoofPax Heavy Duty RoofBag Fits All Vehicle with/Without Rack
Best Recommended
8.5 out of 10 Star Rating
Buy: Roofpax here
RoofPax 19 Cft Rooftop Cargo Carrier Bag. Extra Waterproof Excellent Military Quality Car Top Carrier. Heavy Duty RoofBag. Fits All Vehicle with/Without Rack. 4+2 Door Hooks Included
The military-grade materials used to create this top-of-the-line vehicle top bag have TWO waterproof closing zippers, waterproof dual seam technology, and a double coating that repels water. A built-in protecting mat and ten elastic Velcro strap restraints to stop strap flapping are two characteristics of this roof bag. A strong SBS zipper, 10 strong straps with NIFCO buckles, and double strap covers with 8 Velcro stripes are additional security measures.
RoofPax’s spacious 19 cubic foot vehicle roof top luggage carrier fits any size car or SUV. It works with or without a roof rack. Raised side rails, crossbars, a roof rack, or a basket may all be used to swiftly and easily install it in a matter of minutes. If none of those options are available, you can always use the six door hook straps.
04. Maelstrom Rooftop Cargo Carrier
Buy: Maelstrom here
8.5 out of 10 Star Rating
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)
- 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, 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. Widened rain curtain is 17 CM, which is 8CM wider than others, protecting your items from wetness when traveling at high speed.
- UNIVERSAL COMPATIBILITY: Maelstrom soft car roof top carrier suits for cars and SUV of any sizes, and work both car with or without roof rack. Installed in minutes easily whether there is a rack on car or not. To fix the cargo box for car rooftop, you can tie the straps on the sided crossbars/rails/roof rack/basket directly, or use the included 6 door hook straps to attach under the door’s rubber seal gasket.
- SAFE and SECURITY: Maelstrom roof bag has 10 perforated fixed buckle straps, which is tear resistant. Its special binding method increases the friction of the straps and fix the rooftop cargo carrier more firmly on the car, so that you don’t worry your luggage bag for car roof will fall off when traveling at high speed. Besides, this roof rack storage bag come with a lock which will not only protect the zippers from slipping, but also keeps the luggage secured.
05. Rooftop Cargo Carrier
Buy: Rooftop Cargo Carrier here
8.5 out of 10 Star Rating
Rooftop Cargo Carrier – Waterproof – 20 Cubic Feet – Works with OR Without Roof Rack – Suitable for Sedan & SUV – 8 Straps & 4 Hooks
- SPACIOUS STORAGE SPACE – 20 Cubic Feet Heavy Duty Cargo Bag – Made out of rugged proof military grade material, lined with a reflective stripe all around, and with dual seam technology, the huge bag is big enough to fit 4 large suitcases and 3 medium suitcases. Comes with 4 Hooks and 8 Straps – Comes with 4 stainless steel hooks and 4 short straps (1.5 inch each) for small vehicles and 4 long straps (1.5 inch each) for SUV to safely secure your Rooftop cargo Carrier onto your vehicle.
- 100% WATERPROOF – There’s nothing more annoying than those unexpected leaks could be detrimental. Our roof top cargo bag is a 100% WATERPROOF and the zippers are WATERPROOF as well and comes with extra flaps to insure top durability and effectiveness. This design will not allow for any unexpected leakages. Double coated. And Yes, we’ve even tested it with water jets.
- CONVENIENCE & SAFETY – Comes with Anti-slip Protective Mat to protect your vehicle roof from cosmetic damage, scratches or damage of any sort, we’ve come up with a perfect fit and waterproof protective mat to go as a barrier between our product and your vehicle. and a bonus TSA lock to keep your belongings safe.
- PIECE OF MIND – EASY TO USE – Comes with Storage bag – When not in use, you can easily fold your Rooftop Cargo Carrier and store it in its made-to-fit special storage bag that will keep it safe and sound. The new innovative straps design will make you fix the cargo bag in less than 3 min. Noiseless straps design with Velcro tape is a plus.
06. KATUCOO Rooftop Cargo Carrier Bag
Buy: KATUCOO here
9 out of 10 Star Rating
KATUCOO Rooftop Cargo Carrier Bag, 15/21 Cubic Feet 100% Waterproof Roof Bag, [Alloy Buckle – 840DPVC] Car Roof Bag, Soft Car Top Carrier Fits All Vehicle SUV with/Without Roof Rack
- [100% WATERPROOF] KATUCOO rooftop cargo carrier is made of Abrasion-resistant 840D PVC fabric to ensure that it is waterproof and will not be torn. The upgraded waterproof zipper wrapped with 6 inches widened Velcro zipper flaps can protect your rooftop cargo bag from extreme weather.
- [EASY TO USE] Unlike other vehicle cargo carriers that are hard to use, we use dedicated alloy cam buckles that allow you to easily install the cartop cargo box in 5 minutes. The car top carrier can be folded up after use and easily put into our included storage bag.
- [UNIVERSAL AND LARGE CAPACITY] Our 15/21 cubic feet car roof bag can easily hold all the luggage for a family of 4-6, saving more space in the car. In addition, we offer 6 pack door hooks so that the rooftop cargo box can be used for all car or SUV with/without a roof rack.
- [SPECIAL SAFE PROTECTION] The KATUCOO rooftop cargo carrier is made of military-grade materials, designed with a ten-point fixing to ensure that the roof bag tight and noiseless during ride. Heavy-duty straps and metal cam buckle can withstand the weight of 2200 lbs, secure your car roof bag at any highway speed. Reflective strip design escort for your night journey.
07. Sailnovo Car Roof Bag Cargo Carrier
Buy: Sailnovo here
8 out of 10 Star Rating
Sailnovo Car Roof Bag Cargo Carrier, 20 Cubic Feet Waterproof Rooftop Cargo Carrier, Suit for All Vehicle with/Without Rack, Soft Box Luggage with 8 Reinforced Straps, Packing Bag
- WATERPROOF DESIGN – Made of 900D PVC tarpaulin, the roof bag features a true waterproof zipper for use in extreme weather and is protected by a double flap. All seams are heat welded and stitched to ensure they are waterproof.
- LARGE STORAGE SPACE – The roof bag is designed to solve the problem of limited storage space in the car. 20 cubic feet of roof cargo bag can hold 4-6 suitcases, travel luggage, tents, sleeping bags, and more. Freeing up space in your car makes you more comfortable on the road.
- SAFETY DESIGN – For safety, we use 8 reinforced adjustable straps to keep the cargo box in place. These straps reinforce the roof bag and make it more securely mounted on your roof.
- EASY TO INSTALL – The Roof Cargo Box fits any car, truck, or SUV. it can be quickly and easily installed on your vehicle in minutes, regardless of whether your vehicle has a rack installed. Folds compactly for easy storage.
- RELIABLE GUARANTEE – Our 12-month guarantee makes your purchase worry-free, and we can give you a warranty if the car roof bag fails. Online customer service, feel free to ask any questions. Perfect for happier camping and travel, the soft roof rack is designed to fit all car roofs, increasing cargo space, and is ideal for anyone who needs extra space while traveling.
08. RoofBag Rooftop Cargo Carrier
Buy: RoofBag here
9 out of 10 Star Rating
RoofBag Rooftop Cargo Carrier, Original Roof Bag Made in USA for Any Car Size with or Without Roof Rack. Waterproof Roof Cargo Bag 15 cu ft Includes Straps, Protective Mat, Storage Bag
- FITS ALL CARS: With or without rack, sunroof, moonroof. The original RoofBag car roof cargo carrier was designed in the USA to safely fit any model car. The generous dimensions of the 15 cubic feet model (48″ L, 38″ W, 11″-18″ H) are large enough to hold the contents of 5 suitcases. You’ll be surprised how spacious it is. It will fit safely on any roof 58″ or longer (SUVs, vans, large sedans, pickup trucks). Large Set includes Liner Bags for easier packing and unpacking your rooftop cargo bag
- MOST SECURE DESIGN: Your belongings are safe at any highway speed with the strongest nylon straps: 1.5” wide, 3,000 lbs strong. For increased safety, straps are not sewn to the car roof bag. RoofBag’s exclusive pass-through straps are safe: tested for 18 years. They don’t interfere with side curtains: they enter at corner of door frame. Door hooks or clips are not safe in the US: most US cars don’t have a required lip under door gasket. Tip: If you car has lip, buy door hooks from RoofBag store
- TRULY WATERPROOF: RoofBag car topper keeps your valued contents dry, offering the benefits of a rigid car top carrier and the practicality of a cargo bag. To ensure waterproofness, RoofBag is made from a single piece of waterproof material and has no exposed stitching. The double flap protecting the zipper is semi-rigid and stays in place without the need for velcro. Straps are water-repellent. Zipper is unique: has no gap between the two halves. Tip: install with logo to the rear of the car
- HEAVY-DUTY: Whether you need a roof rack bag or a car top carrier without roof rack, RoofBag is the perfect choice. 18 years of improvements led to a road trip bag made to last, using military-grade fabric that will not peel or tear, is resistant to cold, heat, and UV, and best of all, is free of harmful chemicals, so you can safely carry even baby clothes. Customer satisfaction is ensured by experienced US staff and by a 2-year warranty. Tip: fill bag completely to avoid wind-flapping damage
09. Amazon Basics Rooftop Cargo Carrier Bag, Black, 15 Cubic Feet
Buy: Amazon Basics here
8 out of 10 Star Rating
Amazon Basics Rooftop Cargo Carrier Bag, Black, 15 Cubic Feet
- Rooftop cargo carrier bag with 15-cubic-foot storage capacity
- 8 cinch straps with buckles for easy connection to a vehicle’s roof rack
- Waterproof and fade-resistant for protection against dust, sun, wind, and rain
- Oversized zipper closure with stay-dry flaps; strong seams; folds for compact storage; storage bag/carrying case included
- Backed by an Amazon Basics one-year limited warranty
10. FIVKLEMNZ 15 Cubic Car Roof Bag Cargo Carrier
Buy: FIVKLEMNZ here
8.3 out of 10 Star Rating
FIVKLEMNZ 15 Cubic Car Roof Bag Cargo Carrier, Waterproof Rooftop Cargo Carrier with Anti-Slip Mat + 8 Reinforced Straps + 4 Door Hooks, Suitable for All Vehicle with/Without Rack (15 Cubic)
- 【Most Safe Design】: For security reasons, we use 8 reinforced adjustable straps to keep the cargo carrier in place. In addition, equipped with free anti-slip mat to keep the cargo bag stay in place even in high speed road or bump road, no slip, no scratch to your car.
- 【Large Storage Space】: FIVKLEMNZ roof bag (44*34*17 inch) was designed to solve the problem of limited storage space in the car. 15 cubic feet rooftop cargo carrier allows you to hold 4-6 suitcases, travel luggage case, tents, sleeping bags and more. Free up inside vehicle space for more comfortable on the way.
- 【Easy to Install】：FIVKLEMNZ rooftop cargo carrier fits for any car, truck, or SUV. If there is not roof side rails on your car, it can be quickly and easily installed to roof rack in minutes with 4 door hooks.
- 【100% Refund or Replacement】：7×24 online customer support, ask us anything at any time. Backed by 30 days money-back guarantee and 12 months limited warranty.
11. MeeFar Car Roof Bag
Buy: Meefar Here
MeeFar Car Roof Bag XBEEK Rooftop top Cargo Carrier Bag Waterproof 15 Cubic feet for All Cars with/Without Rack, Includes Anti-Slip Mat, 8 Reinforced Straps, 6 Door Hooks, Luggage Lock
- 100% WATERPROOF &TEARPROOF MATERIAL – Made of 100% waterproof material,600D 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;
- MORE SECURITY – Come with BONUS combination lock, it will not only prevent the zippers from slipping, but also adds security to luggage;
- LARGE STORAGE SPACE -15 cubic feet 44” (L) X 34” (W) X 17” (H) rooftop cargo bag allows you to hold 4-6 suitcases, travel luggage case, tents, sleeping bags and more.
Conclusion:
Protection is crucial
Most soft-shell roof bags are composed of strong, weather-resistant materials to preserve your gear, while almost all hard-topped roof carriers are sturdy enough to withstand rough terrain and bad weather. To help prevent the unavoidable bumps and scrapes that occur when loading and unloading equipment, look for boxes with cushioning or felt lining on the internal floor if you’re moving more delicate equipment.
Think about security
Security should be a high priority because most hard-top cargo boxes are “locked” into place once they are fastened to a roof rack. However, if you want more security, think about purchasing boxes that have locks on the handles so you can secure the equipment. Roof baskets don’t provide much security against robbers, and soft-top bags don’t promise nearly as much security due to the fabric’s continued susceptibility to sharp things. Protection may not be a top priority if you’re solely vehicle camping, but on long drives where you’re certain to park your car further to travel, locks give you piece of mind.
Keep implementation in mind
Every hard-top cargo box rests on the crossbars of a roof rack and is firmly fastened from the inside. In higher-end models, attachments can be secured with a few turns of a torque knob or can audibly “click” into place to convince you that everything is in its proper place. Bonus points go to manufacturers whose mounting systems leave the inside floor flat, as this facilitates effective packing. Models that are less expensive can be more difficult to mount since they require as many as four different anchor points for the cross bars.
To ensure that the cargo box will fit with the make and model of your vehicle without overhanging the back, the majority of manufactures feature vehicle pairing tools on their websites. That’s always a wise place to start since they’ll also specify which roof rack cross bars are compatible with their equipment. Sedans should limit their box sizes to no more than 18 cubic feet, whereas SUVs and larger cars are permitted to use larger boxes. A roof rack with crossbars is necessary if you’re using a hard-top cargo box because that’s how the box attaches to your vehicle. However, some soft-top boxes can be used with side-roof racks that are industry standard or can be fastened to your car’s windows.
