Your vehicle’s roof can be used for increasing available storage in your vehicle through the use or roof top cargo and storage systems. While not standard on all vehicles, a roof rack can be selected as an option or installed on many vehicles after purchase. If adding a roof rack to your vehicle, be sure to learn more about how to decide on the best roof rack for your vehicle and needs.
Roof top storage can include both hard shells and cargo bags which each have their advantages and disadvanages when it comes to storage capacity, cargo security, weatherproofing, and weight. Once you have determined which option is best for your needs, and your budget, check out the following 10 best car top carriers for roof top cargo & storage.
10. Highland – Rain Proof Rooftop Cargo Bag - $47.94
The Highland Rain Proof Roof Top Cargo Bag features 15 cubic feet of storage capacity to provide more overall vehicle storage space. Made with rain proof material and sonically welded seams, the roof top bag includes all installation straps and easily attaches to most factory roof racks. When not in use the 7.8-pound bag folds down for storage.
Buy the Highland rooftop bag from Home Depot.
9. Pilot Automotive – Aerodynamic Cargo Carrier Water Resistant - $44.99
Featuring 15-cubic-feet of storage capacity, the Aerodynamic Cargo Carrier is designed to reduce drag and save on fuel. It can mount to either the crossbars or side rails of most factory roof racks. The bag is made from waterproof or weather-resistant material to keep gear and materials dry on the road and increase overall vehicle storage.
Purchase the Pilot Automotive cargo carrier from Pep Boys.
8. Keeper – Waterproof Roof Top Cargo Bag - $49.99
The Keeper Waterproof Roof Top Cargo Bag features 15 cubic feet of storage space in the rubber laminated nylon bag, which measures 44 x 34 x 17 inches. Designed to fit all roof racks, the bag has attachment capabilities on all four sides. When not in use the 5.1-pound cargo bag folds up for easy storage. The soft sides flex to fit odd-shaped loads, and the weatherproof fabric will product items from weather and dirt.
Buy the Keeper rooftop cargo bag from Amazon.
7. Shield Jacket – Waterproof Roof Top Cargo Luggage Travel Bag - $49.99
The Waterproof Roof Top Cargo Luggage Travel Bag from Shield Jacket features 15 cubic feet of storage space and is completely weatherproof. It’s welded seams seal out water, and is made with eight built-in tie straps to hold down the double-wall vinyl bag. Measuring 43 inches by 34 inches by 17 inches, odd shaped or bulky items fit with ease. And, when not in use it folds down for storage.
Buy the Shield Jacket rooftop bag from Amazon.
6. Sherpak Go! – 15 Roof Bag - $114.95
The 15 cubic-foot capacity 15 Roof Bag by Sherpak Go! is constructed from 16-ounce UV- and cold-resistant vinyl with welded seams for improved weatherproofing. The rugged, two-way #10 zippers can accommodate locks, and the recessed zipper and vinyl storm flat help seal out water. The universal attachment kit helps attach the bag to virtually any vehicle. The bag measures 45 x 37 x 15.5 inches and weighs 7.4 pounds.
Buy the Sherpak Go! Roof bag from REI.
5. Thule – Interstate Roof Pouch Bag - $199.95
The 16-cubic-foot capacity Interstate Roof Pouch Bag from Thule is made of double-coated thermoplastic elastomer material and is IPX3 test-certified as water resistant. The three-sided zipper features a storm flap for weather protection. In addition, the bag features a padded base to protect your vehicle’s finish and twin compression straps to keep cargo securely positioned. When not in use, the bag folds down for storage. The 40- x 38- x 18-inch bag fits most Thule square and round bars and most factory racks and weighs 5.5 pounds.
Buy this Thule rooftop bag from REI.
4. Horizon – M Cartop Carrier - $299.95
The 11-cubic-foot-capacity Horizon M Cartop Carrier is made of impact resistant ABS material and features a passenger side opening for easy access to cargo. The carrier includes a quick release attachment it for ease in installation and removal. The 88.5- x 21- x 15-inch carrier fits SportRack Frontier Rack Systems, square bars, round bars, and most factory racks.
Buy the Horizon rooftop carrier from Sears.
3. Yakima – SkyBox 16 Carbonite Cargo Roof Box - $499.99
The 16 cubic-foot storage capacity of the Yakima skyBox 16 Carbonite Cargo Roof Box is made from up to 80% recycled plastic and weighs 47 pounds. At 6-feet 9-inches long, it is 36-inches wide and 15-inches high. Designed with internal lid stiffeners for increased rigidity, the box features dual side openings for easier gear access from either side of the vehicle. The rear of the cargo box has been tapered for increased trunk and hatch clearance, and the quick-release mounting hardware fits Yakima square, round, factory, and aerodynamic crossbars.
Buy the Yakima rooftop box from REI.
2. Thule – Sonic XL Roof Box - $659.95
Featuring a patented aerodynamic design, the Thule Sonic XL Roof Box is 7-foot 6-inches long 34.5-inches wide, and 16-inches high, and weighs 51 pounds. The dual-side openings provide access to gear or materials from either side of the box and its locking system features an external lock-assist knob and built-in safety features that do not allow the key to be removed unless the box is fully closed. In addition, the rear of the cargo box is angled, helping to maximize trunk and hatch clearance. Finally, the box can be mounted on both square and round crossbars and most factory racks.
Buy this Thule rooftop bag from REI.
1. Thule – 682 Sidekick Rooftop Cargo Carrier Box - $299.95
The smaller Thule 682 Sidekick Rooftop Cargo Carrier Box has an 8-cubic-foot storage capacity, and features a side-opening design for ease in loading and unloading cargo. The 16.1-pound box mounts to most removable and factory roof racks, and measures 54-inches wide, 15.5-inches high, and 25-inches long. The box is made to carry up to 110 pounds of cargo and is constructed of UV and impact-resistant ABS plastic. In addition, the box can be installed or removed from a rack with the Thule U-bolt/knob mounting system.
Buy this Thule rooftop bag from Amazon.
Whether looking for a bag that can be folded away for easy storage, or a more sturdy, durable option, there are a number of great options for roof top carriers and storage solutions. Add more space to your vehicle on any budget. If you have any questions about using or installing a roof top cargo bag or carrier on your vehicle, ask a mechanic for help on how to do so.
