Traveling for long distances often requires more cargo space than your car’s trunk or interior can provide. Rooftop cargo bags offer a convenient solution, but with so many options on the market, choosing the right one can be overwhelming. Here’s a review of some top contenders from different manufacturers to help you find the perfect fit for your long drives:
Factors to Consider:
- Cargo Capacity: How much stuff do you need to haul? Choose a bag with enough space for all your belongings.
- Durability: The bag should be weatherproof and strong enough to withstand highway speeds and potential impact from road debris.
- Security: Look for features like locking zippers and reinforced panels to deter theft.
- Ease of Use: Consider how easy it is to attach and detach the bag from your roof rack.
- Aerodynamics: A streamlined design will minimize wind resistance and improve fuel efficiency.
Top Picks:
1. The Aukayne Rooftop Cargo Carrier
The Aukayne Rooftop Cargo Carrier seems like a budget-friendly option for adding extra storage space to your car. Here’s a breakdown of the features advertised by Aukayne to help you decide if it’s the right fit for vehicles with or without roof racks:
Pros:
- Large Capacity: With 25 cubic feet of space, it can hold a lot of gear, enough for road trips, camping adventures, or extra luggage.
- Waterproofing: Aukayne claims it’s 100% waterproof with 900D Oxford fabric with a PVC coated inside, sealed seams, and a double flap closure system.
- Tearproof: The 900D Oxford fabric is also advertised as tear-resistant for added durability.
- Versatility: Aukayne says it can be mounted on cars with or without roof racks.
- Easy Installation: The product description mentions it comes with anti-slip mats, a luggage lock, security hooks, and a storage box, suggesting an easy setup process.
Potential Downsides:
- Limited Information: There aren’t many independent reviews or detailed specifications available online about the Aukayne Rooftop Cargo Carrier. This makes it difficult to assess its quality, durability, or real-world performance.
- Soft-Shell Design: While advertised as waterproof and tearproof, soft-shell carriers may not be as secure as hard-shell carriers against theft or harsh weather conditions.
- Aerodynamics: Soft-shell bags may create more wind drag compared to hard-shell carriers, potentially affecting gas mileage.
- Mounting on Cars Without Roof Racks: The description mentions working with/without roof racks, but it’s important to check the weight capacity of your car’s roof and ensure the Aukayne carrier has a safe and secure mounting method for bare roofs.
Overall:
The Aukayne Rooftop Cargo Carrier could be a good option for those looking for a spacious and affordable cargo solution, especially if you are on a tight budget. However, due to the lack of independent reviews and potential drawbacks of soft-shell carriers, it’s wise to consider these points before purchasing.
2. FIVKLEMNZ Car Rooftop Cargo Carrier Roof Bag: Pros and Cons
The FIVKLEMNZ Car Rooftop Cargo Carrier Roof Bag is a soft-shell cargo bag designed to add storage space to your vehicle. Here’s a breakdown of its features to help you decide if it’s the right choice for you:
Pros:
- Water Resistance: FIVKLEMNZ claims the bag is 100% waterproof, thanks to its 700D Oxford cloth construction, a sealed zipper with double flap, and heat-welded seams.
- Large Capacity: It comes in two sizes: 15 cubic feet and 21 cubic feet, offering options for various cargo needs.
- Versatility: The bag can be mounted on vehicles with or without roof racks. It includes anti-slip mats to prevent bag movement and door hooks for added security on cars without roof racks.
- Easy Installation: The reinforced adjustable straps suggest a relatively simple installation process.
- Affordability: FIVKLEMNZ cargo bags are generally priced competitively compared to other rooftop cargo carriers.
Cons:
- Limited Brand Recognition: FIVKLEMNZ might be a lesser-known brand, making it difficult to find extensive reviews or assess long-term durability.
- Soft-Shell Design: Soft-shell bags offer less protection against theft or harsh weather compared to hard-shell carriers.
- Aerodynamics: Soft-shell bags generally create more wind drag than hard-shell carriers, potentially reducing gas mileage.
- Weight Capacity: The product description doesn’t mention weight capacity. You’ll need to check the weight limit of your roof (with or without a rack) and the weight of your cargo.
Overall:
The FIVKLEMNZ Car Rooftop Cargo Carrier Roof Bag could be a good option for those looking for a budget-friendly and versatile way to add extra storage to their vehicle, especially for occasional use. However, the lack of widespread reviews and the limitations of soft-shell carriers are important considerations. Here’s what to do before you buy:
- Research: Look for user reviews or comparisons with similar soft-shell cargo bags.
- Weight Capacity: Ensure the weight capacity of the FIVKLEMNZ carrier and your roof (with or without a rack) can support your intended cargo weight.
- Security: Consider how important cargo security is for you. If you plan to carry valuable items, a hard-shell carrier might be a better option.
- Alternatives: Compare the FIVKLEMNZ carrier with other soft-shell or hard-shell cargo carriers within your budget to see which offers the best features for your needs.
Additional Considerations:
- Size: Choose the size that best suits your cargo needs. The 15 cubic feet option might be suitable for weekend trips, while the 21 cubic feet option offers more space for longer journeys.
- Ease of Use: Look for features that make the bag easy to load and unload, such as wide openings and secure closures.
- Warranty: Check the warranty offered by FIVKLEMNZ on the cargo bag.
I hope this information helps you decide if the FIVKLEMNZ Car Rooftop Cargo Carrier Roof Bag is the right choice for you!
3. Kimevan Waterproof Rooftop Cargo Carrier
The Kimevan Waterproof Rooftop Cargo Carrier is a soft-shell cargo bag designed to add extra storage space to your vehicle. Here’s a breakdown of its features to help you decide if it’s the right fit for you:
Pros:
- Water Resistance: Kimevan emphasizes a “waterproof design” with upgraded, patented waterproofing and waterproof webbing, suggesting good protection against rain and moisture.
- Large Capacity: The size is not explicitly mentioned, but many soft-shell cargo bags offer 15-21 cubic feet of space, which can hold a decent amount of luggage, camping gear, sports equipment, or groceries.
- Versatility: Kimevan claims it can be mounted on cars with or without roof racks.
- Anti-Slip Mat: The inclusion of an anti-slip mat provides extra security on cars without roof racks.
- Potentially Affordable: Soft-shell cargo bags are generally budget-friendly compared to hard-shell carriers.
Cons:
- Limited Brand Information: Reviews and long-term durability information might be limited for Kimevan.
- Soft-Shell Construction: Soft-shell bags offer less security against theft or harsh weather compared to hard-shell carriers.
- Aerodynamics: Soft-shell bags typically create more wind drag than hard-shell carriers, potentially affecting gas mileage.
- Weight Capacity: The weight capacity might not be readily available. You’ll need to consider the weight limit of your roof (with or without a rack) and the weight of your cargo.
Overall:
The Kimevan Waterproof Rooftop Cargo Carrier could be a good option for those looking for an affordable and functional way to add extra storage, especially for occasional use. However, the lack of extensive brand information and the limitations of soft-shell carriers are important to consider. Here’s what to do before you buy:
- Research: Try to find reviews or comparisons with similar soft-shell cargo bags.
- Weight Capacity: Ensure the weight capacity of the carrier and your roof (with or without a rack) can support your intended cargo weight.
- Security: Consider how important cargo security is for you. If you plan to carry valuable items, a hard-shell carrier might be a better option.
- Alternatives: Compare the Kimevan carrier with other soft-shell or hard-shell carriers within your budget to see which offers the best features for your needs.
Additional Considerations:
- Size: Look for information on the cargo bag’s size to ensure it can accommodate your typical cargo needs.
- Security Features: Look for details on the closure system and any additional security features the bag might have.
- Ease of Use: Features like wide openings and secure closures can make loading and unloading easier.
- Warranty: Check the warranty offered on the cargo bag.
By considering these points, you can make a more informed decision about whether the Kimevan Waterproof Rooftop Cargo Carrier is the right choice for you.
4. The 13 Cubic RoofBag Car Rooftop Cargo Carrie
The 13 Cubic RoofBag Car Rooftop Cargo Carrier seems like a budget-friendly option for adding extra storage to your car. Here’s a breakdown of the features to help you decide if it might be a good fit:
- Pros:
- Water Resistance: The product description claims it’s waterproof, but the specific materials or construction might not be detailed.
- Decent Capacity: At 13 cubic feet, it can hold a moderate amount of gear, enough for a weekend trip or extra groceries.
- Versatility: It’s advertised to work with or without roof racks. The inclusion of an anti-slip mat provides extra security on cars without roof racks.
- Easy Installation: Strong nylon straps suggest a straightforward installation process.
- Storage Bag: The inclusion of a storage bag is a plus for keeping the cargo bag protected when not in use.
- Potentially Affordable: Many soft-shell cargo bags are budget-friendly.
- Cons:
- Limited Information: There likely won’t be many reviews or detailed specifications available about this specific RoofBag brand.
- Soft-Shell Design: Soft-shell bags offer less security against theft or harsh weather compared to hard-shell carriers.
- Aerodynamics: Soft-shell bags typically create more wind drag than hard-shell carriers, potentially affecting gas mileage.
- Weight Capacity: The weight capacity might not be specified. It’s important to consider the weight limit of your roof (with or without a rack) and the weight of your cargo.
- Overall:
- This 13 Cubic RoofBag could be an option for occasional use if you’re on a tight budget. However, the lack of brand recognition and the inherent limitations of soft-shell carriers are important to consider. Here’s what to do before you buy:
- Research: Look for similar soft-shell cargo bags with more online presence to find reviews and comparisons.
- Weight Capacity: Ensure the weight capacity of the RoofBag and your roof (with or without a rack) can support your intended cargo weight.
- Security: Consider how important cargo security is for you. If you plan to carry valuable items, a hard-shell carrier might be a better option.
- Alternatives: Compare this RoofBag with other soft-shell or hard-shell carriers within your budget to see which offers the best features for your needs.
- Additional Considerations:
- Security Features: Look for details on the closure system and any additional security features the bag might have.
- Ease of Use: Features like wide openings and secure closures can make loading and unloading easier.
- Warranty: Check if there’s any warranty offered on the cargo bag.
- By considering these points, you can make a more informed decision about whether the 13 Cubic RoofBag Car Rooftop Cargo Carrier is the right choice for you.
5. Dopaka Rooftop Cargo Carrier
The Dopaka Car Rooftop Cargo Carrier Bag appears to be a soft-shell cargo bag designed to add extra storage space to your vehicle. Here’s a breakdown of the pros and cons to help you decide if it’s a good fit for your needs.
Pros:
- Water Resistance: Claimed to be 100% waterproof, likely due to a heavy-duty material like 600D or 1000D Oxford fabric with sealed seams.
- Large Capacity: With 15 cubic feet of space, it can hold a decent amount of luggage, camping gear, sports equipment, or groceries.
- Versatility: Works with or without a roof rack. The anti-slip mat helps prevent cargo shifting and the door hooks provide additional security on cars without roof racks.
- Security Features: May include a luggage lock and potentially reinforced straps with buckles for attachment.
- Easy Installation: Typically uses straps and buckles for attachment to a roof rack or car without a rack.
Cons:
- Soft-Shell Design: Soft-shell bags offer less protection from theft or harsh weather compared to hard-shell carriers. They may also be more susceptible to punctures or tearing.
- Aerodynamics: Soft-shell bags can create more wind drag than hard-shell carriers, potentially reducing gas mileage.
- Limited Brand Information: Depending on the brand, there might be limited online reviews or information about the long-term durability of the product.
- Weight Capacity: The weight capacity may not be explicitly stated. Make sure to consider the weight limit of your roof (with or without a rack) and the weight of your cargo.
Overall:
This Car Rooftop Cargo Carrier Bag could be a good option for those looking for an affordable and functional way to add extra storage to their vehicle, especially for occasional use. However, the limitations of soft-shell carriers and the lack of brand recognition are important considerations. Here’s what to do before you buy:
- Research the Brand: If possible, try to find the brand name to see if there are reviews or comparisons with similar cargo bags.
- Weight Capacity: Ensure the weight capacity of the carrier and your roof (with or without a rack) can support your intended cargo weight.
- Security: Consider how important cargo security is for you. If you plan to carry valuable items, a hard-shell carrier might be a better option.
- Alternatives: Compare this cargo bag with other soft-shell or hard-shell carriers within your budget to see which offers the best features for your needs.
Additional Considerations:
- Material: Look for details on the specific material used, such as 600D or 1000D Oxford fabric, which can indicate durability and water resistance.
- Security Features: Check the type of lock included and if there are additional security features like reinforced straps or loops for padlocks (not always included).
- Ease of Use: Features like wide openings, secure closures, and anti-slip mats can make loading and unloading easier.
- Warranty: Check if there’s any warranty offered on the cargo bag.
By considering these points, you can make a more informed decision about whether this Car Rooftop Cargo Carrier Bag is the right choice for you.
