Best Rooftop Cargo Carriers For 2022

The 18-cubic-foot SportRack Vista XL Rear Opening Cargo Box fits square, round and most factory roof racks. With tool-free mounting opportunities, the SportRack Vista XL can be accessed via 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-inch long by 38-inch wide by 19-inch 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-inch long by 33-inch wide by 16-inch high, the Thule Pulse Medium 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.  

The Thule Force XT rooftop cargo carrier incorporates a sleek design and measures 82.68-inch long by 33.86 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 XT is designed to fit a wide array of 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 18-cubic-foot Thule Force XT can hold up to five to seven pairs of skis or three to four snowboards. 

Measuring 75.5-inch long by 33-inch wide by 16.3-inch 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 factory 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’s not impeding traffic. Holding various cargo or camping gear that stretches massively in length, the SportRack Horizon Alpine Cargo Box can hold five 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 offers 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 also is available that 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 about $65.00. It offers fade-resistant, 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 the buffering of 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 from which to choose. 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 roofs that stretch 48 inches or more in length. One comes with straps and a mat, the other comes with three water-repellent duffle-shaped bags 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 bag 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. It’s carrying capacity is 14.6 cubic-feet and it expands to 17 inches in height when 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.