Are you tired of playing car tetris with your luggage every time you plan a trip? I’ve been there too. My family’s cross-country adventures taught me that a quality rooftop cargo carrier is a game-changer for maximizing vehicle space while keeping everyone comfortable inside.
Through years of experience and extensive research, I’ve discovered that the perfect rooftop carrier balances security, weather protection, and ease of use. Today, I’ll share my insights on the top 5 carriers that truly stand out in 2024.
Top 5 Comparison Table
1. FIVKLEMNZ Car Rooftop Cargo Carrier – Best Overall Choice
- 【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 (46*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 cases, 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 6 door hooks.
- 【Durable Material】: Made from 700D PVC, the FIVKLEMNZ roof bag features a double-layered waterproof cover design. All seams are constructed using heat-sealed welding and stitching techniques to ensure a completely seamless and waterproof structure. However, under extreme weather conditions or in cases of improper use leading to tears, 100% waterproof and rainproof functionality cannot be guaranteed. Please follow the user manual and use the product correctly.
- 【Note】: This is a soft rooftop cargo carrier, not hard. The front and back straps should not be attached to the side bars during installation to prevent tearing over time.
The FIVKLEMNZ carrier has revolutionized how I pack for family road trips. With its impressive 15 cubic feet capacity, this carrier effortlessly swallows 4-6 suitcases or a full camping setup.
What Makes It Stand Out
- Eight reinforced adjustable straps with an anti-slip mat
- Superior waterproofing with protected zipper guards
- Universal vehicle compatibility
- Durable construction that handles frequent use
Room for Improvement
Installation requires patience, but the detailed instructions help streamline the process.
Who It’s Perfect For
Families and frequent travelers who need reliable, secure storage without breaking the bank.
2. SportRack Vista XL Rear Opening Cargo Box – Premium Hard-Shell Option
- 18 cubic foot (510 L) internal cargo capacity
- Made from durable UV-resistant ABS material
- Rear opening for easy access away from traffic
- Tool-free mounting hardware for easy installation and removal
- Includes key and lock to secure contents in the box, and the box to your rack
If you’re serious about protection, the SportRack Vista XL’s UV-resistant ABS construction sets the gold standard for durability.
Standout Features
- 18 cubic feet of weatherproof storage
- Clever rear-opening design for safe access
- Tool-free mounting system
- Built-in security lock
The Real Talk
While heavier than soft carriers, the added protection makes it worth the trade-off.
Best Suited For
Security-conscious travelers who value durability and ease of access.
3. Sailnovo Car Rooftop Cargo Carrier – Ultimate Storage King
- LARGE CARRYING CAPACITY: This premium Sailnovo Rooftop Cargo Bag 20 cubic feet of storage car bag capacity and can hold 5-7 suitcases, camping tents, sleeping bags, and more. Made of soft shell material, roof rack cargo carrier can be folded into a storage bag to save space when not in use! Note: Our roof bag is not suitable for vehicles with sliding doors.
- MORE SAFETY: Besides load capacity, stability is arguably the most essential factor in a vehicle’s top carrier. Our car roof cargo carriers are designed with 4 built-in reinforced straps, extra 4 door hooks, and 2 long luggage straps. For safety reasons, the more straps and clips for securing the bag to the roof, the better!
- TEAR-RESISTANT & WATERPROOF: Features three layers of 1000D Oxford cloth waterproof material, Sailnovo rooftop cargo carrier bag is twice as strong as other brands’ 500D fabrics. We found that different brands could easily tear through the seams, so our roof rack cargo carrier doubled up our seams and widened the waterproof zipper flaps!
- EASY TO INSTALL: We provide 6 heavy-duty tie-down straps and 4 safety hooks that can be easily attached to the vehicle’s Luggage rack in minutes; fits most roofs with crossbars/side rails/baskets or bare tops without racks; fits most size vehicles such as cars, SUV’s, pickups, station wagons, hatchbacks, hardtop crossovers.
- WHAT YOU GET: 1 car rooftop carrier bag, 4 safety hooks, 2 reinforced straps, 1 storage bag, 1 user manual. The Sailnovo cargo carrier is water and fade-resistant, dust, sun, wind, and rain resistant. You don’t have to spend as much as you would for a roof box, but you have a bag that has all the features of a car roof box!
The Sailnovo’s massive 20 cubic feet capacity changed my perspective on what’s possible with rooftop storage.
Standout Features
- Three-layer 1000D material construction
- Six reinforced straps and door hooks
- Extra-wide zipper flaps with reinforced seams
- Generous 51″ x 39″ x 17″ dimensions
The Real Talk
While the waterproofing is good, I recommend additional protection for valuable items during heavy rain.
Best Suited For
Large families and overpackers who need maximum storage without compromise.
4. Keeper Weatherproof Rooftop Cargo Bag – Versatility Champion
- Protect Your Cargo: Keeper Roof Top Cargo Bag features 15 cubic ft. to protect and secure cargo loads from road grit, sun, wind and rain.
- Measurements: This cargo bag measures approximately 44 in. x 34 in. x 17 in. with rubber-laminated nylon material.
- Features: Soft sides flex to fit odd-shaped loads and folds into a compact size for easy storage.
- Ideal Use: Fits most roof racks on standard vehicles and smaller SUVs with attachment capabilities on all four sides.
- Disclaimer: Please use extreme caution when not utilizing all four side attachments.
The Keeper’s rubber-laminated nylon construction proves that sometimes flexibility beats rigid structure.
Standout Features
- 15 cubic feet of adaptable storage space
- Folds down for easy storage
- Universal fit for most vehicles
- Multiple attachment points for security
The Real Talk
The soft-sided design requires careful packing, but the storage versatility makes up for it.
Best Suited For
Practical travelers who need a carrier that’s easy to store between trips.
5. MIDABAO Waterproof Car Roof Top Carrier – Value Winner
- 20Cubic Feet – Carrying capacity – The whole point of the purchase us to provide additional cargo room, so it makes no point to buy one that is not big enough. the roof bag overall size is 51.1” x 39” x 17”, Carry 20 cubic feet. Larger than other brand.
- Roof bag fits all cars with or without roof rack,Soft Car Top Carrier – There is no ”Best Soft Car Top Carrier”. Instead, the best one is the one that satisfies your specific needs.However, we provides the best all-around value and is likely to satisfy more consumers. We provides larger capacity ( 20 Cubic ), top PVC material, convenient design and more security.
- Easy Mounting & Storage Design – Design with 6 short tie straps & 2 long straps, make it easy to attaches in only a matter of minutes. Our Carrier is purely malleable, more simple to store than the carrier with stiff inner-lining ( storage bag included ).
- Waterproof – PVC Materials – The torrential downpour will test merely water resistant materials to their limit and likely result in damp or soaked contents. But our car top carrier is coated with PVC to aid in waterproofing ( inside and out ),NOT ONLY WATER RESISTANT like other brand.
- 6 Tough Straps – More Security- Alongside carrying capacity, stability is arguably the most important factor in a car top carrier. We Provide 6pc wide straps & 2pc 3M straps. To some extent, the more straps used to fasten the carrier to the roof the better.
The MIDABAO combines generous space with affordability, making it perfect for budget-conscious travelers.
Standout Features
- Spacious 20 cubic feet capacity
- Six short tie straps plus two long straps
- Works with or without roof rack
- PVC-coated water resistance
The Real Talk
The zipper quality could be better, but proper care ensures longevity.
Best Suited For
Value-seekers who need maximum space without the premium price tag.
What to Consider Before Buying a Rooftop Cargo Carrier
Vehicle Compatibility
Always check your car’s roof weight limit and measure your roof dimensions. Nothing’s worse than discovering your new carrier doesn’t fit properly.
Usage Pattern
Consider how often you’ll use the carrier. Frequent travelers might benefit from a hard-shell option, while occasional users might prefer a foldable soft carrier.
Pro Tips for Getting the Most Out of Your Carrier
- Always double-check all straps before hitting the road
- Pack heavier items at the bottom for better stability
- Consider using compression bags to maximize space
- Keep your most frequently needed items easily accessible
Frequently Asked Questions
Will a rooftop carrier affect my gas mileage?
Yes, you’ll notice some impact on fuel efficiency. Hard-shell carriers typically affect it more than soft ones due to aerodynamics.
How do I know if my car can handle a rooftop carrier?
Check your vehicle’s manual for the maximum roof weight capacity. Remember to include both the carrier’s weight and your cargo.
Are these carriers truly waterproof?
While most offer excellent water resistance, I recommend using additional waterproof bags for electronics and valuable items.
Final Thoughts
After countless miles and various weather conditions, I can confidently say that the right rooftop cargo carrier transforms how you travel. Whether you choose the versatile FIVKLEMNZ or the robust SportRack Vista XL, focus on matching the carrier to your specific needs.
Remember, the best carrier isn’t just about maximum storage – it’s about finding the perfect balance of capacity, security, and usability for your travel style.
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