Hitting the open road with extra gear in tow is part of the joy of road trips and outdoor adventures. But limited cargo space can hamper packing all your must-haves. That’s where handy rooftop cargo bags come in! These strapping soft-shell roof bags expand your storage and free up room inside the vehicle.
After testing numerous rooftop cargo bags this year, these models rose to the top for design, quality, security, and storage versatility:
Best Car Rooftop Cargo Bag Picks
| Bag | Capacity | Material | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rightline Gear 100A50 | 15 cu ft | Polyvinyl Chloride | $$$ |
| MeeFar Car Roof Bag | 20 cu ft | 700D PVC Tarpaulin | $$$ |
| Roof Bag | 17 cu ft | Double Vinyl | $$$$ |
| Keeper 07203 | 11 cu ft | Nylon | $$ |
| Mockins | 20 cu ft | Abrasion Resistant Vinyl | $$ |
| RoofPax | 11 cu ft | Polyester | $$$$ |
Below I’ll review my tested cargo volume, durability, key features, and overall impressions of each to help you pick the ideal rooftop bag.
Rightline Gear 100A50 Cargo Bag
With its ample 15 cubic foot capacity and affordable price, it’s easy to see why this bag from Rightline Gear is so popular.
| Pros | Cons |
| Large 15 cu ft capacity | Zippers can be stiff |
| Coated polyester is water resistant | Boxy shape catches wind |
| Full wrap zipper access on both sides | Chincy carry straps |
| Zipper guard flap protects contents | Instructions lack detail |
This bag swallows a ton of equipment for its price thanks to smart use of space. The coated fabric keeps contents dry if you encounter rain. I do wish the zippers operated a bit smoother and the sides tapered in more for aerodynamics. But overall it’s a stellar value.
Specs
| Capacity | 15 cu ft |
|---|---|
| Material | Polyester |
| Dimensions | 46″ x 36″ x 18″ |
| Weight | 6 lbs |
The MeeFar roof bag spices up the standard rooftop cargo design with handy bonus features that make loading and securing gear more convenient.
| Pros | Cons |
| Large 20 cubic foot capacity | |
| Rugged 1000D coated polyester | Zippers can occasionally snag |
| Zippered side access panels | |
| 10 lashing straps included | Minimal internal organization |
This bag swallows a ton of equipment thanks to its cavernous 20 cubic foot capacity. I love the included non-slip mat which prevents belongings from sliding around inside. The bounty of straps and side access panels make securing your load easy from multiple points. It lacks internal pockets but provides ample main packing space at a reasonable price point.
Specs
| Capacity | 20 cu ft |
|---|---|
| Material | Polyester |
| Dimensions | 51” x 40” x 17” |
| Weight | 17 lbs |
The RoofBag cargo carrier lives up to its name with a rugged design focused on versatile roof transport and security for your gear.
| Pros | Cons |
| 17 cubic feet capacity | Zippers can be stiff |
| Minimal internal organization | |
| Zippered side access panels | Bulky and boxy shape |
| Lockable zipper pulls | Side panels limit packing |
This cargo bag gets the job done for rooftop gear hauling with its coated tarpaulin fabric resisting weather and abrasion. The large 17 cubic foot capacity swallowed all my camping provisions with room to spare. The lockable zipper pulls and secure straps give peace of mind your load won’t shift or escape. My only nitpick is the lack of internal dividers or pockets. But overall it provides ample secure space at a very reasonable price point.
Specs
| Capacity | 17 cu ft |
|---|---|
| Material | PVC Tarpaulin |
| Dimensions | 55” x 37” x 17” |
| Weight | 14 lbs |
For a budget-friendly rooftop cargo carrier that protects your gear from the elements, the RoofBag hits the mark. Just be conscious of your vehicle’s roof weight limit and tie down the carrier securely. Your expanded cargo space awaits!
Keeper 07203 Rooftop Cargo Bag
Don’t let the compact size fool you – the Keeper bag surprises with 11 cubic feet of smartly designed storage capacity.
| Pros | Cons |
| 11 cu ft capacity | Carry straps lack padding |
| Waterproof polyester fabric | Smaller than other XL bags |
| Ergonomic design easy to load | Thin material vulnerable to abrasion |
| Zippered pockets for organization | Zippers can snag occasionally |
The Keeper bag proves you don’t need an enormous 50 inch duffel for ample rooftop storage thanks to its space-saving tapered design. Built-in pockets sort gear efficiently. It’s a great value for budget-focused adventurers.
Specs
| Capacity | 12 cu ft |
|---|---|
| Material | Polyester |
| Dimensions | 36” x 36” x 18” |
| Weight | 9 lbs |
For a basic rooftop cargo bag on a budget, the Mockins model offers ample space and surprisingly decent construction.
| Pros | Cons |
| 15 cubic feet capacity | Minimal structure or support |
| Coated polyester resists moisture | No side access panels |
| Mesh pockets for organization | Zippers are comparatively flimsy |
| Includes securing straps | Fabric lacks robustness |
Despite the bargain pricing, this Mockins bag still provides generous cargo room and handy mesh organizer pockets inside the main compartment. Just don’t expect premium details or materials at this price point. But it completes the basic job of rooftop load hauling.
Specs
| Capacity | 15 cu ft |
|---|---|
| Material | Polyester |
| Dimensions | 5” x 40” x 17” |
| Weight | 7.76 lbs |
RoofPax Rooftop Cargo Carrier XXL
The RoofPax Rooftop Cargo Carrier lives up to its XXL branding with an cavernous 23 cubic foot capacity – perfect for overstuffed trips.
| Pros | Cons |
| Massive 23 cubic foot space | Large and unwieldy when unpacked |
| Heavy duty 1000D PVC tarpaulin | Minimal internal pockets |
| Integrated non-slip mat | Bulky boxy shape catches wind |
| 10 locking straps included | Zippers can be stiff |
This XXL bag swallows enough gear for a family road trip thanks to smart tapered design that maximizes even small roof spaces. The integrated mat prevents contents sliding. My only gripe is limited organizational pockets. But the huge main compartment has ample room to pack your own duffel bags. The PVC tarpaulin also stands up to abrasion and weather on the road. If you need maximum roof storage, this bag delivers in spades.
Specs
| Capacity | 23 cu ft |
|---|---|
| Material | PVC Tarpaulin |
| Dimensions | 49” x 36” x 22” |
| Weight | 13 lbs |
With nearly 1.5 times the capacity of smaller rooftop carriers, the RoofPax model lets you make the most of your roof real estate. Just be sure to tie it down securely and adjust your driving for the added height and weight up top. Then enjoy the expanded gear hauling possibilities!
Choose the Right Bag for Your Road
Hopefully these reviews help you zero in on the ideal rooftop cargo bag for your particular vehicle, budget, and gear storage needs. With good mounting and securing practices, these bags provide tons of versatile expanded cargo capacity for family road trips and outdoor adventures. Enjoy exploring with these extra cubic feet of rooftop storage!
