Getting ready to go on your next family adventure, but don’t know how you’re going to fit all the stuff you need into the car?
A rooftop cargo bag is a perfect solution to your problem!
A portable roof-mounted bag can keep all your belongings safe, without having to play Tetris in your trunk.
But choosing the best rooftop bag for your needs is going to depend on how much stuff you’re taking with you, whether or not you have a roof rack, and the type of weather and terrain you’re likely to endure while traveling.
Quick Answer: What are the best rooftop cargo bags?
What To Consider Before Buying a Rooftop Cargo Bag
When considering which rooftop bag is right for you, there are a few things you should take into consideration.
Capacity
The first thing you want to make sure you address when looking for a rooftop bag is how much stuff you plan on taking with you on your adventure. You have multiple options from 9 cubic feet to 19 cubic feet to choose from.
Remember that if you get a bag with a larger capacity for the “just in case” moments, you’ll want to make sure that your bag includes compression straps. This ensures that your belongings aren’t bouncing around on your roof, along with keeping your vehicle as aerodynamic as possible.
If your bag isn’t packed enough and it’s loose, you’ll likely deal with a lot of noise flapping in the wind, as well as an increase in your gas mileage.
Materials & Durability
Clearly, something you’re putting on the roof of your car is going to need to be made to withstand the elements. Choose a rooftop bag that is designed to be heavy-duty enough to deal with debris off the road or any unexpected tree limbs.
You’ll also want to make sure it’s waterproof in case you get stuck in a rainstorm. If your adventures take you through the winter months, you’ll also want to ensure that your rooftop bag can endure extreme changes in temperature – from sand and sun to snow and wind!
Mounting
Depending on your vehicle, you’ll need to choose a rooftop cargo bag that you can actually attach to your roof! Some bags require the use of a roof rack, while others work without one.
Whatever situation you find yourself in, securing your bag safely to your roof is of the utmost importance when it comes to choosing a rooftop bag!
Our Top 5 Rooftop Cargo Bags Reviewed
Fortunately, we’ve done all the research for you and put together a list of our top 5 rooftop bags for you to choose the one that best fits your needs.
1. Rightline Gear Sport 2 Car Top Carrier
The Rightline Gear Sport 2 Car Top Carrier is 100% waterproof and designed to work with cars with or without roof racks.
There are four different capacities to choose from: 9, 12, 15, or 18-cubic feet. Rightline uses two innovative techniques to ensure weatherproof construction.
The Dual Seam Technology ensures strength and is welded to be waterproof, while the ZipRight System includes a urethane coated zipper under a protected flap where water can’t get to it. Add in the UV protected PVC Semi-Coated Mesh XT shell, and you’ve got a weather-resistant rooftop bag for all your needs!
Its aerodynamic shape is great for SUVs, minivans, and crossover vehicles, reducing wind resistance for a quieter and more economical ride. Installation is a breeze with the included carrier, 4 attachment straps, 4 car clips, and stuff sack.
Rightline also backs their products with a 1-year manufacturer’s warranty!
Highlights:
- Engineered to be 100% waterproof and weatherproof
- Attaches with or without a roof rack
- 4 different capacities to choose from
- Aerodynamic design
2. Keeper 07203-1 Waterproof Roof Top Cargo Bag
The Keeper 07203-1 Waterproof Roof Top Cargo Bag is built for cars with a roof rack, utilizing attachments on all 4 sides.
If you cannot securely attach on all sides, you’ll need to use caution when using this cargo bag. Constructed with soft sides for flexibility and to fit items of any shape and size, this heavy-duty bag is made of rubber laminated nylon.
At maximum capacity, you get 15-cubic-feet of space, and when not in use this bag collapses down to store easily. Designed to withstand sun, grit, rain, and mud, your belongings will be safe inside the Keeper 07203-1 wherever your adventures take you!
Highlights:
- Heavy-duty construction with rubber laminated nylon for durability
- Flexible, soft sides hold up to 15-cubic-feet of items in different shapes and sizes
- Folds compactly to easily store when not in use
- Requires roof rack with attachment on all 4 sides for security
3. LED Kingdomus Rooftop Cargo Bag
The LED Kingdomus holds 19-cubic-feet of stuff and works for both car rooftops with or without a roof rack and truck pick-up beds.
The exterior is created with 600D oxford fabric that is tear, heat, and cold-resistant, and the interior layer has a PVC coating to prevent water from seeping in and getting your stuff wet. Also, PU waterproof glue prevents rain from penetrating at the seams.
We love the 10 velcro strap restrainers that prevent the straps from flapping in the wind, and the capacity adjustment buckle to compress items inside so they don’t shift during travel.
What’s also great is the combination lock, which not only will keep your bag from slipping open while traveling, but you can park your car and leave it attached without worrying about someone rifling through your belongings!
Highlights:
- 19-cubic-foot capacity stores all your stuff and then some!
- Waterproof design features include interior PVC coating and PU waterproof glue to protect your belongings from weather
- Comes with slip-proof roof mat to keep in place and protect your paint
- Works with vehicles with or without a roof rack, as well as for pick-up truck beds
4. RoofBag Waterproof
If you’re looking for a rooftop bag that’s economical and durable, the RoofBag Waterproof is a great choice!
Constructed using double-coated abrasion-resistant vinyl, it’s waterproof and heavy-duty, as well as rip and peel resistant. The fabric has been specially treated to endure extreme temperatures and anything your adventures can throw at it including wind, snow, and sand!
With 15-cubic-feet of storage, you can install this on vehicles with side rails, crossbars, or without a roof rack at all. The straps are seatbelt style and are water-resistant so they won’t wick water into your car if attached through the inside without a rack.
Highlights:
- 15-cubic feet of space
- Waterproof design with special treatment to resist wind, sun, sand, and snow, as well as extreme temperatures
- Works with vehicles without roof racks, as well as vehicles with rack side rails or crossbars.
5. Sherpak Go! 15 Roof Bag
Sherpak Go! is a great rooftop cargo bag made from 16oz. vinyl that’s both UV and cold-resistant.
With both welded seams and a deeply recessed zipper with vinyl storm flap, it’s waterproof and ready for your travels. The Sherpak comes with compression straps to secure your bag and your belongings and keeps it from flapping around keeping your vehicle aerodynamic and economical.
You can attach this to any vehicle with or without a rack, and folds easily to store when not in use.
Highlights:
- Heavy-duty vinyl construction is UV and cold-resistant
- Waterproof features include welded seams and recessed zipper with vinyl storm flap
- Compression straps keep your bag and items secure and stable, while also keeping your vehicle as aerodynamic as possible
- Works with vehicles with or without a roof rack