Packing your vehicle for a long road trip or a weekend camping adventure can be stressful. Not only do you have to consider what to bring, but also how to fit everything without compromising comfort or visibility.
Thankfully, there are many rooftop cargo carriers on the market that can add roughly 10 to 18 cu-ft. or more of storage space, depending on the type and size.
The four most common types include racks, bags, baskets, and hard shells. Each has its unique strengths and drawbacks, depending on the kind of trip you're packing for, the items you plan to bring, and the weather conditions you might encounter.
For instance, cargo bags are often made of nylon or vinyl, making them lightweight and easy to load. Yet, they're less secure than hard shells, which are usually made of high-density plastic and have locking mechanisms to help keep your belongings safe.
So, which is right for you? Well, good news, this article covers everything you need to know to choose the ideal rooftop cargo carrier for your needs.
We'll start by comparing the different carrier types and what they're best suited for. Then, we'll round up the best options currently available, as reviewed by the experts at JEGS.
Different Types of Car Roof Storage
Understanding the different types of car top carriers can help you make an informed decision that best fits your travel needs. Each type—racks, bags, baskets, and hard shells—offers unique benefits and potential drawbacks, varying in their durability, weather resistance, security, and cost:
- Racks: Racks (also known as cross bars) attach to a vehicle's side roof rails, providing a versatile platform for hauling oversized items like bikes, skis, or kayaks. Yet, their open design means your gear will be exposed to weather and potential theft. Despite the lack of security, their simplicity and lower cost ($50-$150) make roof racks a favored option for many, especially adventure enthusiasts hauling bulky gear.
- Bags: Rooftop bags, as their name implies, are large cargo bags that often attach to a vehicle's roof rack, offering a lightweight, affordable ($40-$200), and flexible storage solution. Usually made from durable, water-resistant materials like vinyl or nylon, cargo bags are great for keeping your belongings safe from rain and dirt. What's more, their soft exterior makes them great for irregularly shaped items.
- Baskets: Cargo baskets are essentially flat platforms with raised sides that attach to a vehicle's roof rack. While fantastic for hauling oversized or oddly-shaped items, baskets are not fully enclosed, leaving your gear more exposed than it would be in a bag or hard shell. Despite being costlier ($150-$500), the open design allows easy access to your belongings and offers a great deal of flexibility in arranging items.
- Hard Shells: Hard shell carriers, or cargo boxes, mount onto a vehicle's roof rack, providing durable and secure storage. Made from sturdy, weather-resistant materials like fiberglass and high-density plastic, they help keep your gear safe from the elements. What's more, they usually have locking mechanisms to deter thieves. While typically pricier ($250-$1,000+), the added protection and longevity make hard shells a preferred choice by many, particularly those carrying high-value items or traveling in adverse weather conditions.
Best Rooftop Cargo Carriers for Space Saving, Value, Security, & Versatility
Choosing the ideal rooftop cargo carrier largely depends on your individual needs and priorities. Thankfully, this section further details which carrier types are generally best for space-saving, value, and security.
Best for Space Saving: Hard Shells
For those seeking the best utilization of space, hard-shell carriers often come out on top.
Their rigid, box-like structure allows for systematic and secure packing, helping maximize storage space and keeping your items from shifting around. This makes them perfect for longer trips or family vacations where you need to carry a lot of items.
Also, their aerodynamic design tends to offer less wind resistance, which could positively affect fuel efficiency. While their bulky size may require extra storage when not in use, the space optimization they provide on the road is second to none.
Best Value: Bags
When it comes to getting the most bang for your buck, rooftop bags generally provide the best value.
They are typically less expensive than other carrier types while still offering a decent amount of storage space. Also, their flexibility allows for easier storage when not in use, and their lightweight nature means they're slightly more fuel-efficient, leading to savings down the road.
Moreover, many are made of durable, weather-resistant materials, ensuring they hold up well over time.
Best Security: Hard Shells
If security is your main concern, you can't go wrong with a hard-shell cargo box.
These carriers typically come with lockable features, unlike baskets or racks, protecting your belongings from potential theft.
Additionally, their robust, weather-resistant materials and enclosed design safeguard your items from adverse weather conditions. While typically more costly, the added security of hard-shell carriers makes them well worth the extra investment.
Best Versatility: Baskets & Racks
If versatility is your main concern, baskets and racks are great options. These carriers are not bound by the constraints of a rigid structure, making them ideal for transporting a wide variety of items, from luggage to bicycles, kayaks, and even oversized items that wouldn't fit in hard shells or bags.
Baskets, with their flat platform and raised sides, provide a secure place for various shapes and sizes of cargo. You can arrange your belongings as you wish, and easy access ensures convenient loading and unloading.
Racks, or crossbars, provide an open and adjustable platform for mounting different attachments, such as bike carriers, ski holders, and cargo boxes. They allow you to customize your roof storage according to your specific needs, whether you're planning a biking trip or a ski holiday.
Overall Expert Top Picks
Best Hard Shell: JEGS Rooftop Cargo Carrier
The JEGS Rooftop Cargo Carrier is our top pick for a hard-shell carrier due to its impressive blend of capacity, durability, and thoughtful design. This cargo roof box comes in 10 cu-ft. or 18 cu-ft. models and features a high-capacity interior with dimensions starting at 46 ½”. long, 30 ½” wide, and 17 ½”. in height.
Engineered for convenience, the aerodynamic design of the JEGS hard-shell cargo box helps minimize fuel consumption, while its dual side openings facilitate easy loading and unloading.
Additionally, safety is assured with a four-corner locking system, providing the most rooftop protection and security. The waterproof construction safeguards your luggage from the elements, ensuring your belongings remain dry.
What’s more, with no tools required for assembly and installation, this U.S.-made product is easy to use, carrying a 110 lb. weight capacity and providing peace of mind with a limited lifetime guarantee.
Best Bag: SportRack Vista M Cargo Bag
The SportRack Vista M Cargo Bag is our expert pick for the best bag carrier, offering a fantastic blend of volume, versatility, and resilience. With a 13 cu-ft. capacity and dimensions of 35" x 35" x 18", it offers ample space for your belongings.
Additionally, this bag can attach not only to roof racks but also to side rails without cross bars, providing unmatched versatility. Crafted from water-resistant nylon, the Vista M ensures that your gear stays dry, even during inclement weather.
The SportRack Vista M excels in convenience and functionality, ideal for items that might require protection from the elements or for those looking to upgrade their vehicle's storage without needing roof rack cross bars; an added expense if you don't already have.
Best Basket: Thule Canyon XT Basket
Then there's the Thule Canyon XT Basket, our top choice for the best basket carrier, striking a balance between ruggedness and sleek aesthetics while accommodating gear of various shapes and sizes.
The Canyon XT's low-profile design with tapered sidewalls simplifies the loading and unloading process. Moreover, its versatile mounting hardware is compatible with a wide range of vehicles, offering an added T-track mounting option for increased flexibility.
An optional 20" extension can also increase the cargo area for those bigger adventures. The Thule Canyon XT Basket also includes a wind fairing to ensure smooth airflow over your cargo, further enhancing fuel efficiency.
Notably, all Thule products go through stringent testing, including crash tests, wear and tear simulations, and exposure tests, to guarantee safety, longevity, and performance under extreme conditions.
Best Rack: JEGS Roof Rack Cross Bars
Our expert choice for rooftop racks is the JEGS Roof Rack Cross Bars set, offering a balance of strength, adjustability, and durability.
Crafted from lightweight yet rigid aluminum, these bars boast a substantial 198 lb. load capacity and can accommodate anything from cargo carriers to outdoor gear like bikes, skis, or kayaks.
Their adjustable clamps can accommodate up to a 43-inch span, fitting most vehicles with raised side rails; 52" and 60" models are also available. A heavy-duty, key-secured clamping mechanism assures a secure fit, while the bars' rounded edges reduce turbulence and wind noise.
Each package includes two cross bars, four clamps, two keys, and an Allen wrench. With JEGS Roof Rack Cross Bars, enhance your vehicle's storage capacity without compromising safety or efficiency.
JEGS: Expert Advice for All Your Automotive Needs
Choosing the best rooftop storage solution requires careful consideration of your specific travel needs, budget, and vehicle type. Whether you're an adventure enthusiast needing a sturdy rack, a budget-conscious traveler looking for a versatile bag, or a family vacationer requiring secure hard-shell storage, JEGS has you covered.
Complete your order online and have your rooftop carrier sent straight to your door. Still have questions? Contact our team today.
