Sometimes even the most spacious SUV isn't enough for what you're trying to pack for your next big trip. That's why roof cargo boxes come in so handy. They allow you to add extra storage space to your vehicle at an affordable price.
Yet, hard-shell cargo carriers are large and cumbersome. They can be difficult to store when they're not in use.
If you want to enjoy more cargo space without the hassle of storing a large box, a soft rooftop cargo carrier is for you.
Soft roof boxes can fold up when they're not in use, making them effortless to store at home. You can easily fold it up and keep it under the bed or in a closet. Softshell carriers also offer waterproofing and protection for your valuables. If you're in the market for a soft rooftop cargo carrier, you're in the right place. Here are our picks for the best softshell cargo boxes on the market right now.
6: Fivklemnz Car Roof Bag Cargo Carrier
we have one of the highest-rated soft carriers on Amazon. The Fivklemnz Car Roof Bag Cargo Carrier features heavy-duty materials for durability. The materials, as well as the hot-welded seams, will keep your belongings safe and sound. It's 100% waterproof, so you don't need to worry about checking the weather before heading out.
Eight reinforced straps will keep the carrier in place at all times. That will keep your belongings neat and in place. For your convenience, the straps are adjustable.
There's also an anti-slip mat included in the purchase, speaking of holding the cargo in place. It keeps the carrier firmly in place even on the bumpiest roads. The mat does more than protect your belongings, though. The anti-slip mat will also ensure that the roof of your vehicle stays intact. You won't run into any scratches or bruises when using this carrier.
Another perk of this roof box is its universal fit. It will attach to any car, truck, or SUV with ease. You can either use a roof rack or secure it by using four-door hooks.
Finally, it's an incredibly spacious carrier bag. You'll enjoy 15 cubic feet of storage space. That's enough to fit six suitcases, tents, sleeping bags, emergency equipment, and more. With its large capacity, you'll be able to free up some space in your vehicle for a comfier trip.
Other essential features include:
- Total weight of 6.6 pounds, making it lightweight
- Free anti-slip mat and eight reinforced straps for sturdiness
- Effortless to install
- Folds up and stores anywhere in your home
- 30-day money-back guarantee if not satisfied
Do Roof Bags Need Roof Bars?
One of the most commonly asked questions about roof bags is if they require a roof rack or not. While all hard-shell rooftop carriers need roof racks, not all softshell cases do.
While a majority of soft rooftop cargo carrier designs do require crossbars, some do not. You're able to secure them to the roof via the inside of the car.
An example of such a roof bag would be the aforementioned Fivklemnz carrier. If your vehicle lacks a roof rack, you can still use the carrier by attaching it to 4 door hooks inside the car.
For many softshell carriers, no roof rack is preferred. That's because they feature a design where they sit flush on the top of the roof. Crossbars or a roof rack can get in the way and lead to an awkward fit.
So if you want to use a rooftop cargo carrier without installing a roof rack, soft carriers are your best bet. You'll need to make sure that the type of soft carrier that you buy can work without crossbars.
5: MeeFar Car Roof Bag
the MeeFar XBEEK rooftop carrier bag. It's constructed of 100% waterproof material with high-frequency voltage technology. Another material is 600D PVC tarpaulin for superior durability. This soft rooftop cargo carrier is exceptionally rigid while still staying soft and easy to store.
There's a bonus combination lock to add extra security. That comes in handy for transporting belongings that are valuable and expensive. It's a simple lock that's easy to use yet is solid.
The XBEEK bag works with any car, truck, or SUV. Luckily, you don't need a roof rack to use this bag. Of course, it will work with crossbars, but they aren't a necessity.
It comes with a branded storage bag that it folds into when not in use. You can easily store it anywhere in the home, including in any closet or garage. At a total weight of 8.14 pounds, it's lightweight enough to carry anywhere.
Capacity-wise, it's identical to the Fivklemnz carrier at 15 cubic feet. That's a ton of space that can easily fit up to 6 suitcases as well as sleeping bags, travel cases, and more
Other crucial features include:
- Tearproof material that will protect your belongings
- A combination lock for added security
- Anti-slip mat to protect your belongings and the roof of your car
- 6 security straps to keep your belongings in place
- Affordably priced at $89.99 with free returns
How Fast Can You Drive With a Roof Bag?
Drivers are often curious about how fast they can drive with a rooftop carrier attached. That's because they're worried about the aerodynamics of the carrier slowing them down. While this can happen, it generally won't affect the top speed that you can achieve.
Bear in mind; you should always obey the speed limit of the road you're on. As a rule of thumb, you should never exceed 90 MPH with a rooftop carrier to avoid your vehicle becoming unstable.
Nine times out of 10, you won't be on a road that allows you to drive 90 MPH in the first place.
Speaking of aerodynamics, they do come into play with rooftop carriers. They will alter the shape of your car, affecting your wind resistance and overall speed. You may find that it's more challenging to achieve faster speeds with a soft rooftop cargo carrier. It can also have adverse effects on your fuel economy. If speed and fuel efficiency are important to you, you can consider going with a hitch cargo carrier instead. It will attach to the back of your vehicle and will not affect your aerodynamics.
4: Veetos 21 Cubic Feet Car Rooftop Cargo Carrier
If 15 cubic feet of space isn't doing it for you, then this carrier is for you. The Veetos soft rooftop cargo carrier features a whopping 21 cubic feet of storage space. That's enough to carry up to 8 suitcases as well as additional items.
So if you have a massive family that you're taking on vacation, you're going to love this carrier.
Like all the other options, it's waterproof. Yet, this carrier takes things a step further by having a waterproof zipper. Other carriers without waterproofed zippers can let water into the bag. The unique zipper that the Veetos model uses will keep your belongings 100% dry at all times.
Do you not have a roof rack? That's no problem here. There are four-door hooks and eight resilient straps that will hold the carrier in place. There's also a reinforced strap seam to ensure the bag doesn't rip. For many carrier bags, the seams are the weak points where tears occur
Other critical features of the Veetos carrier include:
- A universal fit for all trucks, cars, and SUVs
- Waterproof material and zipper
- Extremely high-density 700D PVC fabric
- Special coating that protects luggage against sun, rain, grit, snow, and wind
- A massive 21 cubic feet of storage space
- Folds up into the carrying bag
- Lightweight at only 9.78 pounds
- Effortless to install with door hooks and straps
How Do You Secure a Cargo Bag to the Roof?
If you've never used a soft rooftop cargo carrier before, you may not know how to install one. That's especially true if you've never used a cargo bag without a roof rack. In general, crossbars are pretty easy to use. You attach the straps to the rack, and that holds your carrier in place.
But how do you secure a bag without a roof rack? The answer is that you use your doors.
To attach one of the carriers listed above, you run the tie-down straps through your doors. In many cases, you'll have a hook to use to secure it inside. It's imperative to use your doors and not the windows.
If the bag that you're using doesn't have an anti-slip mat, it's a good idea to lay down a towel or blanket first. That will protect your roof from scratches.
3: RabbitGoo Rooftop Cargo Carrier
If you aren't looking to spend too much on a soft rooftop cargo carrier, this is the one for you. The RabbitGoo Rooftop Cargo Carrier is incredibly affordable at $59.99. Not only that, but it's a fantastic product with great capacity, durability, and convenience.
Another perk of this carrier is that it works great with both crossbars and without. There are four safety door hooks for vehicles with no rack. For those with, there are eight reinforced straps for your roof rack. No matter what your vehicle's roof situation is, you'll be able to install and use this carrier in no time.
Practicality is the name of the game here. The carrier is waterproof and durable, and it has 15 cubic feet of storage space. You can fit six suitcases as well as other items. Its premium materials will protect your luggage against the wind, rain, sun, wind, and more
Essential features include:
- An extremely affordable price at $59.99
- Effortless to install
- Sturdy construction and waterproof material/zipper
- Works with roof racks and without them
- Penetration resistant, making it ideal for transporting odd-shaped items
Do Roof Bags Make Noise?
A concern some drivers have is the noise rooftop carriers make. It is true that at higher speeds, the straps tend to get noisy. The good news is that there are ways to mitigate this. We recommend twisting the side of each strap at the end. That will do a lot to dampen the noise they make when in transit.
2: RoofPax Car Roof Bag
the fantastic RoofPax Car Roof Bag. It's constructed of military-grade durable materials that are waterproof and resilient. It can work with or without a roof rack, and it has an extra-large size. Coming in at 19 cubic feet of space, you can easily carry anything you want inside it.
The free door hooks make for a safe and secure way to install your cargo carrier. You won't have to mess with any cumbersome straps that can interfere with your airbags
Essential features include:
- Extra-large size with 19 cubic feet of storage space
- Military-grade materials for superior waterproofing and durability
- A lifetime warranty on zippers and buckles
- 100% satisfaction guarantee
- Works with and without roof rack
- A universal fit for all cars, trucks, and SUVs
How Much Weight Can You Put in a Roof Bag?
It will depend on the type of vehicle that you have. A heavy-duty truck will be able to transport more weight on the roof than a small sedan. The general weight range a roof can handle is between 100 and 160 pounds.
1: Adakiit 15 Cubic Feet Car Rooftop Cargo Carrier
we have the most versatile and affordable option on our list. The Adakiit soft rooftop cargo carrier has everything that you need. It's amazingly durable with 700D PVC fabric. It's incredibly affordable at $54.99. Its 15 cubic feet of space can hold up to 6 suitcases and more. Not only that, but the flexible material can accommodate objects with strange shapes.
A doubly reinforced strap stream will prevent rips and tears. It comes with six safety straps that you can use with or without a roof rack. It has a universal fit, and it's lightweight and easy to store at home. It folds up into its storage bag with ease.
Its core features include:
- A coated surface to protect against rain and UV rays
- A waterproof zipper, doubly reinforced strap stream, and 700D PVC fabric
- Unbeatable price of $54.99
- Effortless to install
Bestselling soft rooftop cargo carrier on Amazon
Concluding Thoughts
Those are our picks for the best soft rooftop cargo carrier models on the market. So if you're planning an extended vacation this summer, any one of these fantastic carriers will do right by you. Also, don't forget to check us out at The Roof Boxes.
Last update on 2023-12-03 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API