When planning a road trip or an outdoor adventure, space can become a premium. That's where a car top cargo bag comes into play. It's an essential accessory for travelers and adventurers who need extra storage space without compromising the comfort of their vehicle's interior. In this article, we'll explore the best car top cargo bags on the market, focusing on features like waterproof zippers, heavy-duty materials, and ease of use.
Essential Features of a Car Top Cargo Bag
When searching for the perfect car top cargo bag, it's crucial to check for certain features that ensure durability and protection. A heavy-duty material is a must, as it will face the brunt of weather and wind. Waterproof zippers are another critical feature, as they keep your belongings dry even during a downpour. Additionally, look for bags with robust straps and buckles that can withstand high speeds and turbulent weather.
Compatibility with Your Vehicle
Before making a purchase, it's important to ensure that the storage bag fits your vehicle. Check your car's manual or manufacturer's website for reference to the size and type of rack or crossbars on your vehicle. A proper fit is not only about size; it's also about the safety and security of the cargo bag while in transit.
Securing the Cargo Bag
Once you've chosen a car top cargo bag that fits your needs, the next step is to secure it properly. Most cargo bags come with straps and a non-slip mat to prevent shifting during travel. It's essential to follow the manufacturer's instructions for securing the bag to avoid any damage to your car or your belongings.
Durability and Material Quality
The material of the car top cargo bag should be able to withstand the rigors of travel. Look for bags made from heavy-duty materials that can resist tears and punctures. The quality of the material also plays a role in the bag's longevity and ability to protect your items from the elements.
Waterproofing and Weather Resistance
A waterproof car top cargo bag is indispensable for any weather conditions. Ensure that the bag you choose has a waterproof zipper and is constructed from water-resistant materials. This will keep your equipment dry and safe, no matter the weather you encounter on your journey.
Size and Storage Capacity
Car top cargo bags come in various sizes, from medium to large, to accommodate different storage needs. Consider the amount of equipment you plan to carry and choose a bag that offers the right balance between space and aerodynamics. A bag that's too large can create unnecessary drag, while one that's too small may not hold all your gear.
Ease of Access and Convenience
The best car top cargo bags are designed with the user's convenience in mind. Look for bags with easy-to-use buckles and straps that make loading and unloading a breeze. Additionally, consider how the bag opens and whether it allows for easy access to your belongings when you need them.
Price and Value for Money
Price is always a consideration when choosing products like a car top cargo bag. While it's tempting to go for the cheapest option, it's important to balance cost with quality. A slightly higher price can often mean better materials, construction, and longevity, offering better value for money in the long run.
Summary
Choosing the best car top cargo bag involves considering factors like material quality, waterproofing, compatibility with your vehicle, and ease of use. By focusing on these key aspects, you can select a cargo bag that will safely and securely carry all your extra equipment, ensuring a hassle-free travel experience.
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Best Car Top Cargo Bag - Reviews
The Best
Product information
When embarking on long journeys or encountering unpredictable weather, having something like our RoofPax car roof bag becomes essential. This handy accessory serves as a practical solution for carrying and safeguarding your belongings, effectively providing additional storage space for your vehicle.
One of the standout features of our RoofPax car roof bag is its adaptability. Even in the absence of racks, this waterproof car topper luggage carrier can be easily attached using the provided bag straps and our patented door hook straps. There's no need for the hassle of securing it inside your car, making it an incredibly user-friendly storage solution.
Constructed from military-grade materials, our RoofPax car roof bag is designed to withstand tough conditions. It features a waterproof design, two closing zippers, dual-seam technology, and double coating, ensuring your belongings are well-protected. The inclusion of strap restraints prevents the access straps from flapping in the wind, adding to the durability and stability of the bag.
Our car roof cargo carrier is a comprehensive package, coming with everything you need, plus a few extras to prepare you for the road ahead. For added convenience, a storage bag is also included for easy stowaways when the carrier is not in use.
This is a great large bag that will fit many items securely. Many happy customers would buy again. Very good customer service.
Some customers mentioned that it's not waterproof. The straps need to have more reinforcement.
Our Thoughts - It's a great large bag. It may not fit properly on smaller roofs. It works better with a roof rack. as the door seal may get damaged. Some of the negative reviews must have received a faulty bag. Read the instructions first.
Very Good
Product information
The cargo bag's design features eight sturdy straps working in harmony with an anti-slip mat to provide a secure and stable setup. This combination ensures the bag remains firmly in place during transit, preventing any movement that could potentially scratch your vehicle. The sleek, streamlined design minimizes air resistance and noise for a smoother, quieter journey. For added safety, reflective strips are strategically placed on the bag to enhance visibility in low-light conditions or at night, ensuring other drivers can spot you easily.
The cargo bag is crafted from 800D PVC fabric, known for its superior water resistance and anti-abrasive properties. It also incorporates high-frequency voltage technology, which tightens the seam for enhanced tear resistance. Unique dual rain flaps and waterproof zippers work together to keep your luggage dry and clean, regardless of the weather conditions. Additionally, the extended 7-inch hook and loop fasteners contribute to increased wind resistance, ensuring the bag stays intact even in windy conditions.
Designed as a solution to the challenge of limited storage space within a car, this 15 cubic feet car rooftop cargo carrier delivers impressive additional capacity. It can comfortably accommodate 4-6 suitcases, travel luggage cases, tents, sleeping bags, and more, catering to the needs of a family of four or five. This extra storage allows you to make thorough preparations for your trips, resulting in a more enjoyable travel experience. With this car rooftop cargo carrier, every journey becomes a breeze, allowing you to focus on making memories.
It holds well and doesn't move, even under heavy rain.
Some customers reported that it wasn't as durable as they expected. Strapping the bag to the roof rack can be an issue not being a solid container.
Our Thoughts - Don't be fooled by the sales images. This is a bag and not a hard container. A very good bag that will last many long trips.
Good
Product information
The original RoofBag car roof cargo carrier, designed in the USA, is a versatile storage solution that can be safely fitted on any model car, with or without a rack, sunroof, or moonroof. The 15 cubic feet model boasts generous dimensions (48" L, 38" W, 11"-18" H), ample enough to accommodate the contents of five suitcases. Its impressive capacity might surprise you. This model can be securely mounted on any roof 58" or longer, making it suitable for SUVs, vans, large sedans, and pickup trucks. Adding to its convenience, the Large Set comes with Liner Bags that simplify the packing and unpacking process of your rooftop cargo bag.
Ensuring the security of your belongings at any highway speed, the RoofBag uses the strongest nylon straps available: 1.5" wide and 3,000 lbs strong, complemented by a Velcro strap retainer. The brand's exclusive pass-through straps have undergone rigorous testing over 18 years, proving their safety and reliability. These straps don't interfere with side curtains as they enter at the corner of the door frame. It's important to note that door hooks or clips are not considered safe in the US, as most cars lack the required lip under the door gasket. However, if your car does have a lip, door hooks can be conveniently purchased from the RoofBag store.
The RoofBag car topper prioritizes the protection of your belongings, combining the benefits of a rigid car top carrier with the practicality of a cargo bag. To ensure waterproofness, the RoofBag is constructed from a single piece of waterproof material, eliminating exposed stitching. A semi-rigid double flap protects the zipper and stays in place without the need for Velcro. Moreover, the straps are water-repellent, and the unique zipper design leaves no gap between the two halves, ensuring complete protection against the elements. For optimal use, it's recommended to install the bag with the logo facing the rear of the car.
It's big and fits a lot of items. Great support service.
Some customers mentioned that it's not waterproof. There seems to be a zipper issue due to not having stops on the ends, hence it can come off completely.
Our Thoughts - Heavy rain and driving at high speeds can force water into the bag. We found that the bag functions better when is fully loaded, otherwise, it will flap about and may destroy itself and cause damage to the paint. Also better for aerodynamics.
Good
Product information
The luggage bag set comes fully equipped with everything you need for a hassle-free travel experience. The set includes a waterproof car roof bag and a 36" X 39" car roof protective mat, ensuring your vehicle remains unscathed during transit. To enable easy attachment of the roof bag to your car without the need for side rails or cross bars, the set includes four heavy-duty straps, an additional two ratchet straps, and four-door hooks. For added security, a lock is included in the set. When not in use, the storage bag can be neatly packed away in the provided storage bag, ensuring a clutter-free storage solution.
Our rooftop cargo bags are constructed from heavy-duty, abrasion-resistant vinyl, offering superior weather protection. These bags are designed to withstand even the most extreme conditions and elements such as wind, sun, rain, snow, or sand. Unlike other bags that are merely water-resistant, our car top carrier storage bag is 100% waterproof. This ensures your belongings stay dry and protected throughout your journey, regardless of the weather conditions.
Designed with user-friendliness in mind, the over-car storage bag features carrying handles and zipper pulls for easy use. The bag is further enhanced with a 2" zipper flap, eight pairs of 5.5" Velcro, and four 1.5" straps. An additional safety lock is also included for maximum security. With these features, you can rest assured that your cargo will remain safe and secure. Our car roof cargo carrier offers the ultimate protection, giving you peace of mind while you focus on enjoying your trip.
Some niggly issues but overall it's a good bag. One-year Warranty.
Some customers reported that the mat and some straps were missing from the kit. Others mentioned that is not rainproof, while some customers said that it is rainproof.
Our Thoughts - This roof bag works better with a roof rack. Material can rip if the straps are tightened very hard. The straps seem to look flimsy. It will do better on a roof rack.
Good Value
Product information
Unlike other roof bags that come with non-watertight zippers, the APTY roof bag stands out with its superior waterproof zipper. Additionally, it features a widened zipper flap that further ensures the contents of the bag remain dry during your travels. The incorporation of these premium features means you can journey with confidence, knowing that your belongings are well-protected from the elements.
The APTY roof bag is constructed from heavy-duty 750D PVC tarpaulin, a material renowned for its durability. This is further enhanced by high-frequency voltage technology, which reinforces the strength and integrity of the bag. An anti-tear inserted layer has also been included in the design, making this roof bag not only durable but also tearproof. With these features, the APTY roof bag offers a robust and reliable solution for your travel storage needs.
The flexibility of the APTY roof bag is another of its standout features. It's designed to fit any car or SUV, ensuring compatibility is never an issue. If your car doesn't have roof racks, don't worry. The bag comes with four door hooks that allow you to easily attach it to the roof of your vehicle. Moreover, it provides a generous 15 cubic feet of car roof storage, meaning you'll never run out of space for your essentials on your next trip. Capable of comfortably holding four suitcases, tents, sleeping bags, and more, the 15 cubic feet APTY cargo bag is a game-changer for car travel storage.
A good bag to carry your extra personal items. It holds up well against the weather and dust.
The nylon straps can leave marks on the paint. Not a heavy-duty bag.
Our Thoughts - We suggest the part of the strap that touches the car be coated or covered with a soft material. This is a good bag that will do the job.
Good
Product information
Our BagMate aerodynamic rooftop cargo carrier is the epitome of convenience when it comes to vehicle cargo carriers. It gives you the freedom to make your travel checklist as comprehensive as you wish, thanks to its spacious 23 cubic feet storage capacity. This generous space can accommodate up to eight suitcases. But that's not all. The innovative design includes detachable straps that, when removed, create additional room on top of your cargo bag. This feature allows for even more storage, making our BagMate rooftop carrier a true game-changer in vehicle cargo solutions.
At BagMate, we place the utmost importance on your safety. With this in mind, we've designed our car top carrier with features that ensure a safe journey. The bag is extremely durable and equipped with heavy-duty straps and safe-to-use door hooks. Unlike some vehicle cargo carriers that use potentially hazardous interior straps that could obstruct airbag deployment, our carrier prioritizes safety. You can trust that our top-quality cargo carrier bag, coupled with reliable equipment, will facilitate safe travels.
We've gone above and beyond to secure your belongings from the elements. Our cartop carrier isn't just waterproof - it boasts triple protection! Constructed from military-grade fabric with a thick PVC coating, a waterproof SBS zipper, and zipper covers with hook and loop fasteners, this cargo carrier is built to resist virtually any weather conditions. Whether it's rain, snow, or even the scorching Texas sun, your BagMate car roof bag can handle it. It's 100% waterproof, UV-protected, and always ready for your next adventure.
It's large and fits so much. Easy to install on your vehicle.
Some customers reported that it's not waterproof. Materials may not be as strong as expected.
Our Thoughts - This is a fairly decent roof bag, we think that some of the issues are human carelessness. After all, it's not made of sheet metal. It will travel better on a roof rack.
FAQ Section
How do I know if a car top cargo bag will fit my vehicle?
Check your vehicle's manual or manufacturer's website for information on the size and type of rack or crossbars. Make sure the cargo bag you choose is compatible with these specifications.
Can I drive at highway speeds with a car top cargo bag?
Yes, as long as the cargo bag is properly secured with straps and a non-slip mat, and the bag is designed for high-speed travel. Always follow the manufacturer's guidelines for maximum speed and load.
Are all car top cargo bags waterproof?
Not all cargo bags are waterproof. Look for bags with waterproof zippers and water-resistant materials to ensure your belongings stay dry.
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