I’m the kind of person who packs like I’m moving out every time we take a trip. I tested five rooftop cargo options — hard shells, soft shells, and rooftop bags — by loading them with camping gear, luggage, and a few awkward items (a collapsed tent + a cooler + a foldable chair). I drove them on highways, city streets, and a windy mountain pass to see how they held up, how easy they were to load, and how annoying (or not) they were to live with.
Below I’ll walk you through what to consider, two quick comparison tables, hands-on reviews for each product, an “Other Things to Consider” section, a detailed FAQ, and a short concluding paragraph that recommends who should pick which model.
Quick buying questions — ask these before you choose
- How many cubic feet do you need (weekender vs. full-family move)?
- Do you prefer a hard-shell for weather/security or a soft rooftop bag for storage/price?
- Will you use roof rails or bare roofs (universal straps vs. clamping systems)?
- How important is one-side vs. dual-side opening for loading?
- Are you sensitive to added wind noise or MPG loss?
Product types (quick primer)
| Type | Best for |
|---|---|
| Hard-shell cargo box | Weather protection, security, travel with skis/boards |
| Aerodynamic hard-shell | Reduced wind noise and drag on long highway trips |
| Soft rooftop bag | Cheap, flexible storage; great for occasional use or when you don’t have rails |
| Rooftop trunk (rack-style) | Lots of capacity and durability; heavier and more exposed to elements |
| Rear-opening box | Easy access from the back without leaning over the car |
Our Top Picks by Category
| Category | Product |
|---|---|
| Best premium hard-shell (mid/large) | Thule 615 Pulse Rack, Large, Black |
| Best budget hard-shell | JEGS Rooftop Cargo Carrier — 18 cu ft |
| Best soft rooftop bag (value) | Asinking Car Rooftop Cargo Carrier Bag — 21 cu ft |
| Best waterproof rooftop bag | MeeFar Rooftop Cargo Carrier — 21 cu ft |
| Best rear-opening box (mid-range) | SportRack Vista XL Rear Opening Cargo Box |
Hands-on reviews — what I actually tested
Thule 615 Pulse Rack, Large, Black
Tested by: Me (loaded with family luggage + cooler + collapsible chairs)
Best for: Folks who want a reliable, lockable hard box with passenger-side opening and easy install.
Thule’s build quality shows. It’s a proper hard-shell cargo box with 16 cu ft of space, a central locking system, and a convenient mounting system that makes installation straightforward. It sits cleanly on crossbars, held down tightly with the FastGrip quick-mount system. Loading is simple thanks to passenger-side opening and the box feels sturdy on the highway. If you’re hauling skis or multiple suitcases with some regularity, this is the most user-friendly option of the group.
Pros
- Excellent build and locking security.
- Passenger-side opening makes loading easy.
- Solid fit and finish; good for skis/boards.
Cons
- Heavier than soft bags (adds vehicle height).
- Higher price than simple rooftop bags.
SportRack Vista XL Rear Opening Cargo Box
Tested by: Me (loaded rear-heavy items and awkward-sized bags)
Best for: People who want rear access and big capacity without premium Thule pricing
The Vista XL is a rear-opening hard shell that’s roomy and convenient if you prefer accessing your gear from behind the vehicle. It’s not as premium as some Thule models but gives a lot of storage for the money and the rear opening is a real convenience in tight parking situations — you don’t need to lean over the hood to reach into it. The mounting hardware is adequate, and the box is stable at highway speeds.
Pros
- Rear opening for easy access.
- Good capacity vs. price.
- Stable at highway speeds.
Cons
- Slightly less refined fit/finish than premium boxes.
- May need occasional retightening on rough roads.
Asinking Car Rooftop Cargo Carrier Bag — 21 cu ft
Tested by: Me (used on rails and strapped to bare roof)
Best for: Budget buyers, infrequent users, and when you need maximum flexibility
This rooftop bag is large (around 21 cu ft advertised) and properly waterproof in real-world use — I drove through afternoon rain and the contents stayed dry. It’s a soft bag, so it collapses when not in use and stores in the trunk. Installation with straps and hooks is straightforward; on bare-roof cars you’ll want to use a protector mat and be strict about strap routing. Soft bags generate more wind noise and are exposed to road spray, but they’re unbeatable for occasional uses and budget-conscious buyers.
Pros
- Very affordable and flexible.
- Large capacity for the price.
- Waterproof claims hold up in normal rainy conditions.
Cons
- More wind noise and drag than a hard box.
- Not as secure — can’t lock to the same degree as hard shells.
MeeFar Rooftop Cargo Carrier — 21 cu ft
Tested by: Me (rain + highway + light offroad)
Best for: Travelers who want a waterproof bag but prefer better straps and accessories.
MeeFar’s rooftop bag also advertises 21 cu ft and includes anti-slip mats, reinforced straps, and multiple mounting points. In testing it stayed sealed in heavy rain and the anti-slip mat reduced shifting on long drives. It’s a believable middle ground between cheap soft bags and expensive boxes: still noisier than hard shells, but much easier to store and kinder to the budget.
Pros
- Waterproof and comes with good mounting accessories.
- Large capacity and easy storage.
- Better anti-slip features than many budget bags.
Cons
- Still a soft bag — more wind noise and less security.
- Straps can rub paint if not routed correctly.
JEGS Rooftop Cargo Carrier — 18 cu ft
Tested by: Me (loaded midweight gear and drove at highway speeds)
Best for: Budget-conscious buyers who want a hard-shell look and a straightforward mounting system.
The JEGS rooftop carrier is a hard-ish shell with about 18 cu ft of capacity and a 110 lb load rating. It’s not sculpted like expensive aerodynamic boxes, but it’s a sturdy, cost-effective option for people who want some protection from weather and better security than a soft bag. It’s heavier than bags but lighter than premium hard boxes; a good middle-road choice.
Pros
- Hard-shell protection at a lower price point.
- Decent capacity for most family trips.
- Good load rating (110 lb).
Cons
- Not as aerodynamic or refined as premium models.
- Build quality is functional rather than premium.
Other things to consider
- Weight & load capacity: Check both the carrier’s max load and your vehicle’s roof load limit (this is often lower than you think).
- Installation & fit: Hard boxes often clamp to crossbars; soft bags strap to rails or the roof. Confirm compatibility with your crossbar spacing and roof type.
- Aerodynamics & noise: Hard, aerodynamic boxes reduce wind noise compared with bulky, boxy designs or soft bags. Expect increased fuel consumption with any rooftop cargo.
- Security: Hard boxes with locks are far more secure than bags. If theft is a concern, choose a lockable hard-shell.
- Weather protection: If you frequently hit rain or snow, a hard shell or a properly sealed waterproof bag is a must.
- Access: Dual-side openings are convenient. Rear-opening boxes are great if you load from the back.
- Size vs. garage clearance: Measure your driveway/garage height. Many boxes add significant height.
- Accessories: Anti-slip mats, quality straps, and padding help protect your roof and cargo.
Frequently Asked Quesrions
Q1: Will a rooftop cargo box reduce my gas mileage?
Yes — adding anything to your vehicle that increases frontal area or drag will reduce fuel economy. Hard-shell boxes that are aerodynamic minimize the penalty, while bulky boxes and soft bags typically reduce MPG more. The exact mpg hit depends on speed (higher speeds increase drag exponentially), shape, and size. For highway trips, expect to lose some efficiency — planning trips with that in mind helps (pack lighter, remove the box when not needed).
Q2: Are soft rooftop bags actually waterproof?
Some are marketed as 100% waterproof and many hold up well in typical rain. In testing, higher-quality bags (like MeeFar and the Asinking bag I used) resisted heavy rain when properly sealed and strapped, but long-term exposure to pressurized spray at highway speeds can still let in moisture if flap seals aren’t perfect. Hard shells are more reliably weatherproof.
Q3: How do I know my roof/crossbars can handle a box?
Check your vehicle owner’s manual for the roof load rating (static/dynamic). That’s the total allowed weight on the roof (roof rails + crossbars + cargo). Also check the carrier’s own load rating (e.g., 110 lb). The lower of the two is your limit. Remember that gear weight includes the carrier itself. Secure mounting and correct torque on clamps is essential.
Q4: Can rooftop carriers damage my car’s paint?
They can if straps aren’t routed with protective mats or if mounting hardware rubs. Use the included anti-slip/paint-protection mats, avoid sharp edges contacting paint, and periodically check and readjust straps. For bars with rubber coating, ensure clamps are clean and properly installed.
Q5: Is it safe to leave a rooftop cargo box on the car year-round?
Not ideal. Long-term exposure to sun/UV, freezing temps, or heavy snow can degrade seals and materials. If you’re not using it regularly, remove and store it — especially soft bags which collapse for easy storage. Hard boxes can be left on for convenience but check seals and locks periodically.
Conclusion
If you want the most reliable, user-friendly hard box and you don’t mind paying a bit more, the Thule 615 Pulse gave the best combination of build quality, locking security, and loading convenience in my real-world testing. If you want the best value for a hard shell without the premium price, the JEGS Rooftop Carrier is a solid mid-range alternative. For people on a tight budget or who only occasionally need extra space, the Asinking 21 cu ft bag and the MeeFar 21 cu ft waterproof bag are inexpensive, portable, and genuinely useful — just be mindful of noise and security. Finally, if you want rear access and good capacity at a reasonable price, the SportRack Vista XL is a practical choice.