The 10 Best Car Racks for Carrying Cargo and Rooftop Storage

The roof of your vehicle can be used to increase the available storage space in your vehicle through the use of rooftop cargo and storage systems. A roof rack is not standard on all vehicles, but can be selected as an option or installed on many vehicles after purchase. If you are adding a roof rack to your vehicle, be sure to learn more about how to choose the best roof rack for your vehicle and needs.

Rooftop storage can include both hard shells and cargo bags, each with its own advantages and disadvantages when it comes to capacity, cargo safety, weather protection and weight. Once you've determined which option best suits your needs and your budget, check out the following top 10 car roof racks for cargo and roof storage.

10. Highland - Rainproof Cargo Roof Bag - $47.94

Image: Highland

The Highland Rain Proof Roof Top Cargo Bag has a capacity of 15 cubic feet, providing more vehicle storage space. Roof bag, made from rainproof material and seam welded, includes all mounting straps and easily attaches to most factory roof racks. When not in use, the 7.8 lb bag folds up for storage.

Buy a Highland Roof Bag from Home Depot.

9. Pilot Automotive - Water Resistant Aerodynamic Truck - $44.99

Image: Pilot Automotive

With a capacity of 15 cubic feet, the aerodynamic cargo carrier is designed to reduce drag and save fuel. It can be attached to either the cross bars or the side rails of most factory roof racks. The bag is made from waterproof or weather resistant material to keep gear and supplies dry on the road and increase overall vehicle storage space.

Buy a Pilot Automotive truck from Pep Boys.

8. Keeper - Waterproof Rooftop Cargo Bag - $49.99

Image: Guardian

The Keeper Waterproof Cargo Roof Bag has 15 cubic feet of storage space in a 44" x 34" x 17" laminated nylon bag. Designed for all roof racks, the bag can be attached on all four sides. When not in use, the 5.1 lb. cargo bag folds for easy storage. The padded sides flex to accommodate oddly shaped loads, while the weather-resistant fabric keeps things protected from the weather and dirt.

Buy a Keeper Rooftop Cargo Bag from Amazon.

7. Shield Jacket - Waterproof Rooftop Cargo Travel Bag - $49.99

Image: Safety jacket

The Shield Jacket Waterproof Rooftop Cargo Travel Bag has 15 cubic feet of storage space and is fully weatherproof. Its welded seams are waterproof, and eight built-in zip ties hold the double-walled vinyl bag in place. Measuring 43" x 34" x 17", oddly shaped or bulky items fit with ease. And when not in use, it folds up for storage.

Buy the Shield Jacket Roof Bag on Amazon.

6. Sherpak go ahead! – 15 Roof Bag – $114.95

Image: Sherpak Goh

15 Cubic Feet 15 Roof Bag by Sherpak Go! Constructed from 16oz UV and cold resistant vinyl with welded seams for improved weather protection. Durable #10 two-way zips accept padlocks, while a recessed zip and vinyl wind flap keep water out. The universal attachment kit allows you to attach the bag to almost any vehicle. The bag measures 45 x 37 x 15.5 inches and weighs 7.4 pounds.

Buy Sherpak Go! Roof bag from REI.

5. Thule - Interstate Roof Bag - $199.95

Image: Thule

Thule's 16 cubic foot Interstate Roof Pouch Bag is made from double-coated thermoplastic elastomer and certified IPX3 water resistant. The 40-way zipper has a wind flap to keep the weather out. In addition, the bag has a padded base to protect your vehicle's trim and dual compression straps to securely position your load. When not in use, the bag folds up for storage. The 38 x 18 x 5.5 inch bag fits most Thule square and round handlebars and most factory racks and weighs XNUMX pounds.

Buy this Thule roof bag from REI.

4. Horizon - M Cartop Carrier - $299.95

Image: Horizon

The 11 cubic foot Cartop Carrier Horizon M is made from high impact ABS material and features an opening on the passenger side for easy cargo access. The carrier includes a quick release mount for easy installation and removal. The 88.5" x 21" x 15" mount fits SportRack Frontier rack systems, square and round bars, and most factory racks.

Buy a Horizon Roof Rack from Sears.

3. Yakima - SkyBox 16 Carbonite Roof Box - $499.99

Image: Yakima

The 16 cubic foot Yakima skyBox 16 Carbonite Cargo Roof Box is made from 80% recycled plastic and weighs 47 pounds. At 6 feet 9 inches long, it is 36 inches wide and 15 inches high. The box with internal stiffeners of the lid has double side openings for easy access to the mechanism from any side of the car. The rear of the cargo area is sloped for increased trunk and hatch clearance, and the quick release mount fits square, round, factory and Yakima aero bars.

Buy a Yakima roof box from REI.

2. Thule - Sonic XL Roof Rack - $659.95

Image: Thule

The patented aerodynamic Thule Sonic XL rack is 7'6" long, 34.5" wide, 16" high and weighs 51 pounds. Reversible openings allow access to gear or supplies from either side of the box, and its locking system includes an external locking handle and built-in security features that prevent the key from being removed unless the box is fully closed. In addition, the rear of the cargo area is angled to help maximize boot and hatch clearance. Finally, the box can be mounted on both square and round bars and most factory racks.

Buy this Thule roof bag from REI.

1. Thule - 682 Sidekick Cargo Cargo Box - $299.95

Image: Thule

The smaller Thule 682 Sidekick Rooftop Cargo Carrier Box has a capacity of 8 cubic feet and features a side-opening design for easy loading and unloading. The 16.1-pound box attaches to most detachable and factory roof racks and measures 54 inches wide, 15.5 inches high, and 25 inches long. The crate is designed to carry up to 110 pounds of cargo and is made of impact-resistant UV-resistant ABS plastic. In addition, the box can be mounted or removed from the rack using the Thule U-bolt/handle mounting system.

Buy this Thule roof bag on Amazon.

Whether you're looking for a bag that can be folded down for easy storage or a more sturdy and durable option, there are plenty of great roof rack options and storage solutions out there. Add more space to your car on any budget. If you have any questions about using or installing a rack or roof rack on your vehicle, seek the assistance of a mechanic.