Depending on the type of cargo you plan to carry, you can select a carrier that is specifically made for your needs. For example, if you want to carry lightweight items that can even be larger in volume such as sleeping bags, a roof bag can be all you need. Load it evenly. Even weight distribution of gear is crucial. Experts recommend tying down stowed items to keep your gear from sliding around inside the pod. This casing also goes a long way to protect your belongings from harsh weather conditions and moisture. Bauer Media Group consists of : Bauer Consumer Media Ltd, Company number 01176085; Bauer Radio Limited, Company number: 1394141;

Although car roof bags are by nature not as weatherproof, many current ones do offer a good degree of protection against the elements. Rear: Sometimes considered a budget feature, rear-opening cargo carriers can sometimes be harder to load depending on the vehicle. Cons: Thule products are trusted but pricey! Requires roof bars. You do get more wind noise and drag than a roof box but applies to most roof bags.

5. Best for Storage: Thule Sidekick Cargo Box

Single-side : These cargo carriers only open on one side, typically the passenger or driver side of the vehicle. Some customers find the Fivklemnz isn’t adequately waterproofed, which leads to soaked belongings. It’s hard to know if these reviewers received defective products or if the waterproofing didn’t work because the bag wasn’t properly secured.

If you don't have the space to store a full-size, hard-sided roof box, this practical, collapsible bag design will fold flat enough to be stored under a bed. With 15 cubic-feet of space, you'll be able to stuff it with an impressive amount of gear, and thanks to the IPX5 water jet-tested rubberized fabric and urethane coated zippers, it will keep out all but the very worst weather. The aerodynamic shape is a welcome point of difference to the boxy competition, and will keep noise to a minimum. There's quite a few compromises compared to a hard-sided design, but for the price, you won’t find a more convenient way to haul a huge amount of gear, even in bad weather.With a universal design and metal construction, this luggage carrier is one of the simplest and most durable designs on the market. It represents a solution that is easy to use and even looks a bit retro. Made with a metal frame with a length of 43 inches and a width of 39 inches, the carrier is easy to store when not in use due to its compact size. Adding a carrier to the top of your car will create extra drag, which can reduce your car’s fuel efficiency. Once each rooftop cargo carrier was installed, we took it for an extended test drive to determine how much drag it caught. Rooftop carriers that produced the least amount of noise and drag scored best in this category. Hardy: Roof bags are made from heavy-duty waterproof and UV-resistant fabrics. Those designed and produced by reputable manufacturers are able to cope with both sunny and wintery conditions for a long time. Cons: Dual-sided : The best rooftop cargo carriers open can open from either the driver side or passenger side for easy access.