You are packing up the car and getting away for a week or maybe a few. You have all the right gear – the tent, the tennis set, maybe even the kayak for some lazy afternoon paddling. The thing is you have an issue of space. You can choose to leave your children behind and cram as much on the back seat as possible – or you can get yourself a rooftop cargo carrier. It is likely that one choice more than the other will lead to a more fulfilled holiday – and a future, happy life with your spouse!

Buying the roof rack for your car is no easy matter. There is an absolute avalanche of models available to buy in store or online – and it will feel impossible to know where to begin. This guide is essential to your rooftop cargo carrier purchase, as we introduce you to the different types of rooftop cargo carriers and help you to find out which one is more likely to fulfil your needs.

My #1 Recommendation

There is such a lot of choice out there – being forced to choose one to recommend over others is difficult. However, there is one standout rooftop cargo carrier that is worth singling out. The Yakima Skybox Carbonite Cargo Box comes in at a reasonable price but is packed with features. The reason I like it so much – the amount of space offered without it looking too bulky on the top of my car. With 16 cubic feet of storage, this is more than enough for me and the family – and it was easy to install and to access – with its dual sided opening. Yakima is a top brand and comes with bags of history of high quality product – sometimes you just must go with a proven success story. And if you want more proof, there are over 300 reviews on the Amazon with an average of 4.5 stars to back me up.

Types of Rooftop Cargo Carriers

There are three types of cargo carriers, these include the cargo boxes, cargo bags, and cargo baskets. Let’s take you through these types of cargo carriers to help you decide which might be your best option.

Cargo Boxes

Cargo boxes come in various sizes and finishes – and you can even get some that are lockable. The obvious feature of a cargo box is that you are getting a solid sided box that attaches to the top of your car. You can buy cargo boxes that are roof mounted models or hitch mounted models. Cargo boxes require you to have a rack system in place too. Roof mounted cargo boxes are an ideal way to increase the capacity of your car. It leaves your trunk space easily accessible whilst giving you a secure place to store important kit.

Cargo Bags

Cargo Bags are pretty similar to Cargo Boxes, except they come in fabric, with soft sides – rather than the bulky, hard sided box. The amount of space you get with a cargo bag is much less than a cargo box. However, they are much easier to mount on your car and easy to stow when not in use. They also come at a fraction of the cost of cargo boxes. The cargo bags are sturdy and effective protection against the fiercest of elements. However, it is still worth giving your things an extra layer of protection by covering them in plastic bags too.

Cargo Baskets

A cargo basket is an extension to your roof rack. It is like a narrow sided, super-sized shopping basket attached to the top of your car. To attach a cargo basket, you will need a rack system in place. Your cargo basket can also house your cargo bags much more simply. You will secure your kit to the cargo basket using stretchy cargo net and hooks. Cargo baskets, with the net, give you more flexibility in the size and shape of cargo that you carry – but does not offer the same sort of protection from the elements as the boxes and the bags.

Rack Systems

You are likely going to need a rack system, no matter what other rooftop cargo carrier you opt to purchase. It is essentially the connection between your car and whatever you want to carry on top of your car.

A rack system offers you flexibility to carry a range of objects, including bikes, skis and snowboards, surfboards, canoes and kayaks, as well as being a mount for your cargo box, bag or basket. Choosing an appropriate rack system requires some knowledge of what you are hoping to carry. If you are going to carry expensive and large equipment, then you need heavy-duty square crossbars. However, if it is just going to carry some bikes – then you have more freedom to buy any rack system.

Most rack systems will come with the accessories needed to fit to your car. Most will also match with a range of bars – whether they are square, round, aero or elliptical bars. Knowing what you want to carry is sometimes the better starting point – then you can buy a rack that is specific to your equipment, whether it is bikes or boats.

It is also a good idea to research the rack system that is most appropriate to your vehicles. There are essentially four categories of vehicle – naked roof, factory installed raised side rails, factory installed flat tracks and factory installed roof racks with cross bars. With a naked roof you will need to purchase a fit kit, foot pack and crossbars – as you will need to create the complete rack system. Other options will require a mixture of fit kit, foot pack and crossbars – depending on what is already attached to the top of the car.

The major choice you face is the type of crossbar you purchase. When choosing you will be interested in shape, wind noise, drag and the material used for construction. The ones you choose will impact what you can carry and the price you will pay.

Features to Consider When Buying a Cargo Carrier

When buying your cargo carrier there are many factors you will need to consider. Here are some of the important features to consider when buying a cargo carrier.

Capacity

One of the most important things to consider is the size of your rooftop cargo carrier – how much will it allow you to carry on the top of your car? The normal range is between 10 to 25 cubic feet. The size of your cargo carrier will obviously depend on the size of your car and what it can handle. However, you also need to think about the sort of items you hope to fit into your cargo carrier and how secure they need to be.

Design

The design of your cargo carrier is more than just the look of the cargo carrier. Obviously, you want the aesthetics – but you also want your car to maintain its aerodynamic qualities too. Something too square will create a drag on your car and cause you to spend more money in fuel. The design can also impact on the amount of wind noise you experience. The lower and longer the rooftop cargo carrier – the more aerodynamic it will be. However, the length and height will also practically impact on the items you can store.

Durability

A cargo carrier is a substantial investment. You want to know that your purchase will last a long time. Value for money is cited as one of the most important factors in making a decision – but this does not necessarily mean the cheapest. You are looking for a material that will maintain the carriers structure, as well as continuing to protect against adverse weather conditions.

Compatibility

You need to choose a cargo carrier that fits with the fixtures already attached to your car and to the objects that you want to carry. There are round and square shaped cargo carriers – there are those that are aerodynamic – and those that will fit perfectly to your factory bars. Do some research before purchase to make sure that your cargo carrier is compatible with your needs.

Ease-of-use

Although not the most important feature, you are more likely to be influenced by a cargo carrier that is easy to assemble. A complicated assembly will limit the time you can be holidaying and make the cargo carrier inflexible – who wants to keep taking it on and off the roof when its that hard? Look for the term user-friendly and for those that can be assembled without requiring tools.

Another factor is accessibility – you need to be able to open them from different positions – so that you have access to all the items in the carrier. Those that only open from the front or the rear make it necessary for you to unpack everything to get to the thing at the back of the box!

Security

You should realistically opt for a cargo carrier that comes with a security lock. You will want the knowledge and confidence that your possessions are safe when you leave your car unattended. Having a good lock is one way of keeping your things secure, but so is buying a carrier where the material is strong enough to not be ripped or otherwise compromised.

Best Cargo Carrier Brands

There are a lot of companies who manufacture cargo carrier systems – though not all manufacturers create cargo carriers of equal quality. The right brand for you will likely depend on the type and quality of features, the price and the experience of others who have made similar purchases. Here is a list of the best brands for cargo carriers and what makes them stand out amongst the rest of the market.

Thule

Founded in Sweden in 1942, Thule was the first company in the world to make it possible for car owners to transport bulky equipment – at first the intended audience was those with large sports equipment. However, in recent years, Thule has extended its range to include cargo carriers for different purposes and different models of cars.

Yakima

Yakima is a large brand, but this was not always the case. It started small in a machine shop in Yakima, Washington. Now it is considered one of the best brands available – either purchased under the name Yakima or under the name of Whispbar and Prorack. Yakima is most known for innovation in design – understanding how to adapt the cargo carriers for modern cars and modern usage.

Malone

With just 10 years of market experience, Malone is one of the fastest growing cargo carrier manufacturers coming out of the US. The company has stores across North America, Australia and Europe. Malone is best known for being the first company to offer load assist modules for single person handling. If you are travelling alone, this could be the discerning feature that makes you choose Malone.

SportRack

US based SportRack offers a range of boxes, bags, racks and baskets to increase the capacity of your car. As the name of the brand suggests, this company specialises in snow sport carriers and water sport carriers. The company brand promotes quality products for those wishing to live an active lifestyle.

Inno

The name Inno is taken from the word “innovation” and represents the brands desire to strive for the development of the best cargo carriers on eh market. The basic concept of the brand is to provide innovative designs that are easy to use and show a sense of originality.

Best Cargo Boxes

The range of cargo boxes is huge – there is definitely no shortage of choice. Each of the major brands have a box worthy of choice. Here are the best cargo boxes of the bunch.

Thule Motion XT

A well-designed, sleek cargo box that has been designed for ultimate aerodynamics. Other features include:

Easy to mount that to its uniquely designed Powerclick mount system

Easy to open – with access from both sides and a grp-friendly handle and supporting lid lifters.

Fits skis and snowboards with easy – with 70.8 inches of length available

Fully lockable and has an indicator that tells you when the box is fully closed and secure

Sits forward on the car, so you will have full access to your trunk too.

Yakima SkyBox Carbonite

A top brand in Cargo Carriers, Yakima have done their best work in the SkyBox. Its features include:

Aerodynamic with a carbonite textured lid

You can install without the need for any tools

Comes with a brand specific SuperLatch security system that makes sure your lid is secure and therefore all your possessions are safe

You can access your kit from both sides of the box – meaning nothing is pushed to the back

The box has been designed to taper, so it will not impact on your ability to open the hatch

It comes in a range of sizes – up to 21 cubic feet – so there is every chance you will find one to fit your car.

SportRack Vista XL

SportRack might not come with the same brand value as Thule or Yakima – but it doesn’t mean they can’t build a brilliant cargo box. The Vista XL comes with the follow features:

Fully lockable

Opens from the rear, so you are accessing your kit well away from the traffic

Compatible with a range of roof racks – so you are going to find one that fits with yours

Durable construction that also promises to be UV-resistant – so shouldn’t fade

Quick-release mechanism, making it super easy to get on and off the car

One of the lightest boxes out there, weighing only 28 pounds

Best Cargo Bags

It is harder to find top quality cargo bags. It is a less well-known cargo carrier on the market. This is not to say you shouldn’t opt for one. Here is the best option out there:

RoofBag 100% Waterproof Carrier

Proud to be made in the US, this RoofBag looks sturdy and offers a lot of space without the storage issues of roof boxes. Its features include:

heavy duty waterproof vinyl for full protection of your kit

triple seal technology that means this RoofBag will withstand extreme weather

It fits all vehicles – including those with a naked roof

Comes with heavy duty straps that can withstand a load of 3000lbs

As it is a bag, it is easy to store and easy to install

It is much cheaper than your average box!

Best Cargo Baskets

Carrier baskets offer flexibility – the chance to carry some much bigger items whilst also having a box or a bag to stow away other kits. The best cargo baskets are:

Yakima LoadWarrior

This sounds the business – and makes you want to say its name in a really deep voice! Its features include:

flexibility of use – you can carry a range of kit in the basket, from bikes to boats to luggage to skis and more

It is made from heavy-duty steel – so it is weather resistant and will last for years

You can purchase an extension that adds a further 18 inches to your basket – making it ideal for kayaks

It has a wind reduction system to help with noise and aerodynamics

Tyger Auto TG-RK1B906B

A lesser known brand but no less brilliant, the Tyger Auto Cargo Basket is packed with features, which include:

one of the largest baskets on the market – made with heavy-duty materials that offer durability with good looks

made with 1.5-inch steel tubing that is protected from rust by a matte Black E-coating

many tie-down points, so you can easily secure your kit

Easy assembly – that can fit any size vehicle

carries up to 150lb of kit

Tyger is proud to meet or exceed expected standards for aftermarket auto parts.