Finding the right basket or bag for your vehicle is tricky, so we’ve compiled a list of the six very best baskets and bags. Also see our buyer’s guide, How to Choose the Best Rooftop Basket and Bag for You.

Best Rooftop Baskets & Bags

	ROLA 59504 V-Tex Rooftop Cargo Basket	ARKSEN 64″ Universal Black Cargo Roof Rack	Coleman Roof Top Rack Cargo Carrier
Dimension	48″(L) x 37″(W) x 5″(H)	64″(L) x 39″(W) x 6”(H)	44.2”(L) x 39”(W) x 6.2”(H)
Capacity	200 lb	150 lb	N/A
Special Features	Heavy-duty construction	Steel wind fairing reduces wind resistance and noise	Mounts to most roof cross bars and roof rack base rails
Customer Ratings	4.2 / 5.0 Stars	4.1 / 5.0 Stars	4.6 / 5.0 Stars

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	Keeper Waterproof Roof Top Cargo Bag	Justin Roof Bag – Roof Top Cargo Carrier Bag	RoofBag Rooftop Cargo Carrier Bag
Cubic	15 Cubic feet (11 cubic feet also available)	19 Cubic feet	15 cubic feet (11 cubic feet also available)
Waterproof	Waterproof design	Waterproof design	Waterproof design
Special Features	Rubber-laminated nylon construction	Includes door hooks instead of unsafe straps	Works with or without a roof rack or side rails
Customer Ratings	4.1 / 5.0 Stars	4.4 / 5.0 Stars	4.6 / 5.0 Stars

Also see: Roof Top Baskets & Bags – Comparison Table

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Quick Answer: Best-Rated Rooftop Baskets – 2019

1. ROLA 59504 V-Tex Rooftop Cargo Basket
2. ARKSEN 64″ Universal Black Cargo Roof Rack
3. Coleman Roof Top Rack Cargo Carrier

Quick Answer: Best-Rated Rooftop Bags – 2019

1. Keeper Waterproof Roof Top Cargo Bag (15 Cubic Feet)
2. Justin Roof Bag – Roof Top Cargo Carrier Bag (19 Cubic Feet)
3. RoofBag Rooftop Cargo Carrier Bag (15 Cubic Feet)

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Rooftop Carrier Baskets and Bags Reviews

Below, you’ll find reviews of the best roof top carrier baskets and bags on the market, and rundown of their best features. After the reviews, there is a handy buyer’s guide that will help you understand what to look for when shopping.

Rooftop Basket Reviews

#1 ROLA 59504 V-Tex Rooftop Cargo Basket

If you’re looking for an extra large roof rack cargo basket that will fit just about any vehicle with crossbars, this offering from ROLA is a great bet. Offering a standard 48” in length by 37” in width, and a height of 5” which is still large enough for plenty of loads.

Steel wind fairing helps to reduce wind resistance and noise, as well as improve gas mileage. At 52 pounds, it is relatively heavy-duty roof top carrier. It is a sturdy, sporty rack made from high quality parts.

Made of strong, high-quality, heavy-duty steel, it won’t bend or break while a durable black powder coating helps protect it against rust, corrosion and scratches.

Assembly is fast and easy, and mounting is adjustable. It is compatible with just about any round, square, aero, or factory-installed crossbars on cars, SUVs, trucks, vans, and other large vehicles.

Overall, the ROLA Roof Rack Cargo Basket is spacious, easy to use, and very durable, making it a solid pick for a basic car top carrier. Those with a lot of heavier gear to haul, or larger items that will utilize the rack’s heavy duty tube construction, will particularly appreciate this roof rack cargo basket.

It is perfect for the heavier items typically brought on camping and fishing trips, making transporting your possessions to your favorite destination a piece of cake.

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#2 ARKSEN 64″ Universal Black Cargo Roof Rack

An excellent roof rack luggage carrier for large loads, the ARKSEN 64” Universal Black Cargo Roof Rack provides a 150lb carrying capacity, and 64” in length and 39” in width.

With this amount of space, you’ll easily be able to bring all of your possessions wherever you go.

While very comparable to the Leader Accessories Roof Rack Cargo basket, the ARSEN 64” Universal Black Cargo Roof Rack provides excellent value in roof rack storage. Its construction is a bit more basic, weighing in at about 8lbs.

While it is lighter, it is still made from heavy-duty steel, so as long as you’re carrying items within its weight capacity, you should not encounter any issues with the frame.

The cargo roof rack carrier is very easy to install, including all necessary hardware, and mounts to your vehicle’s cross bars with four U-bolts.

It is designed to fit just about any factory or after-market cross bars on any vehicle type, with the exception of convertibles. You also get steel wind fairing to prevent excess wind resistance and noise, plus it will boost our gas mileage.

While the bars are less strong than some other roof racks, there are more of them, and this intelligent design also creates more tiedown points.

While the black powder coated finish on the bars should help protect against scratches and the elements, some users have reported rusting, so we recommend treating your roof rack with a rust-guard.

Overall, the ARKSEN 64” Universal Black Cargo Roof Rack is a great choice for those who are on a budget, but still want exceptional value in roof rack storage.

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#3 Coleman Roof Top Rack Cargo Carrier

When it comes to sporting goods, Coleman is a household name, so you know when they built their Coleman Roof Top Rack Cargo Carrier they put their best face forward. Providing 44.2” in length and 39” in width, and a particularly spacious 6.2” in height, it offers an excellent amount of room for car roof storage. Additionally, due to its low and flat design and extra secure installation, its weight capacity is limited only by your vehicle’s own weight capacity.

Speaking of installation, while it is extra secure with a high number of securement points regardless of whether you’re attaching it to crossbars or rails. Its flexible installation will work on just about any rail or crossbar, factory-installed or aftermarket. This added security doesn’t come at the cost of a frustrating installation, though, as Coleman has engineered the process to be easy and tool-free.

The quality of the parts is immediately apparent upon receiving your cargo carrier. Coleman has elected to use a steel that’s lightweight but durable, which is a good choice, as they’ve created very thick bars. We suspect this carrier will hold up for an exceptionally long time regardless of what abuse you throw at it. A black powder finish also helps protect against rust, scratches, and corrosion.

While this roof rack basket does not specifically offering wind reduction as a feature, we find that it produces very little noise thanks to its wind dam. Ample spacing between bars lowers wind resistance in general. Intelligently pack your goods, and you should have little to no problem.

Overall, one of the few things customers might want to be aware of is that as Coleman is a premium brand, and have created a premium product, they’ve proudly emblazoned their logo largely on the unit. Some customers do not appreciate such branding, so be aware of this fact and be prepared to cover it with a decal if you wish.

Possibly the best rooftop cargo carrier basket, Coleman has outdone themselves in terms of quality. Not only that, they offer their carrier at a very competitive price, meaning you’ll get exceptional value.

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Rooftop Bag Reviews

#1 Keeper 07203-1 Waterproof Roof Top Cargo Bag (15 Cubic Feet)

With or without a rooftop rack, you’ll want to strongly consider a great roof top waterproof cargo bag to provide extra protection for your goods, and make storage simple. The Keeper 07203-1 Waterproof Roof Top Cargo Bag provides a spacious 15 cubic feet of space, although a smaller 11 foot model is also available.

Not only that, but the material is very flexible and not stiff at all, meaning it’s easy to store odd-shaped items, as the cargo carrier bag easily conforms to their shape.

Speaking of material, it is a rubber-laminated nylon, which provides full protection against all the elements: rain, road grit, sunshine, and wind. Though it is flexible and soft, the material also feels exceptionally strong, and we suspect it can put up with a lot of abuse, meaning it should last a long time to come.

There is also a premium version which supplies extra thickness. This is a very practical quality for a cargo bag to have, as you’ll be putting all sorts of rigid objects in it, and need a tough construction.

The bag easily fits all factory and after-market roof racks with attachment capabilities on all four sides. However, you will need to be cautious if you are attaching it to less than four securement points. It also works very well with only sidebars.

Just remember to always pack and secure responsibly. We do love that straps are attached to the bag, which makes securement very easy regardless of your set up.

Lastly, the waterproof cargo bag is capable of folding flat to a small size, so you can easily store it when not in use. It will fit perfectly in your car or truck without taking up precious room when it’s not in use.

Overall, this is a very durable, flexible cargo bag that will work with any set up, and provides an excellent value. If you’re looking for a car top carrier without roof rack, this is a great place to start.

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#2 Justin Roof Bag – Roof Top Cargo Carrier Bag (19 Cubic Feet)

If you go on trips often and need some serious storage capacity, the Justin Roof Bag Roof Top Cargo Carrier Bag is an excellent choice. Providing 19 cubic feet of space, it will be hard to not have leftover space in this rooftop cargo bag.

While it has a set cube-shaped design, at 47” (L) by 35.4” (W) by 19.9 inches (H) its shape will accommodate just about anything.

Such a large bag needs some serious securement, and the manufacturer knows this. The bag itself is made of tough and thick PVC fabric to shield your goods from debris, water, wind, and anything else that could come its way.

They’ve included everything you could possibly need, including Nifco buckles, three double strap covers, eight Velcro stripes, an SBS zipper, and four salty hooks. Most of these materials are military-grade—you can’t get much better. This ensures your bag will be properly secured no matter what.

It is compatible with just about any vehicle, regardless of whether you have a roof rack or side rails. Justin Case produces the only extra large rooftop car carrier utilizing four safety door hooks not only for maximum versatility with any setup, but also for safety. Inside car straps are prone to interfering with proper airbag function, and may also damage windows and door seals, tear your fabric upholstery, and are even illegal in some places.

Lastly, this roof top cargo carrier bag is backed by a 100% money-back guarantee if you are not satisfied with your purchase for any reason. Additionally, it comes with a one-year limited warranty.

Overall, if you are serious about protecting your goods or have a lot of stuff to haul, this might be the best rooftop cargo bag for you. It is certainly the best rooftop cargo carrier bag in terms of versatility and space.

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#3 RoofBag Rooftop Cargo Carrier Bag  (15 Cubic Feet)

Those looking for a lot of extra storage space for their goods but also exceptional value can count on the RoofBag Rooftop Cargo Carrier Bag. With a spacious 15 cubic feet of storage, and measuring in at 48” long, 38” wide, and 18” tall, you’ll have no problem getting just about anything to fit in this carrier.

You’ll also enjoy 100% waterproofing courtesy of electrically-sealed joints.

Additionally, it is specially-designed to be aerodynamic and reduce wind resistance. This ensures not only that you’ll have a more secure cargo carrier bag, but also a quieter ride and improved fuel performance.

Made of a strong polyester canvas, it is coated on the inside and outside with a strong vinyl layer. This bag should hold up under a lot of the worst conditions and survive for many years.

Installation is possible on just about any vehicle. It doesn’t matter whether you have crossbars or a roof rack, thanks to a variety of options. You can choose two straps for a rack or no rack, a rack option with straps, or pass-through straps. As long as your roof is greater than 40” in length, which applies to most vehicles, you will be able to utilize this roof top cargo bag.

If possible, we do recommend opting for a carrier rack or sidebars, as this greatly enhances security and safety, and puts less wear on your vehicle. For the best roof racks available, see the first half of our list.

The product is backed by a 2-year warranty, which is the most generous warranty on our list. Additionally, each bag is made in the United States. Overall, this is an excellent set of features on a versatile bag that should last you a long time.

While it’s not the most premium on our list, it goes the extra mile and provides exceptional value at its price point. If you’re on a budget, this might be the best rooftop cargo carrier for you.

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Roof Top Baskets & Bags – Comparison Table

Rooftop Carrier Baskets		Dimension	Capacity	Special Features	Customer Ratings
Leader Accessories Roof Rack Cargo Basket		64″(L) x 39″(W) x 6″(H)	150 lb	Steel wind fairing reduces wind resistance and noise	4.5 / 5.0 Stars
ARKSEN 64″ Universal Black Cargo Roof Rack		64″(L) x 39″(W) x 6”(H)	150 lb	Steel wind fairing reduces wind resistance and noise	4.1 / 5.0 Stars
Coleman Roof Top Rack Cargo Carrier		44.2”(L) x 39”(W) x 6.2”(H)	N/A	Mounts to most roof cross bars and roof rack base rails	4.6 / 5.0 Stars
Rooftop Carrier Bags
Keeper 07203-1 Waterproof Roof Top Cargo Bag		15 Cubic feet	Waterproof design	Rubber-laminated nylon construction	4.1 / 5.0 Stars
Justin Roof Bag – Roof Top Cargo Carrier Bag		19 Cubic feet	Waterproof design	Includes door hooks instead of unsafe straps	4.4 / 5.0 Stars
RoofBag Rooftop Cargo Carrier Bag		15 cubic feet	Waterproof design	Works with or without a roof rack or side rails	4.6 / 5.0 Stars

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How to Choose the Best Rooftop Basket and Bag for You

• Types of Car Roof Storage
• Safety is Important
• Extra Features
• FAQs
• Conclusion

If your vehicle lacks the storage space for trips and camping invest in a roof top carrier basket or bag. These products are the perfect solution for hauling everything you need to your destination, and are useful outside of recreational activities, such as when moving or whenever you need to transport more cargo.

When it comes to road adventures, camping trips, and fishing excursions, the amount of fun to be had is only matched by the amount of gear to bring. The more friends and family tagging along, the more stuff you’ll need to take. This presents a dilemma, as you’ll find yourself foregoing critical items.

If you plan on taking routine or even occasional trips with lots of gear, a great roof luggage carrier is a must. Providing tons of extra space, choosing the best car top carrier will make transporting your large valuables and gear much easier. But do you need a carrier basket, or a bag? What’s the difference, and what makes either of them a good product?

Since there are so many products on the market, and many consumers will be making a purchase for the first time, we’ve put together a handy buyer’s guide. Read on to discover what to look for in a rooftop carrier basket or bag, so you wind up with one that suits you. We’ve also included frequently asked questions, so that you’ll be an expert by the end.

Types of Car Roof Storage

The first question you likely have is whether your should get a rooftop carrier basket, or a bag. Or perhaps you need both. Is one car top cargo carrier better? Both do have unique properties to consider. Let’s examine them.

A roof cargo basket easily holds odd-shaped items, whereas a bag is constraining. So long as your items are under the weight limit and are properly secured, you can hold just about anything in a basket. On the other hand, your items will be much more difficult to access from a basket, as you’ll have to deal with all the straps. It’s much easier to reach into a carrier bag for whatever items you need mid-trip.

When it comes to aerodynamics, you’re somewhat on your own when it comes to baskets. While the baskets themselves tend to be designed aerodynamically, they will only perform as well as you load them. Most carriers, on the other hand, have a set shape, so you are filling an already-aerodynamic design.

Weather resistance is a huge concern. While even the best rooftop cargo basket is well-protected from the elements, it will leave your items exposed. You can negative this with a proper cover, but a better solution is a well-designed carrier bag. Carrier bags are specially designed to provide optimum protection.

As you can see, if deciding between the types of roof rack cargo carrier, it comes down to your lifestyle and the items you carry. But the question remains, should you buy both? In reality, it’s up to you—you’ll have great versatility, and most are compatible with each other (all the bags on our list work with a roof rack carrier just fine). Just be sure your bag isn’t too big for your basket. A combination approach makes an excellent investment!

Safety is Important

When it comes to hauling your goods, we know that you can’t wait for your next exciting trip. But please be sure to carefully read the manufacturer’s instructions, and ensure you’ve securely installed your rack or bag. Also be sure to properly secure your items, if you’re using a rack, and pack responsibly.

Thankfully, all the items on our list are very easy to install, and include everything you need. That said, some offer an extra strong hold or added security features. We love the Justin Roof Bag – Roof Top Cargo Carrier Bag (19 Cubic Feet), for example, as it provides a ton of securement options that go above and beyond. Likewise, the Coleman Roof Top Rack Cargo Carrier is exceptionally strong and provides extra securement.

While you should be safe with any of the products on our list, we urge you to review the safety features of each. Make sure you understand them, and remember that the most important valuables you’ll be transporting won’t be in a bag or rack, but inside the vehicle.

Extra Features

True, carrier racks and bags are straightforward. They’re not known for a lot of fancy features beyond their basic specifications. But some items we’ve reviewed do have nice little bonuses you should be aware of.

For example, we love warranties. Even the best products on the market can unfortunately break or wear down prematurely. Nothing beats the peace of mind that comes with knowing you’re covered by a warranty. We love the fact that the RoofBag Rooftop Cargo Carrier Bag comes with a 2-year warranty, for example, which is quite generous.

Likewise, we appreciate that Justin Case produces the only extra large rooftop car carrier with four safety door hooks. Car straps are less safe than hooks, ad are not legal in all jurisdictions. These hooks are a great feature, and are unique to Justin Case.

FAQs – Frequently Asked Questions About Roof Top Baskets & Bags

Question: How Can I Tell Which Product is Compatible With My Vehicle?

Answer: Ensure the product you’d like to purchase is compatible with your rooftop setup. This includes whether you have cross bars, rails, or neither. Also verify that the length of the product does not exceed the length of your roof.

Question: Can I Combine Racks and Bags?

Answer: For the most part, yes, you can combine a roof top cargo bag and a roof rack basket, provided both are suitable for your vehicle (see the above question), and support each other. Choosing the best rooftop cargo carrier basket as well as the best rooftop cargo bag should ensure compatibility. Ensure that the bag works with a roof rack carrier, and that the bag’s dimensions do not exceed the rack’s dimensions.

Question: How Will I Know If I’ve Exceeded the Weight Limit of My Vehicle?

Answer: Each vehicle has a unique weight limit. Check your vehicle handbook for the maximum amount of weight you can add. Additionally, many car roof luggage carriers have a weight limit, so be sure that you do not exceed that limit, too.

Conclusion

A rooftop car rack or bag is an excellent option for those who need to transport a lot of large items. Particularly for camping, fishing, and roadtrips, you’ll love the convenience of added space. There’s no one-size-fits-all solution, and a combination of the two might be the best option for you.

Each roof luggage carrier has unique capacities, compatibility, and safety features. Be sure to reference your vehicle’s information, as well as our guide, to determine is the best rooftop cargo carrier for you. Provided you choose a product compatible with your vehicle, we believe the items on our list will make your next expedition more stress-free and fun than ever.

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Thanks for reading The 6 Best Rooftop Baskets & Bags Reviewed. We hope our review article will help you pick the right product for your needs from among our top picks for best rooftop storage for your vehicle. Wherever you’re headed stay safe out on the road and enjoy your travels.

And if you’re shopping for other gear take a look at these related review articles from Outside Pursuits:

4×4 TRUCK & JEEP  LED LIGHT BARS | STEERING STABILIZERS | LED OFF-ROAD LIGHTS | ROOFTOP CARGO BAGS | HITCH CARGO CARRIER | ROOFTOP CARGO BOX | JEEP SEAT COVERS | JEEP LED HEADLIGHTS | WINCHES | TRUCK BED COVERS | BED LINERS | TRUCK TOOLBOXES

HOME & AUTO  SHOP VACS | PORTABLE JUMP STARTERS | BATTERY CHARGERS | JUMPER CABLES | LED SHOP LIGHTS | INFRARED HEATERS | GARAGE HEATERS | JUMP STARTERS | LED LANDSCAPE LIGHTS | LED SOLAR LIGHTS | LITHIUM-ION JUMP STARTERS | COOLER ICE PACKS | BUG ZAPPERS | PORTABLE AIR COMPRESSORS | CORDLESS IMPACT WRENCHES | PORTABLE TIRE INFLATORS | PORTABLE GARAGES | CAR DIAGNOSTIC CODE READERS

How We Researched

To come up with the top rooftop baskets and bags, we researched a variety of sources for reviews such as 4×4 Magazine and Outside Online Magazine along with our own personal experience.

We also consulted online magazines for product research and reviews to get as much unbiased information as we could. To help weed out fake reviews we used Fakespot.com to make sure we only looked at genuine reviews.

With so much quality gear available, we had to narrow it down based on what we felt were the best options were for the price. The staff authors have a wide and varied background in offroading, motorcycling, and auto mechanics. They are eager to share their knowledge with readers.

To help narrow down the selection we used personal experiences along with recommendations from fellow auto-enthusiasts and industry experts.

After extensive research, we came up with our list to help you choose the right one for you.

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