RoofBag 17 Cu Ft Rooftop Cargo Carrier Review

We’ve all been there, haven’t we? Staring at a pile of luggage, camping gear, or just stuff you *have* to take on a trip, and realizing your vehicle’s internal space just isn’t going to cut it. That familiar dread creeps in – how are you going to fit everything without someone sitting with a backpack digging into their ribs for hours on end? This was exactly my situation, trip after trip, and honestly, it was making travel less enjoyable. Finding a reliable way to expand my car’s cargo capacity was essential to avoid cramped journeys and potential arguments over limited legroom.

17 Cu Ft RoofBag Rooftop Cargo Carrier, Waterproof Roof Cargo Carrier for Car with/Without Rack...
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  • MOST SECURE DESIGN: Your belongings are safe at any highway speed with the roof top car cargo carrier boasting the strongest nylon straps: 1.5” wide, 3,000 lbs strong. RoofBag’s exclusive...
  • TRULY WATERPROOF: RoofBag keeps your valued contents dry, offering the benefits of a rigid roof top car cargo carrier and the practicality of a roof cargo bag. Peace-of-mind waterproofness is achieved...

What to Think About When Choosing a Rooftop Cargo Solution

If you find yourself constantly playing Tetris with your belongings before hitting the road, a rooftop cargo solution is likely on your radar. These products are designed to liberate interior cabin space, making trips more comfortable for passengers and allowing you to bring along everything you need, from camping equipment to sports gear. The ideal customer is someone who frequently travels with multiple passengers, goes on camping trips, moves items periodically, or simply owns a smaller vehicle that lacks sufficient storage space. However, someone who only travels occasionally or needs to transport very heavy, fragile, or high-value items that require maximum security might be better suited to a hard-shell cargo box or even considering renting a larger vehicle for specific trips. Before buying any rooftop cargo carrier, you need to consider several factors: the capacity you require, your vehicle type (with or without roof rails/crossbars), the level of waterproofness needed, the security features, ease of installation and removal, durability of the material, and how it might impact fuel efficiency and noise levels during transit. Thinking through these points will help you find a solution that best fits your travel habits and vehicle.

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Introducing the RoofBag 17 Cu Ft Carrier

Enter the 17 Cu Ft RoofBag Rooftop Cargo Carrier. This product presents itself as a versatile and robust solution for those needing extra storage atop their vehicle. It promises truly waterproof protection for your belongings and boasts a secure design for highway speeds, fitting virtually any car, with or without a roof rack. When you purchase the RoofBag car roof bag, it typically includes the carrier itself, strong nylon straps for secure attachment, and a storage bag for easy packing away when not in use. Some packages may also include a protective mat and extra duffel bags, though this can vary. While hard-shell carriers offer rigid, lockable security, the RoofBag provides the flexibility and ease of storage of a soft bag. It’s designed for individuals and families who need significant, weather-protected space for occasional or frequent travel, and who value the ability to store the carrier compactly when not in use. It might not be the best fit for those needing to leave valuable items unattended for extended periods in less secure locations due to its soft-shell nature, or those unwilling to take the necessary precautions to ensure maximum waterproofness in extreme downpours.

Here’s a quick look at some pros and cons:

Pros:
* Generous 17 cubic feet of storage capacity.
* Designed to be truly waterproof with heavy-duty materials and construction.
* Secure attachment system compatible with cars with or without racks.
* Durable, military-grade fabric resistant to various weather conditions.
* Aerodynamic shape designed for better fuel efficiency and quiet ride.

Cons:
* Some users report minimal water ingress in prolonged, severe storms.
* Can impact fuel efficiency, as with most rooftop carriers.
* Straps may require management to prevent flapping noise.
* Accessing items requires partially or fully unstrapping and unzipping.
* Requires care in packing to maintain aerodynamic shape and prevent wind damage.

Exploring the Key Aspects and Advantages

Truly Waterproof Protection

One of the most critical features of any rooftop cargo carrier is its ability to keep your belongings dry. The RoofBag addresses this with a multi-pronged approach. It’s constructed from a single piece of Heavy Duty 1000D double vinyl coated polyester, a robust, waterproof material. What this means in practice is that there are no exposed stitching points on the main body of the bag where water could potentially seep through, a common failure point on less well-designed carriers. Furthermore, the zipper, while essential for access, is a vulnerable spot. RoofBag protects this area with a double flap that stays securely in place without relying on Velcro, which can degrade over time. The straps are also designed to be water-repellent. While some user reviews mention encountering minor dampness or a small amount of water ingress in the most extreme, prolonged downpours (especially when parked), for typical rain encountered during highway travel, the waterproof construction performs admirably. The benefit here is significant peace of mind – knowing that even if you drive through unexpected storms, your clothes, sleeping bags, and other gear are likely to arrive at your destination dry and protected. This is a huge advantage over using less robust bags or simply trying to cram everything inside.

Secure and Versatile Mounting System

The security of a rooftop carrier, especially at highway speeds, is paramount. The RoofBag Rooftop Cargo Carrier utilizes incredibly strong 1.5″ wide nylon straps, rated at 3,000 lbs. What sets its design apart is the exclusive pass-through strap system. Instead of straps sewn directly onto the bag (which can cause stress points and potential tearing), these straps loop through dedicated points and pass into the car through the door frame corners. This system has been safety-tested and is designed not to interfere with side curtain airbags, which is a crucial safety consideration often overlooked with other strap designs. The benefit of this system is its adaptability – it allows the RoofBag to be securely mounted on cars *with or without* existing roof racks or crossbars. For vehicles without racks, the straps go through the door frame and buckle inside, while for vehicles with racks, the straps can loop around the bars. This versatility makes the car roof bag a viable option for a wide range of vehicles, from small sedans to larger SUVs, expanding its potential usability significantly. The strength of the straps, combined with correct installation (and possibly using a protective mat underneath to prevent slipping), provides a stable and secure load, even at speeds up to 75-80 mph as reported by users.

Durable and Heavy-Duty Construction

Longevity is key for a product that faces harsh outdoor conditions. The RoofBag car topper luggage carrier is built with heavy-duty, military-grade 1000D double vinyl coated polyester fabric. This isn’t just a basic fabric; it’s chosen for its resistance to peeling, tearing, cold, heat, and UV exposure. This means the bag is designed to withstand the rigors of varied climates and repeated use without degrading quickly. The commitment to durability is evident in the product’s 18 years of development and is backed by a 2-year warranty against defects. Furthermore, the fabric is noted as being free of harmful chemicals, making it safe for transporting sensitive items like baby clothes. The benefit of this robust material is the bag’s ability to hold up trip after trip. Unlike some cheaper alternatives that may show wear or damage after just one use (as noted in some negative reviews of competing products or even this one if misused, like not packing it full), the roof cargo carrier is constructed to last, representing a worthwhile investment for frequent travelers. Proper care and avoiding overpacking or sharp objects inside will maximize its lifespan.

Aerodynamic Design for Efficiency

Adding anything to your roof will impact your vehicle’s aerodynamics, which in turn affects fuel efficiency and noise levels. The RoofBag is specifically engineered with an aerodynamic shape – lower at the front and higher at the back. This profile is intended to minimize wind resistance. The heavy fabric also contributes to reducing wind noise. While it’s unrealistic to expect zero impact on fuel economy (user reviews consistently show a decrease in MPG, typically around 5-10 MPG depending on the vehicle and speed), the design aims to mitigate this as much as possible. A key tip from the manufacturer and users is to pack the bag completely full and ensure the front is packed tightly to help maintain the aerodynamic shape. Leaving space at the front can cause the bag to parachute, increasing drag, noise, and potentially causing damage from flapping. The benefit of this design consideration is a more fuel-efficient trip and a quieter ride compared to shapeless or poorly designed bags. While some wind noise is inevitable, especially with the straps, adhering to packing tips and properly securing the straps (some users recommend using duct tape or extra cords to secure loose strap ends) can significantly improve the experience.

Generous Capacity and Size Options

The 17 cubic feet capacity of this particular RoofBag model is substantial. To give you an idea, the product description suggests it can hold the contents of approximately five medium-sized suitcases. For a family heading out on vacation or a camping trip, this translates to a lot of freed-up interior space. It measures 48″L x 38″W x 20″H, requiring a roof length of at least 15 inches or longer (though ideally more for stability). This volume makes it suitable for medium to large cars and SUVs. There is also a smaller 13 cu ft option available for smaller cars or those with less gear. Choosing the right size is important; as some users note, a bag too large for the vehicle’s roof can be unstable and negatively impact handling and fuel economy even more. The benefit of the generous 17 cu ft capacity is its ability to swallow a large amount of gear, making it perfect for family road trips, moving college students, or transporting bulky items that don’t fit inside the car. It truly allows you to bring more of what you need without sacrificing passenger comfort.

Ease of Installation and Packing Tips

While the concept of strapping a bag to your roof might seem daunting, the RoofBag’s design aims for relative ease of use. The included instructions are generally clear. For cars without racks, the pass-through straps are fed through the door frames. For cars with racks, they loop around the bars. Packing requires some effort, especially if you’re shorter; users often recommend using a step stool or finding other elevated surfaces near the car to make loading easier. Filling the bag completely is crucial not only for aerodynamics but also to prevent the material from flapping and potentially getting damaged by the wind. Using the included storage bag (or sealable plastic bags, as some users suggest for ultimate waterproof peace of mind) to organize items inside the RoofBag car roof bag can make packing and unpacking more efficient. While the setup and takedown process isn’t instantaneous like opening a trunk, users report that with practice, it becomes a fairly quick and simple process, especially with two people. The benefit here is that the bag can be set up relatively easily when needed and then quickly removed and stored compactly when not in use, offering flexibility that rigid carriers often lack.

What Others Are Saying: User Experiences

Having scoured numerous online reviews, it’s clear that many users have had positive experiences with the RoofBag 17 Cu Ft Rooftop Cargo Carrier. Many appreciate its large capacity, noting how much gear they were able to fit, freeing up precious interior space. The heavy-duty material and overall construction are frequently praised for their perceived durability, holding up well over long distances and multiple trips. While the waterproofness was sometimes tested in challenging conditions, many users found their items remained dry or only slightly damp in severe rain, especially when packing items in extra plastic bags as a precaution. The secure strap system is often highlighted as effective, keeping the bag firmly in place even at high speeds. Users also mentioned the benefit of the protective mat (when included) in preventing roof scratches and aiding stability. Overall, the sentiment is largely positive, with many recommending the bag as a cost-effective and practical solution for expanding vehicle storage for travel.

Final Thoughts and Recommendation

If you’re tired of cramped car rides and the stress of trying to fit everything inside your vehicle, solving that cargo capacity problem is a necessity to make travel enjoyable again. Without adequate storage, you face discomfort, potential damage to items crammed into tight spaces, and the inability to bring along essential gear for your activities. The RoofBag 17 Cu Ft Rooftop Cargo Carrier offers a compelling solution. Its large capacity makes it a great fit for families or anyone needing significant extra space, its heavy-duty, waterproof construction provides reliable protection for your belongings, and its versatile mounting system works with most vehicles. It’s a durable, well-engineered product designed to withstand the elements and the rigors of highway travel. To learn more and see if this rooftop cargo carrier is the right fit for your needs, click here to check out the RoofBag 17 Cu Ft Rooftop Cargo Carrier .

Last update on 2025-10-20 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API