If you’re like me, planning a road trip or even just hauling gear for a weekend adventure often means playing a frustrating game of Tetris inside your vehicle. That moment when you realize everything just won’t fit, and the thought of leaving essential items behind, or worse, obstructing your rear view, is stressful. Finding a reliable way to expand cargo capacity becomes not just a convenience, but a necessity to ensure comfort and safety on the road.
- 100% WEATHERPROOF: To ensure complete protection against water, we've upgraded to a high-quality waterproof zipper and added a wide velcro flap to cover the zipper.
- RIP-RESISTANT: Built to last with heavy-duty 900D anti-abrasion PVC fabric that can withstand harsh weather conditions and rough handling. The triple-reinforced welded seams provide added strength to...
- ANTI-SLIP & ANTI-THEFT: Equipped with an anti-slip mat, this bag remains secure while driving at high speeds and safeguards your car roof from scratches. It also includes a code lock to prevent theft.
Essential Factors Before Getting a Rooftop Carrier
Before you invest in a solution to expand your vehicle’s storage, it’s crucial to consider your specific needs. Why are you looking at this type of product? Perhaps you have a growing family, enjoy camping, move large items periodically, or simply need extra room for vacation luggage. A soft-shell rooftop carrier is ideal for those who need flexible storage that can be packed away when not in use, unlike bulky hard cases. It’s a great fit for travelers, adventurers, or anyone facing temporary space constraints. However, if you frequently carry extremely heavy or fragile items, or need maximum security in unattended areas, a hard cargo box might be a better (albeit more expensive) option. Things to think about include the amount of extra space you require, the type of weather you’ll typically encounter, how securely the bag attaches to your specific vehicle (do you have racks?), the durability of the materials, and of course, your budget.
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Meet the APTY 21 Cubic Feet Cargo Bag
Enter the APTY 21 Cubic Feet Car Rooftop Cargo Bag Carrier. This rooftop cargo bag promises a massive 21 cubic feet of storage, enough to significantly alleviate packing stress for a family trip. It’s presented as a heavy-duty, weather-resistant solution designed to fit most vehicles, whether they have roof racks or not. Compared to basic soft bags, this APTY carrier aims to differentiate itself with enhanced waterproof features, robust material, and included extras like an anti-slip mat and door hooks. It comes with the bag itself, securing straps, the anti-slip mat, door hooks for rack-less cars, a code lock for basic security, and a storage bag. While it’s not a hard-shell box (the market leader for maximum security and aerodynamics), it offers unparalleled flexibility and storage capacity relative to its footprint and price point for a soft carrier. This specific car rooftop bag is perfect for families, road trippers, and those needing substantial, flexible, and relatively affordable extra storage. It might not be the best fit if you need to store items completely exposed to extreme elements for prolonged periods, or if you need airport-level luggage security.
Pros:
* Huge 21 cubic feet capacity
* Claims 100% waterproof with upgraded zipper and flap
* Made with durable 900D PVC fabric
* Includes anti-slip mat and door hooks for universal fit
* Comes with storage bag and basic lock
Cons:
* Some concerns reported about the durability of included buckle clips
* Can create significant wind noise at highway speeds
* Security lock is basic, not suitable for leaving valuables unattended
* May require additional ratchet straps for peace of mind on long, fast trips
Deep Dive into Performance and Design
Having used this APTY roof bag on multiple trips, from short weekend getaways to extensive cross-country drives covering thousands of miles, I’ve gotten a real feel for its capabilities and limitations. It’s become an essential part of our travel gear, especially when the whole family is packed into the car.
Generous 21 Cubic Feet of Storage
The main selling point, for me, was the sheer volume this rooftop carrier bag offers. At 52″L x 39.5″W x 17.5″H, 21 cubic feet is substantial. It swallows up multiple large suitcases, duffle bags, camping gear, or whatever else wouldn’t fit inside. We’ve easily fit luggage for 5-6 people, including items like sleeping bags, an air mattress, and even a box fan, with room to spare if packed strategically. The soft-shell nature allows you to stuff it full and conform it slightly to the shape of your load, which is something hard boxes can’t do. This flexibility is a huge benefit when dealing with irregularly shaped items or trying to maximize every inch of space. However, how you pack it impacts its aerodynamics and appearance; a well-packed bag is key.
Serious Weather Protection
APTY highlights the cargo bag‘s 100% weatherproof design, and for the most part, my experience aligns with this. The combination of the thick, waterproof PVC fabric, the upgraded waterproof zipper, and the wide velcro flap that covers the zipper provides a strong defense against rain and moisture. On a long trip through varied weather, including heavy rain, the contents generally stayed dry. There was one instance during a particularly fierce, prolonged downpour with high winds where a tiny bit of moisture *might* have wicked in through a strap point or seam over time, but nothing significant enough to soak items inside garbage bags (which I used as an extra precaution based on other user experiences). The material itself sheds water effectively. The key seems to be ensuring the velcro flap is securely fastened over the zipper along its entire length.
Durable Construction for the Long Haul
The material feels heavy-duty and durable. The 900D anti-abrasion PVC fabric is designed to take a beating from wind, debris, and general road wear. The triple-reinforced welded seams are also a critical feature, adding strength where bags often fail first – at the joins. I’ve seen no signs of tearing or significant abrasion after extensive use. It feels robust and built to withstand harsh weather conditions and the stresses of highway speeds. This durability is essential for peace of mind on long journeys.
Anti-Slip Mat and Security Features
The included anti-slip mat is a simple but effective addition. Placed between the roof of the car and the APTY carrier, it does a good job of preventing the bag from shifting, even at high speeds or during quick maneuvers. More importantly, it protects your car’s paint from scratches and scuffs that could occur from the bag rubbing directly against the roof. The included code lock is a nice thought for preventing casual, opportunistic theft, like someone walking by and unzipping it at a rest stop. However, it’s a basic lock and wouldn’t deter a determined thief with basic tools. For overnight stops where the bag is left unattended, I wouldn’t rely on it for securing valuable items.
Versatile Fit with or Without Racks
One of the most appealing aspects of this soft roof top luggage bag is its ability to fit almost any vehicle, regardless of whether it has side rails, crossbars, or no rack system at all. The included straps work with existing racks, looping around bars. For cars without racks, the APTY car rooftop cargo bag comes with door hooks. These hooks allow you to run the straps through the door frames, securing the bag by closing the doors on the flattened straps. This universal compatibility is a major plus, making it accessible to a wide range of vehicles. Installation, especially the first time, can take a little effort to get everything centered and tightened correctly, but after a couple of times, it becomes much quicker, about 15-20 minutes. The process of opening doors to access the straps inside the car can be a minor hassle, especially if it’s raining heavily (as the straps inside the car can get wet and potentially drip), but tying them up outside the car is an option.
Some Areas for Improvement
While overall I’m very satisfied with the APTY carrier, there are a couple of points noted by users and myself that are worth mentioning. The included buckle clips, while functional for moderate loads and speeds, feel less robust than the bag’s material. There have been reports of them breaking under tension. Based on this feedback and for maximum security on long highway drives (especially at higher speeds or with heavy loads), supplementing the included straps with a couple of heavy-duty ratchet straps provides extra peace of mind and is something I highly recommend. This adds a layer of redundancy and ensures the bag stays put, no matter what. Another point is the noise level. At highway speeds, the wind resistance can create noticeable noise, which some describe as similar to being near airplane engines. While not a functional issue, it’s something to be aware of on long drives.
Voices from the Road: What Other Buyers Experienced
Looking around at reviews from other users who purchased the APTY 21 Cubic Feet Car Rooftop Cargo Bag Carrier, the sentiment is largely positive, echoing my own experiences. Many rave about the huge capacity, noting how it comfortably fit luggage for large families or everything needed for a big move. The waterproof claims hold up well for most users, with items staying dry even after driving through significant rainstorms. People appreciate the included anti-slip mat for protecting their roof and the ease of installation, especially the versatility provided by the door hooks for rack-less cars. While a few noted the same concern about the quality of the included buckles and the need for extra ratchet straps for extreme security on long trips, the overwhelming consensus is that this rooftop cargo bag is a great value, durable, and highly effective solution for expanding cargo space. The positive feedback on customer service, particularly regarding warranty issues like a broken buckle being quickly addressed with replacements, also stands out.
Is the APTY Roof Bag Right for Your Journey?
Nobody wants to feel cramped on a road trip or have to leave important gear behind due to lack of space. The problem of insufficient vehicle storage can lead to discomfort, blocked views, and unnecessary stress. The APTY 21 Cubic Feet Car Rooftop Cargo Bag Carrier offers a compelling solution. Its immense storage capacity means you can bring everything you need, the durable and highly water-resistant design protects your belongings from the elements, and its universal fit makes it a practical option for nearly any car. For a cost-effective way to significantly expand your vehicle’s cargo space for trips, moving, or hauling gear, this bag is an excellent fit. To check it out for yourself and solve your storage woes, Click here to learn more about this car rooftop cargo bag.
Last update on 2025-08-27 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API