If you’ve ever packed for a family road trip or a camping adventure, you know the struggle is real. Cramming luggage, gear, and essentials into your vehicle can feel like playing a frustrating game of Tetris, leaving precious little space for passengers to actually *be* comfortable. I remember feeling like I was suffocating under duffel bags, wishing there was a way to reclaim the legroom and trunk space. Solving this problem wasn’t just about comfort; it was about safety and sanity, preventing distractions from shifting luggage and ensuring everyone had a pleasant journey instead of being squished and irritable. Finding a solution to add storage without needing a bigger car became a priority.
Before you jump into buying a rooftop cargo bag, it’s worth thinking about why you need one and what you expect it to do. These bags are designed to solve the age-old problem of insufficient internal vehicle space, particularly for travel, camping, or carrying bulky seasonal items. Anyone planning extended trips, weekend getaways with lots of gear, or simply needing to free up interior space for passengers or pets is an ideal candidate. The typical customer is someone with a vehicle that has roof rails or a rooftop basket, as these provide the necessary anchor points for securing the bag.
Who might *not* be the best fit? If you don’t have a roof rack system at all and your vehicle’s manual advises against using strap-through-the-door jamb systems (which this bag doesn’t include anyway, relying on existing racks), this particular product isn’t suitable. Also, if you need hard-sided, absolute security against theft or impact, or if you need to access your luggage frequently during the trip without getting out of the car, a soft-sided bag might not be the best choice. For those needing robust, impenetrable storage, a hard-shell carrier might be a better, albeit more expensive, alternative. Before buying any car top bag, consider the capacity you need, the type of roof setup you have, the kind of weather you’ll encounter, the durability of the materials and straps, and how easy it is to install and store.
- IDEAL FOR TRAVEL — CargoSmart Weatherproof Cargo Bag is perfect for camping, sporting events, or travel. The bag mounts to all vehicles with roof racks, including cars, SUVs, vans, and RVs.
- EXTRA STORAGE – 38” x 38” x 18”, this heavy duty roof cargo bag provides up to 15 cubic feet of storage to free up space inside the car and trunk.
- HEAVY DUTY CARGO BAG – Constructed from a heavy duty vinyl to resist wear and tear, the roof cargo bag features a strong zipper and protective flap to help keep out dirt and moisture.
Introducing the CARGOSMART Soft Sided Car Top Cargo Bag
Enter the CARGOSMART Soft Sided Car Top Cargo Bag. This product promises to add significant storage space to your vehicle, specifically designed for mounting on existing roof racks or rooftop baskets. With dimensions of 38”x38”x18”, it boasts an impressive capacity of up to 15 cubic feet, aiming to drastically free up space inside your car. It’s constructed from a heavy-duty vinyl material and includes four securing straps right in the box, ready for installation. The idea is simple: pack your gear in the bag, strap it securely to your roof, and hit the road with a comfortable cabin.
Compared to a market leader like Thule or Yakima, the CARGOSMART cargo bag is positioned as a much more affordable option. While it might lack some of the refined features or absolute rigidity of premium hard shells, it offers a significant space solution at a fraction of the cost. It’s clearly aimed at the value-conscious traveler or family who needs occasional extra space for trips. This bag is definitely for anyone with a roof rack or basket who needs a lot of extra storage without breaking the bank. It’s likely not for someone needing bare-roof mounting or maximum long-term durability under extreme, constant use conditions.
Here’s a quick look at the pros and cons I’ve noted:
Pros:
* Adds substantial storage capacity (15 cu ft).
* Made from seemingly durable heavy-duty vinyl material.
* Includes necessary straps for mounting on racks/baskets.
* Protective flap over zipper aids in weather resistance.
* Much more affordable than hard-shell carriers.
* Folds down for easy storage when not in use.
Cons:
* Waterproofing relies heavily on proper flap positioning; not truly submersible or fully waterproof in heavy, prolonged rain if not careful.
* Some user reports indicate strap durability issues or attachment point failures under stress.
* Instructions/packaging may contradict online descriptions regarding bare roof mounting suitability (it’s primarily for racks).
* Soft structure means it needs to be packed thoughtfully to maintain shape and can be tricky to load when not on the roof.
- 【840D CHAMPION QUALITY MATERIAL】 Made with heavy-duty 840D abrasion-resistant PVC fabric, this ultra-durable car roof cargo carrier stands up to any rough treatment or harsh weather. Better still,...
- 【Most Safe Design】: For security reasons, we use 10 reinforced adjustable straps to keep the cargo carrier in place. In addition, equipped with free anti-slip mat to keep the cargo bag stay in...
- LARGE CARRYING CAPACITY: This premium Sailnovo Rooftop Cargo Bag 20 cubic feet of storage car bag capacity and can hold 5-7 suitcases, camping tents, sleeping bags, and more. Made of soft shell...
Deep Dive into Features and Benefits
Having used the CARGOSMART Soft Sided Car Top Cargo Bag on multiple trips, I’ve had a good chance to evaluate its key features and how they translate into real-world benefits. It’s the combination of these elements that determines whether this vehicle cargo bag is a successful solution for your travel needs.
Generous Storage Capacity: 15 Cubic Feet
The headline feature is undoubtedly the 15 cubic feet of storage it offers. When you look at the bag – 38 inches long, 38 inches wide, and 18 inches high – it represents a significant chunk of space. For context, 15 cubic feet is roughly equivalent to the trunk space of a medium-sized sedan or a small SUV. Being able to relocate that much luggage from the interior of your vehicle to the roof is game-changing.
Benefit: The immediate and most obvious benefit is freeing up space *inside* your car. This means more legroom for passengers, the ability to carry pets comfortably, or simply having your backseat and trunk available for items you need to access quickly or items that shouldn’t go on the roof. On long drives, having a spacious interior makes a massive difference in passenger comfort and reducing that cramped, claustrophobic feeling. We’ve been able to pack multiple sleeping bags, pillows, extra coats, and even bulky camping chairs, items that would otherwise consume the entire rear cargo area of our SUV, thanks to this car top cargo bag.
Heavy-Duty Vinyl Construction
The CargoSmart bag is made from a thick vinyl material. When you first handle it, it feels substantial, almost like the material used for heavy-duty tarps or above-ground pool liners, as one user described. This material is chosen for its durability and ability to withstand exposure to the elements and the rigors of highway travel. It’s designed to resist tearing and abrasion, which is essential when it’s being buffeted by wind and potentially scraping against roof rack components.
Benefit: A robust material provides confidence that the bag can handle being on top of your car at speed. It offers protection against road grime, bugs, and general wear and tear encountered during a trip. While it doesn’t have a rigid structure like a hard shell, the thickness of the vinyl gives it some body and helps it maintain its shape when packed, assuming you pack it evenly. This durability is key to the bag’s lifespan and reliability over multiple uses.
Water Resistance with a Protective Flap
The product description and packaging claim “Waterproof,” but based on user experience and the design, it’s more accurately described as highly water-resistant, *provided* the protective flap is correctly used. The main zipper runs around two sides of the bag, allowing the top to open diagonally halfway, which is great for loading bulky items. This heavy-duty zipper is then covered by a substantial flap of the same vinyl material. The flap secures down with Velcro along its edge.
Benefit: This design offers good protection against rain and moisture intrusion, helping to keep your contents dry. The flap is crucial; it creates a barrier over the zipper teeth where water could otherwise seep in. If you ensure this flap is always positioned correctly and secured with the Velcro, the bag performs well in light to moderate rain and road spray. We’ve driven through rain showers, and our contents remained dry when we were meticulous about covering the zipper. However, it’s vital to understand this isn’t a fully sealed, submersible container. For items that *must* stay dry regardless of conditions (like electronics or important documents), it’s wise to pack them inside waterproof dry bags *within* the roof cargo bag as an extra layer of protection, especially for long drives in heavy downpours.
Easy Installation on Roof Racks or Baskets
The CARGOSMART cargo bag is designed to be mounted using its integrated loops and the included securing straps. It’s intended for vehicles equipped with side rails, crossbars, or a rooftop cargo basket. You load the bag, place it on your roof rack/basket, thread the four included straps through the bag’s loops and around your rack components, and then cinch them down tightly to secure the bag.
Benefit: The installation process is straightforward if you have the right roof setup. The included straps are reasonably long and allow for flexibility in attachment points. This system keeps the bag firmly in place, preventing it from shifting or moving around while you drive. The secure attachment is crucial for safety on the highway. It’s important to note, though, that while some online listings *might* imply bare roof use, the bag’s instructions and user feedback strongly suggest it’s designed for use *with* roof racks or baskets, which provide the structure needed for secure tie-down. Attempting to use it on a bare roof without a specific bare-roof kit (which isn’t included) is generally not recommended and may lead to damage or insecure mounting.
Zipper and Flap Operation
The bag features a large, sturdy zipper that runs diagonally across the top. This opening style is convenient for loading larger or irregularly shaped items, as it allows a significant portion of the top to lift up. As mentioned earlier, this zipper is protected by a wide vinyl flap with Velcro.
Benefit: The robust zipper feels like it can handle being opened and closed repeatedly, even when the bag is fully packed. The diagonal opening is a useful feature for accessing the bag’s contents. The protective flap, when properly positioned and smoothed down over the zipper, is essential for the bag’s weather resistance. The Velcro helps hold the flap in place, preventing it from flapping open in the wind and exposing the zipper to rain and road spray. It’s a simple system that works reasonably well if you’re mindful of ensuring the flap is always secured.
Included Securing Straps
The bag comes with four independent securing straps. These are standard webbing straps with buckles, similar to tie-down straps. They are designed to thread through loops integrated into the roof top carrier and then wrap around your vehicle’s roof rails or basket.
Benefit: Having the straps included means you don’t need to purchase separate tie-downs, making it a complete system right out of the box. They are sufficient for securely fastening the bag to a rack system, provided the attachment points on your vehicle are adequate. Cinching them down tightly pulls the soft bag taut against the roof rack, minimizing movement and wind resistance. While some users have reported issues with the straps or the bag’s attachment loops over time, especially under heavy loads or extreme conditions, the included straps are generally sufficient for typical family travel when used correctly and checked periodically.
Easy Storage
Unlike rigid hard-shell carriers that require significant space to store in a garage or shed when not in use, the CARGOSMART Soft Sided Car Top Cargo Bag is, well, soft-sided. Once empty, it folds down into a relatively compact package.
Benefit: This is a huge advantage for anyone with limited storage space. The bag can easily be folded up and stored in a garage corner, a closet, or even the trunk of your car when not needed, taking up far less room than a bulky hard carrier. This practicality makes it a great option for occasional use.
Hearing From Other Users (Social Proof)
Looking around online, many people who’ve purchased the CargoSmart rooftop carrier seem generally satisfied, especially considering the price point. Users frequently mention how much space it frees up inside their vehicles, making long trips more comfortable. Many report successfully using it on multiple trips, including through rain, and finding their contents stayed dry as long as they made sure the flap covered the zipper properly. People appreciate the heavy-duty feel of the material and the sturdy zipper. Several users confirmed it worked well with their existing roof racks or baskets and found the included straps adequate for securing their load.
Wrapping It Up
Running out of space in your car on trips is more than just inconvenient; it can lead to cramped, uncomfortable, and potentially distracting journeys. The CARGOSMART Soft Sided Car Top Cargo Bag offers a practical solution to this common problem. It provides a significant amount of extra storage capacity, is made from a durable material designed for the elements, and installs relatively easily on vehicles equipped with roof racks or baskets. For its price, it’s a great way to reclaim your interior space and make travel more enjoyable. If you’re looking for an affordable, effective way to carry extra gear on your roof, and you have the right vehicle setup, this rooftop cargo bag is definitely worth considering. To learn more or check it out for yourself, Click here.
Last update on 2025-08-28 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API