When I first started doing longer road trips with the family, I quickly realized our internal car space was shrinking faster than our vacation budget. Luggage, snacks, kids’ toys – it all added up, leaving us crammed and uncomfortable. Finding a way to free up interior space wasn’t just about comfort; it was about safety, too, ensuring clear visibility and preventing loose items from becoming hazards. If I hadn’t found a solution, those long drives would have been truly miserable, turning potential adventures into stressful endurance tests.
Anyone hitting the road for a family vacation, moving, or transporting bulky gear knows the struggle of limited vehicle space. A rooftop cargo carrier solves this by moving excess luggage and equipment outside the passenger cabin, dramatically increasing carrying capacity and improving comfort inside the vehicle. These carriers are ideal for families, outdoor enthusiasts, or anyone who frequently needs to haul more than their car’s trunk can handle. However, they might not be the best choice for someone who only travels lightly once a year or who primarily carries fragile items that could be sensitive to external conditions or road vibrations. For infrequent, light use, perhaps optimizing internal packing or using a small hitch carrier would suffice. Before buying a car rooftop cargo bag carrier, you’ll want to think about several key factors: the volume you need (measured in cubic feet), whether you have roof rails or crossbars (and if the carrier is compatible), the carrier’s material durability and waterproofing, ease of installation and removal, security features, and how it might affect your vehicle’s fuel economy and handling. Considering these points helps ensure you choose a carrier that fits your specific needs and vehicle setup.
- 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.
Introducing the APTY Carrier
The APTY 21 Cubic Feet Car Rooftop Cargo Bag Carrier is designed to be your go-to solution for adding significant storage space to virtually any vehicle, promising a secure, weatherproof way to transport extra gear. What you get with the purchase is the soft-shell cargo bag itself, an anti-slip mat to protect your car’s roof, a combination lock for added security, door hooks for vehicles without roof racks, and a storage bag to neatly pack the carrier away when not in use. Compared to rigid rooftop boxes, soft carriers like this one offer flexibility in loading oddly shaped items and can be folded down compactly for storage. This particular APTY roof bag is specifically designed for anyone needing a large volume of storage without the need for pre-existing roof rails, making it highly versatile. It’s probably not the right fit if you need maximum security for highly valuable items (hard boxes offer more theft deterrence) or if you frequently transport items that absolutely must remain rigid and protected from any compression.
Here’s a quick look at the pros and cons:
Pros:
* Generous 21 cubic feet of storage space.
* Truly weatherproof design with upgraded zipper and wide velcro flap.
* Made from heavy-duty, rip-resistant 900D PVC fabric.
* Includes accessories for use on cars with or without roof racks.
* Comes with an anti-slip mat to protect the car roof and improve stability.
* Includes a lock for basic anti-theft protection.
Cons:
* Soft carriers can affect aerodynamics and fuel efficiency more noticeably than some hard boxes, especially when not fully packed.
* Loading can be more challenging than with a rigid box, especially for heavier or awkward items, requiring careful packing to maintain shape.
* While weatherproof, soft bags can potentially hold water in folds if exposed to prolonged, intense downpours while parked, though this APTY bag mitigates this well with its design.
* The included lock offers a deterrent but isn’t impenetrable against determined theft.
- 【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 What it Offers
Let’s break down the specific features that make the APTY 21 Cubic Feet Car Rooftop Cargo Bag Carrier a valuable addition to your travel gear. I’ve spent a good amount of time using this carrier on various trips, and these are the aspects that truly stand out and contribute to its performance.
100% Weatherproof Construction
When you put gear on your roof, the number one concern is keeping it dry. The APTY carrier addresses this head-on with robust waterproofing. The material itself is a heavy-duty PVC fabric, which inherently repels water. But the real test for any soft carrier is the zippers and seams. APTY has specifically upgraded to a high-quality waterproof zipper. While no zipper is truly invincible against sustained, driving rain, the crucial addition here is the wide velcro flap that completely covers the zipper line once the bag is closed and packed. This flap acts as a significant barrier, diverting water away from the zipper teeth and preventing seepage. In my experience, even driving through heavy rain for hours, everything inside remained completely dry. This gives immense peace of mind, knowing that clothes, sleeping bags, and other sensitive items are protected from the elements. The benefit is obvious: you don’t have to worry about arriving at your destination with soggy luggage, which can ruin a trip or damage your belongings.
Rip-Resistant and Durable Fabric
Durability is key for a rooftop carrier that faces wind, sun, and potentially abrasive surfaces. The APTY cargo bag is constructed from heavy-duty 900D anti-abrasion PVC fabric. To put that in perspective, 900D is a substantial denier count, indicating a thick, durable weave resistant to tearing and abrasion. This isn’t lightweight nylon; it feels substantial and built to withstand the rigors of highway travel. The seams are also triple-reinforced and welded, adding another layer of strength where soft bags are often weakest. This prevents the seams from splitting under the pressure of a packed load or the stress of wind resistance at speed. Knowing the bag is made from such tough material means you can load it up with confidence and not worry about it ripping open on the highway or getting damaged by minor scrapes. This durability ensures the carrier will last for many trips to come, providing long-term value.
Anti-Slip Mat and Enhanced Security
A common issue with rooftop carriers, especially soft ones, is ensuring they stay put and don’t scratch the vehicle’s paint. The APTY roof bag comes with a thick anti-slip mat that you place on your car roof before positioning the bag. This mat creates friction, significantly reducing the likelihood of the bag shifting, even at high speeds or during sudden braking. It also acts as a protective layer, preventing the bag or anything trapped underneath from scratching your car’s finish. This feature is crucial for maintaining your vehicle’s appearance. For security, the bag includes a code lock. While not Fort Knox, the included lock is a valuable deterrent against opportunistic theft at rest stops. It helps secure the zipper pulls together, making it much harder for someone to quickly access the contents of the bag. The combination of the secure mounting (thanks to the anti-slip mat and included straps/hooks) and the zipper lock provides a good level of both safety and security for your belongings during transit.
Spacious 21 Cubic Feet Capacity
The primary reason for buying a rooftop carrier is space, and the APTY 21 Cubic Feet Car Rooftop Cargo Bag Carrier delivers generously here. With dimensions of 52″L x 40″W x 18″H, it offers a true 21 cubic feet of storage. To give you an idea, that’s often enough space to hold the luggage for a family of 5-6 people. Think multiple suitcases, duffel bags, camping gear, strollers, or any bulky items that won’t fit inside the car. This massive volume is a game-changer for long trips, freeing up precious legroom and seat space inside the vehicle. You can pack the trunk with essentials you need access to and load everything else onto the roof. This capacity means less difficult decisions about what to leave behind and more comfort for everyone in the car. It’s spacious enough to handle substantial loads, making it highly practical for extended travel or moving.
Universal Fit for All Cars (With or Without Rack)
One of the most significant advantages of the APTY cargo bag is its versatility in mounting options. Unlike many carriers that require existing roof rails or crossbars, this roof top luggage bag comes with extra door hooks. This means if your car doesn’t have any roof rack system installed, you can still securely attach the carrier using straps that pass through the door frames and connect to these hooks inside the car. Of course, it also works perfectly if you do have rails or crossbars, providing multiple attachment points for increased stability. This universal compatibility makes the APTY carrier accessible to a much wider range of vehicle owners, from small sedans to large SUVs. You don’t need to purchase expensive aftermarket roof racks just to use it. This flexibility ensures that regardless of what car you drive, you likely have a viable option for adding this significant storage space.
What Others Are Saying
After using the APTY 21 Cubic Feet Car Rooftop Cargo Bag Carrier myself, I looked online to see if others had similar positive experiences, and the feedback is largely encouraging. Users frequently praised its large capacity, noting it comfortably fit luggage for large families or multiple large bags. Many were impressed by its performance in wet weather, confirming that items stayed dry even during significant rain. People without roof racks particularly appreciated the included door hooks, which made installation possible and secure on their vehicles. The material was often described as feeling robust and durable, exceeding expectations compared to cheaper alternatives. Overall, the sentiment is that it’s a reliable and effective solution for adding extra storage space for road trips.
Final Thoughts and Recommendation
The perennial challenge of road trips is fitting everything and everyone comfortably into the car. Not solving this means cramped passengers, obstructed views, and potential safety hazards from overloading the interior. The APTY 21 Cubic Feet Car Rooftop Cargo Bag Carrier offers an excellent solution by providing a massive, weatherproof storage space on your roof. Its durable construction, effective waterproofing, and universal fit (rack or no rack) make it a highly practical choice for many travelers. If you find yourself constantly playing Tetris with your luggage or sacrificing comfort for cargo space on trips, this carrier is absolutely worth considering. To learn more and see if it’s the right fit for your next adventure, Click here to check out the product!
Last update on 2025-08-27 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API