The best car roof bags 2025

In the classic road trip scene, you'll imagine a set of roof bags tied on top of an old school estate car (or station wagon if you're from the U.S). Unfortunately, sights of classic Volvo 245s and Ford County Squires loaded to the brim with luggage are increasingly rare. But the prospect of roof bags and indeed roof boxes are still very much around.

Of course, sturdier roof boxes are unquestionably the best option to extend your vehicle's cargo volume without hooking up a trailer. But roof boxes aren't cheap, and this is where roof bags usefully come in - due to their value for money for the volumes that you can get in comparison to boxes.

You may envision images of a roof tent, only for the purpose of storage, but this is far from the case. Roof bags contain all the things you carry in one wrapped package - making things a little easier when travelling. They're also pretty handy to fold away and store when not in use - something you can't necessarily do with a roof box.

But should you buy a roof bag? Are roof bags truly a viable alternative to sleek and streamlined roof boxes? We've been scouring the internet to find the best roof bags available in a range of shapes, sizes, and purposes.

The best car roof bags 2025

FAQs and things to consider with car roof bags

Are car roof bags worth it?

If you can't cram every last item into the boot of your vehicle, then absolutely. They're a relatively cost-effective and spacious way of loading up extra gear for your summer family getaways. You simply strap the things onto some roof racks - or if you have to - directly onto the roof of your vehicle, and you're ready to go.

Do roof bags affect MPG?

A heavily-loaded up and large roof bag will make a considerable difference. The shape and size of the roof bag will add drag as well as wind noise, which means your vehicle's powertrain has to work slightly harder in order for it to achieve the same pace than without it.

How much MPG you'll lose is not a question that can be directly answered here. It depends on your vehicle, speed, roof bag, and driving style. But users have reported losing anywhere from 5-30% of their usual MPG figures. Smaller units won't make as much of a difference as you might fear due to their lightweight and (slightly) more aerodynamic nature.

Are roof bags better than roof boxes?

In terms of value for money, yes. For complete sturdiness and aerodynamics, roof boxes have the edge as many are designed to be sleek and cut through the air much better than a roof bag could ever manage.

However, roof boxes are immensely expensive with some top models (from the likes of Thule) retailing for over £400 and possibly more, whereas most roof bags sit comfortably around the £100 mark. This means you get the same amount of extra space in bags without breaking the bank, but lose some efficiency points.

What are the advantages of car roof bags?

Value: The first thing we notice about roof bags is their value for money over roof boxes of an equivalent volume. Especially when considering that unlike bike racks, they are able to carry a plethora of items and have many uses.

Volume: Roof bags come in a range of sizes to fit a range of vehicles and thus cater to a variety of needs. Although the largest roof bags cannot match the largest roof boxes for volume, they can still get up to about 500 litres. This which is larger than the boot size of a mid-size hatchback (with back seats up).

Hardy: Roof bags are made from heavy-duty waterproof and UV-resistant fabrics. Those designed and produced by reputable manufacturers are able to cope with both sunny and wintery conditions for a long time.

What are the disadvantages of car roof bags?

Accessibility: Roof bags are not as accessible once fitted and filled as roof boxes. Roof boxes open easily from one or both sides, whereas roof bags need to be unclipped and unzipped.

Aerodynamics: Try as some might, roof bags are still essentially a fat slab as far as aerodynamics are concerned. They are made from fabric and when compared to the sleek and rigid roof boxes. Roof bags will therefore have a bigger effect on fuel economy. Because roof bags also create more wind noise at speed and most have an upper-speed limit recommendation of about 70 or 80mph.

Fitting: Some roof bags sit directly onto the roof of a vehicle. In order to avoid scratches on your car's roof, we recommend you either buy a roof bag that is designed to sit above the roof on roof racks. Alternatively, you can always use the anti-slip mats that some roof bags are provided with.

What are roof bags best used for?

We recommend roof bags to those who are undertaking a trip which doesn't involve motorway at high speeds. Especially over long distances - a sleeker roof box would be better.

A roof bag is a good option to consider if perhaps you’re heading away into the Scottish Highlands or somewhere where you’ll be driving at lower speeds, where the roof bag’s aerodynamic flaws don’t matter quite so much. They’re also a very useful addition to homemade or converted campervans to give you extra storage space. If you're considering taking a couple of bikes as well, we've done a bike rack comparison test finding out which one impressed us.

Aaron Hussain is a commercial content writer at Bauer Media writing for Parkers and CAR. He is obsessed with classic cars and anything with a fascinating story to tell.

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