Roof boxes are unquestionably the best option to extend your vehicle's cargo volume without hooking up a trailer. But roof boxes aren't terribly cheap and since we're absolute suckers for a better deal, we often look to roof bags as a tasty, low-cost alternative. But should we? Are roof bags truly a viable alternative to sleek and streamlined roof boxes? We've been investigating the topic.
Weighing up car roof bags
Let's begin with a classic pros and cons comparison of roof bags:
Pros:
Value: The first thing we notice about roof bags is their value for money over roof boxes of an equivalent volume.
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, 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.
Cons:
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. Roof bags are made from fabric and when compared to the sleek and rigid roof boxes, it's like comparing the drag coefficient of an old sock and a dart. Roof bags will therefore have a bigger effect on fuel economy. 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 or use it in conjunction with a roof tray. The issue with the latter is that it takes away the roof bag’s pro of value for money. At the very least, buy a non-slip protective mat to place between the roof bag and the roof.
What are roof bags best used for?
We recommend roof bags to those who are undertaking a trip where they will not be driving on a motorway at high speeds over long distances. They are too noisy and brick-shaped for that, and 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.
The best car roof bags:
Fischer 126000 Roof Bag
Best Roof Bag
Editoru2019s pick
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The Fischer 126000 needs to be the first roof bag option you consider. While you will find larger roof bags, this bears the best design.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| • Great quality and design | • Not a massive volume |
| • Solid base | |
| • Sits above car roof |
| Specs | |
|---|---|
| Volume | 270 litres |
| Dimensions | 100cm (L) x 80cm (W) x 40cm (H) |
| Max load capacity | 50kg |
| Weight | 5.5kg |
| Needs roof racks? | Yes |
Thule Ranger 500 Soft Box
Best value
Best quality
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Thuleu2019s roof bag design looks distinctly different to the others. Itu2019s long and low and has a similar and excellent roof rack fitting system to the Fischer roof bag. The shape is a giveaway that the Ranger 500 is designed primarily for skis, capable of taking three or four pairs of skis. However, its 260-litre capacity can be used for carrying other items too. Everything about the Thule Ranger 500 screams "built to last" and in return for the relatively high price, you can expect ease of use and longevity.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| • Perfect for skis/snowboards | • Smallest volume here |
| • Superb quality | • Not much cheaper than a roof box |
| • Relatively sleek |
| Specs | |
|---|---|
| Volume | 260 litres |
| Dimensions | 190cm (L) x 50cm (W) x 30cm (H) |
| Max load capacity | 50kg |
| Weight | 11kg |
| Needs roof racks? | Yes |
Rightline Gear Range 3
Best volume capacity
Great Buy
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If itu2019s the size youu2019re after, the Rightline Gear roof bag swallows a massive 509 litres of cargo.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| • Huge volume | • Sits directly on car roof |
| • Well made | • Not aerodynamic at all |
| • Good value |
| Specs | |
|---|---|
| Volume | 509 litres |
| Dimensions | 122cm (L) x 91cm (W) x 46cm (H) |
| Max load capacity | Not given |
| Weight | 3.7kg |
| Needs roof racks? | No |
RoofBag Rooftop Cargo Carrier
Best for smaller vehicles
Top Pick
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It's similar to the large Range 3 roof bag, but smaller and can therefore be used on smaller vehicles.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| • Size suitable for a range of vehicles | • Sits directly on car roof |
| • Highly durable | • Not as aerodynamic as Fischer 126000 |
| Specs | |
|---|---|
| Volume | 311 litres |
| Dimensions | 102cm (L) x 94cm (W) x 43cm (H) |
| Max load capacity | Not given |
| Weight | 3.6kg |
| Needs roof racks? | No |
HandiWorld HHOLDALLWR330 Roof Bag
Best design
Recommended
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Fits on top of roof racks, rather than over them, thanks to this bagu2019s rigid base (gained by the use of removable fibreglass poles).
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| • Good value | • Not as aerodynamic as Fischer 126000 |
| • Sits above car roof | |
| • Rigid base |
| Specs | |
|---|---|
| Volume | 330 litres |
| Dimensions | 110cm (L) x 75cm (W) x 40cm (H) |
| Max load capacity | 50kg |
| Weight | 3.6kg |
| Needs roof racks? | Yes |
Sailnovo Car Roof Box
Best budget option
Our Low-Cost Choice
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This roof bag is best for sticking to a stringent budget.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| • Cheap | • Sits directly on car roof |
| • Large volume | • Build quality inferior to competitors |
| Specs | |
|---|---|
| Volume | 425 litres |
| Dimensions | 105cm (L) x 90cm (W) x 45cm (H) |
| Max load capacity | Not given |
| Weight | 2.7kg |
| Needs roof racks? | No |
Maintaining a roof bag's UV resistance
UV rays wear down and degrade all manner of fabrics and materials, leaving them cracked, worn, brittle, and broken. To help maintain your roof bag’s UV resistance and therefore its longevity, use a protectant spray. We recommend 303 Aerospace Protectant. It's a water-based solution so it can be used on such a vast array of materials, and it is a very effective UV protectant.
Roof trays
If the concept of a roof tray tickles your fancy, see an example below. You can of course use them for carrying cargo without a roof bag too. The main thing is to make sure whichever tray you go for fits your car and is constructed to a high standard.
Roof weight limits
You mustn’t be a womble and go about exceeding your car’s roof load limit. Check your car’s handbook to find out what this is. Remember:
Total payload = weight of the roof racks (if using) + roof bag + roof bag payload.