Adventuring through life takes lots of gear and apparel, and sometimes it's more than
one trunk can handle, especially if you're prone to driving a more compact vehicle. Luckily, there are tons of rooftop carriers to lighten the load. These are the 9 best ones out there.
YAKIMA 15 ShowCase CARGO BOX
Amazon | $562
For over 50 percent of the cargo box population, the 15 cubic feet of storage in the Yakima will be more than enough. Coming up short of harboring skis, it nonetheless fits snowboards as well as an entire week's worth of essentials. Dual-side opening aced it for testers, as did reliable latching with an anthracite finish. Small to medium SUVs are ideal matches with integral lid stiffeners to add confidence when loading, latching, and locking.
CURT 18115 ROOF RACK CARGO CARRIER
Amazon | $97
At under $100, this 11 cubic foot hauler is fairly easy to install on most base rails. With 4-inch tall sides, the 41.5-inch x 37-inch footprint takes stowage seriously despite its generic look. With less resistance to rusting and corrosion over time than more expensive models, Curt is an excellent choice for periodic use or travel in drier climates. Tipping the scales at over 29 pounds, the 18115 trades heavier metal for a price $50 lower than other options but handles equally heavy loads.
BOOSTER BLACK UNIVERSAL CARGO ROOF RACK
Amazon | $116
Universal is more about the fit than the style. "Vintage" is putting it mildly, with powder-coated steel for lasting impact even in challenging weather. Nine lengthwise wood slats help retain the rack's shape behind a functional wind fairing that upholds the blast-from-the-past vibe. Less robust than some others reviewed, Booster has fans among value-seekers willing to perform more assembly before boosting the eye-catching 25-pound unit to the rooftop.
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ROCKY MOUNTS 14ER CAGE BASKET
Rocky Mounts | $270
Drop, strap, and roll with Rocky Mount's elegant solution for lugging extra cargo. Unlike many lighter aftermarket systems, this one handles up to 150 pounds across a 43x53x4-inch basket. Wrestle this one into position, secure with (included) universal crossbar mounting hardware and savor the effortless cruising with years of load-conquering service ahead.
RHINO RACK ROOF MOUNT CARGO BASKET
Amazon | $270
Fitting all 90mm x 33mm max Aero bars from Rhino and others, Cargo comes styled with a front wind deflector and a more curved 1-inch tubing profile to reduce crosswind interference. Plenty of attachment points compensate for a slightly squashed storage area that still adds up to 165 pounds total load capacity. Rhino offers fitting style for many SUVs and crossover vehicles.
RAGE POWERSPORTS HEAVY DUTY ROOF CARGO BASKET
Amazon | $200
Hardware comes ready to clamp this affordable, partially assembled rack to existing crossbars. In our opinion, the 150-pound rated capacity may be pushing the limits of the design. A less durable finish delivers this system at under $200 with 1-inch outside tubing and nearly limitless attachment points. At less than 15 punds, handling Rage doesn't require Hulk-like strength so its more suitable for regular removal and storage.
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SPORTRACK VISTA XL REAR OPENING CARGO BOX
Amazon | $284
This is where the cost per cubic foot is nearly rock-bottom. With enough room for a group trip lasting a week or more, the 18 cubic foot Vista XL can survive moderate conditions without hinge or closure failure. Rear opening is designed to shield owner and contents from oncoming weather or traffic-propelled dust but limits access as it requires bumper climbing in many cases. ABS construction repels sunlight, seals out precipitation, and withstands gravel and airborne debris.
KUAT MINI SKINNY ROOF BASKET
Kuat | $295
By all appearances, this is what search and rescue teams use to airlift humans from inhospitable terrain. At 68 x23x7 inches, Skinny uses the vehicle's entire length while freeing up crossbars for additional attachments. An integrated 9mm skewer allows placement of a single bike at up to 50 pounds to amp up the year-round utility.
THULE MOTION XT ROOFTOP CARGO CARRIER
Amazon | $650
More like a Swiss Army knife than a Swedish-designed carrier, Motion XT musters serious materials as well as mechanisms worthy of use in the most extreme climes. A fast-attaching PowerClick system is among the smoothest out there, justifying some of the premium attached to the Thule brand. Likewise, the SlideLock system takes charge of locking as well as indicating when closure is complete. The hardware is nearly flawless, making the Motion XT look faster than most vehicles strapped underneath it.
