Installing a roof cargo box on the top of your car or truck supplements extra storage space for your vehicle and proposes various kinds of designs, sizes, and materials to choose from. Many people like the soft type materials, while others favor a hard, shell-like case, but whichever one you choose, you are promised to get something that can help you carry a variety of things to your next hiking or fishing trip.
In appreciation of various types of roof boxes, you can also choose waterproof cargo boxes, which serve an important purpose if you’re headed out on a skiing or snowboarding trip.
If it begins to rain or snow, you do not have to worry about the stuff inside of the roof box getting damaged or getting wet, which reduces a lot of stress and worry along the way.
If you are interested in the types and brands that offer a high-quality waterproof cargo box, we have written this article for you, so keep reading.
Are Thule Cargo Boxes Waterproof?
Not all roof cargo boxes are waterproof, so if you want one that is waterproof, you should make sure to check the brand to ensure that the roof box you are interested in is waterproof. Most companies of waterproof cargo boxes provide nice and tight bags that you can install on top of your car roof, and they usually come with zippers that keep the bag airtight so that the sleet or rain does not get inside of them.
Here we are not saying that a hard-shell roof cargo box is not waterproof. In fact, there are many waterproof hard shell roof cargo boxes available on the market. The foremost thing you have to look for is some suggestion in the product information that the product is, in fact, waterproof. Unless you will not be able to keep out the rain and snow without worrying, whenever you need it to, and this could bring tragedy for you in the middle of your trip.
You also need to make sure the roof box is compatible with your particular vehicle, but again, this is habitually added to the product information. Many of the roof bags come with straps that allow them to be tied onto the vehicle, which means they are compatible with any car or truck you own.
On the other hand, some of the hard-shell boxes are compatible with certain cars only, so you will have to make sure your particular vehicle is mentioned in the product specification. One thing else to keep in mind is the size of the roof box.
Roof boxes are usually made with different amounts of storage space. Usually, the size is indicated by cubic feet, and they can range from 10 cubic feet to more than 30 cubic feet in size. If you like to take a lot of stuff with you on your trips, the larger bags and boxes are the ones you are looking for.
However, if you want to go for the small variants because you do not want the look of your vehicle to be destroyed, then smaller bags and boxes are the perfect choice for you.
Are Roof Boxes Waterproof? Which Brands Offer Waterproof Cargo Boxes?
Companies like Sport Rack, GoPlus, and STDY are just a few of the brands that manufacture high-quality roof mount products for your vehicle, and most of them provide both a standard and a waterproof roof cargo box for your availability. Here are just a few of the waterproof boxes that are currently available on the market:
1. LEDKINGDOMUS Waterproof Rooftop Cargo Bag
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This waterproof cargo bag is available in a 19 cubic foot size. This bag is compatible with all cars. It can be installed on top of your car whether you have a rack or not. It also comes with all of the straps and hooks you will need to install correctly. It also comes with a protective mat so that the roof of your vehicle does not get scratched.
2. Goplus Waterproof Rooftop Cargo Box
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This one is a hard-shell roof cargo box, not a bag. It can provide you with up to 14 cubic feet of storage space. It also comes with an aerodynamic design and a sleek, modern look that will look great once you install it on top of your car. Add a few ambiances to your vehicle with this roof box.
3. STDY Waterproof Cargo Bag
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This roof cargo bag is available in 20 cubic feet size, and it is made out of polyester materials that are very easy to install; moreover, it comes with all of the straps you will need to fit onto your roof rack.
The fabric used to produce the bag is fully waterproof; we should also do not forget to mention anti-peel and anti-crack. These features make it one bag you can trust for many years to come.
4. Mockins Waterproof Cargo Bag
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This one is one of the least expensive cargo boxes available on the market. This 100% waterproof cargo bag comes with 15 cubic feet of storage space. It is made out of sturdy, abrasion-resistant vinyl to keep your items both safe and dry. It sits easily on your roof rack and even folds up nicely when it’s not in use.
5. RoofBag Waterproof Rooftop Cargo Carrier
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It is very easy to install despite the type of vehicle you own. This roof bag comes with heavy-duty straps that keep it connected to your vehicle for long periods. It provides a full 15 cubic feet of storage space for your skis, snowboards, or camping gear.
6. JEGS 90098 Waterproof Rooftop Cargo Box
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This cargo carrier can provide you with 18 cubic feet of storage space. Moreover, it is a hard shell roof cargo box, not a soft cargo bag. It is still easy to install and can even be installed on your vehicle without using any tools.
It is also lightweight. It weighs only 35 lbs. And offers an attractive look and a neutral color that will match anyone’s vehicle.
7. SportRack Vista XL Waterproof Cargo Box
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This roof cargo box is 100% waterproof, and it is also compatible with most vehicles, and it even comes with a mounting kit that makes the installation easy as a breeze. It also comes with a lock to make sure everything stays safe inside. It can give you access from the rear end to load and unload things from it while staying safe from traffic.
8. RoofPax Waterproof Rooftop Cargo Carrier
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This roof cargo bag comes with 19 cubic feet of storage space. It is made out of heavy-duty military-grade materials, which makes it waterproof and keeps it usable for a very long time. You can easily install it on vehicles with or without a car rack. Moreover, its double-coated material makes it a strong, tear-proof option to carry around your skis or snowboards.
9. Rightline Gear Sport Waterproof Car The Carrier
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This is an exceptionally large roof cargo carrier. It comes with 18 cubic feet of storage space. And it is also available in two smaller sizes. This cargo carrier is made out of dual-seam technology. That’s why it is a 100% waterproof cargo box, and it will keep storms and rain away while guarding all of the things inside. It comes with a square design that makes it a very attractive-looking cargo carrier. Moreover, it is a reliable one.
10. Adakiit Waterproof Car Roof Bag Cargo Carrier
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Adakiit car roof bag comes with 15 cubic feet of storage space. This carrier bag is compatible with sedans, trucks, and SUVs. The laminated rubber nylon works great in keeping every item safe and dry inside the carrier while you are traveling.
It is also very easy to install and can be folded up and organized when not in use, which means that you do not have to keep it in your car forever if you do not want to.
Now you have realized that waterproof and water-resistant rooftop cargo carriers are very important, especially if you are going to travel long distances because it is all but guaranteed that it may rain at some point during your travels. This is why owning a waterproof cargo carrier is very important, and it is more comfortable and more affordable than you might think to get the right one.
Why are Waterproof Cargo Boxes So Important?
Waterproof rooftop carriers are important to keep your items nice and dry while you are traveling. So you have to make sure that the roof cargo carrier you are going to buy is waterproof. Otherwise, wetness and rain can make skis and snowboards corrode if they are left like this for a long period of time. Skis and snowboards get wet on the snow; whatever if you try to keep them like this forever, they will get damaged.
A high-quality waterproof cargo box is also good because it holds items secure and safe while you are driving, so you will not have to worry about your stuff getting off of your vehicle along the way. After all, if you love to go on hiking, skiing, or fishing, you will surely need a rooftop carrier to carry the equipment comfortably, so you should choose one that is both reliable and waterproof.
Difference Between Water-Resistant vs Waterproof Roof Box?
If you check the details of rooftop cargo carriers, you will surely notice that rooftop cargo carriers are either “waterproof” or “water-resistant.” And it isn’t hard to determine the contrast between the two. A waterproof seal indicates that the product will endure any quantity of water it comes into contact with, which means that even a heavy flood will not injure it.
In contrast, water-resistant cargo carriers can tolerate rain and sleet up to a certain limit, so if you live or travel in an area that endures constant heavy storms, it might be best to go for a waterproof brand rather than one that is just water-resistant.
This doesn’t mean water-resistant cargo carriers are useless; in fact, they work great in repelling water when it’s raining softly. It just means that waterproof carriers do a significantly better job at keeping away large amounts of rain and sleet.
When you need a rooftop carrier for your car, choosing a waterproof one gives you the extra confidence you need that the things inside will be well-protected from the water, giving you the extra peace of mind you deserve on that next trip.
-our editorial board has reviewed this article and has been approved for publication according to our editorial policy.
Last Update : 2026-08-17
