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
- 🚙 3 INSTALLATION METHODS - This is the only dual-purpose cargo carrier bag on the market for rooftop and truck pickup bed. It can be used with all sized Cars/SUVs/Vans and Pickup Trucks whether your vehicle has a rack installed or not. 10 Holding Straps used for cars with racks, 4+2 free Door Hooks used for cars without racks & 4+2 free Truck Bungee Hook used for pickup trucks.
- 🚙 SUPER WATERPROOF and TEARPROOF MATERIAL- Our rooftop bag made of 600D oxford fabric, excellent Tear/Heat/Cold Resistant. And the inner layer with a PVC coating and PU waterproof glue to prevent water from seeping into the roof luggage bag effectively.
- 🚙 ULTRA-LARGE CAPACITY - The dimensions is L47" x W 35" x H 20" offer 19 cubic feet of roof storage space, allowing you to pack everything you want on your next trip.No more worrying about your car space! Our roof bag is foldable and it is easy to storage in the Free storage bag when not in use.
- 🚙 EASY TO USE - It comes with detailed instructions for various vehicles such as cars with or without roof rack and how to install on trucks, quickly and easily installed in minutes. Soft sided design allows it comfortably holds odd-shaped and over-sized objects. 10 elastic Velcro strap restrainers to prevent strap flapping and reducing road noise.
- 🚙 FREE PROTECTIVE MAT and BONUS LOCK - A MUST FOR YOUR CAR. Perfect design for happier camping, travel, move. Using a Protective Mat helps cushion and quiet the contact between the waterproof cargo bag and the roof,prevent luggage from sliding, and protect your car roof paint. The combination lock prevents the zippers from slipping open and make sure your luggage more secure.
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
- Perfect for Road Trip---Take the cargo box to the park, the beach, the sports field, or any place you need to store. Works on all vehicles with rack, suitable for cars, vans, SUVs, etc. Sleek aerodynamic design to reduce drag and has less noise.
- 14 Cubic Feet Cargo Box ---With the large capacity, the roof cargo box can help you securely carry 14 cubic feet worth of essentials, can increase vehicle cargo space without impeding on passenger comfort, more capacity, more pleasure!
- Robust and Security Design---The roof cargo box is designed to withstand heavy use in different types of weather conditions. The metal lid stiffeners at the bottom makes the roof box more stable and safer. With the double-lock design for protecting your valuables.
- 【Note】This product is suitable for vehicles with rack (Compatible with 17” to 22.8” wide rack, the width of the crossbar should be less than 3.1 inches and the thickness should be less than 1.0 inches)
- High Quality Material---The roof box is manufactured from sturdy ABS and PC material for long-lasting use, able to protect your valuables from exposure to the elements and can load 165 lbs capacity, suitable for round, square, factory and most aerodynamic bars.
- Easy to Install---The Goplus roof box equipped with 4 quick connect anchors for easy install and super latch security ensures your lid secure to its base, and your gear is safe. Dual-sided opening for easy access on either side of your vehicle to increased efficiency and convenience.【Note: please do not open the openings on both sides at the same time. The key can only be removed after the cover is closed and locked.】
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
- Rooftop Cargo Top Carrier
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
- Universal Fit, No Rack Required: Increase your cars storage with our 20 cu ft roof rack cargo carrier bag that offers a universal fit for most cars or vehicles, including those with cross bars, side rails, or a rack basket. Best part?Even if you don't have a roof rack, you can still easily attach the rooftop bag using the included 4 heavy-duty buckle luggage straps,2 ratchet straps, & 4 door hooks. Pack stress-free & hit the road with ease with our versatile, secure roof bag cargo carrier.
- Go Big & Stay Dry with our heavy-duty car topper cargo bag! Made of abrasion-resistant vinyl, it's 100% waterproof & weatherproof, keeping your belongings clean & dry even in extreme conditions & elements. It has a 2" zipper flap, 8 pairs of added 5.5" Velcro, 4-1.5" straps to ensure your belongings stay protected from expected & unexpected elements. With a soft roof rack shell design, it's lightweight & compact, great for any adventure. Unleash storage potential-confidently weatherproof!
- All-in-One Roof Luggage Carrier Car Bag Set: The perfect car travel accessories for long trips! This set features our folding waterproof cargo bag designed with carry handles & zipper pulls for easy use. But wait, there's more! Set also has a cushioned mat (39"x51") to prevent scratches & skids to your vehicle, & a storage bag to keep your car travel accessories organized. To ensure maximum security, our bonus bag lock has got you covered. Pack for adventure & hit the road with confidence!
- Easy Installation Guaranteed: Say goodbye to the stress of not knowing how to install a car cargo carrier roof bags. Our video tutorial provides an easy, step-by-step procedure of installation with our heavy-duty straps and car roof rack pads, ensuring a hassle-free and secure attachment to the roof, even without racks. Watch the video tutorial for a stress-free installation experience.
- Customer Care Comes First: We at Mockins, stand by our products and consumers. As a result, we offer a 10-year limited warranty on our cartop roof rack cargo box. Please contact us if you have any questions or concerns. We are here to assist you in resolving any issues you may be experiencing. You can transport your cargo in style and confidence with our car storage roof top cargo carrier bag!
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
- Size: 15 cubic feet. Manufactured in the USA, RoofBag PREMIUM roof cargo carriers are 100% waterproof with Triple-Seal technology for maximum protection in extreme weather. Highest customer rating among soft car top carriers reflects its high reliability. Two-year warranty.
- Includes: (1) Premium RoofBag Soft Cargo Carrier, Set of (2) Heavy Duty Straps with genuine YKK buckles, (1) Protective Mat to protect roof of car and prevent shifitng, (1) Storage Bag to store carrier and accessories.
- RoofBag cartop carriers work on any car with side rails, cross bars, or without roof rack (bare roof).
- Secure Waterproof Strap System: straps secure carrier at any highway speed (seat-belt style, 1.5” wide, 3,000 lbs strong) and don’t wick water into the car (are water repellent), with 4 genuine YKK buckles for easy access. Proprietary Strap Guide fastening system is the most secure.
- Heavy Duty Fabric: specially formulated with no toxic or harmful chemicals. Made with heavy-duty polyester liquid-coated with vinyl on both sides (not laminated) for maximum resistance to tears and abrasion. Also resists extreme heat and cold and the sun’s UV rays. Easy to install: RACK: straps loop around rails. NO RACK: straps loop from top of carrier through inside of car. Door closes over strap: no interference with door, window, door seal, or side curtain airbag.
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
- Secure & protect your gear in this 18 cubic ft. HDPE plastic hard shell vehicle cargo carrier; high-capacity interior dimensions 57 L x 38 1/2 W x 17 3/4 H inches; aerodynamic design for fuel efficiency
- Weatherproof storage for your luggage with a four corner locking system, front latch, and weather-tight seal for ultimate car rooftop protection and security
- Easy & convenient loading and unloading from either side of the car make for smooth travel and hassle-free storage
- No tools required, easy assembly and installation. All mounting hardware and simple instructions are included to get you safely on the road quickly
- Made in USA, limited lifetime guarantee. The JEGS car top carrier’s high-quality construction and performance give you peace of mind
- Holds 3 golf bags
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
- 18 cubic foot (510 L) internal cargo capacity
- Made from durable UV-resistant ABS material
- Rear opening for easy access away from traffic
- Tool-free mounting hardware for easy installation and removal
- Includes key and lock to secure contents in the box, and the box to your rack
- Fits SportRack Rack Systems, square bars, round bars and most factory racks (check fit guide)
- Dimensions (LxWxH): 63 x 38 x 19 in / 160 x 96.5 x 48 cm
- Min-Max Crossbars Spacing: 23 5/8 - 29 3/4 in (60 - 75.5 cm)
- Max Weight Capacity: 100 pounds (45 kg)
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
- ✅SAFETY COMES FIRST - RoofPax is the ONLY brand that produces its Car Rooftop cargo Carriers for maximum safety with the Patented 4+2 extra free door hook straps (included). RoofPax is the safest and most secure Car Roof Cargo Bag on the market.
- ✅100% WATERPROOF POLYESTER MADE - Unlike our competitors' bags made of PVC material, ROOFPAX is crafted from premium quality Polyester material, Tested and approved for its extra waterproof capabilities contains NIFCO buckles & SBS Zippers.
- ✅DOUBLE ZIPPERS - This car rooftop cargo bag has double waterproof zippers, dual seam technology, and water repellent coating for extra weatherproofing. It also includes a protective mat and 10 Velcro straps to prevent strap flapping for MAX security.
- ✅UNIVERSAL COMPATIBILITY - 19" car roof luggage carrier can be installed in minutes. Used with almost any vehicle or SUV. Attaches to rooftop with/without rack, using raised side rails/ roof rack/cross bars/ Basket/6 included patented door hook straps
- ✅EVERYTHING IS INCLUDED - Our rooftop cargo bag has covered you with everything you need - door hooks, 10 sturdy straps for side and back connection, an integrated mat, a storage bag and a TSA approved lock to secure your luggage;
- ✅FREE EXTENDED WARRANTY - Your satisfaction is our top priority! We promise a lifetime warranty for zippers and buckles, and a 5-year warranty for tears and fabric on our roof rack. Our 24/7 customer care team is always available to assist you.
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
- Car Top Carrier: Our convenient roof cargo carrier allows you to keep your gear up top, so you can transport belongings and passengers without compromising on safety, comfort, or convenience
- Intuitive Features: Specially designed to keep your gear dry, our car roof cargo carrier features welded seams and a SZIP waterproof zipper
- Quality Construction: Constructed of UV-protected PVC semi-coated mesh, our durable vehicle cargo carriers are designed to keep your belongings dry and won't fly off your roof
- Simple Setup: Simply attach the straps of the roof bag to your vehicle’s roof rack or use the included car clips to attach the straps to your vehicle’s door frame weather molding
- Seamless Storage: Our rooftop cargo bag folds down for storage in the included stuff sack; Car roof bag, 4 attachment straps, 4 car clips, and stuff sack with sewn-in setup guide included
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
- WATERPROOF: This premium quality car top bag is made of 1000D military grade PVC materials with waterproof dual seam technology and water repellent double coating. It adopts a genuine waterproof zipper, used in extreme weather!
- LARGE SIZE: Our roof bag was designed to solve the problem of limited storage space in the car. 16.7 cubic feet rooftop cargo bag allows you to hold 4-6 suitcases, travel luggage case, tents, sleeping bags and more. Free up inside vehicle space for more comfortable on the way.
- MOST SAFE DESIGN: For security reasons, we use 6 reinforced adjustable straps to keep the cargo carrier in place. In addition, equipped even in high speed road or bumb road, no slip, no scratch to your car.
- WORKS WITH or WITHOUT ROOF RACK: Use this car roof top luggage carrier with any sized car or SUV. It can be quickly and easily installed in minutes whether your vehicle has a rack installed or not.
- NOTE: All seams are heat welded and stitched to ensure they are watertight. that your luggage will stay safe and protected in all weather conditions during your travels. But please note that it's not 100% waterproof under rainstorm weather.
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 : 2024-03-26
