Roof Box vs Roof Bag: Which One is Best for You?

When comparing a roof box and a roof bag for your vehicle, the roof box offers greater security and protection for your belongings, while a roof bag is often more flexible in terms of storage and cost-effectiveness. Your choice depends on prioritizing either security or convenience.

Roof Box vs. Roof Bag

If you want to increase your car’s storage space, you will need to choose the right one to avoid any problems during the trip. Various kinds of roof cargo carriers are available on the market. But you are looking for something like a cargo box or a cargo bag. Then our article will help you to make the right decision.

Choosing between a roof cargo box and a roof cargo bag can be a little confusing. So you should find out the differences between the two and consider what features they are offering before you choose any. 

In this article, you will find the differences between cargo bags and cargo boxes so that you can consider which one you really need. It would be best if you chose a cargo carrier depending on your use, budget, and various other requirements. Whatever, It can be a little hard. 

This article will help you to point out the advantages and disadvantages of both carrier systems so that you can get out of your confusion and make the right decision easily.

The Rooftop Cargo Box

Roof Box or Roof Bag

A roof cargo box usually comes with a hard shell design. So they are more durable and secure. This type of carrier usually comes with locks to ensure the security of your important stuff. So you do not have to worry about your items getting snatched from your roof cargo box when you are away because it is securely locked. The strong and durable body of the cargo box will keep your items safe inside the cargo box from any kind of damage.

A roof cargo box will also protect your items from any kind of extreme weather conditions, including rainstorms and moisture.

Moreover, a cargo box will help you to keep your items safe from any kind of shock during your trip. You can also choose the amount of storage space you need. Many roof cargo boxes can even provide you with more storage space than 22 cubic feet.

The Cargo Roof Bag

Best Rooftop Cargo Bag

A roof cargo bag can easily provide you with a lot of storage space. The cargo carriers almost come with the same storage space as a roof cargo box. Some roof bags can even provide you with more than 18 cubic feet of storage space.

Soft roof cargo bags are very easy to store when they are not in use. This is one of the most interesting features of soft cargo bags. You just have to fold the cargo bag and keep it in a nice place. These cargo bags are very easy to use as well. Moreover, most of them do not require any roof rack to get installed on top of your car.

With a roof cargo bag, you will be able to carry any large or unusual-shaped items very easily because the body of these roof bags is flexible. Moreover, these roof cargo bags come with very affordable pricing.

They can keep your items safe from any kind of extreme weather conditions.

Differences Between Roof Box and Roof Bag

After knowing about the main advantages of both types of cargo carriers, you now have to know about the difference between the two products to make a perfect decision. Here you will find some important information that will help you to make the correct decision.

Roof Rack

If you want to install a cargo box on top of your car, that will require a roof rack. A roof cargo box is compatible with a particular type of roof rack. So if you already have a roof rack installed on top of your car that might not be compatible with the cargo box, you are willing to buy. But if you want to install a roof cargo bag on top of your car. No matter whether you have or do not have a roof rack installed, you will be able to attach the roof bag to your car.

Space

A roof cargo box and a cargo bag will provide you with almost the same amount of storage space. But if you want to carry a huge amount of items with you, you should know that roof bags can provide you with a maximum of 18 cubic feet of storage space, but a cargo box is able to provide you with a maximum of 22 cubic feet of storage space. So if you want something to carry a lot of items, you should go for a roof cargo box.

Security

Thule Motion XT L 3

In terms of security, a roof cargo box works great than a roof cargo bag. Most cargo boxes come with a locking system. Again there is the scope of adding an extra lock if you want to. Moreover, cargo boxes have a hard shell design.

In contrast, a roof cargo bag comes with a soft fabric construction that can be slit open with a knife. And there is no locking mechanism included. So if security is a concern for you, then you should choose a roof cargo box.

Storage

You have to consider what you will do when the cargo carrier is not in use. With a roof cargo bag, it is very easy to store when not in use. You can easily fold it in any shape you want and keep it in a safe little place.

But with a cargo box, you will not be able to do this. You will need to find a place where you can keep this cargo box. If you have a garage, that can be a good place to store your roof box, but that can be a real problem if you do not have any.

Again if you do not want to remove the cargo box from the roof of your car, then you have to remain careful about the height of your car while you are going to drive under a low bridge.

Cost

After all, if you are willing to spend a good amount of money on a cargo carrier, then you should go for a roof cargo box. But if you have a limited budget, then you can buy a roof bag.

There are many rood boxes available at a lower price that are comparable to the price of a cargo bag. Again there are many expensive cargo bags as well that are comparable to the price of cargo boxes.

Which One is Better? Roof Bag vs Roof Box

To find the better option you should consider the following things. 

  • amount of Storage space.
  • Compatibility with the vehicle.
  • Security.
  • How you will store it after use?
  • Cost.

Suppose you are not going to carry anything valuable to you. In that case, you should buy a cargo bag because it will save you a good amount of money while providing you with enough storage space, and protection from any kind of extreme weather conditions.

But if you want something that can carry your valuable items full of safety and you are willing to spend a good amount of money on it, then you should buy a roof cargo box. Because cargo boxes are more durable and are weatherproof as well. They come with a lot of storage space, and they will keep all of your items safe. 

After reading this article, now we hope that you will be able to consider whether you should buy a cargo box or a cargo bag. Happy shopping!

-our editorial board has reviewed this article and has been approved for publication according to our editorial policy.

Automotive products are like an addiction to me. Years ago, I started my job at a Roof Box installation co. Then I realized that I have a passion for cars. It is a perfect scope to share my different experiences about automotive products.

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