Being able to store and haul items on your roof is great, especially if you like to travel. Although, most of the time you’ll need a roof rack to do this.
Since roof racks can be expensive, many people are interested in using car top carriers without a roof rack.
Although many car top carriers will require a roof rack, there are some that will work without one! This is great news for those looking to save some money on car storage products.
In this article, we’ve listed the best car top carriers that you can use without a roof rack!
Best Car Top Carriers Without a Roof Rack
Choosing the best car top carrier that doesn’t require a roof rack can be difficult because of all the various options.
Therefore, we’ve done research on various cargo carriers and chose 3 of our favorites, so you can choose the best for your situation:
- RoofBag Rooftop Cargo Carrier – Best Overall
- MIDABAO Car Roof Top Carrier – Spacious
- Fivklemnz Car Roof Bag – Budget-Friendly
Read below for more details about these cargo carriers!
1. RoofBag – Best Overall Car Top Carrier
The RoofBag has been in production since 1992 and they are a leader in soft car top carriers.
Their RoofBag is made in the USA using high-quality materials. It carries 15 cubic feet of cargo, which is about average for soft cargo carriers. It is also waterproof, which is a very important feature to have.
It comes with 2 straps, a storage bag, and a protective mat so your roof does not get scratched.
Buyers of the RoofBag were very impressed with the capacity and quality of the bag. The only major recommendation from buyers is to buy some extra straps for some more peace of mind.
2. MIDABAO – Best High-Capacity Car Top Carrier
The MIDABAO Car Roof Top Carrier is a great option if you’re looking for a larger cargo carrier.
It has a capacity of 20 cubic feet, which is 5 more than the other carriers listed in this article.
It is also waterproof and comes with 8 total straps to help safely secure it to your vehicle.
Overall, it is a pretty basic and straightforward cargo carrier, with the main advantage being the larger carrying capacity.
3. Fivklemnz – Best Budget Car Top Carrier
If you’re looking for a cheaper option than the other cargo carriers we mentioned, the Fivklemnz is a great choice.
It has a good array of features, such as a 15 cubic foot storage capacity, 8 straps, and a protective mat so your roof does not get scratched. It is also waterproof.
For the price, it is a fantastic option for carrying items on your roof. The features are great and people also said the customer service was very helpful if you have any problems or defects with your bag.
Do you need a roof rack for a cargo carrier?
Most people think they need to buy a roof rack along with their cargo carrier, but this is not necessarily true.
Many soft car top carriers, like the ones mentioned above, are actually designed to be used without a roof rack.
Sometimes, they will also include a protective mat for the cargo bag to sit on so it does not damage your roof.
Although, some cargo carriers will require a roof rack. For example, hard-shelled cargo carriers must be used with a roof rack.