Carrying things on top of your vehicle can be hectic when you do not have a roof rack. However, there is still a good and highly reliable option: investing in a top carrier designed to work on vehicles without a roof rack.
These carriers include heavy-duty straps that you use to tie them to the car when in transit, and they are convenient when traveling. But, no matter how convenient and valuable these carriers might, you cannot afford to make the wrong choice.
Therefore, when deciding which one to buy, you have to consider several factors, from the ease of installation to the capacity and overall build quality. However, here we do the tedious work for you and bring you a list of the best ones out there.
Contents
- 1. RoofBag Cargo Carrier
- 2. ToolGuards Car Top Carrier
- 3. Hikotor Car Roof Bag
- 4. Rightline Gear Car Top Carrier
- 5. RoofPax Rooftop Cargo Carrier
- 6. Rightline Gear Ace 2 Carrier
- 7. Rightline 100R30 Gear Range 3 Top Carrier
- 8. Rabbitgoo Rooftop Cargo Bag
- 9. Wild Xplorer Rooftop Cargo Carrier
- 10. MeeFar Rooftop Cargo Carrier
1. RoofBag Cargo Carrier
The RoofBag Cargo Carrier is all about making it easy to transport things whether your vehicle has a roof rack or not. It is a heavy-duty bag made with a highly durable fabric that does not peel and is more tear-resistant for long service life. Additionally, the material does not contain any chemicals, making it safe for carrying anything.
Motorists also love that this top carrier holds up well against all elements. It is entirely waterproof, and all its components, such as zippers and flaps, are designed to keep water and other elements like snow out. Keeping it in place when on the road should also be easy as the bag comes with some high-quality straps that are not sewn to its surface. And with the aerodynamic design of the bag, it will help improve fuel efficiency.
Pros
- Super strong straps
- Straps are not sewn on the bag
- Completely waterproof material
- Aerodynamic design increases fuel efficiency
- Heavy-duty fabric
- Does not contain harmful chemicals
Cons
- Limited color options
2. ToolGuards Car Top Carrier
When it comes to keeping water out of your luggage, few other top carriers can outperform this one. It is a 100% waterproof bag thanks to the heavy-duty material coated to ensure maximum effectiveness at keeping water out, and the zippers are also completely waterproof. Besides being durable, the material is rugged enough to withstand a lot of abuse on the road and provide long service life.
When you buy this top carrier, you also get a bonus protection mat that will be very useful as it helps protect the vehicle’s surface. Also, the bag is angled to ensure maximum wind resistance and comes in an easily accessible design to ensure you can quickly get to your luggage. With the inclusion of some sturdy straps and clips, tying down the bag should be easier and more secure.
Pros
- 100% waterproof construction
- Super heavy-duty material
- Bonus protection mat
- Angled for excellent wind resistance
- Easily accessible design
- Sturdy straps and clips
Cons
- Fabric is not tear-resistant
- Pitch could still be better
3. Hikotor Car Roof Bag
The Hikotor Car Roof Bag is a highly affordable carrier option that will be a perfect pick for motorists looking for something high-quality without spending much. Despite the smaller price tag, the roof bag has a premium-quality material that effectively protects your cargo from everything, including snow, rains, and road grit, as it is also completely waterproof.
Another outstanding element of this bag is that it comes in a more aerodynamic design that ensures you get better wind resistance. It has eight heavy-duty straps to ensure you can tie it down quickly and more securely. What’s more, the carrier includes some soft sides that flex to fit your oddly-shaped loads much better. When not in use, the bag will fold into a compact size for easy storage.
Pros
- Highly affordable
- Secure, reinforced straps
- Aerodynamic design
- Premium waterproof material
- Soft and flexible sides
- Easy storage as it folds into a compact size
Cons
- Relatively smaller capacity
4. Rightline Gear Car Top Carrier
Whether your automobile has a roof rack or not, this Rightline top carrier will be fantastic as it is designed to be more flexible and can hence work for any car on the road. Additionally, it is a highly protective model that you can be sure will keep all your gear dry and safe from the elements. It has 100% waterproof material, and it has welded seams and waterproof zippers that are effective at keeping the elements out.
Overall, the bag has a more compact design to ensure easier storage as it does not take up a lot of space when not in use. Moreover, the manufacture also includes a handy stuff sack in the package to ensure you get an easy way of storing the carrier. Setting up and installing the bag is quick and easy since it comes with everything you need, including some heavy-duty straps and clear directions on what to do.
Pros
- Complete waterproof design
- Compact design for easy storage
- Can work with or without rack
- Super easy installation
- Handy stuff sack
Cons
- Does not hold a lot of gear
- Pungent smell when new
5. RoofPax Rooftop Cargo Carrier
RoofPax makes this top carrier with maximum safety in mind. Instead of relying on straps only, it includes several hooks to ensure it always remains in place after installation. Other security features include some heavy-duty zippers and buckles that can take a lot of abuse on the road without ever breaking to ensure your cargo is always safe.
The material is also meant to ensure a long service. It is a premium-quality military-grade fabric that effectively keeps water and all other elements like snow and wind. Additionally, a built-in protective mat adds a much-needed extra layer of protection for the gear. Users will also love that this is an easy carrier to install and remove.
Pros
- Designed for maximum safety
- Premium military-grade material
- Usable with and without rack
- Lifetime warranty for zippers and buckles
- Protective mat included
- Various security features
Cons
- Hooks do not work well for some vehicles
6. Rightline Gear Ace 2 Carrier
The overall quality of this Rightline carrier is perhaps what draws many motorists to it as, besides being highly durable, it is also weatherproof to keep the elements out when on the road. Installation is also relatively straightforward as the manufacturer provides everything you need, including the straps, and you just have to tie it down, which only takes a few minutes.
Since the carrier can work with or without a top rack, it will offer more flexible compatibility, as this means it will be ideal for use on all vehicles. The fabric is also UV-resistant to ensure it does not fade for a long time to come, and the seams are welded for long service life, while the zippers are heavy-duty to ensure they also last. Other things like secure closures and protective flaps make this an even better option for any motorist.
Pros
- High-quality and weatherproof construction
- Quick and easy installation
- Flexible vehicle compatibility
- Durable welded seams
- Fade-resistant outer layer
- Secure closures
- Protective flaps
Cons
- Zipper can be hard to close in the corners
7. Rightline 100R30 Gear Range 3 Top Carrier
There are many things to love about this Rightline top carrier, but for many potential buyers, the fact that it effectively keeps the elements out is what draws them. It has a heavy-duty material that includes some welded seams that effectively keep wind and water out, and the zippers are also urethane-coated to make them completely waterproof.
The 18 cubic feet capacity is relatively larger than many other models out there, and it will ensure you can pack and carry more cargo for your trips. When it comes to the installation, the roof rack will give you an easy time as it comes with straps and everything else you need, such as the hook. Also, you can use it with and without a rack, making it a more flexible option.
Pros
- Superior quality weatherproof construction
- Urethane coated zippers
- Larger luggage capacity
- Quick, straightforward installation
- Secure hook and loop closure
- Works with or without a rack
Cons
- Fit is vehicle-specific
8. Rabbitgoo Rooftop Cargo Bag
With the heavy-duty straps that come with this rooftop cargo bag, you can quickly tie it down on the vehicle securely. Besides the straps, the pack includes some heavy-duty zippers designed to withstand more abuse. Additionally, the material is also of excellent quality and rugged enough. Also, the material has a special penetration-resistant coating to prolong its service life.
Other things that make this a highly durable carrier include the thicker and excellent quality seams that will hold up for a long time. Also, some longer and more protective flaps provide extra water resistance and cover the zippers. One more thing that motorists will love is that this bag flexes enough to allow them to pack and carry large, over-size cargo.
Pros
- Heavy-duty straps
- Longer and more protective flaps
- Thick and high-quality seams
- Safe and easy installation
- Penetration-resistant coating
- Very ideal for packing large, over-size cargo
Cons
- Not the most aesthetically appealing
9. Wild Xplorer Rooftop Cargo Carrier
Wild Xplorer makes this cargo carrier for motorists looking for something that can carry more gear. This model has the highest capacity on our list as it can hold at least 19 cubic feet. Additionally, the carrier is designed to keep water out as it uses seam-sealed technology to deliver a complete waterproof performance.
The overall construction also does not let you down as it uses a premium-quality material that is rugged enough to take a lot of abuse and includes a PVC coating to make it watertight. The zipper teeth are also impervious to ensure they can keep water out, and the buckles are premium quality to offer a long service life. Many users also love the ease of installation as it only takes a few minutes.
Pros
- Waterproof seam-sealed technology
- Super high capacity
- Ultra coated PVC outer fabric layer
- Premium-quality buckles
- Watertight zipper teeth
- Simple installation in minutes
Cons
- Zipper quality is wanting
- Design can cause drag in a car
10. MeeFar Rooftop Cargo Carrier
This cargo carrier’s 20 cubic feet capacity is perhaps what draws many motorists to it as it is a clear indication it can hold all your gear, so you never have to leave anything behind. However, it still has more to offer, such as universal compatibility, since it can work for all vehicles o the road, given it is suitable for use with or without a top rack.
Installing the carrier is more straightforward since it comes with everything you require. Furthermore, it has a rigid material that is entirely waterproof and tearproof to prevent damages. You can also be sure your luggage will be secure since this bag also comes with a combination lock. After use, you can quickly fold and store it at your convenience.
Pros
- Holds up to 20 cubic feet
- Universal compatibility
- Easy installation and use
- More secure with combination lock
- Waterproof and tearproof material
- Simple fold and storage
Cons
- Does not hold up well under heavy wind
Conclusion
If your car does not have a roof rack, this does not mean you cannot carry something on the roof. With the best car top carrier for vehicles without roof racks, you can still get that extra storage space you yearn for. A little shopping around can help you land a top carrier that suits your situation, and our review above is an excellent starting point.
From our review, the RoofBag Cargo Carrier is our best overall recommendation. For motorists looking for something more affordable but still high-quality, the Hikotor Car Roof Bag is a great choice.