Top 10 Best Soft Cargo Carriers
for September 2023

MOOZ Themes editors select recommendations independently, so your purchase through our link may earn us a commission.

Cargo carriers are an essential piece of outdoor gear for every traveler. For walkers, hikers, campers, bikers, and anyone who's ever carried a heavy load, cargo carriers make it easy to transport your gear. They're also great for transporting sports equipment, groceries, and anything that's heavy, bulky, or awkward.

Cargo carriers come in a variety of styles, including backpack styles, shoulder bags, and waist packs. Our testers evaluate cargo carriers for ease of use, including carrying heavy loads, ease of adjusting straps, and carrying comfort. We also test cargo carriers for durability, including how sturdy they are, how durable the materials are, and how long they'll last.

Our top picks for soft cargo carriers are from Osprey, a brand known for its durable, lightweight gear. The Osprey Talon 40 cargo carrier is durable, comfortable, and easy to carry. It's made of 150D nylon, which is lightweight and tough, and has multiple compartments and pockets for organizing your gear. The Talon 40 has padded straps for comfort and an adjustable waist belt for secure carrying.

1
9.8
SCORE
Vetoos 21 Cubic Feet Car Rooftop Cargo Carrier Bag, Soft Roof Top Luggage Bag for All Vechicles SUV with/Without Racks - Waterproof Zip, Anti-Tear 700D PVC, with Storage Bag & Anti-Slip Mat

Vetoos 21 Cubic Feet Car Rooftop Cargo Carrier Bag, Soft Top Roof Luggage Bag for All Vechicles SUV with/Without Racks

by Vetoos

HIGH DENSITY 700D PVCFeatures triple-layer high density 700D PVC fabric. This material is 1.5 times stronger than 500D PVC fabric, which most other rooftop bags adopts and can easily rip. The coated surface can effectively protect your luggage against rain, grit, snow, wind and sun on the road.

The Vetoos Rooftop Cargo Carrier Bag is big, and it's especially good for families with a lot of stuff. We used it to carry luggage, camping gear, a surfboard, and 3 bikes. The bag's waterproof zipper and wide flap keep everything dry, and the reinforced strap seams and oversize zipper flap do a great job of keeping water out. The bag's fabric is stronger than most, and it's light enough that it doesn't add much weight to your vehicle. The bag's straps are long enough to accommodate most vehicles with roof racks, but it's intended for SUVs and full-size cars, so it may not be suitable for smaller cars. The bag's heavy, so it takes two people to strap it onto your car. The bag's 4 door hooks and 8 strong straps are great for securing it, but it's bulky and may not fit into the trunk of smaller cars. The bag is on one side only, so it doesn't accommodate bikes on the other side, but that's a minor complaint.

2
9.8
SCORE
MeeFar Hitch Mount Cargo Carrier Bag Soft Shell 100% Waterproof 20 Cubic Feet (59

MeeFar Hitch Mount Cargo Carrier Bag Soft Shell 100% Waterproof 20 Cubic Feet (59" 24") 24" Include 8 Reinforced Straps for Truck Pickup All Vehicle with Steel Cargo Basket

by MeeFar

EASY TO USE - This rainproof bag securely attaches with included 8 straps. It can be quickly and easily installed in the steel cargo basket in minutes. Folds compact for easy storage.

The MeeFar hitch mount cargo carrier bag is a good option if you want a large, lightweight, and waterproof cargo carrier for your vehicle. While it's more expensive than many other cargo bags, it's well built and is well made. The waterproof material is durable and the straps are reinforced with steel. The bag is large, easily holding 6-8 suitcases. The bag's 20 cubic foot capacity is nearly twice as large as the cargo carrier basket on our former top pick, the Thule ProRide 2. It's also about the same size as the cargo baskets on our other top picks, the 2-in-1 ProRide 3 and the Malone Cargomatic. The bag's large capacity makes it a good choice for larger families, but if you're transporting only a few bags, the 2-in-1 ProRide 3 or the Malone Cargomatic might be a better choice. The bag's lock is a nice touch, but it only locks the zippers, so it won't keep your belongings safe when they're not in the bag.

3
9.4
SCORE
CZC AUTO Hitch Cargo Carrier Bag, 20 cu. ft Waterproof/Rainproof/Weatherproof Cargo Traveling Bag for Car Truck SUV Vans' Hitch Trays and Hitch Baskets, Safe Steady Durable Soft, Black

CZC AUTO Hitch Cargo Carrier Bag

by CZC AUTO

EASY TO INSTALL: 3 sides zippers can allow the loading more simple. 6PCS ajustable tie straps ensure your luggage safety and make the operation easy. By the way, if there are not enough people, maybe it is a good solution to put the bag on the tray first before loading it.

The CZC Auto Hitch Cargo Carrier Bag is a no-frills, no-frills cargo carrier. It's compact enough that it fits easily on most cars or SUVs, but it's massive enough to hold several family-sized suitcases or duffel bags, along with a few bikes or beach chairs. The bag is made of PVC tarpaulin, which is waterproof and windproof, so it's ideal for road trips in bad weather. The bag's soft sides make it easy to load and unload, and it's light enough that I wouldn't hesitate to take it on a week-long vacation. The one drawback is the carry strap, which feels flimsy and isn't as comfortable or easy to use as the strap on our top pick. Also, this bag doesn't have a cover, so you'll probably want to carry or place it inside a vehicle to protect it from the sun.

4
9.2
SCORE
Car Roof Bag Cargo Carrier, 20 Cubic Feet Waterproof Rooftop Cargo Carrier Bag Vehicle Soft-Shell Carriers with Storage Carrying Bag + 8 Reinforced Straps Suitable for All Cars with/Without Rack

Sailnovo Car Roof Cargo Bag Carrier

by Sailnovo

Easy to Install & Storage: Thanks to the folding material, 6 built-in tie straps and 8 extra straps, this rooftop cargo carrier can be quickly and easily installed to roof in minutes; it also easily to fold it inside the storage bag when not in use, perfect for travel & road trip!

The Car Roof Bag Cargo Carrier is the best car roof bag we've tested, thanks to the high levels of quality and waterproofing. The bag is big, roomy, and waterproof, and it comes with enough straps to secure it to most car roofs. The bag is spacious enough to fit 4-6 suitcases, travel luggage case, tents, sleeping bags and more. It's comfortable, too. Plus, the bag comes with 8 adjustable straps. The roof bag also comes with 4 storage pockets, a carrying bag, and organizers for your phone and keys. The bag is well-made, sturdy, and durable, and it comes with a 1-year warranty. The only major downside is that it's heavy, so it's harder to carry than smaller roof bags.

5
8.9
SCORE
Car Roof Bag Cargo Carrier, 21 Cubic Feet Waterproof Rooftop Luggage Bag Vehicle Softshell Carriers, Anti-Tear 1000D PVC with 8 Reinforced Straps + Storage Bag for All Vehicle with/Without Rack

Adakiit Car Roof Cargo Bag Carrier

by Adakiit

HIGH DENSITY 1000D PVCFeatures triple-layer high density 1000D PVC fabric. This material is 2 times stronger than 500D PVC fabric, which most other rooftop bags adopts and can easily rip. The coated surface can effectively protect your luggage against rain, grit, snow, wind and sun on the road.

The Adakiit rooftop cargo bag exceeded our expectations. For simple, inexpensive storage, it's hard to beat. For longer trips, it's even better. Our previous top pick, the Yakima RoundUp, has a bigger capacity, but it's more expensive and heavier, and the straps are more difficult to secure. The Adakiit has a spacious, roomy interior that's surprisingly comfortable, and it's also much easier to install. The straps are easy as pie to install, and the bag fits most cars and SUVs. It's also very waterproof, and you don't need to worry about your items getting wet if you get caught in the rain. The bag is easy to assemble and disassemble, and it's lightweight enough to easily hang on the roof rack or in the trunk. It's also surprisingly spacious, and we were able to fit 4 suitcases, 2 duffel bags, and 3 backpacks inside. The bag's biggest drawback is its price. It's significantly more expensive than our previous top picks, and it's also heavier. However, it's a lot more versatile, and it's much more affordable if you only plan on using it on short trips.

6
8.9
SCORE
15 Cubic Feet Car Roof Bag Cargo Carrier - FieryRed Waterproof Rooftop Bag with Anti-Slip Mat, Travel Storage Luggage Bag Soft-Shell Fits All Cars, Vans & SUV for All Vehicles with/Without Rack

FIERYRED 15 Cubic Feet Roof Car Bag Cargo Carrier

by Zhongxin

User Friendly Design: Foldable for easy transport and storage, this rooftop cargo bag features adjustable straps to compress bag to reduce drag force and improve gas mileage, and comes with Velcro tapes to prevent straps from flapping in the wind.

After researching dozens of car roof bag options, the 15 cubic foot FieryRed Car Roof Bag Cargo Carrier came out on top. The sturdy bag has a large carrying capacity, perfect for hauling large cargo or luggage for road trips. The bag has 4 thick PVC mesh windows, allowing you to easily see the cargo inside. The mesh windows also have strong Velcro flaps, which add to bag's waterproofing and durability. The bag's straps and buckles are heavy-duty and well-made, and the bag comes with 2 side stabilizers, which lock the bag in place and help prevent it from falling when empty. The bag's 4 heavy-duty, waterproof zippers also add to the durability and waterproofing of the bag. The bag's roof mat is thick and skid-resistant, protecting the vehicle's paint from scratches. The bag also folds up for easy storage, and comes with a carrying strap for carrying. The only drawback to the bag is that it's bulky, so it may not be worth buying if you already have a roof rack.

7
8.9
SCORE
AUXKO 21 Cubic Feet XXXL Rooftop Cargo Carrier Roof Bag Reflective Strip Waterproof Military Grade Car Soft Roof Top Carrier Heavy Duty Luggage Bag Storage Fits All Cars with/Without Rack

AUXKO 21 Cubic Feet XXXL Rooftop Cargo Carrier Roof Bag Reflective Strip Waterproof Military Grade Soft Car Roof Top Carrier Heavy Duty Luggage Bag Storage Fits All Cars with/Without Rack

by Auxko

INCREASE MORE SPACE IN THE CARS Auxko cargo bag offer 21 cubic feet of roof storage space which can easily hold all luggage of family 4-6. Allowing you to pack everything you want on your next family trip without impeding on passenger comfort, Perfect design for happier camping, travel, and move.

The Auxko 21 cubic foot XXL Rooftop Cargo Carrier is a well-made, durable, and reasonably-priced roof bag. Its dimensions are roughly equivalent to those of our former top pick, the Thule 962. It comes with a bonus set of 2 door hooks, which come in handy for cars without roof racks, and it has a convenient built-in strap for locking the bags in place. The bag itself has about 21 cubic inches of space, which is slightly larger than the 16 cubic foot capacity of the Thule 962. However, the Auxko is a bit heavier at 14.3 pounds, and it's also more expensive, at $89.99 compared to $54.99 for the Thule. The Auxko is also slightly smaller in size, so it may not fit with every car. The Auxko 21 cubic foot XXL Rooftop Cargo Carrier is an excellent value, and it's the best roof bag we tested for cars without racks.

8
8.5
SCORE
Taygeer Rooftop Cargo Carrier, Waterproof Vehicle Cargo Carriers Rooftop Cargo Bag 21 Cubic Soft-Shell Car Top Carrier with Door Hooks and Anti-Slip Mat, Roof Bag for All Cars with/Without Racks

Taygeer Rooftop Cargo Carrier

by Adela Shop

1. X-Large Capacity: Taygeer Rooftop Cargo Carrier provides you 21 cubic feet storage space,the dimension of this car roof bag is L50" x W42" x H19", easily carry more luggage in one pack on your next trip or adventure. This vehicle cargo carrier gives you extra storage and brings you an easier and happier trip. With car roof cargo carrier, you can erase your worries about out of storage.

The Taygeer Rooftop Cargo Carrier is a budget-friendly, lightweight roof bag that has a good capacity, plenty of space, and is waterproof. It can hold up to 21 cubic feet of cargo, is lightweight at only 13 pounds, and fits most SUVs and cars without roof rails. The Taygeer Rooftop Cargo Carrier has reinforced straps for added security, and the 1.5-inch-wide removable straps make it easy to install and remove. The roof bag's 10-foot strap is long enough to fit most SUVs, and the 2-inch-wide Velcro strap easily fits around the luggage rack. It also comes with an anti-slip mat to prevent your cargo bag from sliding around and scratching your car roof. The Taygeer Rooftop Cargo Carrier has a reflective logo to escort your night journey. However, this roof bag does not have wheels, so it's best used as a car top carrier only. This roof bag is easy to install and remove and is inexpensive, but it lacks security features, such as a lock and tie-downs, and it weighs more than most car top cargo bags.

9
8.5
SCORE
APTY Car Roof Top Bag Cargo Carrier, 15 Cubic Feet Soft Rooftop Luggage Bag, Premium 750D PVC, Waterproof Zip, with Anti-Slip Mat + Storage Bag, for All Vechicles SUV with/Without Rack

APTY Car Roof Top Bag Cargo Carrier

by APTY

LARGE STORAGE: Provides 15 cubic feet of car roof storage so you will never run out of space for carrying all you need on your next car trip. The 15 cubic feet APTY cargo bag can easily hold 4 suitcases, tents, sleeping bags and more.

The APTY roof bag is unlike any other car roof bag. This bag has an anti slip mat, which slips under the car's roof and prevents scratches. The bag is waterproof and tearproof, and comes with a storage bag. The bag itself is made of 750D PVC, which makes it more durable than bags made of some other material. The bag itself is large, with a storage capacity of 15 cubic feet. The bag is easy to install, and the included hooks make it easy to attach to your car without roof racks. This roof bag is the most popular car roof bag on Amazon, and for good reason. It's durable, waterproof, and easy to install. The bag itself is large enough to fit most luggage, and the large storage bag makes storage easy. The only downsides are that the bag is heavy, and that it's not ideal for cars without roof racks.

10
8.4
SCORE
Car Rooftop Cargo Carrier Bag, 15 Cubic Feet Waterproof Soft Roof Top Luggage Bag for All Vechicles SUV with/Without Racks - Waterproof Zip, Anti-Tear 700D PVC, with 6 Reinforced Straps & Packing Bag

Adakiit Car Rooftop Cargo Carrier Bag, 15 Cubic Feet Waterproof Roof Soft Top Luggage Bag for All Vechicles SUV with/Without Racks

by Adakiit

OVERSIZED 15 CUBIC FEET: Free up inside vehicle space for more comfortable on the way. Massive 15 cubic feet (L41" x W35" x H17") of space can easily hold all luggage of a family of 4-5. A 15 cubic feet rooftop cargo bag allows you to hold 4-6 suitcases, travel luggage cases, tents, sleeping bags, and more.

The Adakiit Car Rooftop Carrier Bag is a well-designed, solid, and versatile cargo bag that can hold up to 15 cubic feet of luggage, groceries, or sports equipment. It's made of high-quality, soft 600D PVC fabric, and it's got 6 reinforced straps that will keep the bag firmly in place even on rough roads. The bag is tall enough that you'll be able to fit a full bag of groceries, and it comes with a padded shoulder strap for easy carrying. The bag's zipper is waterproof, and there's a waterproof bag you can store the luggage in when you're not using it. The bag is easy to assemble and install, and it's weather-proof, so you won't have to worry about your bags getting wet in heavy rain or snow. The bag is heavy (about 20 pounds when full), and it's large. You'll need at least 5 feet of clearance on the roof of your SUV for it to fit, and the bag is quite large, so it's best for larger cars, SUVs, or pickup trucks. For smaller cars, we recommend the 9 cubic foot Adakiit Car Roof Top Carrier Bag.

expand_less

I Agree
We use cookies to enhance and personalise your experience with us by collecting information about the pages you visit and actions taken on the site. More details