The Best Soft Car Top Carrier Without a Roof Rack for Family Road Trips

Are you looking for the best soft car top carrier without a roof rack to use on your family road trips?

Most cars don’t come with roof racks, so finding a way to fit everything you need for your trip can be tricky. Stop worrying–we have got you!

In this post, we’ll discuss why soft car top carriers are ideal and highlight some of our favorite picks to make packing for your next journey more accessible than ever.

From folded styles that offer superior storage capacity to expandable models with zippered sections and adjustable mounting points, there’s something here for every traveler.

So let’s start – read on and take the stress out of packing up!

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Which soft rooftop cargo carrier do we use for our family road trips?

We needed a new rooftop cargo carrier bag for our summer road trip. We had one in 2020 for our trip across Canada and Western USA found on Amazon, but it came to an end of life.

In this article, we’re giving you our review of the Hey Trip Soft Roof Rack as well as other great options for soft car top carriers without a roof rack on your car.

Like our previous road trip, we chose a soft car top carrier bag and selected the Heytrip Soft Root Rack. Heytrip offers a soft car top carrier without a roof rack installation.

We don’t have any side rails on our car, so we needed another type of mounting system for our storage bag. This is where the soft car top carrier without a roof rack comes in handy.

Soft VS Hard Roof Top Carrier

Both options (soft rooftop cargo back and hard shell top roof rack) have their pros and cons. We personally use the Heytrip soft rooftop cargo bag with no rack, and we’re super happy about the product (don’t miss our review in the section below).

Pros and Cons of Soft Car Top Carrier:

• Soft car top carriers are usually wider, which allows you to store more items. For example, we were able to store our double jogger stroller, helmets, and winter gear on our cross-Canada road trip).

• Soft car top carriers are easy to remove if you’re staying at the same place for a while

• Soft car top carriers are usually more affordable and can be installed directly on the roof of the car; no need for side rails or rooftop racks.

• Soft car top carriers can get damaged more easily since they are made from fabric. They can rip and let rainwater in, which won’t protect your gear as well.

Pros and Cons of Hard Shell Rooftop Cargo Carrier:

• Hardshell rooftop cargo carriers are usually more durable and more aerodynamic to protect your gear.
• Hardshell rooftop cargo carriers must stay on top of the car at all times.
• Some branded hard-shell rooftop cargo carriers can be super expensive.
• Hardshell rooftop cargo carriers need to be installed and attached to car top racks.

What are the Best Soft Rooftop Cargo Carriers on the Market

When transporting cargo on top of your vehicle, a soft rooftop cargo carrier is one of the most convenient and cost-effective solutions.

These lightweight and durable carriers provide an easy way to add extra storage space for your next road trip or adventure.

We will explore some of the best soft rooftop cargo carriers on the market and identify which options offer the perfect combination of value, convenience, and performance.

1. Heytrip roof rack bag

The Heytrip roof rack bag comes in a small storage bag, making it easy to store after a road trip (or when we spend a few days/weeks on stationery). 

It has a 15 cubic feet storage capacity which means you could pack 3 medium suitcases with 3 sleeping bags, all in the HeyTrip soft roof rack bag. Plus, it uses heavy-duty and durable fabric and zippers that make the HeyTrip rooftop cargo bag waterproof.

Another feature we love is the reflective strips located on the soft sides of the rooftop cargo bag. They ensure maximum visibility and safety when driving at night.

Shop on Amazon for your rooftop cargo carrier bag from HeyTrip
*Don’t forget to use our 5% discount code at checkout: HEYTRIPLLA

Heytrip also sells soft roof rack pads. It is the perfect solution if, like us, your car doesn’t have the side rails that allow you to get a hardshell rooftop cargo carrier or a rack for sports equipment such as kayaks and SUPs.

Plus, it’s a universal product, so there is no need to buy a new one if you change cars or if you want to use it on another car.

The soft roof rack pads are perfect for items like SUP, kayaks, and skis. It has a load capacity of 80 kg. They are really easy to install.

It comes in a small bag for storage and includes tie-down adjustable straps with padded cam locks to attach inside the car (see image below)

When I go alone with the boys, and we plan on using the paddleboard more than once, I can simply inflate the SUP once and then attach it to the roof of the car using our HeyTrip roof rack to go back to our rental or campground or even go back home. Then we simply have to reinflate a little before our next water trip.

Shop Amazon for your soft roof rack from HeyTrip.
*Don’t forget to use our 5% discount code at checkout: HEYTRIPLLA

2. MeeFar Car Roof Bag 

The MeeFar 20 cu.ft Car Roof Top Cargo Carrier bag is one the best soft rooftop cargo carriers on the market today, and it comes with plenty of features that you’ll love.

The bag comes with an anti-slip mat, 10 reinforced straps, 6 door hooks, a luggage lock, and a storage box included in the package. Plus, it works with cars with or without roof racks, so you don’t have to worry about compatibility.

Additionally, it’s waterproof and tearproof, so you can take it outside under all types of weather and conditions so your stuff won’t get wet or damaged in the rain or snow.

Also, it was super easy to install! Getting it up and running took just minutes. It also includes a combination lock which adds extra security by preventing zippers from slipping open!

One another great thing about this bag is that it has plenty of room for your items! It can fit 4-6 suitcases, travel luggage cases, tents, sleeping bags, and more into this bag – perfect for us that loves to travel a lot!

Shop on Amazon for your MeeFar Car Roof Bag

3. FIVKLEMNZ Car Rooftop Cargo Carrier 

If you’re looking for an affordable carrier, the FIVKLEMNZ Car Rooftop Cargo Carrier Roof Bag is perfect for you!

It’s designed to be the safest, easy to use, and most secure option for travelers on the go. It includes 8 reinforced adjustable that provide a reliable and sturdy attachment to your vehicle, giving you peace of mind throughout your journey.

Plus, the roof bag is durable and spacious with its 15 cubic feet of storage. This rooftop cargo carrier can accommodate at least 4-6 suitcases, including your kids’ camping gear and more!

The FIVKLEMNZ cargo carrier is also suitable for any car and is easy to install – just strap it on and you’re good to go! And don’t worry about the weather – this roof bag is waterproof and comes with a Topper Anti-Slip Mat to make sure your cargo stays put and won’t slip away.

Shop on Amazon for your FIVKLEMNZ Car Rooftop Cargo Carrier Roof Bag

4. RoofBag Cargo Carrier

The RoofBag Car Rooftop Cargo Carrier is the ideal choice for transporting your belongings and other cargo without worrying about any damage or excessive noise caused by wind resistance. This carrier works on any type and size of a car with or without a rack cross-bar.

It comes with an anti-slip mat and 8 strong nylon straps, so you can be sure your belongings will stay secure during your trip. Plus, it includes a convenient storage bag for easy transportation when not in use.

This 17 cubic feet model is waterproof, made from durable materials, and fuel-efficient at the same time, so your stuff will stay safe and dry even if caught in a rainstorm.

Plus, installation is easy, too – it’s quick and straightforward.

Shop on Amazon for your RoofBag Car Rooftop Cargo Carrier

5. Amazon Basics Cargo Carrier

The Amazon Basics Rooftop Cargo Carrier Bag offers a spacious 15 cubic feet storage capacity to store all your items – perfect for long road trips.

It comes with 8-inch straps with buckles, so you can secure the bag to your roof rack and rest assured that your belongings will make it to your destination safe and sound.

The Amazon Basics Rooftop Cargo Carrier Bag is designed to withstand weather conditions. It’s completely waterproof, ensuring your belongings stay dry even in heavy rain. Plus, its fade-resistant material ensures the bag looks great for a long time.

You’ll also appreciate the oversized zipper for extra convenience when loading and unloading items. And it’s straightforward to set up in no time!

Shop on Amazon for your Amazon Basics Cargo Carrier

How to Install a Soft Car Top Carrier

To install any soft car top carrier, first, you must:

Step 1: Read the instructions provided with your soft car top carrier before beginning installation. This will give you information and guidelines on how to install the carrier properly.

Step 2: Clean your vehicle’s roof and the bottom of your bag carrier to ensure the carrier’s proper seal.

Step 3: Place the carrier on the roof of your car and line it up in the desired position.

Step 4: Secure the edges of the carrier onto your car using straps, cords, or rope, depending on what carrier you have. Make sure that these fastenings are tight and firmly attached for the carrier to remain stable during travel.

Step 5: Start loading the carrier with your items. Start with the heavy ones, place them in the middle, and follow with the light ones, place them around the edges. Make sure they are properly and securely compact and won’t shift during travel.

Step 6: Close and lock any zippers or latches on your carrier to ensure nothing falls out while driving.

Step 5: I recommend inspecting your work afterward by testing out how well-secured everything is; if possible, try taking a short drive around town with someone in tow so they can observe how secure everything is while at higher speeds. And check them regularly throughout your trip.

How to Attach a Car Top Carrier Without a Roof Rack

To attach the Car top carrier without a Roof Rack, Roof bars, or Roof rails, first, you must:

✅ Select an appropriate car top carrier for your vehicle. Make sure it is designed for your specific model and fits on your car’s roof without a roof rack.

✅ Next, clean your car’s roof well. This makes sure nothing blocks the straps or buckles. Look out for anything sharp that might harm the straps or your car.

✅ Put anti-slip foam padding underneath the car top carrier to help keep it in place during travel. Unzip your carrier and place it on top of the foam padding.

✅ Securely attach each strap to one of the door frames, using either a hook or an adjustable strap, depending on your chosen car top carrier. Make sure all belts are tightened securely and everything is connected right.

✅ If you have four doors, put one strap around the weather molding inside each door. With two doors, attach both straps on each side of the carrier to the same door frame.

✅ When attaching the straps, put the clips inward toward the carrier. Slide the strap under the middle slot of the buckle, then pull it over and down the front slot. If done right, the strap won’t loosen. If it’s loose, remove it and try again.

✅ Open the car doors and find the interior weather molding. Hook the car clip under it, not on the metal part or front frame. Clips work best on the molding. Do this for all straps, then tighten and close the doors over them.

✅ Lastly, tie down the extra straps, test them, and if you hear noise, loosen, adjust, then retighten the straps again.

How to Pack a Soft Car Top Carrier

Packing a soft car top carrier can be easy if you know how.

👉 First, you’ll need to determine the weight limits of both your vehicle and the storage box. Make sure that the total weight does not exceed the maximum load limit of your car.

👉 When packing, it’s best to first start with the heaviest items and spread them evenly.

👉 Also, be aware of your roof rack’s weight capacity as well; make sure your roof rack can handle the load of whatever you’re putting up there.

👉 After loading up, make sure to secure any items with extra straps and holders.

👉 Don’t forget to invest in a cargo box that can withstand different weather conditions and a dust-resistant also to keep your belongings safe during your travel.

How to Pack a Rooftop Cargo Bag During a Road Trip

We store on our Heytrip roof rack bag items we won’t need too often along the way or that we’ll only use at our destination to limit the loading and unloading. For example, we get most of our clothes and our favorite swim gear in the car, but we store them in the soft car top carrier:

• our warm gear
• some water sports equipment that we won’t be using on the way
• all the dirty clothes on the way back home.

If you plan on camping but need to drive for a few hours or days until camping, then storing the camping gear in the rooftop cargo bag is a good idea.

What can fit in a rooftop cargo box?

Rooftop cargo boxes can fit a variety of items, and it depends on the size and what type of box you own. They are designed to fit on top of a car, truck, or SUV, and it is designed to give extra storage space for carrying items in the car.

Generally, these boxes are used to store bulky and light items like your extra luggage, small furniture, sports gear such as skis, snowboards, helmets, kid’s toys, and even groceries items.

It could also fit camping equipment like tents or sleeping bags, camping chairs, and tables.

Looking for the best camping gear for your next adventures? Decathlon Camping Gear: Why We Love It (+ Our Top Picks)

F.A.Q.S: Best Soft Car Top Carrier Without a Roof Rack

How to pack car for family road trip?

• Make a detailed list of items you must bring on your road trip and separate them into essential items, such as food and clothing, and non-essential items, like your kid’s books and toys.
• Pack all essential items first, placing the heaviest items at the bottom of the car and lighter ones on top.
• Utilize all available space in the car – use roof racks for large bags or suitcases that won’t fit inside the car.
• Pack food and snacks for the road trip. Make sure to bring healthy snacks and meals.
• Bring entertainment options for passengers in the car, such as books, music, games, movies, or other activities they can enjoy while traveling.
• Have an emergency preparedness kit if anything goes wrong on your trip, such as a flat tire or an engine issue. Include a first-aid kit, tools like screwdrivers, pliers, and wrenches, a spare tire, a flashlight, a fire extinguisher, and more!

Are rooftop carriers safe?

Yes, rooftop carriers are safe when properly secured to the roof of a vehicle. The key is to ensure that the straps used to secure the carrier are tightly fastened and not overloaded with cargo.

Can you use a rooftop carrier without a roof rack?

Yes, you can use a rooftop carrier without a roof rack. Many rooftop carriers come with straps that attach to the car’s roof and do not require a roof rack to be installed on the vehicle. These straps provide enough support to hold the carrier in place, making it easier and more convenient for people who don’t want to install a roof rack on their car.

What should I look for in a rooftop carrier?

When looking for a rooftop carrier, it is essential to consider the materials used, dimensions, shape, weight, and capacity. Check its features, such as ease of installation and security features like locks or straps, and it should be waterproof and windproof to ensure that your items stay secure even in bad weather conditions.

Final Thought: Best Soft Car Top Carrier Without a Roof Rack

Taking a road trip with your family can be an exciting, memorable way to reach your destination.

It’s important to ensure you have the best gear for a successful journey, starting with choosing the right soft car top carrier without a roof rack.

With so many options on the market, it’s hard to know which is optimal for your needs. We’ve provided helpful information in this blog post so you can choose wisely and compare materials, capacities, and other factors most important to you.

Now that you know what to look for when picking out your ideal soft car top carrier without a roof rack prepare to rev up your engine and plan a fantastic road trip! 🙂

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