Best vehicle soft shell carriers according to redditors
We found 22 Reddit comments discussing the best vehicle soft shell carriers. We ranked the 16 resulting products by number of redditors who mentioned them. Here are the top 20.
We found 22 Reddit comments discussing the best vehicle soft shell carriers. We ranked the 16 resulting products by number of redditors who mentioned them. Here are the top 20.
I don't own an FJ anymore, but when I did I had this cargo tray: https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B003NBFKDK/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1
I also bought a Rola vinyl carry bag with it:
https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B000E7WLJW/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1
The only thing about it that was a drag is you can't open the rear door of the FJ when there is stuff mounted on the rack. You can still get to stuff in the back of your FJ through the window, but not sure if that will work for you. Something to consider, anyway.
Don't do that. At least get a soft one like this. Basically the same concept but this is designed to be used without a roof rack.
https://smile.amazon.com/RoofBag-Waterproof-Premium-Protection-Warranty/dp/B00M0CBV9U/ref=mp_s_a_1_5?keywords=soft+luggage+roof+rack&qid=1558291568&s=gateway&sr=8-5
This one attaches to the door frame. http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B006WQ7WQ6/ref=pd_lpo_sbs_dp_ss_3?pf_rd_p=1944687502
I used this one (11cu ft) from Missouri to the Gulf coast and back. We hit some torrential rain on the way back and there was only a small amount of dampness where water crept under the flap and through the zipper. It was around $45 when I ordered it.
Keeper 07202 Black Waterproof Rooftop Cargo Bag (11 Cubic Feet) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B071GNNHQK/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_nYMgDbFCAF19V
You could always visit a marina and find a good company that makes canvas. Then have them build it to your design.
Or, depending on what you're hauling, get one of those waterproof bags for roof top carriers and but it on the bed floor.
Reese Explore 1391800 Rainproof Expandable Car Top Carrier https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00ZH8FTI8/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_PTeMAb6KWFHWX
I have two of these roll bar bags in my backseat area to increase my storage ability. I keep extra clothing and a jacket in one and a blanket in the other. They tuck down behind the front seats so they're not in the way at all.
Roof bags are a thing and pretty cheap. https://www.amazon.com/Keeper-07203-1-Waterproof-Cargo-Cubic/dp/B00D9C2CDO https://www.amazon.com/OxGord-Cargo-Waterproof-Carrier-Vehicles/dp/B00GM4UUZS/ref=pd_lpo_vtph_263_lp_t_3?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=KAKK869M8Q9B9E1DED7W
I think that you will prefer doing two cars. It will give you more freedom at your stops if people want to do different things. Also, in my mind an RV is going to be a huge hassle, unless you are only camping or staying in the country.
As far as a rooftop carrier, you do not have to have a rack or buy a hardtop. It is cheaper and in some ways more convenient to buy a roof bag. We purchased this one on amazon last year and it worked great. When I bought it the price was $68 - it looks like it went up, so you could shop around for a cheaper one. The benefits of a roof bag are: 1) cheaper, 2) don't need a rack, and 3) you can easily take it off and store it in your vehicle with your luggage if needed during stops (discourage thieves if you are worried). We put ours through hell and it held up great.
For our trip, we only had about 16 and a half days, so two weeks plus the weekend. We had to stay on this schedule due to work/time-off - you could do a lot more than us with an extra week. You can buy any park passes at the park and I would just pay for tolls as you go. Unless there is a specific tour that you want to do which could sell out, most things you don't need to buy before hand.
It sounds like you guys are taking a very similar route to what we did - I have listed it below so you can get a feel what what is possible:
A few more things:
This one:
Rightline Gear 100S50 Sport Jr. Car Top Carrier, 9 cu ft, Waterproof, Works With or Without Roof Rack https://www.amazon.com/dp/B003WOZOUM/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_CaKIybP8VZ3PA
Worked really well through the trip, waterproof too.
We just ran a 2k mi. road trip through CO and UT and slept in the back for 11 days. We kept all our gear inside the vehicle while we were driving and once we set up camp transfered all the gear up into a waterproof soft box.
May not be the solution for you, but only took about 5 mins to pack up each night and way cheaper and more fuel efficient than a roof box. Plus it rolls up really small when not in use.
Sherpak Go!15 Waterproof Cartop Storage Cargo Bag Carrier for Car Rooftop https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0024ALBJ8/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_rd1SDbFHF7YQ8
This fits my organic big pad plus some more small items. It is apparently water-proof, but I seam-sealed it just incase and it seems to do fine.
http://www.amazon.com/Sherpak-Go-15-Cartop-Storage/dp/B0024ALBJ8
If you can throw down a few bucks, ship the light, but bulky stuff to yourself (via UPS/USPS, etc.). Things like pillows, comforters, clothes and other light items take up a ton of room in the car. You can ship them for much less than it would cost to re-buy them.
You used to be able to buy a bus ticket and put heavy stuff under the bus as luggage, but not actually take the ride. A confederate would pick it up at the destination. 21st century security regulations might have done away with that. I'm not sure.
Finally, you might consider getting one of these soft rooftop carriers. I've used the Keeper 07203 for a few years and its never done me wrong. If you don't have a roof rack, you can find one on amazon that's cheap and temporary.
Moving sucks. Good luck!
I ended up going with this roof bag. It's rated really good and people had a lot of good things to say about it. One guy recommended upgrading the straps and for a couple bucks more I will be doing that.
That's an interesting trade but unfortunately it's a no go (maybe a yard sale in the past?), this is the one we had though, looks like the rack option is in stock and they now make a smaller one (11 cu ft vs the 15 we had)
https://www.amazon.com/RoofBag-Explorer-Waterproof-Soft-Carrier/dp/B0042H6BA0/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1467288683&sr=8-2&keywords=roof+top+bag
Looks like there's some cheaper options, I just know that's the one we had and it was heavy and durable, I'd definitely get or fashion an anti skid mat.
EDIT: On second thought, maybe this was outrs, they all look the sameish:
https://www.rei.com/product/677675/sherpak-go-15-roof-bag
I think this is it or close to
Agreed, for raw capacity, I think the basket is a better option. I pair it with waterproof bag for rain, can hold my large tent, tarp, 3 camp chairs, camp table and some sleeping bags. Im only worried to go over the 70kg weight limit stated by VW...
Bag - https://www.amazon.com/Lund-601016-Soft-Pack-Rooftop/dp/B0002Z9QO4
Bag looks awesome as well.
https://imgur.com/gallery/rNk2s
Wanna give these a try?
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B074VK6TF2
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B007FPCAIS
My 43 year old wife drives a Buick Enclave. Lots of room and stylish. Handles like a smaller SUV, but has as much seating and leg room as the "boats" (Escalade, Suburban). You lose a little cargo space, but we got the roof rack runners and then bought this with the optional liner bags for out ski trips.
Hi there! I went with rhino rack vortex aero bars/legs, a Yakima load warrior with extension and a Curt roof bag. It has solid reviews on Amazon and waterproof with thick layering. I didn't like the straps that came with some I added some simple master lock straps as well. It's held up really well and have driven through rain off and on throughout the trip with no leaks!
CURT 18221 Extended Roof Rack Cargo Bag https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00OJ9N014/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_3ndPzbFQZSH2D
We haven't camped out of the back quite yet since it's loaded with everything we got! But would love tips to the best mattresses etc that would fit the back since that will be for round 2 excursions -
I know its been six days since your comment, but I just came across this sub. I go camping with my jeep all the time and use this hitch with this cargo bag. This is the only pic I could find of my jeep with the hitch while attached (with the bag only half full), but I must say its one of the best purchases Ive made.
I used one of the soft cargo bags for an 11 hour trip with some light drizzle and it was fine. $30 on amazon and stores away small. Need the rails on your vehicle though.
https://www.amazon.com/OxGord-CARC-1143-BK-15-Cubic-Waterproof-Vehicles/dp/B01F448TQ8/ref=sr_1_12?ie=UTF8&qid=1493379668&sr=8-12&keywords=roof+cargo