Going on long camping trips often means lugging around your belongings with you. Cargo boxes and cargo bags are two popular options among travelers, but which is the better option?
Cargo bags are a cheaper option that requires no roof rack, offers weather resistance, and can fit irregular luggage. However, a cargo box is weatherproof and more durable.
Keep reading if you’re trying to compare cargo bags vs. cargo boxes. After I go through the pros and cons, you’ll be able to find a suitable match for your needs. I’ll also include a few of the best options available.
Cargo Bag: Cheap, Flexible, and Versatile
If you’re on a budget and still want the option of packing more luggage than your trunk can handle, a cargo bag is a definite choice for you. These are soft bags made of durable waterproof materials that can be tied to the roof of your vehicle with or without a roof rack.
Of course, there are also some drawbacks to this option. Let’s take a look at the pros and cons of using cargo bags:
Pros
- Versatility: Because cargo bags are made of flexible material, you can use them to carry irregularly shaped objects. The versatility means you are less limited by shape and volume than you would be otherwise.
- Easy to store when not in use: You can easily fold or roll up a cargo bag and store it anywhere that is convenient when you aren’t using it.
- Low cost: Generally speaking, cargo bags are more affordable than other options for carrying additional cargo.
- Waterproof: Most models available nowadays are made of waterproof (or water resistant) material that protects your belongings to some degree against water damage.
- A roof rack is optional: If you don’t already have a roof rack or don’t want to buy one—no worries. Most cargo bags can attach to your vehicle without it.
Cons
- Lower storage capacity: Since cargo bags are made of fabric, the maximum weight (or volume) they can handle is comparatively lower. Even the biggest bags are limited to around 18 cubic feet.
- Less secure: While your belongings will be secured in place, they aren’t locked by any means, and a thief could easily gain access to the contents of a cargo bag.
- Not weatherproof: Most cargo bags are water resistant to some degree, but they will not protect your belongings from harsher weather, such as snow or hailstones. Even those models that claim to be weatherproof won’t fare against extreme conditions.
Best Picks
These are my favorite options for cargo bags. While they are generally affordable, I’ve included high-quality items that go above and beyond the low price point.
CZC AUTO Expandable Hitch Cargo Carrier Bag
A well-made and durable option, the CZC AUTO expandable cargo bag is a great model to own. For a very affordable price, you get a weather-resistant bag made of sturdy tarpaulin (PVC). Its best feature is the expandable capacity—with one zipper, you can gain access to an added 4 inches (10 cm) in height.
The added height makes carrying bigger gear easier and adds more space for your luggage as well. The bag measures up to 48 “x19” and 22“ in height (122 x 48 x 56 cm). It can carry a total volume of 9.5 to 11.6 cubic feet (0.26 to 0.32 cubic meters)
You won’t need to buy a roof rack, and the bag is very easy to install. There are also multiple zippers on this cargo bag for easier loading/unloading. The bag is waterproof but can also handle harsher weather very well. When not in use, this cargo bag can fold down to occupy minimal space when in storage.
Rightline Gear Sport Jr Car Top Carrier
This sleek-looking cargo bag is not just aesthetically pleasing. The Rightline Gear Sport Jr features a patented welded zipper that makes it actually waterproof. This solution is far more effective than a flimsy zipper flap.
You won’t need a roof rack to use this carrier, and it is designed to fit vehicles of all sizes without any major impact on aerodynamics. With a generous ten cubic feet capacity and semi-coated mesh lining, this bag is sturdy and versatile. It’s easy to install, and the instructions are sewn onto the cargo bag for your convenience.
In addition to being waterproof, this unit will protect your gear from UV rays. It’s also lightweight, so it won’t put added strain on your vehicle’s engine. Overall, the Rightline Gear Sport Jr Cargo bag is made using high-quality materials, and it is a durable option worth the price tag.
MeeFar XBEEK Roof Carrier
For extra large storage capacity, sleek design, and long-lasting materials, go no further than the MeeFar XBEEK Cargo bag. This unit is made of material that is both tear-proof and weatherproof, so feel free to take it with you on extreme travels.
The orange and black colors of the bag make it visually appealing, and the generous 20 cubic feet (1.85 meters) capacity means you can carry much more gear. No roof rack is needed for installation, and it’s easy to install on any type of vehicle.
Your gear would be secure in this cargo carrier—with six straps holding everything in place and an anti-slip mat beneath, it doesn’t move even at high speeds. Moreover, this cargo bag comes with an additional layer of security: it includes a combination lock to deter thieves.
Cargo Box: Secure, Weatherproof, and Durable
For those who need a more sophisticated and secure option to carry extra luggage, a cargo box is worth the extra cost. It’s made of durable hard material, so it will provide much more protection. Additionally, cargo boxes are usually equipped with better anti-theft features.
However, while a cargo box can be bigger, it can be difficult to store some irregularly shaped items in it. Here are the advantages and disadvantages of using a cargo box:
Pros
- Larger storage capacity: The sturdy shell of a cargo box means you can choose a larger container to carry more of your luggage around (if your car can handle the extra weight).
- Durable: Cargo boxes are made of durable hard material that is able to withstand a lot of traveling.
- Weatherproof: You will be able to protect your luggage or gear from all different types of weather conditions. Manufacturers account for rain, sun, snow, temperature fluctuations, and many more extreme weather scenarios when engineering a cargo box to be weatherproof.
- Secure: Most models have some form of locking mechanism, which makes it significantly harder for thieves (or others) to gain access to your belongings. You can store your expensive fishing reels without worrying that anyone will steal them.
Cons
- Can’t fit irregular objects: Because it is made of a hard shell, irregular objects (such as fishing rods) might not always fit inside a cargo box. The box’s dimensions limit the volume of objects you can place inside it.
- Requires a roof rack: If you decide to buy a cargo box, you will need to spend more money to buy and install a roof rack. Otherwise, the box cannot be secured to the roof of your car.
- Expensive: Cargo boxes are a larger investment. They cost significantly more than other options to carry luggage.
- Difficult to store: The hard shell is not collapsible, so the box needs to be stored as is. This takes up much more space in your closet (or anywhere else).
I also recommend my other guide on whether a cargo box is waterproof or not. Don’t miss it. [Are Cargo Boxed Waterproof? (Top Picks From An Owner)]
Best Picks
These are my favorite cargo box models available right now. I’ve tried to include options from different price points. In any case, all three of the below cargo boxes offer great value for the money.
Thule Pulse Rooftop Cargo Box
Well-designed and highly functional, the Thule Pulse cargo box provides a generous additional 14 cubic feet of space when mounted. You can put it together quickly and easily, and it’s compatible with four common types of crossbars: square, aero-style, round, and factory.
The biggest perk of this unit is that you can rest assured that your gear is safe and secure thanks to its central locking system. To further ensure the security of your belongings, the key can only be removed when everything is assembled correctly and locked.
Even though it weighs under 35 pounds (16 kg), this cargo box can carry a lot of gear—a total of 110 pounds (50 kg). The hard shell is made of durable plastic, so your gear is weatherproofed and safe. The box measures 67” x 35” x 16” (170 x 90 x 40 cm), yet it still doesn’t look bulky.
Also available at REI.com!
JEGS Rooftop Cargo Carrier
If you’re looking for a high-quality, heavy-duty cargo box, this is the perfect option. The JEGS Rooftop Cargo Carrier has a capacity of 18 cubic feet (0.51 cubic meters), with a weight limit of 110 pounds (50 kg). That’s ample space to carry most gear and luggage.
Installation requires no tools, and you can conveniently access your stuff from both sides. Despite its massive size, the unit is designed to allow the average user to easily slide it onto the car rooftop for installation.
The cargo box is aerodynamically designed, so even when fully loaded, there is minimal change in the fuel efficiency of your vehicle. The manufacturer has also included weatherproofing provisions such as the four-corner locking system. This system keeps cargo protected from the elements and secure as well.
Finally, it’s worth mentioning that JEGS offers a limited lifetime guarantee, which is a bargain at the relatively affordable price of this unit.
Thule Force XT L Roof Box
This is another model by Thule, albeit larger. The Thule Force XT L fits an impressive 16 cubic feet (0.46 meters) in volume. Its load capacity is 165 lbs (75 kg), which means you can easily fit all your gear and luggage.
I highly recommend this model, if solely for the space-saving design. When it’s mounted, you should have full access to your trunk as well. In any case, the quick-mount system is effective and easy to manage. The unit offers security via the Thule Comfort Key and advanced locking mechanisms.
As you can expect, the durable plastic is fully waterproof and weatherproof as well. I recommend this model for serious travelers with large-sized gear.
Major Differences: Cargo Bag Vs. Cargo Box
Now that we’ve gone over the advantages and disadvantages of both types of cargo carriers, I’d like to cover the major differences between them. Here is a table to illustrate them.
| Cargo Bag | Cargo Box |
| Low cost | Expensive |
| Made of flexible synthetic fabric | Made of durable hard materials |
| Only waterproof | Weatherproof |
| Carries up to 18 cubic feet | Can carry larger volumes |
| Accommodates irregularly shaped objects | May not fit irregularly shaped objects |
| Not secure | May include advanced security features |
| Can be mounted without a roof rack | Roof rack is required |
| Easy to store | Difficult to store |
As you can see, there are quite a few differences between cargo boxes and bags. Although they serve the same general purpose, they aren’t the same thing. Generally, I would recommend a cargo bag for occasional travelers that might need to stow away the cargo bag for prolonged periods.
A cargo box is a bigger investment and is more suitable for serious travelers that need the extra space and will use it more often. Although it is difficult to store, it does offer many advantages, such as security and larger storage capacity.
Before you choose one option over the other, consider answering the following questions:
- How often do you intend to use the rooftop carrier?
- What type of gear/luggage do you need to carry? Do the dimensions fit within the cargo box/bag?
- What are the weather conditions during your planned travels?
- How big is your budget?
- Are you willing to install a crossbar, or do you already own one?
Conclusion
Whether you choose a cargo bag or a cargo box, both options offer the capacity to carry more luggage on your travels. While bags are more affordable and convenient, a cargo box is a worthy investment for serious travelers. Weigh the pros and cons of each and choose the option that’s best suited for you.