Rooftop cargo bags are a brilliant campervan storage solution
As vanlifers, what could we all could use more of? More space inside the van.
The best rooftop cargo bags will allow you to store the items that you don’t need inside while traveling.
Please also see our post on Trailer Hitch Cargo Boxes, part of our ongoing series on Campervan Storage Ideas.
These rooftop bags tend to be generous in size, so even large items can be stored inside. This gives you more room to inside your van.
- Tents
- Folding chairs
- Toys
- Extra food and clothing
- Dirty clothes, towels, sheets and more
Rooftop bags aren’t only convenient for storage when traveling, they’re compact and fold down easily, so you don’t need a lot of space to store the rooftop bag at home or at the camp site.
Some things to consider before buying
Many factors impact the effectiveness of rooftop cargo bags. We’ve detailed the the crucial features and important aspects to look for when purchasing your rooftop cargo bag.
Waterproof
As you know, the weather can be fickle, so make sure your cargo bag is waterproof.
The best rooftop Cargo bags will have a high level waterproof rating, ensuring that the water from heavy or long rain won’t seep through the bag and damage your belongings.
Waterproof ratings also ensure the bag can be cleaned. The environments that you’re traveling in will make the bag dirty. When you come home you must be able to clean the bag to maintain its longevity and keep it from dirtying other items.
A good waterproof rating also allows for thorough cleaning of the bag when you get home, ensuring a long life for your cargo bag.
Dimensions
The size of the rooftop bag needs to fit the dimensions of your vans roof. The roof generally can fit one large bag, though it’s possible to fit two bags for extra carrying capacity.
The size of the rooftop bag needs to still leave space for additional items you want to carry on the roof such as a bike or storage box.
Rooftop cargo bags differ in terms of the ways they’re secured to campervans. Your campervan must have the correct features to support this such as a rooftop rack.
If you don’t have a roof rack, you’ll need to fasten the bag with ratchet straps, so be mindful of this when choosing a bag.
Quality
There are some rooftop cargo bags that are made of poor quality material. It’s wise to invest in a higher quality brand. You won’t have to deal with other expenses such as replacing the bag or other gear.
Amazon reviews allow you to choose the best rooftop cargo bags for your campervan and we highly recommend reading them carefully.
Mounting on your rooftop
Some rooftop cargo bags can be mounted to your roof using only the straps provided, but some will work much better with a rack installed, so read reviews and features carefully to be sure.
If you’re mounting without a rack, you might consider adding a cargo bag protective mat to your order.
Get a boost to access your Campervan rooftop cargo bag
It doesn’t look like much at a glance, but the Rightline Gear Original Moki Door Step is a very valuable tool that will give you the boost you need when it’s time to access your roof bag.
The best rooftop cargo bags are a great investment for your campervan
Rooftop cargo bags are what you need to make travelling convenient. It’s important you purchase one that matches your needs and the above features. All your future trips will be more enjoyable and effortless thanks to the addition of the best rooftop cargo bag.
Recommended rooftop cargo bags for your campervan
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- Made of 100% waterproof material. Also protects against dirt, sunlight, and wind
- Designed for cars without roof racks, but also works with a rack
- Strong straps wide enough to hold it firmly in place.
Our Rating
This campervan rooftop cargo bag was manufactured to give you extra storage space on the roof of your vehicle.
It’s made of high-quality material that’s fully waterproof which guarantees that your things inside the bag won’t get wet even in the worst rainstorm.
Use the heavy-duty wide straps that are included in the roof bag to hold the bag in place.
The BD Cover Roof Bag measures 13.3 x 11.4 x 6.7 inches and it’s about 8.5 pounds.
You can save a lot of space when traveling since it allows users to carry more items.
It’s compatible with any type camper van and works with any gear like a roof rack or crossbars. This rooftop cargo carrier comes with a luggage lock to keep potential thieves away.
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- Fits on roof w/out rack, cross bars, side rails and rooftop baskets
- 3,000 pound strength seat belt type straps for securing carrier to any Van
- Made in the USA. One year warranty.
- Two sizes: #11 fits cars, SUVs and vans. #15 fits SUVs, vans and full-size sedans
- Comes with everything needed to install
Our Rating
This rooftop storage bag gives maximum protection at a very reasonable price.
It’s manufactured in the USA and is covered with a one-year warranty.
The RoofBag Waterproof holds up to 15 cubic feet of cargo and fits on any cargo carrier up to 48 x 38 inches.
It’s completely waterproof since the material is tight-knit polyester canvas liquid coated with vinyl.
It can fit any camper vans with or without a roof rack.
You won’t experience any rip, tear, or drop of water inside this bag because it’s abrasion-resistant and weather-proof.
Heavy-duty straps are included in this rooftop cargo bag which is designed to secure the bag at any highway speed.
It’s also easy to store since you can fold this bag down to 10 x 8 inches.
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- The Vault Rooftop Cargo Bag straps to roof bars with ratchet and lashing straps
- Tough canvas construction protects cargo from weather elements and road grit
- 15 cubin feet of carrying capacity
Our Rating
If you want to keep your things safe and secure while freeing up space in your vehicle, then you should use Vault Cargo Roof Bag.
It’s not only capable of keeping your gear dry, but it also protects your valuable luggage from dirt.
It’s user-friendly, the Auto Top Cargo Carrier has ratchet straps for roof bars to hold down your bag securely.
This rooftop storage has 15 cubic feet of space and measures 13.2 x 12.1 x 5.4 inches.
The heavy-duty canvas material can protect your camping equipment from road debris so it will stay clean.
For additional safety, use the protective mat and ratchet straps to secure your bag to your vehicle’s roof.
Vault Cargo is your solution to get you out on the road comfortably!
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- Waterproof
- 15 CU feet storage
- Fits roof racks with attachment on all sides (if less than four sides, caution should be taken for security)
- Protects cargo from grit, sun, rain, wind
- Folds down for easy storage.
- 44 inches x 34 inches x 17 inches
Our Rating
The Keeper Waterproof Rooftop Bag is perfect for anyone going on a road trip and looking for added space to their campervan.
This rooftop cargo bag is designed to be compatible with all vehicle’s rooftops and will offer your set-up as much as 15 cubic feet of additional storage space.
It’s made of rubber laminated nylon to protect your valuable items from road dirt and bad weather.
This rooftop cargo carrier is approximately 44 x 34 x 17 inches and it only weighs 16 ounces.
It’s reliable for long road trips since the roof bag’s material is 100% waterproof and sturdy.
Use the four side attachments with caution for security at highway speeds.
The soft-side flex is designed to fit different shapes of loads. When you’re not using it, it folds compact for easy storage.
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- 100 percent waterproof
- Built with highest quality materials
- 37.5 inches x 37.5 inches x 18 inches
- Big, strong straps and buckles for more secure loads
- The OXBOUND roof bag features a large velcro secured flap that totally covers the zipper
- Free mat included for roof protection. Prevents slipping and scratching of your roof
- Free duffel bag for storage when not in use, or use it to store your stuff INSIDE the bag!
Our Rating
The OxBound Cargo Bag has the highest quality material to shield your luggage and camping gear from the grit and grime on the road.
The strong straps and buckles are really dependable and can withstand all kinds of weather.
It has increased zipper protection system that keeps the zippers completely dry and secured.
This product measures 37.5 x 37.5 x 18 inches and weighs 9.25 pounds.
This rooftop cargo carrier comes with a free protective roof mat to keep your vehicle’s rooftop free from scratches and prevents your bag from slipping.
Made from 100% waterproof material so you can drive in the rain without worrying about your luggage getting wet.
You’ll also get a free duffle bag so you can store the roof bag for easy storage and transportation.
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- 16.8 x 12.6 x 7.7 inches
- Heavy-duty SBS zipper for added security
- 100% waterproof
- Military Grade Materials
- Fits any Van with or without Rack
Our Rating
With Roofpax Rooftop Cargo Carrier, your safety is a top priority.
Instead of using straps, this roof bag uses six door hooks for maximum safety.
It’s widely considered to be the safest and most secure rooftop cargo bag in today’s market.
At a whopping 15 cubic feet of storage space, you will never run out of space for bringing all the stuff you need in your campervan.
Made from military grade materials that are 100% waterproof.
It featurs a built-in protective mat to prevent your luggage from scratching, sliding or falling.
The bag’s dimesion is 16.8 x 12.6 x 7.7 inches and includes a heavy-duty SBS zipper for added security.
With or without a roof rack, this cargo carrier fits any camper van.
In case of breakage, buckles and zippers are backed by a limited lifetime warranty.
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Recap for Campervan Rooftop Cargo Bags
- The extra space provided by a rooftop bag for your van is crucial
- Get chairs, tents, toys and dirty clothes out of the van while traveling
- Weather proofing is a major factor in choosing your cargo bag
- Locks and heavy material provide a sense of ease when it’s time to leave the van on it’s own
- Many dimensions are available so measure and choose the best rooftop cargo bag size for your van
- There’s no pay off in choosing the cheap option. Get a bag that will last
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