10 Best Cargo For Car Roof No Roof Rack 2025 in the United States

The MeeFar Car Roof Bag XBEEK is designed for those who need extra storage space while traveling, especially useful for families or adventurers who have a lot of gear. This bag stands out with its impressive 20 cubic feet capacity, allowing you to fit several suitcases or camping equipment, which makes it ideal for road trips or outdoor excursions.

One of the key strengths of this cargo bag is its waterproof and tearproof material, crafted from 700D PVC tarpaulin. This means your belongings should stay dry and protected, no matter the weather conditions. The ease of installation is another highlight; the bag can be set up quickly, thanks to its anti-slip mat, reinforced straps, and door hooks, making it user-friendly even for those who might not be very tech-savvy.

Security is also taken into account, as the bag includes a combination lock to prevent theft and keep the zippers secure. This is a nice touch for peace of mind during travel. There are a few potential drawbacks to consider. While the bag is designed to work with cars both with and without roof racks, some users might find the stability varies, particularly if the attachment isn’t secure. Additionally, even though it’s lightweight, it may add height to your vehicle, which could affect fuel efficiency and overall handling. If you’re in need of increased cargo space and prefer a versatile, easy-to-use solution, the MeeFar XBEEK Rooftop Cargo Carrier Bag is definitely worth considering.

The Thule 613 Pulse Cargo Box Alpine is a solid choice if you need extra storage space on your car roof but don't have a roof rack. It offers 11 cubic feet of capacity, enough to carry 4-6 skis or 3-4 snowboards, making it ideal for winter sports enthusiasts or families on road trips. Made from durable plastic, it protects your gear from weather and road debris while being relatively lightweight at 30 pounds. Its FastGrip quick-mount system lets you install the box in just minutes without much hassle, which is great if you're not into complicated setups.

The cargo box opens on the passenger side, providing easy access even when parked tight, and the central locking system with the Thule Comfort Key adds a reassuring layer of security to keep belongings safe. At 11.3 inches above the crossbar, it has a moderately low profile which helps maintain decent aerodynamics, though some wind noise and drag are expected with any rooftop box. Its load capacity of 110 pounds covers most typical uses but is not suitable for very heavy gear. While water-resistant, it is not fully waterproof, so in heavy rain some moisture could get inside.

This cargo box balances ease of use, good capacity, and reliable security, making it a practical option for those who want to expand their vehicle’s carrying ability without permanent roof modifications.

The Yakima SkyBox NX XXL is a hard shell rooftop cargo box designed to expand your vehicle’s storage capacity, offering a spacious 22 cubic feet that can easily hold gear for up to five campers or skis up to 215 cm. This makes it a great match for family trips or outdoor adventures where you need extra room without sacrificing interior space. It attaches to your car’s roof rack using a roof mount system, which is the standard and secure way to install such boxes; however, this means you do need a compatible roof rack on your vehicle. Installation is straightforward for most users, and the box’s aerodynamic shape helps reduce wind drag and noise better than bulkier cargo carriers.

Made from durable materials, it features a sleek, nano-textured finish that should hold up well against scratches and looks modern on the roof. Security is well covered with Yakima’s SKS push-button lock system, giving you peace of mind that your belongings are safe while you travel. One thing to note is that the box is not water resistant, so in heavy rain, some moisture might get inside, which is worth considering if you often travel in wet conditions.

Also, at over 22 cubic feet, it’s on the larger side, which could affect fuel efficiency more than smaller boxes. If you already have a roof rack and want a reliable, easy-to-access cargo solution with good security and modern design, the Yakima SkyBox NX XXL is a strong choice. However, if your primary concern is waterproofing or minimizing impact on fuel consumption, you might want to explore other options.