Cartop Storage Solutions

Hauling gear? Put it up top.

When it comes to Coloradans and their cars, it seems like everyone could use a little more room. If you’ve ever left for a camping trip or a ski weekend with gear stacked so high in the trunk that you couldn’t see out your back windshield, consider adding one of these space-saving solutions to your ride.

Apex Extra-Large Roof Cargo Bag

If your car doesn’t have roof crossbars and you don’t want to buy them, this roomy, waterproof carrier can be attached to standard roof rails with six tie-down straps (included). PVC-coated nylon protects your gear from the elements, and the bag’s 19.6 cu ft. of cargo space is large enough for skis, snowboards, camping gear, and just about anything else you might need for a weekend adventure. ($55)

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Thule AeroBlade Edge Roof Bars

Thule is one of the most reliable names in roof storage systems. If you want a setup that will last years, start with these aerodynamic load bars, necessary for supporting the rest of a Thule system (or other cartop storage box). The bars are engineered to reduce wind noise and drag, can handle over 800 pounds of force, and come in four sizes. ($250 each)

Thule Force XT Roof Box

At the high end of Thule’s roof box line is the Force XT, which attaches to your Thule load bars via a quick-mount system. The box comes with an integrated security lock and can be opened from either side of the vehicle. Four sizes: Sport (11 cu ft., $500), L (16 cu ft., $570), XL (18 cu ft., $600), and XXL (22 cu ft., $650).

RoofBag Rooftop Cargo Carrier

Similar to the Apex carrier, the RoofBag can be secured to your car’s roof rails without crossbars. No exposed stitching means extra weather protection, and each bag comes with a two-year warranty. Two sizes: 11 cu ft. ($74) and 15 cu ft. ($84)

Curt Roof Mounted Cargo Rack

If a simple, low-profile cargo rack is all you’re after, this option from Curt is perfect, with a durable steel construction and universal brackets that fit most roof crossbars. The rack has 3.5 cu ft. of space within the open-top frame, but can hold much more when cargo is secured with additional netting or straps. ($106)