Trail notes
Packing Up Top: How to Load a Roof Bag
A well-packed roof bag is quiet, dry and stable. A badly packed one flaps.
Soft, square, full
Roof bags love soft things: sleeping bags, duffels, pillows, jackets. Hard cases go in the car. Fill the bag so it stands square; a half-empty bag catches wind.
| Goes up top | Stays in the car |
|---|---|
| Sleeping bags, duffels | Laptops, cameras |
| Tents, camp chairs | Medicine, documents |
| Beach towels, jackets | Anything fragile |
| Pillows, blankets | Anything you need before the next stop |
Weight
Check your car's roof load limit in the owner's manual and stay under it, counting the bag itself. Heavier items go in the center, over the pillars.
