Trail notes

Strap It Down: Installing a Roof Bag Without a Rack

No crossbars, no problem. Here's the method we'd teach a friend.

What you need

• Your Asinking roof bag
• The non-slip mat
• The door hooks (4 or 6, depending on the bag)
• A clean roof and five minutes of patience

The method

1. Wash or wipe the roof; grit under the mat is the enemy of paint.
2. Lay the mat flat and center it front to back.
3. Load the bag on the ground or on the mat, heavy soft items in the middle.
4. Set it on the mat with the zipper facing the passenger side, the curb side at a stop.
5. Open each door, clip a hook to the metal frame above the seal, and close the door on the strap.
6. Cinch each strap snug, tuck the tails, and lock the zipper.

The 20-mile check

Straps settle as the load settles. Pull over after 20 miles and give each one another tug. After that, check at every fuel stop.