The Subaru brand draws the attention of outdoorsy types. If you fit that bill, you probably need more storage for your gear.
There are many options, and they can cost a lot less than you’d think!
In this guide we’ll look at roof boxes, but at the bottom section we have more affordable alternatives as well.
So if you’re going camping, snowboarding, or taking your gear on some other grand adventure, we’ve got you covered. To use any roof box, you first need a roof rack.
Let’s look at the 4 Best Roof Boxes for Subaru Foresters:
1. JEGS 90098 Rooftop Cargo Carrier | 18 cu. ft | Waterproof | Made in USA
The JEGS rooftop cargo box is a best seller for a reason. This category was previously dominated by much more expensive brands.
This achieves the same thing storage wise that competitors offer for much less money.
18 cubic feet is near the limit of largeness in cargo carriers.
It comes pre-assembled as well. It’s also made in the USA. All mounting hardware minus the roof rack is included. They’ve even included locks. If you have a large amount of stuff to haul, there isn’t a better overall value!
This can carry up to 110 lbs of your most important things and has a limited lifetime guarantee. Make sure you need a size this large before ordering. Many people are surprised at how big it is.
There are smaller sizes if you want something with a smaller profile. But for those with large families, this is ideal.
2. SportRack Vista XL Rear Opening Cargo Box (Black, 18 Cubic Feet)
The SportRack has a slim profile that can accommodate up to 4 snowboards or 6 skiis.
Rear opening cargo boxes like this are made with safety in mind.. and to give you space.
If you’ve ever been snowboarding and had a group of kids pull up beside you, you know what we mean!
Eighteen cubic feet of storage is plenty for most adventurers. From a value perspective, this is a steal. Compared to the JEGs above, this has a more aerodynamic design while maintaining a similar price point.
3. Thule 682 Sidekick Rooftop Cargo Box,Grey, One Size
Thule is one of the oldest brands in this category.
You can count on their quality and warranty, but they’re usually at a higher price point.
This two-toned box is a deal considering their usual range.
It’s a smaller box and can only hold up to 75 lbs. It also requires assembly. If you’re looking for a warranty you can trust, Thule has a lifetime-limited one that you get with this.
It’s a great size for camping trips and they’ve included locks to keep it secure. This mounts to your roof rack using a u-bolt style attachment, so it’ll fit nearly any shape of rack.
4. Goplus Cargo Box, Waterproof Rooftop Cargo Carrier, Heavy Duty Roof Storage Box, 14 Cubic Feet (Black)
The Goplus Cargo Box is another streamlined option that won’t cause you too much drag during your drive.
It’s also one of the only cargo boxes we’ve ever seen that has color options! With three styles to choose from, you can get this in white if you wish.
You’ll be able to haul up to 165 lbs of your things. It’s accessible on either side as well and has a 14 cubic foot storage capacity. Locks are included. This box and the SportRack are in a similar price range and both are good choices.
We like the color options that Goplus offers.
Do I need a roof rack to get attach a cargo box?
Yes! Most Subaru Foresters have side rails to attach this roof rack to easily. Once you get your rack installed, you can then get a cargo box, kayak mount, snowboard mounts, bicycle mounts, or whatever else you desire.
A universal roof rack like this one here that attaches to your side rails will be a good sturdy option for those of you who need this addition.
I’m going snowboarding, do I still need a cargo box?
If you mainly want a roof box to carry snowsports gear, you may be pleased to find out that you can use mounts.
If you use a mount like this one, you’ll just “clamp” your snowboard or skiis in place. It will be more exposed to the elements than if it was shielded by a roof box but if you’re taking it for a day trip it’ll suffice.
Are there alternatives to getting a cargo box? I’ve decided I’d like a more affordable option.
There are! With the setup of a hard shell cargo box and adding the rack, you can expect to spend a decent amount of money. It’s a great long term solution for storage but what if you only need it for a few trips?
In that case we recommend getting a cargo bag like this one. Cargo bags are great because you can just strap it to your roof. Most are waterproof as well! They aren’t as sturdy as a roof box but for a camping trip they’re perfect.
Finding a quality cargo box can be a bit overwhelming. There are many options with a huge variance in price ranges. In this guide we gave you the best values for a Forester to make an informed decision.
Our best overall value was the JEGS roof box, but the SportRack seems to be a nice aerodynamic solution as well!
Whatever you end up choosing, let us know how it worked for you. We enjoy hearing from our readers and take your input seriously. Thanks for stopping by.