This Car-Top Storage Device Is In The Bag

Product: Sherpak Gear Stow

Description: A heavy-duty UV-resistant vinyl car-top storage bag in two sizes, 10 cubic feet and 15 cubic feet. Available in gray only.

Pro: One of the easiest car-top carriers I have ever used. On and off the vehicle from trunk to fully loaded in under five minutes. Using a double layer construction and electronically welded seams, the Sherpak is weatherproof. I even drove it into a carwash and blasted it with the pressure hose - no leaks, no runs, no errors. Attaches securely to the roof rack of any vehicle. If the Sherpak comes loose, it can only mean your roof has come off. I tested the 10-cubic-foot model which easily stored three large duffels. Appears very durable as there are no visible wear spots after a summer of hard use.

Con: If the Sherpak is lightly loaded, you end up having to cinch down the compression straps and attachment straps significantly leaving lots of extra strapping to stow away. While the one-inch straps store easily and securely behind the keeper clips Seattle Sports has provided, the two-inch straps create enough bulk that the keeper clips can’t offer enough holding power against the power of wind when the car is under way. On several occasions the straps tore loose and began slapping all around my roof creating a racket and forcing me to pull off the highway quickly to secure the straps before continuing. I solved the problem by securing the excess using a hook & loop strap around each two-inch webbing attachment.

Comments: Car-top storage boxes such as Yakima’s Space Case are great, but since they are rigid, what do you do with them when they aren’t in use? All they do is take up space in the garage and you sure as heck can’t toss them in your trunk. Which is why I absolutely love the Sherpak Gear Stow. For those times when I need the extra space inside my vehicle, I toss the Sherpak on the luggage rack, load in my gear and head out -a five-minute process at the most. When I’m done, the Sherpak rolls up quickly and stows out of sight, waiting patiently and compactly until I call on it again. Two thumbs up and a couple of big toe salutes as well.

Suggested Retail:: $159.95

Company: Seattle Sports, 12604 Interurban Ave. S., Tukwila, WA 98168; (800) 632-6163