We're total newbies to camping and are trying to get all the stuff we need before making our first trip in a couple of weeks. We've realised there's no way we'll fit everything in our Ford Focus (3 kids as well) so are looking at options for extra storage.
We've no garage so storing a trailer or roof box would be difficult, so we're looking at roof bags. I've seen various reviews of the Thule Ranger 90 which looks good, but does anyone have any experience of the Carnopy roof bag, I can hardly find any reviews. Thule looks a safe bet, but Carnopy is cheaper - and we're spending a fortune on everything we need (so we can go on "cheap" holidays!). So far cheapest I've found is £89.99 for Carnopy, and 134.98 for Thule.
If you want to wait 2 weeks I'll let you know!! We've just got one, just waiting on some roof bars now!
It does look well made and sturdy. The fixings are a bit fiddly, but you only do them once and can do it in the comfort of your own home.
We have got the big one and its roughly 300ltrs. I emailed them with a couple of queries and they were quick to respond and helpful too.
We chose it as it's easy to store, plus when we are camping at our destination I can take it off and roll it up and stick it in the boot. (apparently that will save 10-20% in fuel).
If the roof bars come today I might take it out for a spin and let you know!!!
I have just rec'd a handy rack and the bag. It looks great for out trip next week because like you we have no storage, this folds down really small would go under the bed
Just to let anyone who's interested know. We've just come back from a rainy two weeks stopping at 4 campsites along the way.
The Carnopy roof bag was everything we wanted it to be. You do need to take your time setting it up. You can do most of this indoors, taking your time. Then a final adjustment outdoors on the bars to get it square. After that it's ready to go each time (on the same car).
We had plenty of rain and none got in at all. Packs down into a smallish sack to store away at home. At the campsites I just rolled it up and stuck it in the boot. I'll probably buy a small lock for the zip just for a bit of extra security if we park anywhere with the roofbag on.
Never having used a solid roofbox i can't really compare, howeve as I said it met all our expectations and we are very pleased with it.
Hi,
How does it fasten to the bars, and how adjustable are the fixings? We have a trailer tent which has a rack on it, and are thinking of one of these to store some extra stuff on top. OH thinks he would be happier with something made for the job rather than bags and bungees!
Here are the instructions on putting it together so you can see how the clamping system works. Basically a plastic clamp attaches to the bags piping, these can be shifted along the piping to allow the best fit to the bars. Once positioned they are fixed onto the piping using allen key and spanner (this is done only once so long as you use it on the same car). There are four U-clamps that fit under the roofbars and through the clamps which are then tightened by hand every time you put the bag on the roof.
I think the official instructions are clearer though .
------------- ---Phil---
"I distrust camels, and anyone else who can go a week without a drink."