There’s a special kind of freedom that comes with a properly packed vehicle.
When your trunk isn’t stuffed to the ceiling, your back seat isn’t a maze of duffel bags, and your passengers can actually stretch their legs, road trips stop feeling like endurance tests and start feeling like adventures again.
That’s the quiet superpower of a rooftop cargo carrier bag, roof rack basket, or hitch cargo rack. They don’t just give you more space. They change where you can go and how you travel once you get there.
These are some of the most iconic American road trip routes for drivers who pack smart, haul outside the cabin, and want room for gear, memories, and a few spontaneous detours.
🏔️ 1. Pacific Coast Highway (California)
Why it’s perfect for cargo carrier setups:
Ocean views, cliffside pull-offs, and constantly changing weather mean flexibility is everything.
Ideal gear to haul externally:
- Camp chairs and picnic kits
- Layers for foggy mornings and sunny afternoons
- Beach gear, surfboards, or wetsuits
Best carrier combo:
A roof cargo bag for soft gear and a hitch carrier or roof rack basket for quick-access items. You’ll stop often, and digging through the trunk every time gets old fast.
Bonus: Keeping sandy, salty gear outside the vehicle makes cleanup a non-issue.
🏜️ 2. Utah’s Mighty 5 National Parks Loop
Zion. Bryce Canyon. Capitol Reef. Arches. Canyonlands.
This route rewards travelers who bring more than just a weekend bag.
Why cargo carriers matter here:
- Hiking packs, coolers, and camera gear add up quickly
- Temperature swings demand extra layers
- You’ll want room for souvenirs, trail snacks, and dusty boots
Best carrier setup:
A hitch cargo rack with a waterproof cargo bag keeps heavier items low and stable while freeing up roof space for visibility and fuel efficiency.
Dust stays outside. Your interior stays civilized.
🌲 3. Blue Ridge Parkway (Virginia to North Carolina)
Slow, scenic, and full of overlooks that beg you to stop and stay awhile.
What makes this route ideal for external cargo:
- Frequent pull-offs for picnics and short hikes
- Cabin stays mixed with camping
- Changing elevations mean unpredictable weather
Best carrier setup:
A versatile roof basket set shines here. Toss in camp chairs, firewood, hiking boots, or daypacks and grab them without unpacking half your vehicle.
This is the kind of road trip where accessibility matters as much as capacity.
🌾 4. Route 66 (Midwest to Southwest)
Classic road trip energy, diner stops, roadside attractions, and long stretches between towns.
Why you’ll want extra storage:
- Coolers for long drives
- Emergency gear and extra water
- Roadside finds you did not plan to buy but absolutely will
Best carrier setup:
A hitch carrier and cargo bag combo gives you flexibility. Bulky gear rides outside. Essentials stay reachable. And your back seat doesn’t turn into a supply closet.
Long-haul comfort matters here more than anywhere.
🌲 5. The Great Lakes Circle Tour
This route takes you through multiple states, climates, and types of terrain in one trip.
Why it’s perfect for cargo carrier owners:
- Beach gear one day, hoodies and rain jackets the next
- Kayaking, fishing, hiking, and sightseeing all in one loop
- Plenty of family-friendly stops that benefit from organized packing
Best carrier setup:
A larger rooftop cargo bag paired with packing cubes keeps gear sorted by activity. You know exactly where things are, even after days on the road.
Less rummaging. More relaxing.
🚀 Pro-Tips for Long-Distance Hauling
Before you hit the interstate on these epic routes, run through this quick "Drive & Explore" checklist:
- The "Silent Mile" Check: After the first 20 miles of your trip, pull over and check your straps and your hitch stabilizer. Straps can settle and loosen; a quick cinch ensures a silent, secure ride for the next 500 miles. 🤫
- Weight Distribution: Always keep the heaviest items centered and as low as possible. If using a roof bag, place it between the axles rather than over the windshield to maintain better fuel efficiency.
- Anti-Theft: If you're staying at hotels along the way, use a locking hitch pin or a cable lock through your roof basket to give yourself peace of mind while you sleep. 🔒
Final Thought: Pack for the Trip You Want, Not the Space You Have
The best road trips are the ones where you’re prepared but not cramped. Where stopping is easy, packing is logical, and unpacking doesn’t feel like a chore.
When your storage setup works with your route instead of against it, you’ll drive farther, stop more often, and enjoy the journey just as much as the destination.
Whether you’re hugging coastlines, climbing mountain roads, or chasing sunsets across state lines, the right cargo carrier setup gives you the freedom to to explore the most remote corners of the map without sacrificing comfort.
Stop choosing what to leave behind. Start exploring everything.
Find the Perfect Cargo Carrier for Your Next Great Road Trip Here! ➡️
