At Mockins, we don’t just sell cargo carriers: we live with them. We’re a family-owned business, and just like many of our customers, we know the feeling of running late, piling into the car, and realizing you still have a mountain of “stuff” that somehow needs to fit. That’s why we’re always testing our gear to make sure it lives up to real-life family chaos.
So when someone in the office asked, “Could we pack our largest roof bag in under 10 minutes?” The challenge was on. This isn’t your average rooftop bag: it’s massive, built to swallow up the extra gear you can’t (or don’t want to) squeeze inside your car. But could it really be done quickly? We rolled up our sleeves to find out.
The Setup 🏕️
We went with the Mockins XXL 50 Cu Ft Rooftop Bag — the biggest in our lineup. To make things realistic, we gathered what a family of four might bring for a weekend away:
- Four full-size duffel bags
- Two camping chairs
- One cooler bag
- A tent
- Two sleeping bags
- Extra blankets and pillows
- Random “extras” (jackets, toys, snacks... you know how it goes)
The 10-Minute Challenge ⏱️
Minute 1–2: The bag unrolled and opened wide on the roof rack. First two duffels and the tent slid right in — no problem.
Minute 3–4: The cooler and chairs went next. They took up some serious space, but the bag’s flexible walls made room without a fight.
Minute 5–6: Time to layer in the softer stuff. Sleeping bags, blankets, and pillows filled every gap. (This is where a smaller bag might start to struggle, but the 50 cubic ft. bag just kept taking more.)
Minute 7–8: The last duffels and random extras got tucked in. Surprisingly, we weren’t running out of space. It was more like, “Hey, what else can we add?”
Minute 9–10: With a quick shuffle and some knee-assisted zipping, the bag was sealed. Straps tightened, mat in place, and boom — fully packed in less than 10 minutes.
What We Learned 🙌
- Big is beautiful. The 50 cubic feet size means you’re not playing a stressful game of “what stays behind.”
- Soft-sided flexibility. Unlike a hard shell, this bag expands and shifts to fit the awkward shapes your gear inevitably comes in.
- Speed matters. Even if you’re rushing out the door, the setup is simple and forgiving.
- Durability you can trust. Heavy-duty waterproof material and reinforced straps mean you’re not just packing fast — you’re packing secure.
But here’s the thing: not every trip needs that much space. That’s why Mockins also makes smaller rooftop cargo bags in sizes like:
- 16 cu. ft. (great for sedans or solo travelers who just need extra luggage space)
- 20–25 cu. ft.(a popular pick for small families or quick weekend trips)
- 30–35 cu. ft. (ideal for SUVs or when you’re packing camping gear and sports equipment)
- 40–45 cu. ft. (for big groups or road trips where the cooler, tent, and sleeping bags all come along)
These cargo bags are waterproof, durable, and flexible enough to handle all the odds and ends that don’t fit in your trunk.
Why We Love This Test ❤️
We didn’t do this to prove we’re perfect packers (spoiler: we’re not). We did it because at Mockins, we’re passionate about making products that help families, road trippers, and adventurers get out the door faster and with less stress.
And yes, our roof bags are built to take a little chaos, because that’s what real life looks like.
So whether you’re a meticulous planner or a “stuff it and go” kind of traveler, a Mockins Rooftop Cargo Bag has your back. We’re proud of the gear we make, because it’s the gear we use ourselves.
👉 Thinking about upgrading your cargo space? Check out the full Mockins Rooftop Cargo Bag Collection here. From 16 cu. ft. to 50 cu. ft., we’ve got a size that’s the perfect fit for your next adventure.
