TL;DR: Winter sports racks and cargo carriers can make hauling your recreational gear and equipment easier and free up interior cargo space. Roof- and hitch-mounted ski and snowboard racks offer convenient ways to transport your winter equipment, while enclosed roof- and hitch-mounted cargo carriers provide additional protection and multipurpose storage. The right option for you depends on your gear, how you like to load and access it, the level of weather protection you need, and what your vehicle is compatible with. This guide breaks down each option and how to choose the best winter cargo solution for you.
Winter adventures come with a lot of gear, and your vehicle doesn’t always have enough room for all of it. Between skis, snowboards, boots, helmets, goggles, bulky apparel, and other seasonal essentials, interior space fills up fast. Whether you’re heading out for a quick day on the slopes or packing the whole family in for a winter getaway, finding room for everything can be a challenge.
That’s where winter sports racks and cargo carriers step in. Ski and snowboard racks make it easy to transport your gear without sacrificing valuable interior space, while enclosed cargo boxes and carriers offer multipurpose storage and protection from the elements. But how do you know which one is right for you?
Whether you’re planning a trip to Badger Pass in Yosemite or a resort in Tahoe, this guide explores considerations for choosing between winter sports racks and cargo carriers to help you find the best option for your needs, gear, and vehicle.
Table of Contents:
What are the Different Types of Ski and Snowboard Racks?
Winter sports racks are installed on the outside of your vehicle and are designed specifically to hold skis and snowboards, without taking up interior cabin space.
Ski and snowboard racks can either be roof-mounted or hitch-mounted to your vehicle, depending on your needs and preferences:
Roof-Mounted Ski and Snowboard Racks
Roof-mounted ski and snowboard racks attach to your vehicle’s roof rack system and hold equipment safely and securely between padded clamps. If your vehicle doesn’t already have a roof rack system like crossbars, you will need to install those first.
Roof-mounted racks are a great option for carrying skis and snowboards while keeping your trunk or rear cargo area available for boots, helmets, clothing, and other winter gear.
Hitch-Mounted Ski and Snowboard Racks
Hitch-mounted ski and snowboard racks attach to a hitch receiver, keeping your equipment at the rear of the vehicle rather than on the roof. Before installing one, you will need to make sure your vehicle has a compatible hitch receiver for the specific rack.
Because they sit lower to the ground, hitch-mounted racks generally offer easier loading and unloading, especially if reaching the roof of a taller vehicle is difficult.
What are the Different Types of Cargo Carriers?
Cargo carriers are fully enclosed, hard-shell storage boxes that mount to the roof or rear of your vehicle. They are designed to transport everything from luggage and oversized items to ski and snowboard equipment and more. Unlike dedicated ski and snowboard racks, cargo carriers are multi-purpose and can be used year-round for camping, road trips, and many other uses.
Enclosed cargo carriers are also available in roof-mounted and hitch-mounted options to suit different vehicles and hauling needs:
Enclosed Rooftop Cargo Boxes
Enclosed rooftop cargo boxes attach to the top of your vehicle to provide extra storage space while keeping your gear protected from snow, rain, road salt, and other elements. Like rooftop racks, cargo boxes also need to be installed on a roof rack system such as crossbars.
Rooftop boxes are a versatile option for carrying more than just skis or snowboards, including other gear like boots, helmets, jackets, luggage, and more. However, rooftop cargo boxes also add height to your vehicle, so be mindful of clearance when entering garages, parking structures, or other low-clearance areas.
Hitch-Mounted Cargo Carriers
Thule Arcos Box L Hitch-Mounted Cargo Carrier
Hitch-mounted cargo carriers are installed via a hitch receiver at the rear of your vehicle. They are positioned at waist height, so there is no need to lift things over your head while storing gear. Like rooftop cargo boxes, hitch-mounted carriers are also fully enclosed, offering added protection against the weather, damage, and theft.
However, before choosing one, make sure your vehicle has a compatible hitch and that the carrier’s weight and size capacity meet your needs.
How to Choose the Right Winter Cargo Solution for Your Needs and Vehicle
Choosing between a ski or snowboard rack and an enclosed cargo carrier depends on your needs, your gear, and your vehicle. Both can free up valuable interior space, but they differ in what they can carry, how they protect your equipment, and how easy they are to load and access.
The table below provides a side-by-side comparison of the main differences between ski and snowboard racks vs. enclosed cargo carriers at a glance.
Ski and Snowboard Racks vs. Enclosed Cargo Carriers:
| Winter Sports Racks | Enclosed Cargo Carriers | |
|---|---|---|
| Best For | Skis and snowboards only | Skis and snowboards (XXL carriers), extra gear, luggage, and more |
| Weather Protection | No; exposed to the weather | Yes; fully enclosed |
| Storage Location | Roof or hitch | Roof or hitch |
Below, we take a closer look at key factors to consider when choosing between a winter sports rack and an enclosed cargo carrier:
What Gear Do You Need to Carry?
- Winter Sports Racks: If you primarily need to transport skis and snowboards, a dedicated winter sports rack can be a simple and efficient solution. These racks are designed specifically to hold your winter equipment, but do not offer storage for any additional gear.
- Enclosed Cargo Boxes: Extra-large cargo boxes provide storage space for skis or snowboards, plus boots, helmets, clothing, luggage, and other winter gear.
- Combo: Using a ski or snowboard rack alongside a cargo carrier gives you the best of both worlds, allowing you to transport your winter sports equipment while maximizing available storage space for the rest of your gear.
Do You Need Weather Protection?
- Winter Sports Racks: Open racks leave your skis and snowboards exposed to snow, rain, road spray, and other winter conditions.
- Enclosed Cargo Boxes: Fully enclosed carriers protect all your gear from the elements, making them a good choice if you want additional protection from snow, rain, road salt, and road debris.
How Do You Want to Load Your Gear?
- Roof-Mounted Options: Roof-mounted winter sports racks and cargo boxes require you to lift your gear overhead, which can be more challenging on taller vehicles or if you have heavy gear and equipment.
- Hitch-Mounted Options: Rear hitch-mounted racks and cargo boxes sit much lower to the ground, making them generally easier to load and unload.
What is Your Vehicle Compatible With?
- Roof-Mounted Options: Roof-mounted solutions typically require a compatible roof rack system like crossbars, so check your vehicle’s roof configuration. You’ll also want to consider the roof’s weight capacity and the added height of the loaded vehicle.
- Hitch-Mounted Options: Hitch-mounted solutions require a compatible hitch receiver with the appropriate size and weight capacity. Check your vehicle and carrier specifications to make sure the hitch can safely support both the carrier and the gear you plan to carry.
Outfit Your Vehicle for Your Next Winter Adventure at Campway’s
The right winter cargo solution can make all the difference. Whether you need a dedicated ski or snowboard rack, an enclosed cargo carrier, or a combination of both, the Campway team is here to help. We carry a wide selection of racks and carriers from leading brands like Thule, Yakima, Kuat, and more. Plus, we offer on-site installation services for added convenience and peace of mind that your vehicle accessories are professionally installed and ready for the road.
Visit any Campway location to explore our selection of winter sports racks and cargo carriers and meet with a member of our team to find the best setup for your needs and vehicle.
