When you off road or overland there are some supplies that you just don’t want in the vehicle with you, and others just take up limited valuable space. That’s why I chose to get a cargo basket. An added perk is that they look awesome.
The choices in roof racks and cargo baskets are mind boggling. Having tons of options is nice but can be confusing. Prioritizing is key. What you choose to prioritize is custom to you budget, needs, and vehicle.
Most roof racks and cargo baskets need rails and crossbars to be on your vehicle. Mine came stock with crossbars, and knowing how much weight your vehicle can carry is important also.
I liked the no drill concept for crossbars/cargo basket installation. For Subaru’s there are two company’s that I know of that created a no drill rails and crossbar system. One is Spider and the other is Prinsu. Before choosing this system I suggest that you look up the install process, it is involved and the interior of the car is dismantled.
For crossbars I chose the Thule heavy duty crossbars that Subaru recommends for the Outback Wilderness.
The cargo basket wasn’t as easy to select. I wanted a cargo system that was easy to install and that complemented the top line of my vehicle. I bought the Off Grid Yakima cargo rack in large, and I love it.
I purchased it off Amazon and assembled it in my living room. it is heavy, 50 pounds. The pamphlet was clear and assembly straight forward. Getting it on the roof- was a different story.
The weight coupled with the length of the cargo basket made it impossible fir me to do it myself. I’m 5’9” the reach wasn’t the problem. Hauling up a wide 50 pound rack was. My son gave me a hand d and the rest of the install was easy.
While assembling the basket one of the push bolts was broken. The seller on Amazon gave me a $10 rebate. I contacted Yakima and they sent me one that arrived within a week.
Finished look. Thule Crossbars with a Yakima Off Grid Cargo basket
Car Rally Ready 