We Tested Yakima’s ReelDeal: The Ultimate Outdoor Gear Rack

After spending several weekends testing the Yakima ReelDeal rack, we’re convinced it’s one of the most versatile carriers on the market. The system securely transported our fishing rods, skis, and snowboards without a hitch, even on bumpy mountain roads. We particularly appreciated the SKS lock system, which gave us peace of mind when we stopped for lunch during our adventure trips.

The rack’s heavy-duty construction inspires confidence, yet it remains surprisingly lightweight for installation and removal. We found the capacity impressive-comfortably holding 4 sets of skis and 2 snowboards simultaneously, with easy-to-use clamps that worked even with gloved hands.

While the price point sits on the higher end of the spectrum, our testing confirms the investment is worthwhile for active families who transition between seasonal sports and need reliable, secure transportation for their gear.

16 Aug

Exterior Accessories

We Tested WEIZE’s 200lb Roof Rack: The Ultimate Cargo Solution

August 16, 2025
By Drivecraft
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We Tested WEIZE’s 200lb Roof Rack: The Ultimate Cargo Solution

After three weeks of rigorous testing, we’re impressed with the WEIZE 64″ x 39″ x 5″ Heavy Duty Roof Rack Carrier Basket. This robust system handled everything we threw at it, easily supporting its advertised 200lb capacity during our mountain camping expedition.

We particularly appreciated the included accessories-the waterproof bag kept our gear dry during an unexpected downpour, while the cargo net and ratchet straps provided excellent security even on bumpy terrain. Installation on our SUV was straightforward, taking less than 30 minutes with basic tools.

The universal design fit seamlessly with our vehicle’s existing roof rails, and we tested it successfully on a colleague’s truck as well. At highway speeds, we noticed minimal wind noise compared to other carriers we’ve tested.

For families or adventure enthusiasts needing extra storage space, this WEIZE roof rack delivers outstanding value and reliability.

08 Aug

Exterior Accessories

We Test the Thule 615 Pulse Rack: Space for Adventures

After three weeks of intensive testing, we’re impressed with the Thule 615 Pulse Rack in Large Black. This spacious cargo box gives us an additional 16 cubic feet of storage, which proved perfect for our weekend camping trips. We particularly appreciate the SecureLock system that ensures the box is firmly closed during travel – giving us peace of mind on winding mountain roads.

Installation was straightforward, taking our team just under 15 minutes from unboxing to ready-for-loading. The aerodynamic design notably reduced wind noise compared to other models we’ve tested, and we didn’t notice significant impact on fuel economy during our 500-mile road trip test.

While not the cheapest option on the market, we found the durability and ease of use justifies the investment for frequent adventurers who need extra cargo space.

28 Jul

Exterior Accessories

We Tested BagMate’s Military-Grade Roof Carrier

July 28, 2025
By Drivecraft
2 comments

We recently put the BagMate Military-Grade Waterproof Roof Bag to the test during a cross-country road trip, and we were genuinely impressed with its performance. The 19 cubic feet (540L) capacity easily accommodated our luggage for a family of four, with room to spare for souvenirs acquired along the way.

The “military-grade” claim isn’t just marketing hype – our carrier faced heavy downpours in the Midwest, and everything inside remained bone dry. We particularly appreciated the dual zipper/buckle closure system that provided extra security on bumpy mountain roads.

Installation was straightforward using the included door hooks, which worked perfectly on our sedan without a roof rack. The extra strap provided welcome additional stability during high winds.

For anyone planning extended road trips or outdoor adventures, we can confidently recommend this roof carrier as a durable, practical solution for expanding your vehicle’s storage capacity.