ATV/UTV CVT Clutching
UTV Storage Guide: Roof Bags, Cargo Bags and Coolers
UTV Storage Guide: Roof Bags, Cargo Bags and Coolers
Stock UTVs give you a glovebox and not much else. Once you add a cooler, recovery gear, a jacket and a few tools, the cab fills up fast. The good news is that UTV storage is easy to add, and most of it bolts or straps on in minutes. This guide walks through the main storage types, what each does well, and how to pick one without buying the wrong fit.
Step 1: Decide what you are carrying
Start with the items, not the product. A short list usually sorts itself into three groups:
- Small items you want in reach: phone, maps, goggles, snacks, gloves.
- Bulky or dirty gear: tow straps, tools, jackets, camp supplies.
- Cold drinks and food: anything that needs insulation.
Each group has a storage type that suits it best. Trying to make one bag do all three jobs is how people end up with a pile in the passenger seat.
Option 1: Overhead roof bags for small items
An overhead bag uses space you were not using anyway. It sits under the roof, so everything inside stays within arm's reach of the driver and passenger.
The Overhead Roof Storage Bag for Polaris RZR PRO XP / 4 from KEMIMOTO lists 4 storage compartments, one of them a transparent PVC pocket that can hold a map. The listing describes 1680D Oxford cloth, a hidden waterproof zipper and webbing for quick installation. It is priced at $64.99 on our store.
For Can-Am owners, the Overhead Roof Storage Bag for Can Am Maverick X3/X3 MAX is listed as adding 2.6 gal (10 L) of capacity and mounts around the roof bars with a quick release strap. It is $56.99.
Best for: phones, goggles, snacks and small tools. Not for: anything heavy, since it hangs overhead.
Option 2: Rear cargo bags for bulky gear
A rear cargo bag handles the awkward stuff. The Upgraded 1680D Rear Cargo Bag for Polaris RZR XP 1000 2014-2023 is described by KEMIMOTO as a long bag, a bottom bag and two pockets that can be used combined or separately. It lists waterproof zippers and 1680D water-resistant fabric, and it is $69.99.
The ability to split it into separate pieces is useful. Run the whole set on a long weekend, or just one bag for a quick trail ride.
Best for: straps, jackets, camp gear and tools you do not need while moving.
Option 3: Console bags with a cooler for the cab
The Updated Center Shoulder Console Bag W/Cooler Bag for Polaris/Can-Am installs between the two seats. The listing describes three compartments, a detachable insulated cooler layer and two hydration backpack options. It is $79.99.
This is a good fit if you want drinks and snacks inside the cab without giving up bed space. It is a soft bag, so it is not the pick if you need hard-sided protection or a lot of ice capacity.
Option 4: A hard cooler and cargo box for the bed
If you want a hard-sided box, the Assault Industries Cooler/Cargo Box for Polaris RZR PRO XP is the premium option at $445.95. The supplier lists 30 liters of insulated space, room for up to 36 cans, rubber seals and latches, steel mounting brackets, an included MOLLE panel and thumb screws for quick removal.
The seals help keep sand and dirt out if you use it as a dry cargo box instead of a cooler. Assault Industries boxes are also listed on our store for other machines, so check the model that matches yours.
Quick comparison
| Type | Where it goes | Best use | Our listed price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overhead roof bag | Under the roof | Small items in reach | $56.99 to $64.99 |
| Rear cargo bag | Rear of the machine | Bulky gear | $69.99 |
| Console bag with cooler | Between the seats | Drinks and snacks in the cab | $79.99 |
| Hard cooler/cargo box | Bed | Ice, dry cargo, tools | $445.95 |
How to avoid buying the wrong fit
- Use the fitment list. Every product page lists the machines it fits. Match your year, make and model exactly. Many bags are listed by roof bar or seat layout, so a similar looking machine can be a different fit.
- Check 2-seat versus 4-seat. Some listings cover both and some do not.
- Think about weight. Keep heavy items low and toward the center of the machine, and use the roof bag only for light things.
- Look at the fabric and zippers. The soft bags above all list heavy 1680D fabric and water-resistant zippers. Water resistant is not the same as fully waterproof, so keep electronics in a dry pouch in wet weather.
Packing tips that cost nothing
- Pack by how soon you need it. Put the phone, goggles and snacks in the roof bag. Put the tow strap and tools at the bottom of the cargo bag.
- Keep sharp or hard items away from soft bags. Wrap tools in a rag so they do not wear on the fabric or rattle on the trail.
- Separate wet and dry. Muddy gear goes in its own bag, away from food and electronics.
- Check the straps. After the first few miles, stop and re-tighten every strap or buckle. Webbing can settle once it is loaded and bouncing.
- Empty it after wet rides. Open the bags and let them dry so moisture does not sit inside the fabric.
Pair your storage with a recovery kit you have chosen on purpose, and you will know exactly where everything is when you need it.
A simple setup that works
Most riders end up with two pieces: a roof bag for the small stuff and either a rear cargo bag or a hard box for the bulky stuff. Add a console bag if you want cold drinks in the cab. Start small, ride with it, and add the next piece when you see what you actually miss.
Shop UTV storage
Browse the full range in our Tie-Downs, Bags & Storage collection. Shipping is free in the US and takes 3 to 7 business days. If you are not sure which bag fits your machine, call us at 601-771-0070 or email hunter@hunterworks.com and we will help you check the fitment.