Does your car need a backpack?
Coming from the same direction as the inflatable roof rack is the automobile backpack. Not, not a backpack for humans that looks like a car, but a backpack that attaches the the hatch of your small car. Think about a VW Golf or a Honda Fit for a minute. Over the rear window, imagine an oversize backpack and you've got the general idea. Of course, not being able to see out the back window is a downer, but for the occasional times where a person might find their small car lacking in storage space, this roll around, waterproof pack might be just the ticket. If you're interested, check out their website here.
The benefit to this system is that when not in use, it adds next to no weight when you are carrying it around in your vehicle. Even when it is in use, the aerodynamic drag is less harmful than a roof rack. Maybe automakers should just start bundling something like this with small hatchback's the same as they bundle fitted luggage with their luxury cars.
[Source: Gizmag]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Brian Dreggors 5:16PM (7/12/2007)
Or you could buy a decent-sized car.
I don't like the lack of rearward visibility.
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Devon Shaw 8:08PM (7/12/2007)
It's a nice idea if you don't mind driving without your rearview mirror.
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DJ 10:19AM (7/13/2007)
What does this have to do with AutoBlogGreen?
Will this be blocking the side mirrors too? Not sure what the visibility issue here is. Large vehicles that come with backup sensors for their rear blind spots are equally restricted in rearward visibility.
Ever noticed how frequently large SUV's also have cargo boxes mounted? Maybe we need bigger SUV's too. For the rare occasions you'd actually need the extra space, having a smaller car that will be more efficient in the long run makes more sense.
Also as demonstrated by the pic, there is far less drag created by this option than roof systems.
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