Heading to the hills with a car full of gear? A roof box can make winter missions a lot easier — especially if you've got skis, boards, boots, jackets and snacks stacked up inside. Here's a quick guide to help you pick the right size box for your snow trips around Aotearoa.
Start with the Longest Gear
Skis, snowboards, boot bags — they all take up a heap of space. And wet gear in the car? Not ideal.
The best way to figure out what size roof box you need is to measure your longest item (usually skis or boards), then compare that to the max internal length of the box.
We’ve added a “Max Internal Length” filter to our Snowy Trips Roof Box Collection, so you can match your gear to the right box easily.
What Fits in What?
- Short boxes (130–160cm): Good for shorter boards, boots, helmets & luggage.
- Medium boxes (160–180cm): Can usually fit skis up to 170cm and most snowboards.
- Long boxes (180cm+): Great for longer skis and boards (185cm+) and bulkier loads.
Bindings take up space too, so give yourself a bit of margin. If you're carrying touring skis or multiple setups, longer and wider is usually a safer bet.
Will it Fit My Vehicle?
Most Thule boxes are designed to work with a wide range of roof racks — but box size and vehicle length do matter. A smaller hatchback might suit a medium box better than a long one, just to avoid rear hatch clash.
Make sure to choose a box that allows the hatch to open — especially on smaller vehicles and cars with rear spoliers.
For taller wagons and SUVs, go longer if you're packing full-length skis.
If you're not sure what works with your vehicle, check out our Roof Boxes Page or flick us a message — happy to help.
Winter-Friendly Features Worth Having
- Dual-side opening: Makes loading easier when you're parked in tight ski field carparks.
- Lockable and weather-sealed: Keeps your gear dry even when it's dumping.
- Internal straps or bags: Handy for keeping things from sliding around on the drive.
If your car's running out of space this winter, a roof box can help you carry more without stuffing the back seat full. Just match the length of your gear to the box, and make sure it suits your car. Easy as.
Check out the full range of snow-ready roof box options here: Roof Boxes for Snowy Trips
