Yakima RocketBox Pro 14 Roof Box Review
The RocketBox Pro 14 ($599) is a classic mid-range roof box: practical, versatile, and reasonably priced. Its moderate size works well for camping trips and road travel, adding useful cargo space without overwhelming most vehicles. The mounting hardware feels dated and takes more effort to adjust and tighten, but it remains secure once installed. Plus, the dual-sided access is a welcome sight at this price point. If you’re looking to save while still getting a functional and durable cargo box, the RocketBox Pro 14 is a solid choice, as long as the 170-centimeter ski limit isn’t a dealbreaker.
Gear Capacity
Ease of Access
Durability & Quality
Installation
Features
Sustainability
Capacity
14 cu. ft.
Dimensions
74 x 33 x 16 in.
Access
Dual side
Opening height
14 in.
Max ski length
170 cm
Weight
40 lb.
Other Capacities
None
Pros
Cons
Yakima RocketBox Pro 14
For this season's top models, see our guide to the Best Roof Boxes.
Yakima bills the RocketBox Pro 14 as a great option for family camping, and in my experience that claim largely holds up. The box’s stubby shape—74 inches long and 33 inches wide—means long skis are off the table (Yakima lists a 170-centimeter max), although snowboards fit just fine. The tradeoff is that the box rises quickly at the front and maintains a fairly consistent interior height through most of its length (16 in. max exterior height), which allows it to swallow a surprising amount of gear. Prepping for a family of four camping trip, I was able to fit most of our gear inside, including a six-person tent, two large camping mats, and several sleeping bags and blankets. Compared with the larger 16- and 18-cubic-foot boxes I typically use, it’s a bit tighter—I couldn’t squeeze our camp chairs inside—but it still frees up a lot of valuable space in the car.
The RocketBox’s overall size also pairs well with mid-size vehicles. Mounted on a Subaru Forester for testing, the proportions looked like a natural fit: large enough to add meaningful storage without appearing oversized or overwhelming on the roof. In terms of ideal use, the Yakima RocketBox Pro 14 feels best suited for smaller groups of two or three, or families that need additional cargo space but are still willing to keep some gear inside.
In terms of design, the RocketBox’s interior is mostly defined by its flat floor and tapered nose. The base remains largely flat—aside from the mounting hardware that protrudes slightly at each corner—which makes sliding gear in and out fairly straightforward. However, unlike some newer boxes that incorporate dips at the front and rear to maximize vertical space, the RocketBox maintains a more sled-like interior shape. The front also narrows more sharply than Yakima’s SkyBox NX, which has a blunter nose, so taller or bulkier items can be a little harder to position toward the front. Still, with compressible gear like duffels and sleeping bags, it’s possible to pack the box quite efficiently.
The Yakima RocketBox Pro 14 offers dual-sided access, which is a welcome feature at this price point where it’s not always guaranteed. Being able to open the box from either side of the vehicle makes loading and unloading much more convenient and can be especially helpful in tight parking situations or when you’re pulled off on the side of the road and can only access one side.
The opening system uses separate components for the key and latch, which helps reduce strain on the key itself. The key turns smoothly, and a red push button releases the lid. While the mechanism doesn’t have the audible “pop” you get from Yakima’s pricier SkyBox—and the latches also don’t snap loudly into place when closing—it’s still an easy one-handed operation. In fact, it requires less effort to open than the metal handle on the SkyBox, which can demand a fairly firm push. It’s also an improvement over a primary competitor like the Thule Pulse M, which relies entirely on the key to open and close the lid and can put extra strain on the thin metal key.
Once opened, the RocketBox provides a wide opening that I measured at just over 14 inches tall. That extra clearance makes it easy to load bulky gear like duffels, hard-sided luggage, strollers, large camping mats, sleeping bags, or tents. Notably, the opening is a couple of inches taller than what I measured on the Yakima SkyBox NX, which helps when sliding in larger items. It still can’t match the massive opening of rear-access roof cargo boxes like the SportRack Vista XL (18.5 in.), but the RocketBox’s dual-side access is far more practical—especially on taller vehicles where reaching into a rear-opening box can require a step ladder or stool.
The Yakima RocketBox Pro 14 has been around for quite a while, and while its thick plastic construction remains sturdy enough for regular use, some elements of the design feel dated compared to Yakima’s newer boxes. The exterior uses an older-style textured plastic that looks less refined than the dimpled matte finish on the SkyBox NX or the glossy automotive paint found on the CBX. As a result, the RocketBox tends to look more like a traditional cargo box sitting on the roof rather than blending into the vehicle’s design the way Yakima’s newer models do.
Structurally, the RocketBox falls in the middle of the pack. The front of the box includes small plastic reinforcements at each corner to help maintain its shape at speed—for reference, the SkyBox and CBX have metal bars that cover the full nose of those boxes—and metal support bars run lengthwise along each side for added rigidity. Even so, the lid has a bit more play once closed compared with the SkyBox, and the box as a whole doesn’t feel quite as rock-solid on the roof. In practice, the extra movement hasn’t caused any real issues beyond a bit of wind noise during driving.
Weather protection appears generally solid. The lid overlaps the lower half of the box to create a protective seal, and unlike some budget models—such as the SportRack—there are no exposed holes in the base that could allow water to enter. The additional lid movement does leave me slightly less confident about how it might perform in an especially severe storm, but so far the RocketBox has held up well in testing. One design detail I do appreciate is that the locking mechanism doesn’t put strain on the key when opening or closing the box, which should help reduce the risk of bending or damaging it over time.
Installing the RocketBox Pro takes a bit more patience than with most modern roof boxes, but it’s still an upgrade over true-budget models. The clamp system doesn’t require any tools but is noticeably less refined than newer designs like Yakima’s SkyBox NX. The RocketBox requires two separate adjustments: first, loosen a black dial to slide the clamp into position; then tighten a red dial to close the clamp around the bars. Newer systems skip that first step and simply slide into place without restriction. On our test unit, even with the dial fully loosened, the clamps were extremely sticky and required a surprising amount of force to move into position. This tends to improve with use, but the initial setup was undeniably frustrating.
The overall process also feels a bit more DIY than what you get with newer roof cargo boxes. It’s possible to over-loosen the knobs to the point where they fall off entirely, and there’s no built-in torque limiter to indicate when the clamps are properly tightened. By comparison, Yakima’s SkyBox NX uses a separate torque tool that clicks once the correct tension is reached, while Thule’s Force 3 and Pulse 2 integrate the same feedback directly into their tightening dials. With the RocketBox, the best approach is to tighten everything down and then give the box a firm push and pull to confirm it’s secure. Even so, it’s still a step up from entry-level options like the SportRack Vista XL, which relies on fixed mounting holes and separate metal clamps that must be assembled each time.
One area where the RocketBox still feels modern is its adjustability. The clamps accommodate a wide crossbar spread of 24 to 40 inches, matching the range offered by the SkyBox NX and making the box compatible with a variety of vehicles. Combined with its relatively short, stubby shape, it should fit on most roofs without issue (more on this in Vehicle Fit Notes below). In testing on vehicles with crossbar spreads between 27 and 30 inches, positioning the box itself was straightforward—once we wrestled the clamps into place.
The RocketBox Pro keeps things fairly simple when it comes to features, but the basics are well executed. The locking mechanism has proven reliable and easy to use, and it incorporates an important safety feature: the key cannot be removed unless the box is fully closed and the lock is turned to the secured position. While it would be nice if the three latches produced a clear audible click when fully engaged, the built-in key retention still provides reassurance that the lid is properly closed before driving away.
Yakima also includes a practical way to secure loose gear inside the box. Four plastic loops are integrated into the mounting hardware—positioned between the red and black tightening knobs—and can be used to thread straps through to keep items from shifting during travel. Straps aren’t included with the RocketBox, but they’re inexpensive to add, and the loops themselves feel sturdy enough for regular use as long as you don’t overtighten.
There are a few missing conveniences compared with newer designs. The RocketBox doesn’t include pull-down straps to help close the lid when the box sits high on the roof, and there isn’t a molded handle on the side for pulling it down either. That said, the lid does have a small shelf along its edge that’s easy enough to grab, and in practice I found it fairly straightforward to pull the box down and guide it into place when closing.
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Longevity
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Recycled Materials
Recycled materials are prevalent in outdoor gear, with nylon, polyester, wool, and down among the most common, but the composition varies widely. A green check mark indicates the product is made with a substantial amount of recycled materials (100% recycled or the core fabric that makes up most of the product is recycled), a yellow check means it contains a moderate to small amount of recycled materials, while a red X means there are no recycled materials in the product.
Replacement Parts
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Recycled and/or Reduced Packaging
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Carbon Footprint Tracking
This criterion evaluates whether a brand measures, reports, and works to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions using established frameworks such as the Higg Index, Greenhouse Gas Protocol, or The Change Climate Project. A green check mark indicates a brand publicly reports greenhouse gas emissions data, sets clearly defined reduction targets, and uses established tracking frameworks such as Higg or The Change Climate Project. A yellow check mark indicates the brand tracks emissions and outlines reduction goals but provides limited data, lacks science-based verification, or does not clearly report progress. A red X indicates the brand does not appear to track greenhouse gas emissions or provides so little information that its efforts cannot be verified.
Annual Impact Report
Annual impact reports provide transparency and accountability by outlining a brand’s sustainability efforts across areas such as material sourcing, greenhouse gas emissions, waste, water use, supply chains, and packaging. A green check mark indicates a brand publishes a detailed, brand-specific impact report that closely aligns with our sustainability criteria and leaves little room for ambiguity. A yellow check indicates a brand provides some relevant sustainability reporting but lacks detail in key areas or is covered only briefly within a parent company report. A red X indicates a brand does not regularly publish an impact report.
The vehicle pictured in this review is a Subaru Forester with factory crossbars. Despite the stickiness of the mounting system noted above, we were still able to get the box into position without much trouble and didn’t run into any hatch interference. To make sure you won’t have clearance issues with a rear hatch on your own vehicle, it’s worth measuring the distance from the center of your front crossbar to the closest contact point on the hatch when it’s fully open. You can then compare that number with Yakima’s listed minimum clearance requirement for the box.
The Yakima RocketBox Pro 14 actually has the shortest minimum clearance in Yakima’s current lineup—just 45 inches—which is a real advantage for smaller vehicles. For reference, even a compact wagon like my Volkswagen Golf Alltrack measures 54 inches, leaving plenty of space to mount the RocketBox without worrying about the hatch making contact. In general, the box pairs well with most SUVs, crossovers, and wagons, though it’s still smart to double-check your vehicle’s hatch clearance before buying to ensure everything lines up properly.
SportRack Vista XL ($400): A True Step Down
While the RocketBox Pro 14 sits firmly in the mid-range of the hardshell roof box market, the SportRack Vista XL targets budget shoppers. For roughly $200 less, you get a larger 18-cubic-foot capacity and a similarly textured plastic shell that works well for occasional use, such as hauling camping gear for a trip or two each year. But the Vista is noticeably less refined. The mounting brackets must be assembled each time you install the box, unlike the permanently attached hardware on the RocketBox, and the fixed mounting holes mean it won’t fit every vehicle. It also only opens from the rear, which can be difficult to access on taller vehicles. The Vista gets the job done, but for regular trips and easier everyday usability, the RocketBox Pro 14 is the better option. To learn more, read our Vista XL review.
Thule Pulse 2 M ($700): Long-Time Competitor
Yakima and Thule’s roof box lineups tend to mirror each other closely—enough so that we dedicated an article comparing the two brands—and the RocketBox Pro 14’s closest rival is the 14-cubic-foot Thule Pulse 2 M. The latest version improves on the older design with dual-sided access and a more aerodynamic shape that resembles Thule’s pricier Force 3. One drawback is the locking system: opening the box requires turning the key itself, which can put strain on the thin metal key over time. The RocketBox separates the two functions with a push-button release, which we prefer. Thule’s mounting hardware does have the advantage, however—it slides easily to adjust and tightens with built-in torque-limited dials that click when properly secured. For about $100 more, the Pulse M makes a solid case, but the RocketBox still edges it out as the better overall value with similar carrying capabilities.
An old-school box with a proven track record, the RocketBox Pro focuses on the basics: easy interior access via two side openings and a camping- and road-trip-ready capacity. It’s finicky to install and adjust, but this stubby model packs serious value.
Gear Capacity
Ease of Access
Durability & Quality
Installation
Features
Sustainability
A true all-rounder, the SkyBox NX XL hits the mark with its quality, durable construction, versatile capacity, and ease of use. It can be hard to call such an expensive product a good value, but the SkyBox is just that, undercutting the price of its main competition.
Gear Capacity
Ease of Access
Durability & Quality
Installation
Features
Sustainability
An impressive roof box that barely missed out on our top overall spot, the Force 3 features an easy-to-use sliding latch system and a wide opening for easy access to your gear. Its drawbacks include a high price and a bulky mounting system, which slightly pinches interior space.
Gear Capacity
Ease of Access
Durability & Quality
Installation
Features
Sustainability
Is the RocketBox Pro 14 for You?
The Yakima RocketBox Pro 14 is a good fit for campers and road-trippers who need extra cargo space but don’t want a massive box on the roof. Its stubby shape pairs well with vehicles like compact SUVs and wagons, and the interior has enough height to handle bulky gear like duffel bags, tents, sleeping bags, and large camping mats while freeing up valuable room inside the car. It’s also one of the more affordable hard-shell options that still offers convenient dual-sided access. The tradeoffs are its older mounting hardware and shorter ski limit (170 cm), so it’s best suited for hauling camping gear, luggage, or snowboards rather than long alpine or Nordic skis.
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