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Thule Terrapin

Gear Category: Car Racks

$499

Kim Kurian

Think of it as a hard-shell fanny pack for your car.

Why It's Cool: Not everyone can reach a rooftop storage box, and even those who can might not be in the mood to clean-and-jerk gear into place after an epic outing. Enter this hard-shell hatchback add-on. » Mounting is easy—the Terrapin connects with your trailer hitch and has its own taillights. » It opens like a giant silver Pac-Man to swallow 13 cubic feet of cargo weighing up to 150 pounds—about enough swag for a two-week road trip. » The steel frame swings out of the way so you can get into the back of your rig. » Yes, to answer your question, it does double nicely as a trailhead beer cooler. Just add ice.

Hmmm . . . The rakish downward angle of the tub somewhat limits the amount of gear you can throw in without some of it spilling out. » You'll need to buy and install a trailer-wiring harness if your hitch doesn't already have one.