My Thule box weights about 15-20 lbs. I have had 3 pairs of skis and poles in the box, with my boots and tire chains in the front trunk, and my other gear in the rear trunk. You could easily travel with ski equipment and luggage for one person by using the passenger seat, but for two people it would be tough. I also cannot stress how awful the handling is with a roof box, when I have it mounted I try to avoid the highway.
I love my hardtop, and as much as I like driving with the top down I leave my hardtop on almost all year long. The hardtop's only advantage is a quieter ride, and I consider a hardtop a must have for long road trips. A hardtop offers no structural support, no extra protection, and add 55 lbs of extra weight.
