New Company Sikre is Reinventing the Roof Box

All Images: Courtesy of Sikre

In December of 2022, Dan Strieby stood in his garage preparing to head out on another long roadtrip. From the Rocky Mountains to the upper Midwest, he’d criss-crossed the country regularly on family trips without issue, but one thing always bothered him. Staring at the basic rooftop box that hung from the rafters in front of him, he dreamed of something that would be a better fit for his family’s large SUV. 

His demands weren’t crazy. He just wanted something he didn’t have to baby while opening and closing, something that wouldn’t shake and rattle in high winds and a locking system that wouldn’t tempt thieves. Simply put, he wanted a much burlier rooftop box. The thought came naturally: what would it take to build something he was actually stoked to use?

When designing the Sikre boxes the goal was simple; build something tougher, use space more efficiently and make it look like it belongs on larger vehicles

Sikre (pronounced seek-rah), is a Norwegian word that loosely translates to “secure,” and that’s exactly how Strieby wants people to feel about their gear when they are putting his product through the wringer. Years of travel had revealed the same issues again and again. Rounded shapes created unusable dead space. Thin plastic was susceptible to flexing and snapping in high winds and cold temps. Locking hardware was a headache when covered in ice and snow and if somebody really wanted to break in, they could force it open pretty easily. Strieby felt like most boxes were designed to be acceptable, but not dependable.

When he began sketching ideas, the goal was simple; build something tougher, use space more efficiently and make it look like it belongs on larger vehicles like Land Cruisers, 4Runners and Broncos. Dictated by function, he decided on a basic rectangular shape .The straightforward form lets every inch of the interior volume be used while allowing for exterior additions, like solar panels or fly rod holders. The flat-topped roofline more closely resembles an overland case than a sculpted supercar, allowing Sikre to better visually integrate with rugged rigs.

Once the form was decided, durability quickly followed. Sikre is built with a thicker gauge reinforced polymer shell and stainless steel hardware throughout. The box is so solid you can stand on it without hesitation. Because strength is the most important attribute, the beefy hinges open from just one side. The box is bi-directional, however, so the user can mount it to either open on the driver or passenger side. 

Security received the same attention. Using a double lock system, the lid secures at two points, taking advantage of the riveted stainless componentry. Inside the box, a pinch protector prevents softgoods from getting caught or damaged in the locking mechanism. A powder coated tubular lock was selected specifically for reliability in winter conditions, when ice and snow are a lock’s worst enemy.

Long drives reveal how much loads shift over time, so road trips were used to inform the interior. With aluminum T-tracks running along the sidewalls, items can be secured rather than stacked loosely. This system allows skis and bags to be secured so they aren't sliding around. Future accessories like luggage dividers and mounts for tools, shovels and traction pads are in the works—these will plug directly into the established system.

Mounting the box to the vehicle was treated with equal care. Sikre works with standard factory crossbars, or mounts directly to overland style racks using the company’s M-bracket system. The mounting points align with reinforced grooves inside the box, creating a connection that minimizes movement once installed. It feels planted, even at highway speeds and on rough roads.

With aluminum T-tracks running along the sidewalls, items can be secured rather than stacked loosely

Sikre currently offers two boxes that share the same construction, materials and security. The difference comes down to size. The Reika 17 provides 17 cubic feet of storage and is best suited for long trips, family travel and high volume gear days. It easily fits six pairs of skis and luggage. The Ramr 11 has a narrower profile. It offers 11 cubic feet of space that works well for daily use or weekend trips.

The company, which is veteran and family owned, is based in Utah and proudly produces its products in the USA. Strieby collaborates with Rodger Thomason, a longtime family friend and former aerospace engineer with experience in outdoor product development, to refine ideas and stress-test the system. Price-wise, Sikre sits alongside the highest end boxes of the category’s major players, with margins kept intentionally tight to stay in the same conversation as those established brands. The aim was never to build the cheapest option. It was to build something durable enough to last for years.

Ask Strieby what he hopes skiers say after a long winter and the answer is refreshingly grounded. He wants them to stop worrying about their gear because they trust Sikre enough to take care of it for them. And he wants them to feel comfortable leaving it on their vehicle season after season. 

Born from a single question in a quiet garage, the answer is a resounding yes; Sikre is a roof box you’ll be stoked to use.