roofpod vs basket and bags ??

Hi. My roof basket is used 90% of the time just for a second spare and often a pair of MaxTrax. Presumably you can do the same with your basket, but not with a pod.
So my reaction is to reply to your question with a question! Sorry!:
The question is what are you most likely to want to carry in the pod/bags? and do you want the flexibility of being able to use the basket for bigger, awkward shaped items? or just bedding, soft stuff etc which you want to keep clean and dry? The Rola site suggests the $400 model has a capacity of 50kg (plus its own weight of 11kg) is that enough?
And finally, are you going to do the rough stuff? I'm not sure I'd trust a plastic box in really rough conditions, but hopefully others will have their own experience to draw on in answering that.

The pods are prone to breaking due to corrugations. They are not very tough.

Hi, Bought my daughter a roof pod for a recent trip to Sydney (from Bris.) Highway driving lifted the lid, busted hinges lock & gas struts. I can find out where She dumped it if you would like a free one. True story. My self I use a roof basket sa others have said for the extra spares etc. Also handy for firewood. $220 seems awfully cheap for a basket & 2 bags.
Regards Mike.

The advantage of the pods is that they are lockable and they are quicker to access (ie. just open/shut, not like a bag that you would have to re-tie etc.).

Having said that, the basket/bags would be much more versatile and rugged (both as mentioned earlier by others).