2008 SEMA: Cargo Sock protects SUV cargo area

Wandering the seemingly-endless show floor at the SEMA show, sometimes you see a product that stops you in your zombie-like tracks and simply invokes a “Why didn’t I think of that?” response. This year’s entry: the Cargo Sock. (Not to be confused with the AutoSock for tires.)

As I wrote recently in a Personal Pick, I find that my minivan does almost everything that an SUV can do. But neither is quite as good as a pickup truck for hauling loose, messy loads. Sure, I throw down an old blanket in the back to ease cleaning, but that doesn’t do much to protect the side panels or headliner. The battle scars, er, scratches in the back of my Odyssey are testament to this.

The $200-$240 Cargo Sock is basically a big nylon bag that envelopes the entire cargo bay of a mid-sized or large SUV. (Other sizes, including small SUVs and minivans, are coming soon.) You suspend the sock sack inside using straps through the side and rear doors and over the roof. A flap covers the vehicle’s rear bumper when unloading, and a clever clear plastic window lets you see out of your rear window.

This looks like a clever way to extend the usefulness of your SUV while protecting it at the same time.

—Tom Mutchler

Read about more cars, gear, news, and views from SEMA.

Comments

[Cale]

Gee, couldn't they come up with a better name than Cargo Sock? Will repeated use lead to Cargo Foot? Products like this live and die on their impulse attraction. If it's a good product it deserves a good name. I suggest iCargo.

[Larry]

Great idea - simple and functional. Who cares what they call it (not sure why iCargo is any better?). If it protects the resale value of my SUV, I'll take one.

[melville248]

Nice idea for those of us who are a bit anal about our vehicles. As far as the name, it is important for marketing, iCargo sounds a bit more sophisticated.