Again, the rack is removable. If you need it, use it. If you don't, take it off. Jamming stuff down the passenger side foot well either gets them covered in road dirt or soaked. All my gear is waterproof so it will stand up to the yuck factor. It won't look very nice but what's inside will be fine.
At one point, I purposely put a picnic basket on the rear rack along with the umbrella and people loved it. It gave me an instant roof, along with an additional boot to put stuff. Yes, there is a service for four in it but it also holds two towels to dry stuff off as well as an Eddie Bauer rain jacket. It could also hold a chilled bottle of Riesling with cheese and crackers but who's to know.
These cars are theater! Work your audience! Yes I bought it to drive into the ground but in the meantime I am also supplying entertainment to people who are really bored with cars and rightfully so. If you're going to have a circus, one simply must have elephants!
