Kayak owners are undoubtedly aware of the difficulty of transporting their kayaks from one place to another. Most vehicles simply don’t have the room to fit something 10 feet or more across. For these inveterate adventurers, a kayak roof rack can be an invaluable tool. But with so many options in the market, choosing the best one, admittedly, can be a real head-scratcher. Don’t fret, because the buyer’s guide below can ease your decision fatigue. We’ve rounded up what we think are the best kayak racks for cars currently on the market, so read on and find out which one — or ones — are right for you!
The Best Kayak Racks
Malone Downloader Folding J-Style Kayak Rack
This kayak rack comes with a built-in boarding ramp for straightforward loading, and everything that you need to transport your kayak on top of your car is included, except for the cross rails.
The design features fold-down technology to increase the overhead clearance. As for the padding, it is oversized to protect your kayak during transport. The mounting hardware is designed to fit round, square and most factory oval cross rails.
Yakima Jaylow Kayak Rack
Whether you have a single kayak or a pair of them, this carrier is designed to support one weighing up to 80 pounds or two weighing as much as 110 pounds. The contact points are extra padded to offer a high level of protection and grip during transportation, so you don’t have to feel nervous while driving.
When you get the kayaks on the roof (one in the J-cradle position or two stacked vertically), you can lock them into the base rack with a SKS lock core that’s sold separately. Heavy-duty straps and bow/stern tie-downs are also included.
Thule Hull-a-Port Rooftop Kayak Carrier
Next is a high-performance kayak carrier from Thule, a known manufacturer of outdoor and transportation products. Loading and unloading are made easy thanks to the wide j-profile, and the package includes thick weather pads to ensure maximum protection for both your roof and your kayak.
All load straps needed to secure one kayak — including bow and stern tie-downs — are included, and the manufacturer boasts that the kayak carrier will fit all Thule rack systems, round bars, as well as most factory crossbars.
HandiRack Universal Kayak Rack
This handy piece of equipment is not only designed for kayaks but also a host of other things, including surfboards, luggage, paddleboards, and more. Unlike many other similar products, it is made from textured material, which has a cushioning and protective effect.
Designed to fit almost any type of car, each one comes complete with everything you need for the easy installation. Secure transportation is provided by the D-ring anchor points and extra-long straps which fit around the roof. And the load capacity is up to 175 pounds.
TMS J-Bar HD Kayak Rack
Solid steel makes this a durable option, while there is also adjustable padding to protect your kayak and increase carrying strength. The J bar has a wide mouth to facilitate loading and unloading, and it is designed to mount to virtually all crossbars and load bars on the market.
It is suitable for kayaks up to 36 inches wide and 75 pounds, so take the time to weigh and measure your kayak before making a purchase. It also comes with quick on/off hardware, enabling fast installation and removal.
SportRack Mooring 4-in-1 Kayak & SUP Carrier
This carrier can hold kayaks and standup paddleboards in multiple configurations to maximize space. The system easily mounts to most factory crossbars and other SportRack Roof Rack Systems. The package includes pads for protection, extra-long straps, quality ropes, as well as bow and stern tie-downs good enough for either two kayaks or two standup paddleboards.
Installation is fast and easy, and the mounts can be folded down when not in use.
Malone SeaWing Saddle Style Kayak Rack
Subtle in its single saddle design, this kayak and cargo carrier is easy to set up. While some carriers take up a huge amount of roof space, this one is designed to only use a small amount of room. You will also find that it is easy to set up and transferrable to another vehicle in just a matter of minutes. The mounting hardware is made to fit around round, square, and the majority of oval cross rails.
Leader Accessories Kayak Rack
This double J-style kayak carrier is strong, secure, and will give you peace of mind as you go about the business of transporting your water vessel. It’s made from heavy-duty steel and has a powder coating for maximum rust protection. It has foams and adjustable padding where you need it to prevent damage to both your roof and your rack.
It will fit most factory crossbars, whether oval, round, or square. Lastly, the package includes enough mounting accessories to accommodate two kayaks
WooWave Kayak Roof Rack Pads
The WooWave Roof Rack is a durable and easy-to-remove option for small vehicles, and for adventurers who want a more temporary solution. It is made from UV resistant ballistic nylon cover and EPE foam that can take a lot of abuse. The padding is thick and will be able to protect almost any kind of kayak.
Two waterproof and padded polyester straps are included to accommodate one kayak, and it comes with a portable bag for storing everything when not in use.
ECOTRIC J-Bar Universal Kayak Rack
Last but not least we have this kayak rack for your SUV, van, or car, which allows you to mount your kayak in a J-style to create more space on top of your vehicle. The J-bar is in a wide-mouthed style, allowing you to load and unload your kayak with ease. The framing is made of heavy-duty steel, and you can adjust the padding as you would like. All mounting hardware and fastening straps are included to ensure that you have everything you need.
What to Look for When Choosing the Best Kayak Roof Rack
There are a few important things to consider before deciding on the kayak roof rack to get. To help you settle on the right one, we’ll discuss each of these considerations below.
Your Vehicle
When it comes to KAYAK ROOF RACKS, it is unfortunately not a one-size-fits-all situation. Some kayak roof racks were designed for specific kinds of roofs and may not fit yours in particular. A roof rack that doesn’t fit properly will present potential hazards, both to your kayak and the car itself. The good news is that, whether you drive a subcompact or a large 4×4, there will be a kayak roof rack in the market that’s designed for it. You can check your owner’s handbook for the exact measurements of your vehicle’s roof or you can measure it yourself. Doing this will go a long way in helping you pick out the right rack system for your roof.
Design
Some ROOF RACKS can accommodate full-sized kayaks, while some will have difficulty doing so. You can go for a roof rack specifically designed to carry a kayak or one that is multi-purpose. Needless to say, it’s always a bad idea to force a roof rack to carry something it wasn’t designed to do as this can damage both your kayak and your car’s roof. The important thing is to make sure your rack can accommodate the kayak’s exact dimensions.
Consider the other features of your rack system as well and make sure they are suited for your specific kayaking needs. Will you need something semi-permanent or temporary? This might depend on how often you go kayaking. The former will be stronger and will offer more flexibility in positioning the kayak but will also be more expensive. A temporary rack option might be less stable depending on the size of your kayak, but they are less expensive and can be easily removed.
Number of Kayaks
Naturally, the number of kayaks you intend to bring will be something to consider when CHOOSING A ROOF RACK. Some roof racks can accommodate two kayaks, while some as many as four. You need to make sure that the roof rack you’re getting is designed to carry the number of kayaks you’ll be transporting because forcing two or more kayaks on a roof rack designed to accommodate a single kayak can damage your roof, your kayak, or possibly even the other vehicles around you.
Bar Height
A roof rack with a tall bar height might make the kayak more difficult to load and unload. Conversely, a low bar height puts your kayak closer to the roof, making loading and unloading easier. But the downside to a low bar height is that there’s a bigger chance of your kayak hitting the roof during the loading or unloading process.
Material
The materials used for the roof rack’s construction will give you an idea of how long it will last. Of course, the better the materials used, the longer it can be expected to last. Steel and aluminum are typically the materials used in high-end roof racks. It should also have a padded design to protect your kayak while in transit. Some roof racks made from fabric offer a good amount of protection, too, and they might fit your roof like a glove. You can read through the reviews first before making a purchase to assure you’re getting a quality product.
Additional Equipment
There might be other things you’ll need to purchase to complete your rack system and get your kayak to fit perfectly. For instance, you might need a crossbar system. If you do, you’ll need to make sure it’s compatible with your roof rack. Some roof racks will already have everything you need while others will be missing a few things, requiring you to purchase them separately. Whatever the case may be, these are concerns you should take note of before making a decision.
Brand
The bevy of kayak roof brands in the market can make things all the more confusing. But it will be a good idea to take your time and find out about them since some have a better reputation than others. Ultimately, your decision will involve the type of vehicle you have, the dimensions of your kayak, and your budget, but don’t forget that other factors like the reputation of the brand and their customer service can matter, too. It’s usually a good sign when a brand focuses on roof racks or kayak-related products.
Price
As with most products, the quality can be expected to increase with price. It is no different for kayak roof racks. Typically, the more expensive a roof rack is, the more robust its construction will be. We don’t advise that you get the most expensive one in the market — this will always depend on your specific needs. But you’ll have to be open to spending a premium if you want your roof rack to last a long time.
Types of Kayak Racks
There are different kinds of kayak rack holders in the market, and before you make a long term decision on what to get, below is some information about each type. Basically, kayak rack holders can fall into four main categories, each with its own pros and cons. Types include temporary pads, saddles, j-cradles, and stackers.
Temporary Pads
Not all vehicles come with roof racks installed. While a typical SUV will have some kind of rack installed, those that aren’t so lucky will need a Temporary pad, which is a rack system specially designed for vehicles that aren’t already fitted with a factory rack. These racks are uncomplicated and are easy to remove. Installation will be straightforward, too. Basically, straps that run through the inside of your vehicle and over your roof are what hold the rack steady above. There will be cushions or inflatable pads attached to keep your kayak from damaging the roof. It’s an affordable option and intended for those making short trips, or those who won’t be carrying their kayaks often.
Saddles
Another type of kayak rack is what’s called a “saddle” rack. This rack allows you to sit your kayak on its hull atop your vehicle’s roof. Because of the large surface area and the way in which the kayak is positioned, saddle racks are among the sturdiest and most stable of kayak roof racks. This will be a great option if you’re going to be transporting your kayak through particularly rough patches of road. One disadvantage of the design, however, is that even a single kayak will be taking up a lot of space on your roof, so you’ll be lucky to load two kayaks.
J-Cradles
Perhaps the most popular kind of kayak roof rack is the J-Cradle, which gets its name from the shape it makes. Basically, they are a pair of supports that attach to your crossbar to hold your kayak at an angle. The manner in which it holds a kayak allows for more space on your roof for other items, or even for another kayak or two. They are stable and secure, but the relatively high-profile means you won’t be as aerodynamic as you would be with a saddle rack. Since the J-Cradle is designed for side-loading, owners of cars with extended trunks will benefit the most from its design.
Stackers
Stackers, like the name suggests, are designed to transport multiple kayaks. The kayaks are mounted on the roof standing straight on their sides, taking up as little space as possible. This allows up to four kayaks to be mounted, depending on the area of your roof. A good stacker rack will be reasonably secure, as long as you don’t mount more than your roof can handle. They are easy to install and remove, too, making them a great option for those who need to haul two or more kayaks at once.
Safety Tips for Transporting Multiple Kayaks
Different rack types will offer their own set of pros and cons. The important thing is to check the product literature to see what its limitations are and check how many kayaks it can accommodate. You will also need to have the relevant amount of fasteners and ropes depending on the number of kayaks you intend to carry in one go. Some products will come with enough straps to tie down a single kayak, while some will have more — you’ll need to check the product’s guidelines to ensure you have enough for what you need.
Where loading kayaks is concerned, it’s best to start by strapping in the outer ones before fitting another in the middle. Be sure to have everything tied down safely and securely, and consider driving much slower than you would without a kayak strapped to your roof. If you can’t avoid the highway, then limit yourself to the slow lane, and of course, forget about overtaking unless you really need to.
How To Install a Kayak Car Rack
There isn’t one way to install a kayak roof rack. The method of installation will depend on the type of rack, and the kind of vehicle you have. Below are a few basic things you’ll need to do, however, which will generally apply to most racks.
Assemble the kayak rack before attaching it to your crossbar. Once assembled, put it on the crossbar as instructed in the manual and secure the strap to the rack with a carriage bolt. Next, loop the strap under the crossbar and thread the carriage bolt, leaving it loose enough for adjustment. Do the same thing to the other rack, and once they line up properly, tighten the bolts until you’re confident they’re secure.
Our Top Pick
The Malone Downloader Folding J-Style Kayak Rack gets our top pick. It comes in the popular J-style design and is incorporated with an adjustable sliding ramp to make loading and unloading a kayak easier. There’s a good amount of padding to ensure both the kayak and the roof don’t get scratched during the loading or transport process. We particularly liked that the system is designed to fit different types of cross rails, whether round, square, or oval.
