Kayaking is one of the most fun water sports for outdoor enthusiasts. If you love this sport, then you need a reliable carrier to enable you to carry your kayak around easily. You don’t want to leave your kayak behind when you go on holiday because it won’t fit in your car. A good kayak roof rack is what you need.
However, with so many choices out there in the market, choosing a good rack can be challenging. They come with almost similar specifications and features which makes it more confusing to settle for the best. Below is a comprehensive guide that can help you in picking the best kayak roof rack.
Table of Contents
- Best Kayak Roof Racks in 2021
- 10. SportRack Adjustable Kayak rack
- 9. HandiRack Inflatable Kayak Roof Rack
- 8. Yakima Showboat
- 7. A-Smart 2 Pairs J-Bar Kayak Rack
- 6. SeaWing Saddle Style Roof Kayak Rack
- 5. Folding J-style Kayak Rack Automobile
- 4. ROLA Kayak Roof Rack
- 3. Rhino Rack Side Loader Rack
- 2. TMS Kayak Carrier
- 1. Hull Port Kayak Carrier
- What Should You Consider When Choosing A Kayak Roof Rack?
- Conclusion
Best Kayak Roof Racks in 2021
10. SportRack Adjustable Kayak rack
If you want a roof rack for your kayak that won’t add any extra hardware on your vehicle, this is the choice to go for. It is well-suited for kayaks of various widths and lengths. It is relatively low priced meaning you won’t have to spend all your savings on purchasing one.
It has foam padding that ensures it doesn’t cause any scratches on your car. The blocks are non-skid meaning you won’t have to worry about the safety of your kayak. It will be securely tied until you get to your destination. When loading or unloading this rack, you won’t need any help. You can handle it on your own.
- Two non-skid foam blocks
- Fully adjustable foam blocks
- Two straps Bow and stern tie downs
- No permanent hardware or installation
9. HandiRack Inflatable Kayak Roof Rack
If your car doesn’t have rails, this is the kayak roof rack to go for. It loops around your car meaning it doesn’t require to be fastened on a rail system. It has two inflatable pockets which permit you to fasten your kayak during transportation. This makes it possible to carry other things like furniture, canoes that you may need during your kayaking expenditure.
A strong 420 D nylon is used to make this rack which means it will serve you for a long time to come. Inflating this kayak is easy and fast using a double action hand pump. It will be ready for use within minutes. With its 5 D-ring anchor points, you can connect the straps to hold the kayak to your vehicle securely.
- 180 lbs weight support
- Inflatable
- Installs on almost all vehicles
- Constructed using 420-denier nylon
- Has 5 D-ring anchor points
- Comes with a travel bag and load fastens
8. Yakima Showboat
Yakima Showboat is a back-to-front loading rack that is best for a person going to hit the waters alone. This is because it has a space for only a single kayak. It has 2 Yakima crossbars of 66 inches which allow you to mount a kayak of any size practically.
Your kayak will be safe from any scratches because this rack is padded. You won’t struggle to get your kayak on your vehicle since the bar pulls back to assist load it easily. It is highly compatible in any vehicle whether you have crossbars or not.
- Easy rear loading
- Padded
- Two 66″ Yakima crossbars
- Universal built-in hardware
- Well-suited for one kayak
7. A-Smart 2 Pairs J-Bar Kayak Rack
If you want kayak roof rack for long distance drive, this is the choice to take with you. It has a wide-mouth frame which makes it suitable to use in any car. The rack has padding which not only offers protection to your kayak but also is adjustable to suit your car.
It is made using steel which ensures it last for long. It is resistant to rust which contributes to its durability. This also means you can use it in any weather condition. You hold a kayak with a weight of up to 150 pounds.
- Holds up to 2 kayaks
- Rubber padding
- 1.5mm Steel Tube construction
- Supports up to 150lbs
- Wide mouth J bar
- Will fit on Blade Style, Square or Round Crossbars
6. SeaWing Saddle Style Roof Kayak Rack
If you are looking for an elegant roof rack to transport your kayak to the waters, this is the right choice for you. It is lightweight and will take a small space on your vehicle’s roof which makes it a great choice for those with small cars or looking to reduce their overall weight. It has an easy to use strap system and will keep your kayak tightly fastened while on the move.
The rack reduces wind resistance because of its cradles slightly reflex which ensures a tight bond between it and the kayak. Low wind resistance will give you a smooth cruise and save you fuel. You don’t need an expert or any tools to install this rack. You can easily get it on your roof within minutes. It has a textured surface which ensures your kayak doesn’t slide while traveling.
- The frame is made using a corrosion-free polycarbonate material
- Synthetic rubber padding
- Low profile design
- Up to 70 pounds weight support
- 27 by five by 6 inches in measurement
- Easy setup
5. Folding J-style Kayak Rack Automobile
If you a high budget to spend on a roof rack for your kayak, this option may be worth considering. It comes with great features which explain why it is priced at the high end. Loading/unloading is easy and fast courtesy of it large J-style design. When not in use, you can fold down these racks instead of removing them.
Whenever most people hear a kayak roof rack, the top of the car carrying position is what crosses their mind. However, this rack has a design that allows side transportation of kayaks. This makes it highly efficient and gives you extra space for other items. You can adjust the straps using the mountain hardware that this rack comes with for safe transportation.
- Heavy-duty steel design
- Padded surface
- Large knobs to enable easy fastening
- Up to 100 pounds weight support and 3 feet wide kayak
- Foldable
4. ROLA Kayak Roof Rack
This kayak is a product of one of the best-known brands in this industry. It has durable straps, and a bow tie down that ensures your kayak stays in place during traveling. The frame of this rack is made of steel and coated with powder. This ensures it lasts for long and won’t be easily scratched.
It is resistant to scratch which makes it good for use in all-weather condition. Whether it’s heavily rainy, sunny or drilling, you can carry your kayak using this rack without worrying about it getting damaged. It has foam pads which keep your kayak safe from damage while traveling in bumpy terrain.
- Tough straps and bow/stern tie-downs
- Steel construction
- Foam pads
- Universal hardware
- Robust capacity
3. Rhino Rack Side Loader Rack
Instead of having too many extras that add no value to a kayak roof rack, Rhino Rack has fitted this rack with the essentials and perfected them. That is why it comes at a high price, but the features are of top quality. It was designed with both the safety of your and kayak in mind. To this end, it has thick padding on the bottom to prevent scratching your car.
You can load or unload the kayak on your own regardless of your height or strength. This rack offers you the convenience to load it on the side. If you have a kayak that is heavy than average, this rack has got you covered. It has a support pole for kayaks weighing over 44 pounds. When not using this rack, you can remove it and store it conveniently with the storage bag that it comes with.
- Lightweight as it weighs only 10 pounds
- Designed for a single kayak
- 41 by four by 7 inches
- Pole for supporting heavy kayaks
- Quick release strap
- Integrated load stop
- Clamp undersides Padding
2. TMS Kayak Carrier
If you don’t have a lot to spend in buying a kayak roof rack, this can be a good bet to try. It is also a good option for people taking more than one kayak to the waters because it can hold up to two kayaks.
It has strong steel construction and coating that is resistant to a coating which ensures it lasts for many years. Your kayak will not be prone to damage because this rack has padding to protect it from such. Loading the rack on your vehicle is easy as it comes with what you need to undertake the process.
- Adjustable padding
- Wide mouth J bar
- All surface rust-resistant coating and hardware
- Two straps
- Holds kayaks with a maximum of 75lbs
1. Hull Port Kayak Carrier
Thule is one of the most popular and trusted brand in produces quality items for outdoor use. Well, this kayak roof rack is not any different. It is made with strong steel and topped with a coating that is resistant to rust to ensure it will serve you for a long time to come. Installation is not a problem with this rack because it comes with everything you need in the process.
You can easily load or unload your kayak from this rack courtesy of its J style profile. The design also ensures it doesn’t take a lot of space to give freedom to load other items you may need in your kayaking expenditure. Your kayak will be safe from damage because there is foam padding which gives it excellent protection.
- Supports up to 75 pounds load capacity
- Rust resistant coating
- J style profile
- Thick pads
- Powerful straps
- Thule Buckle Bumper buckle
What Should You Consider When Choosing A Kayak Roof Rack?
- Your Car: The type of car you are planning to install the rack on determines which choice will be most useful for you. A small or compact vehicle the best option is one that can carry only one kayak while a bigger vehicle is good for a rack that can hold several kayaks. Consider this before purchasing to avoid buying something that won’t be useful to you.
- Installation: How easy is the installation process of the rack? Does it require expert help? Consider this to avoid buying something that will cost you more money during installation in hiring a professional. The best kayak roof rack should be easy to install on your own.
- Material: What is the rack made of? Choose one that is made of strong material to ensure it serves you for a long time.
- Safety and stability: A good kayak roof rack should be safe for your car and offer a stable surface for your kayak to prevent it from falling when on the move. If possible, it should be padded to prevent scratching your kayak, have soft and strong straps to prevent damaging your kayak when you tighten it.
- Distance to drive: How long you will drive determines which type of rack to go for. If you won’t be driving for long to get to the water, an inflatable pad or foam rack is sufficient to hold your kayak. However, if you will be driving for long, other options can be the best way to go.
- Price: How much are you planning to spend? Don’t go for the expensive option thinking it’s the best while at the same time it’s not advisable to go for the cheapest option in the market. Always check on this plus the features of a roof rack before making a purchase.
Conclusion
Kayaking is a great water sport. If you want to enjoy this sport all year through regardless of the weather, you need to have the best kayak roof rack with you. It will give you a convenient solution for carrying your kayak wherever you go.
With so many brands out there you can miss a kayak roof rack that will meet your needs. The above guide can help you find the best one. You will not be confused with making your decision. The top 10 reviewed kayaks will suit everybody regarding budget, style, capacity, and other preferences.
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