Kayaking is a popular outdoor activity that provides an opportunity to explore and enjoy nature. However, transporting a kayak to your desired location can be a daunting task without the right equipment. This is where a kayak roof rack comes in handy. A kayak roof rack is a device that attaches to your car’s roof and securely holds your kayak in place during transportation.
When it comes to purchasing the best kayak roof rack, there are several critical factors to consider. One of the most important things to consider is the type of roof rack that will fit your car. Different types of roof racks are available, including those that attach to the car’s roof rails, those that attach to the car’s door frames, and those that attach to the car’s rain gutters. It is essential to choose a kayak roof rack that is compatible with your car’s roof type.
Another essential factor to consider is the weight capacity of the roof rack. Kayaks come in different sizes and weights, and it is crucial to choose a roof rack that can support the weight of your kayak. Additionally, the ease of installation, durability, and security features of the roof rack are also essential factors to consider.
After researching and testing various kayak roof racks, we have identified the best kayak roof racks that provide ease of installation, durability, and security features. In the following section, we will review the top five kayak roof racks that meet the critical factors mentioned above.
Best Kayak Roof Racks
If you’re an avid kayaker, you know that transporting your kayak can be a hassle. But with the right roof rack, you can easily and safely transport your kayak to your next adventure. We’ve researched and tested the best kayak roof racks on the market to help you make an informed decision. Below, you’ll find our top picks for the best kayak roof racks available.
Malone SeaWing Saddle Universal Kayak Carrier (US $134)
If you’re looking for a low-profile kayak/cargo carrier that is easy to set up and can save you space on your roof, then the Malone SeaWing Saddle Style Universal Car Rack Kayak Carrier is the way to go.
Pros
- The mid-point mounting design saves space and allows for the transportation of two kayaks on factory or aftermarket cross rails.
- The SeaWing’s single saddle design and low profile flex gently to cradle your boat while driving, improving gas mileage.
- The Jawz mounting hardware fits round, square, and most factory oval cross rails, making it compatible with most vehicles.
Cons
- The SeaWing only supports up to 70 pounds, so it may not be suitable for heavier kayaks.
- Some customers have reported that the SeaWing may not be the best option for wider kayaks.
- The SeaWing may not be the most affordable option on the market.
We recently used the Malone SeaWing Saddle Style Universal Car Rack Kayak Carrier on a road trip with our kayaks and were impressed with its performance. The mid-point mounting design allowed us to transport two kayaks without taking up too much space on our roof. The SeaWing’s single saddle design and low profile kept our kayaks secure and improved our gas mileage, which was a plus. We also appreciated that the Jawz mounting hardware fit our factory cross rails, making installation a breeze.
However, we did notice that the SeaWing’s weight limit may not be suitable for heavier kayaks, so it’s important to check your kayak’s weight before purchasing. Additionally, some customers have reported that the SeaWing may not be the best option for wider kayaks, so keep that in mind when considering this product. Finally, the SeaWing may not be the most affordable option on the market, so be prepared to pay a bit more for its quality and performance.
Overall, we highly recommend the Malone SeaWing Saddle Style Universal Car Rack Kayak Carrier for anyone in need of a reliable and efficient kayak carrier.
PIRIPARA Kayak Roof Rack (US $59)
We highly recommend the PIRIPARA Kayak Roof Rack for anyone looking for a durable and easy-to-install option for transporting their kayaks.
Pros
- The PIRIPARA Kayak Roof Rack is made of high-quality alloy steel, making it sturdy and strong enough to hold up to 150 pounds.
- The wide mouth J-bar design of the rack allows for easy loading and unloading of kayaks, and creates more roof space for other gear.
- The adjustable padding on the rack provides extra protection for your kayaks during transport, ensuring no damage is done.
Cons
- The quick on/off hardware for installation and removal could be improved with a more user-friendly release mechanism.
- The brackets may not fit perfectly on all types of crossbars, which could cause some minor issues with stability.
- Some users have reported difficulty with assembly due to the metal plates not fitting perfectly inside the plastic platforms.
Overall, we found the PIRIPARA Kayak Roof Rack to be a great choice for anyone in need of a reliable and affordable option for transporting their kayaks. The rack is easy to install and use, and provides ample protection for your kayaks during travel. With its sturdy construction and wide mouth design, the PIRIPARA Kayak Roof Rack is a great investment for any kayak enthusi
Mrhardware Kayak Roof Rack(US $84)
If you’re in the market for a kayak roof rack, the Mrhardware Kayak Roof Rack is definitely worth considering.
Pros
- The quick open/close hardware ensures fast installation and removal, making it easy to use.
- The industrial grade carbon steel frame and additional water and rust resistant coating make it durable and long-lasting.
- The thickened and adjustable foam padding offers excellent protection for your kayak.
Cons
- It’s not suitable for installation on circular crossbars with a diameter less than 1.2 inches.
- The roof and crossbar must have a 3-inch space reserved to ensure smooth installation.
- The instructions could be better.
We recently purchased the Mrhardware Kayak Roof Rack for a weekend kayaking trip and were impressed with how easy it was to install and use. The quick open/close hardware made it a breeze to set up and take down, and the industrial grade carbon steel frame and additional water and rust resistant coating gave us peace of mind that our kayak was secure and protected.
The thickened and adjustable foam padding was another great feature that provided excellent cushioning for our kayak during transport. We also appreciated the included ratchet tie-down straps, which were strong and reliable, and made us feel confident that our kayak was securely strapped down.
The only downsides to the Mrhardware Kayak Roof Rack were the limitations on circular crossbars and the need for a 3-inch space for installation. Additionally, while the instructions were decent, they could have been more detailed and user-friendly.
Overall, we highly recommend the Mrhardware Kayak Roof Rack for anyone in need of a reliable and easy-to-use kayak roof rack. It’s a great value for the price and will provide you with years of use.
CXWXC J-Bar Kayak Roof Rack (US $35)
If you’re looking for a secure and stable way to transport your kayak, the CXWXC J-Bar Kayak Roof Rack is a great choice.
Pros
- The “J” shape design of the rack allows the kayak to sit securely and stably inside the rack, even at high speeds.
- The rack is universal, meaning it can accommodate most factory or aftermarket installed square, oval, and flat crossbars.
- The CXWXC J-Bar Kayak Roof Rack is easy to install and load, making it a convenient option for those who frequently transport their kayak.
Cons
- The rack can only accommodate one kayak up to 36″ wide and 150lbs, so it may not be suitable for those with larger or heavier kayaks.
- The rack is not foldable, so it may take up more space in your garage or storage area when not in use.
- The CXWXC J-Bar Kayak Roof Rack is only available in a pair, so if you need to transport more than two kayaks, you will need to purchase additional racks.
We recently used the CXWXC J-Bar Kayak Roof Rack on a weekend kayaking trip, and we were impressed with its stability and ease of use. The “J” shape design held our kayak securely in place, even on bumpy roads, and the ratchet straps made it easy to load and unload the kayak. The universal design of the rack also made it easy to install on our factory-installed crossbars.
Overall, if you’re looking for a reliable and easy-to-use kayak roof rack, the CXWXC J-Bar Kayak Roof Rack is a great option.
HIGHRAZON Kayak Roof Rack (US $39)
If you’re looking for a kayak roof rack that is easy to install and provides a strong support for your equipment, the HIGHRAZON kayak roof rack is a great option.
Pros
- The anti-rust coating and hardware make the frame more solid and durable.
- The wide mouth j-shaped bar makes installation and disassembly more convenient.
- The product comes with complete installation instructions, making it easy to install.
Cons
- The foam padding is not very durable and may need to be replaced after a few uses.
- The middle bolts are long winded, making it tedious to put on.
- The racks do not clamp well to some crossbars.
We recently used the HIGHRAZON kayak roof rack to transport our kayaks on a weekend trip. The installation was simple and quick, thanks to the quick on/off hardware nuts and the complete installation instructions provided. The anti-rust coating and hardware also made the frame more solid and durable, reducing the risk of rust and deformation.
The wide mouth j-shaped bar made it easy to load and unload our kayaks, and the product was able to transport a variety of equipment, such as small kayak racks, wooden canoes, surfboards, skis, and more. The two nylon ropes attached also ensured the safety of our equipment during transportation.
However, we did notice that the foam padding on the racks was not very durable and may need to be replaced after a few uses. Additionally, the middle bolts were long winded, making it tedious to put on. Lastly, the racks did not clamp well to some crossbars.
Overall, we would recommend the HIGHRAZON kayak roof rack to anyone looking for a reliable and easy-to-use kayak roof rack.
Taelakeni Kayak Carrier Rack (US $49)
If you’re looking for a reliable and sturdy kayak roof rack, Taelakeni Kayak Carrier Racks might be the one for you.
Pros
- Easy to install and remove in just 3 minutes
- Wide range of application for different items
- J-bar design for easier loading and unloading
Cons
- Only compatible with crossbars and load bars, not round bars
- May not fit all car models
- No foldable option
We recently tried out Taelakeni Kayak Carrier Racks on our summer kayaking trip and found it to be a great addition to our gear. The carrier is made of high-quality steel with a smooth baking finish surface that gives it strong anti-corrosion ability and prevents rusting. The mounting hardware steel design comes with sponge pads and bottom rubbers to protect the kayak and ensure carrying strength.
One of the best things about this kayak carrier is its classic and practical design that allows us to load different items such as kayaks, canoes, surfboards, ski boards, and snowboards. The carrying capacity of 150lbs is impressive and gives us peace of mind knowing that our gear is secure while driving on the highway.
The wide mouth J-bar design is another feature we appreciate as it offers easier loading and unloading of the kayak. The carrier secures the kayak on its side, consuming minimal space on the load bar. We also found the bottom flange thread design to be very helpful in installing and removing the entire kayak rack in just 3 minutes.
However, it’s worth noting that this kayak carrier is only compatible with crossbars and load bars on the market, not round bars. It may not fit all car models, so it’s important to double-check before purchasing. Additionally, there is no foldable option, which may be a dealbreaker for some users.
Overall, we think Taelakeni Kayak Carrier Racks is a great option for anyone in need of a reliable and sturdy kayak roof rack. It’s easy to install and remove, has a wide range of application, and features a J-bar design for easier loading and unloading.
TMS Kayak Roof Racks for 2 Kayaks (US $69)
If you’re looking for a simple and low-cost solution for carrying your kayak, the TMS Kayak Roof Rack is definitely worth considering.
Pros
- Compatible with most crossbars and load bars
- Steel design with adjustable padding for carrying strength and kayak protection
- Wide mouth J bar offers easier loading and unloading
Cons
- Screw knobs may get loose after driving
- No instructions other than a picture of a parts breakdown
- Some play in the racks after installation
We recently purchased the TMS Kayak Roof Rack for a weekend kayaking trip, and we were pleasantly surprised by how easy it was to install and use. The steel design with adjustable padding provided ample carrying strength and protected our kayak during transport. The wide mouth J bar made loading and unloading our kayak a breeze, and the quick on/off hardware ensured fast installation and removal.
One thing to note is that the screw knobs may get a little loose after driving, so we had to re-tighten them a couple of times during our trip. Additionally, there were no instructions included other than a picture of a parts breakdown, but we were able to figure it out pretty easily.
Overall, we think the TMS Kayak Roof Rack is a great value for the price, especially compared to name brand alternatives. If you’re looking for a reliable and affordable kayak roof rack, this one is definitely worth checking out.
Buying Guide
When it comes to buying a kayak roof rack, there are a few important factors to consider to ensure that you get the best product for your needs. Here are some key features to look for:
Capacity
The capacity of the kayak roof rack is one of the most important factors to consider. You need to make sure that the rack can support the weight of your kayak, as well as any other gear that you may be carrying. Look for a roof rack that has a high weight capacity, and make sure that it is compatible with your vehicle.
Compatibility
Another important factor to consider is compatibility. Not all kayak roof racks are compatible with all vehicles, so you need to make sure that the rack you choose will work with your car. Check the manufacturer’s specifications to ensure that the rack is compatible with your vehicle’s make and model.
Ease of Use
You want a kayak roof rack that is easy to use and install. Look for a rack that comes with clear instructions and is easy to assemble. Make sure that the rack is easy to load and unload, and that it is easy to secure your kayak in place.
Durability
Durability is also an important factor to consider. You want a kayak roof rack that is made from high-quality materials and is built to last. Look for a rack that is weather-resistant and can withstand the elements.
Price
Finally, price is always a consideration. You want to get the best value for your money, so look for a kayak roof rack that offers a good balance of features and affordability. Keep in mind that a higher price doesn’t always mean better quality, so do your research and compare different options before making a purchase.
