Do you enjoy kayaking and own a Subaru Outback? Then, you’re in the right place!
The first thing they tell you as a kayak owner is to get yourself a roof rack, or carrier system. Without a secure way to tie down your boat, it could fly off and get damaged. There’s also the risk of it injuring you or an innocent bystander.
This led us on the path of discovery to find the best rooftop carrier system on the market.
We spent hours researching what to look for in the best rack. We looked at durability, ease-of-use, and other important features.
Read ahead to find out everything you’ve ever wanted to know about kayak racks. Here’s a quick list of our top picks for the best kayak rack for Subaru Outback:
A Brief Overview of the Subaru Outback
The Subaru Outback is a top-quality sports utility vehicle. Its impressive specs and excellent features make it perfect for outdoor enthusiasts.
This power vehicle comes with many outstanding and exclusive features, one of which is the crossbars that come installed on the vehicle’s roof. It’s worth mentioning that this feature is available starting with the 2010 Outbacks and all subsequent models.
These crossbars come locked in place along each side of the vehicle’s roof. They help reduce wind resistance as you’re driving while making it convenient to transport large objects.
Nevertheless, you can easily detach them and reattach them across the roof onto the opposite side. By placing the crossbars this way, fixing the kayak becomes easier and more manageable.
The one downside is that not all kayak models can fit onto the Outback’s crossbars, as some kayaks are heavier or longer than average. There are also instances when you’ll need to carry more than one kayak.
This is where kayak racks come in handy; they offer better support with their enhanced safety system and smart designs.
What to Look for in the Best Kayak Rack for Subaru Outbacks
The main job of a roof rack is to keep the kayak in place as you transport it from one area to the next. Not only that, but a well-designed rack can prevent scratches and dents to the roof of your car.
It also helps prevent damaging the boat itself. That’s the last thing you want before heading out on your kayaking adventure!
We know how important your safety and the safety of others are for you, so we set out to make a list of the most important features to keep an eye out for when buying a kayak rack.
Let’s check them out.
Rooftop Capacity
Most SUVs, like the Outback, can carry an average of 165 pounds, including the weight of the roof rack itself.
Now, consider the weight of kayaks. Kayaks start at 20 and go all the way up to 100 pounds, with the average kayak weighing somewhere around 35 pounds. So, before you start strapping kayaks to your car roof, do the math first.
Another point to consider is the distance between the crossbars, which is around 39 inches. This offers adequate spacing for a rack to be installed.
It’s worth mentioning that most kayaks are about 10 feet long. Larger models can reach up to 16 feet. Make sure you pick a roof rack compatible with the length of your boat.
One Kayak or Two
To transport one kayak, you can choose either the J-Cradle or saddle roof rack. The J-Cradle comes with a side-loading mechanism. This allows you to clear up some space for carrying other items as well, like a second kayak.
The saddle roof rack, however, can only accommodate one kayak at a time. It’s designed to carry the craft either upside down or right side up.
More Than Two
Are you going kayaking with friends and family? Then, you’ll probably need a rack that can support more than two crafts.
The best type of rack that can safely and conveniently carry the boats is the Stacker rack. Stackers are ideal if you’re transporting up to four kayaks at a time. Some stacker models are designed to carry boats that are even longer than 10 feet.
Materials
Almost all carrier systems are made of stainless steel, as it’s durable, strong, and long-wearing.
It’s also a good idea to buy a rack that comes with an anti-rust coating. It adds extra durability and endurance, making the rack capable of withstanding harsh weather conditions.
Useful Extras
There are kayak racks on the market that come with adjustable carriers. They fold down and rotate for easy garage access.
One of the best things about having adjustable carriers is that they’re user-friendly. They make loading and unloading the crafts quicker and less of a hassle, which can be a time-saver if you usually take your kayak out frequently.
Moreover, most racks come with adjustable padding. It’s a great addition that protects both the roof and the kayak itself.
The padding also prevents the boats from slipping off the roof. It’s a wonderful safety and reliability feature. Plus, it means you don’t have to spend extra buying anti-slip mats.
Another important feature that comes with almost every kayak rack is the straps and buckles. These help secure the craft to the rack, as well as to the bumpers of the Outback itself.
Final Thoughts
The goal for finding the best kayak rack for the Subaru Outback is safe transportation for your kayak. A good rack should prevent your kayak from slipping off your vehicle. At the same time, the rack shouldn’t scratch your car or your kayak.
While the Outback is a terrific car for kayak enthusiasts, it can be difficult to find a suitable roof rack. There are many factors to consider, including roof capacity, anti-slippage, and long-lasting build quality.
Our buying guide has all the information you need to choose the perfect rack for your kayaking adventures. You can go out there knowing your boat is in good hands. Now, all that’s left is for you to have a blast and enjoy the sun and the surf!