Kayaking can be an excellent way to spend some time in the great outdoors. Yet many times that perfect view out on the water isn’t right in your backyard. Often you’ll need to travel to get to your kayaking location.
In other words, you’ll have to pack up and drive. Without proper mounting, it can be risky to take your kayak with you. To transport your kayak on the road, you have the option to use a kayak roof rack.
Here's a quick list of our top picks for the best kayak roof rack:
Who Needs To Use A Kayak Roof Rack?
Anyone who plans on taking their kayak along for their next vacation could use a decent kayak roof rack. These racks work great for their excellent level of convenience. They keep kayaks secure and carry along your roof with sturdy soft padding. Many come in a J-hook shape so you can tilt the kayaks on their side for easier mounting.
Below is a short YouTube video that explains safe kayak transport:
Alternative to using a kayak roof rack, you can also opt for a kayak trailer. You may benefit more from using a trailer if you:
- Plan on transporting more than two kayaks.
- Are not strong, or in old age.
- Have the proper vehicle for towing.
- Want to carry more gear.
- Have the budget and storage space for a trailer.
If that sounds more like you, then we have a kayak trailer buyer’s guide that can help you make the best decision.
How Does A Kayak Roof Rack Work?
To use a kayak roof rack, you also need to have a roof top crossbar. These give you the base to attach your kayak roof rack mounts to. To use a crossbar, you also need car rails. Some cars come factory equipped with rails or both, while others do not. Check the top of your car for these rails:
Kayak roof racks work by mounting to crossbars on top of your vehicle:
With a few bolts included with the carriers, they mount right onto your crossbars. Thus, making it much easier to attach your kayak to the roof of your vehicle. Additionally, they come with straps to secure your kayak nice and tight. The straps keep wind from jostling your kayak around, or from the kayak flying off your car.
How Do I Choose A Kayak Roof Rack?
One of the most important parts of choosing a kayak roof rack, is to pick one with your desired mounting system. Some racks fold down for better gas mileage, while others detach when not in use. Each rack comes with a different screw bracket system. This design will determine if you plan to take on and off your rack, or leave it on all the time.
Buy a kayak roof rack with the proper bracket style. Each kind of bracket will affect how it attached to kayaks, and it’s holding position. If you want a more upright position, then go for a hook style. If you want a low profile design, go for a flat angle wing design.
Choose a kayak roof rack that is well made so it lasts. Your rack will endure a lot of wear when using it over time, so it needs to be durable. Additionally, you want your rack to survive long drives on interstate roads.
Below is a checklist of things to look for when choosing a kayak roof rack:
- Ensure the rack has your desired mounting system.
- Buy a rack with your ideal style.
- Choose a kayak roof rack that is well made.
What Is The Best Kayak Roof Rack?
We’ve looked at a range of kayak roof racks that work for all types of kayaks and have selected five racks. The main things we’ve looked at are quality, price, and shape. We’ve reviewed these five kayak roof racks and listed some pros and cons for each rack.
our #1 rated
Car Rack & Carriers
Universal J-Rack
Quality
Price
Our rating
The Car Rack & Carriers Universal J-Rack is available with a thick steel tubes and comes in pairs. The rack also features foam padding and rubber base to protect the kayak. Additionally, the rack includes four straps that can hold 36 inches wide and up to 150 lb kayaks.
Customers who purchased this kayak roof rack said that it’s quite durable and easy to put together. People said that the rack was sturdy and worked well to hold larger kayaks. Many customers also said they had no problems traveling down the interstates at 60 mph.
Some customers said they would swap out the included straps for other better ones. People also said that the straps were not long enough to wrap their kayak. A few customers reported that the rack does not hold up well in heavy wind conditions.
PROS
CONS
our #2 rated
TMS
J-Bar Rack
Quality
Price
Our rating
The TMS J-Bar Rack is available in a two pair system with included straps for mounting. The rack features compatible attachments for all crossbars. Additionally, the rack has adjustable padding and rust resistant coating.
Customers who purchased this rack said that the they were of high quality materials. Some customers also said that the assembly was straight forward and easy to do. Other customers commented that the held very secure even at higher speeds of 60 to 70 mph.
Some people who purchased this rack said that the straps got replaced for stronger ones. Others reported that there was a lack of instructions, and took some tries to get them on. A few customers also said to use a ratchet wrench in make installation much quicker.
PROS
CONS
our #3 rated
Yakima
Jaylow Kayak Carrier
Quality
Price
Our rating
This Jaylow Kayak Carrier made by Yakima is available in one black color with red knobs. The carrier can carry one boat in J-cradle position, or two boats stacked vertical. The rack also has the ability to fold down when not in use for better aerodynamics.
Customers who purchased this carrier said that they were very easy to install. People said that the rack cradled many kayak sizes well. Many customers found the ability to fold the rack down useful for extra height clearance.
A few customers who purchased this rack said that it whistled due to an exposed screw hole. Other customers said that the included tie downs were plastic and chipped overtime. Some people also said they would’ve liked the arms to be a bit tighter.
PROS
CONS
our #4 rated
Malone
DownLoader
Quality
Price
Our rating
The Malone DownLoader Kayak Carrier is available in one size with a multi color finish. The rack features J-style carrying with a built-in boarding ramp for easy loading. The rack also has over-sized padding to help protect the boat during transport.
Customers who purchased this rack said that it works well with the multi-purpose ramp. People said the racks rest on the roof without any whistling. Customers also commented that they’re the best folding j cradles for kayaks.
Other people who used this rack said that the plastic on one of the U-clamps was coming apart. Customers also said that the hooks have the design for square crossbars, not rounded ones. Some customers also reported that the straps were a pain to secure.
PROS
CONS
our #5 rated
Malone
SeaWing Saddle
Quality
Price
Our rating
This SeaWing Saddle universal kayak carrier made by Malone comes in red and black. The saddles feature a low-profile design for taking up minimal roof space. The rack also has a flex function to cradle the boat and improve gas mileage.
People who purchased this rack said that it’s easy to load on kayaks by yourself without extra help. Customers said that the low-profile design created little to no wind resistance. Other customers reported that they stayed in place without any weird handling issues.
A few customers who used this rack said that the supplied hardware doesn't work great. Other people also said that the saddle does not fit all crossbar designs. Some people also said that the rack did not work for very wide kayaks.
PROS
CONS
Our Choice
Each kayak roof rack we’ve reviewed works for those looking to mount their kayak on their car. All the racks have decent materials, flexible adjustments, and a durable size.
After comparing all the products the best kayak roof rack is the Car Rack & Carriers J-Rack.
This rack is both strong and wide, making it perfect for those looking for a kayak carrier. The rack can work for any kind of crossbar style. We also like the fact that the rack comes with straps for secure mounting.