Best Kayak Roof Rack Reviews
When it comes to transporting your kayak, it’s important to get the best car roof rack available. With so many models available it can be challenging to know which rack is the right one for you and whether they are worth the price. We’ve reviewed 9 different models to help you decide.
Best Kayak Roof Rack of 2020
Apontus Universal Kayak Roof Rack J Bar
A J-style rack that comes with racks, tie-down straps, and hardware for two kayaks. Designed for kayaks 3 ft. or smaller and up to 75 lbs. The rack will not work properly on cars with racks thicker than 1 inch.
Best for smaller, recreational kayaks and we don’t recommend going too fast. Also, if you’re going a long distance, these might not be the best choice. Installation was not easy but having smaller hands helps with the installation.
Pros: Price
Cons: Issues with installation, Quality
A-Smart J Bar Kayak Roof Rack Carrier Car Top Mount
Though this rack is affordable, the A-Smart rack also comes with some slight difficulty installing. It’s easier to use your own wrench. We also found that the directions for installation were less than clear. Users might have some issues with anything longer than a recreational kayak.
Pros: Price, Works with heavier kayaks or a canoe
Cons: Issues with installation, Quality
Malone Downloader Folding J-Style Universal Car Rack Kayak Carrier
The two sets of mounting bolts come in really handy if the other doesn’t work and allows the rack to work with almost any car rack. The loading ramp and folding ability are also great features. This is a high-quality rack at a slightly higher yet reasonable price.
Pros: Solid, Durable, Reliable, Loading Ramp
Cons: Price
Malone SeaWing Saddle Style Universal Car Rack Kayak Carrier
The only drawback is that it is not ideal for larger kayaks. The Malone SeaWing rack works with round, square, and most oval cross rails and it’s easy to install. The price isn’t too high but would be easier to justify if it worked with larger kayaks.
Pros: Easy assembly, minimal air resistance
Cons: Not ideal for larger kayaks
Pack’em Folding J-Style Kayak Rack Automobile Roof Top Rack Racks
Great price for a good rack. The two different types of mounting plates are helpful if a flat plate doesn’t work and you need a curved plate. Great for kayaks up to 100 lbs.
Pros: Price, Vehicle Compatibility, Durability
Cons: Doesn’t work on a round bar
Rhino Rack Kayak & Canoe Carrier
A little pricey for only supporting up to 99 lbs. but a very reliable rack for smaller kayaks. It seems to work well with any car rack but if not you can purchase a compatibility kit.
Pros: Sturdy, Quality materials, Paddle attachment
Cons: Price
TMS® J-Bar Rack HD Kayak Carrier Top Mount
The low price matches the quality because they’re not exactly heavy-duty racks and they are designed for transporting up to 75 lbs. therefore it’s not ideal for larger kayaks. Accommodates most car racks.
Pros: Price, Vehicle Compatibility
Cons: Quality, Doesn’t work for larger kayaks, Mounted on crossbars
Yakima JayLow Folding J-Cradle Rooftop Kayak Rack
The ability to transport one or two kayaks with one set of racks is great but if using the vertical setting, loading the second kayak will be difficult. The rack is designed to work with multiple car racks and is heavy-duty.
Pros: Vehicle Compatibility, Installation, Functions vertical or J-style
Cons: Price
Thule 884 Roll Model Kayak Carrier
This is a very reliable and sturdy rack but the fact that it only works with Thule square racks is a drawback. However, if you are willing to buy a Thule square bar rack or already have one, this is a great rack and it makes loading and unloading really easy for even one person.
Pros: Durability, works with seemingly any sized kayak
Cons: Price, Only works with Thule square bar rack
Conclusion
As you might expect, the right rack depends largely upon the kayak and the kayaker. If you are using a 10 ft. recreational kayak, the Thule model is probably more than you need. However, if you’re having trouble loading a 10 ft. kayak, the Thule model would certainly solve that problem. Another consideration is the trip itself. If you are traveling across the country or need to make space for additional items on your roof, that would eliminate some of the options.