Updated September 2, 2024
When you own a kayak, if you’re like me, you want to get out on the water at every opportunity. Unless you have an inflatable or very small model, probably the best way to get it there is on a rack or carrier on top of your vehicle.
With the popularity of kayaking growing all the time, the number of roof racks on the market is just about keeping pace. Selecting the model that suits your car and kayak is important. After all, you don’t want it bouncing around or falling off to its own ruination or damage to your car or worse yet, to others who happen to get in the way.
To help you decide which rack best suits your situation, a variety of top models are reviewed below. There is a comparison table, key features with photos, and videos, followed by a basic buying guide.
If you have any questions or concerns, please let me know in the comments section at the bottom. I’d love to know your thoughts.
For more reviews of kayaks, boats, and accessories, please check out these popular posts:
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Best Kayak Roof Rack Systems
- Thule Hullavator Pro Kayak Lift System
- Thule Hull-A-Port
- Yakima Jaylow Rooftop Mounted Kayak Rack
- Malone Downloader Kayak Car Rack
- Malone Handirack Inflatable Universal Kayak Rack
- TMS J-Bar Rack HD Kayak Carrier
- Malone SeaWing Saddle Style Universal Rack
- Thule Dockgrip Kayak Saddle
- SportRack Adjustable Foam Kayak Carrier
- Great Lakes Kayak Kayak Wing Sea Kayak Rack
Kayak Roof Rack Systems Comparison Table
| Kayak Roof Rack | Photo | Shape of Cradle | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Thule Hullavator Pro Kayak Lift System |   | Flat with Expandable Base | $$$$$ |
| Thule Hull-A-Port |   | J-Curved | $$$ |
| Yakima Jaylow Rooftop Mounted Kayak Rack |   | J-Curved | $$$ |
| Malone Downloader Kayak Car Rack |   | J-Curved | $$$ |
| Malone Handirack Inflatable Universal Kayak Rack |   | Temporary Inflatable Pad | $$ |
| TMS J-Bar Rack HD Kayak Carrier |   | J-Curved | $ |
| Malone SeaWing Saddle Style Universal Rack |   | Saddle | $$$ |
| Thule Dockgrip Kayak Saddle |   | Saddle | $$$$ |
| SportRack Adjustable Foam Kayak Carrier |   | Adjustable Foam Temporary Crossbar | $ |
| Great Lakes Kayak Kayak Wing Sea Kayak Rack |   | Saddle | $$ |
| Kayak Roof Rack | Photo | Shape of Cradle | Price |
Thule Hullavator Pro Kayak Lift System
Sturdy, Easy-Loading with Lift Assist Gas Struts, Expensive
- Accommodates hulls up to 36 inches wide
- Load capacity of 75 pounds
- Suitable for 1 kayak
- Waist-level loading from the side of your vehicle
- Gas strut system takes up 40 pounds of the kayak’s weight for easier loading
- Padded support at 8 touchpoints
- Corrosion-resistant base
- Bow and stern tie-downs
- Aeroblade and SquareBar roof rack compatibility
- Weight: 39 pounds 11.2 ounces
- Price: $$$$$
Compact, J-Curve Design, Easy Installation, Sturdy, & Rust-Resistant
- Accommodates hulls up to 34 inches wide
- Load capacity of 75 pounds
- Suitable for 1 kayak (use 2 systems for 2 kayaks)
- J-Curved cradle
- Thick, adjustable pads to protect kayak surfaces
- Steel construction with rust-resistant coating
- Factory rack compatible
- Fits multiple Thule systems
- Includes bow and stern tie-downs
- Weight: 8.7 pounds
- Price: $$$
Yakima Jaylow Rooftop Mounted Kayak Rack
J-Curve Design, 2 Kayaks Possible, No-Tool Installation, Folds Flat When Not in Use
- Easy tool-free installation
- J-Curved cradle
- Multiple settings, can carry one kayak in the cradle or add a second kayak vertically
- Load capacity of 80 pounds for 1 kayak and 110 pounds for 2
- Easy loading with an integrated ramp
- Folds flat when not in use
- Heavy-duty straps and bow and stern tie-downs
- Padded contact points
- Compatible with SKS locks
- Weight: 12 pounds 14 ounces
- Price: $$$
Malone Downloader Kayak Car Rack
J-Curve Design, Tool-Free Installation, Aerodynamically Folds Flat When Not in Use, Oversized Pads
- Easy tool-free installation and removal
- J-Curved cradle
- Built-in boarding ramp and an angled lip for easy loading
- Folds flat when not in use
- Includes heavy-duty straps and bow and stern tie-downs
- Oversized padding to protect kayak surfaces
- Mounting hardware fits round, square, and most factory oval cross rails
- Includes 60mm and 70mm pre-coated mounting bolts
- Weight: 12 pounds 3.2 ounces
- Price: $$$
Malone Handirack Inflatable Universal Kayak Rack
Low-Priced, Inflatable, Lightweight, No Cross-Rails Required, Near Universal Fit, Tool-Free Installation, Hand Pump Included
- Inflatable roof rack for cars with no cross-rail system
- 3-ply construction
- Includes 2 HandiRack inflatable tubes, 5 D-ring anchor points to secure the load, 2 x 9.8-foot tie-down straps, heavy-duty cam buckles, and bow and stern lines
- Tool-free installation and take-down, sets up in minutes
- Stores in the trunk
- Double-action hand pump included
- Fits a wide range of vehicles with front and rear windows
- Suitable for kayaks, surfboards, canoes, SUPs, and others
- Holds up to 175 pounds
- Weight: 5 pounds 12 ounces
- Price: $$
TMS J-Bar Rack HD Kayak Carrier
Ultra-Low Price, J-Curve Design, Easy Installation, Fits Most Crossbars
- J-Curved cradle
- For use on kayaks up to 36 inches wide
- Load capacity of 75 pounds
- Fits practically all crossbars
- Quick installation and removal
- Easy loading with wide-mouthed J-Curves
- Steel construction with padding to protect kayak surfaces
- Loads kayak on its side, room to install a second system
- Weight: 8 pounds
- Price: $
Malone SeaWing Saddle Style Universal Rack
Low-Profile Saddle Design, Fast No-Tools Installation, Secure Load
- Low-profile saddle design
- Flexes with the load
- Fast, easy no-tools installation or removal
- Ribbed saddle surface to grip the kayak
- Corrosion-resistant nylon construction
- Load capacity of 70 pounds
- Easy loading from the rear
- Includes 2 Sea Wings (saddles), 2 x 11-foot load straps, and 2 x 11-foot bow and stern tie-downs
- Jawz mounting hardware fits square, round, and most factory oval cross rails
- Weight: 11 pounds 9.6 ounces
- Price: $$$
Lightweight, Low-Profile Dock-Grip Design, Durable, Easy Installation, Versatile, Not Cheap
- Low-profile dock-grip design
- Easy installation or removal
- Large cushioned, flexible pads to protect hull surfaces
- Accommodates kayaks and SUPs up to 36 inches wide
- Load capacity of 85 pounds
- Secure the load with center load straps, bow and stern tie-downs, and car protective buckle bumpers
- Fits a variety of rack systems, round bars, and most factory racks with T-Track and FlipFit brackets
- Weight: 6 pounds 12.8 ounces
- Price: $$$$
SportRack Adjustable Foam Kayak Carrier
Super Low-Priced & Lightweight, Low-Profile, Easy Installation, Use With a Bare Roof or Rack
- 2 temporary crossbars with adjustable foam block design
- Easy installation or removal
- No drilling necessary
- Non-skid underside protects vehicle finish
- Fits one kayak from 16 to 24 inches in width
- Supports any weight of a kayak
- Side-loading
- Large cushioned, flexible pads to protect hull surfaces
- Includes 2 straps to secure foam and bars to the vehicle and bow and stern tie-downs
- Also fits SportRack roof rack systems, and square, round, and most factory racks
- Weight: 3 pounds
- Price: $
Great Lakes Kayak Kayak Wing Sea Kayak Rack
Low-Priced, Lightweight, Durable with a 5-Year Warranty, Low-Profile Saddle Design, Fast No-Tools Installation
- Low-profile saddle design
- Easy no-tools installation and removal
- Best maximum kayak width of 30 inches
- Maximum crossbar width of 3.25 inches
- Minimum clearance from roof to crossbar of 1.5 inches
- The saddle surface prevents scratching of the kayak
- Includes quick straps with buckles
- Fits a variety of roof rack systems
- 5-year warranty against breakage
- Weight: 6 pounds
- Price: $$
View More From Great Lakes Kayak
Kayak Roof Rack Systems Buying Guide
Considerations Before Selecting a Kayak Roof Rack
Type of Car Roof
How is it set up already? What roof racks are compatible? What needs to be done to match your roof with a roof rack?
- Bare Roof – Some sort of temporary crossbars including inflatable versions or foam pads are options.
- Side Rails – With side rails, you could add aftermarket crossbars that are compatible with a variety of kayak roof racks.
- Crossbars – With crossbars in place you are good to go with a range of kayak roof racks.
Types of Roof Racks
- Built-in or Permanent Roof Racks or Bars – These are pretty much ready to go. You’ll just need to add some padding (like foam) and tie your kayak down.
- Temporary Crossbars or Foam Adapter – These can be used if there is no rail or crossbar system in place. They are often inexpensive but may not be as sturdy as those used with permanent crossbars and rails. The Malone Handirack, an inflatable rack, and the SportRack Adjustable Foam Kayak Carrier, both reviewed above, are two of the best-quality models of this type.
- Saddles – These can be two or four-piece systems that are saddle or V-shaped for very secure support and known for being aerodynamic.
- J-Curved Cradles – As indicated, these racks are J-shaped with the kayak mounted sideways rather than upright. They also provide a very secure hold and offer side loading which tends to be easier. Some models allow for more than one kayak.
- Stackers – These models also support kayaks on their sides. This allows the space for multiple kayaks to be lined up, which stackers are designed for. This is great for several kayakers on the same outing.
Make sure that the kayak roof rack you select is exactly compatible with whatever rooftop or system of rails and crossbars you want to match it with. The manufacturers provide lots of details and specifications to ensure this.
Check this guide from Rack Attack to help match your vehicle to the type of systems possible: Roof Rack Fit Guide
Materials
Kayaks involve a substantial investment and there are significant safety concerns in their transport. Durable materials are a must. Look for rust-resistant steel or carbon fasteners and avoid cheaper plastic or aluminum ones.
Bar Height
Rack systems come with different bar heights. If you are on the short side, a high bar can be challenging for loading and unloading. A system closer to the roofline would be more suitable in that case.
For more reviews of kayaks, boats, and accessories, please check out these popular posts:
Kayak Carts Kayak Drysuit Review Kayak Paddles Kayak Life Vests Women Kayak Life Vests Marine VHF Radios Small Outboard Motors Kayak Trolling Motors Kayak Fish Finders Marine GPS Marine Binoculars Women’s Kayaks Touring Kayaks Tandem Kayaks Whitewater Kayaks for Beginners Lake Kayaks Ocean Kayaks Fishing Kayaks Beginner Kayaks Recreational Kayaks Inflatable Kayaks Inflatable Boats Canoes
Feedback and Comments
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