Best Kayak Roof Rack [Top 5 Reviewed For 2022 + Buying Guide]

If you're into kayaking, chances are you dream about living in a beach house, dragging your kayak through the fine sand to the water with ease. It will then be just a matter of minutes until you can start paddling away into the beautiful paradise. Now, let's wake up and face reality, most of us are not lucky enough to own such a place. In fact, you probably have to drive miles in order to enjoy this experience. Therefore, finding the best kayak roof rack is a must.

Thule is a front runner in terms of kayaking accessories. You don't have to learn how to build a kayak rack when you have the perfect item right in front of you.

This model is made of aluminum. It has a double coated steel design, so it can easily resist corrosion. Even if you don't live on the beach, chances are you live somewhere nearby, so humidity is high and corrosion is always an issue – not anymore.

This product will support your kayaking adventure for ages and is considered by many users as one of the best kayak carrier in the market today.

If overall maintenance is what you're looking for, then the Yakima will be the ideal choice. It requires close to no maintenance at all. However, maintenance pales when you check out its versatility.

Unlike other racks in this segment, Yakima's model allows carrying multiple kayaks as well. It has a plethora of settings for adjustability.

Are you looking for a solid kayak roof rack for SUV? Allowing you to carry one kayak in a horizontal position, the 887XT model from Thule is probably the most suitable kayak rack for SUV. Furthermore, if it can go on an SUV, it can easily match any small car as well.

The fit is literally perfect for car top kayak carriers. Saddles pivot, so they will conform pretty much any shape and size. No matter what type of kayak you have, chances are you'll fit it on your car with no problems at all. Given the horizontal position, you cannot add more racks for other kayaks due to the lack of space.

Rhino Rack doesn't build car top kayak racks with bells and whistles. Instead, the manufacturer sticks to the basics and pushes them to a superior quality.

Nothing is fancy enough to make the price too high, hence the good value for money. After all, you only need some transportation for your kayak to the nearest water.

Built to make loading and unloading easy, this easy load kayak roof rack from Malone provides an excellent value for money. It's a J style kayak roof rack designed to fit most types of roofs.

Moreover, loading has never been easier due to the boarding ramp. It's built in, so you don't have to install it yourself. This folding kayak rack is designed to be safe and secure, and also ensure that your kayak or car won't get scratched.

There are multiple reasons wherefore finding the best kayak roof rack on the market is such a good idea.

Most importantly, it's a cost efficient solution. Unless you have an inflatable kayak that can fit in a bag inside your boot, chances are you'll seriously have to think about transportation. Unfortunately, your options are limited.

Apart from roof racks, your only option implies buying or renting a trailer. Not only a trailer doesn't work with any type of car, but it's also expensive. It comes with a series of legal requirements as well.

Second, kayak roof racks are specifically built with extra features to ensure your boat stays in good condition. This isn't a bag or luggage for when you go on holiday.

Instead, it's a large sports equipment. It's heavy and can easily get damaged if transported irresponsibly. While a trailer might work, it doesn't provide as much protection as a roof rack.

Most kayak racks come with padding. Therefore, the kayak is less likely to get scratched. Even if you drive on bumpy roads, it will be secured in place and won't slide.

Apart from protecting your kayak, such padding is ideal for your car as well. Given the weight of a kayak, sliding over your car will leave a nasty visible mark.

Third, don't overlook the space efficiency either. Sure, kayak roof racks are specifically built for such boats. But then, they're quite versatile. Plenty of people don't even take them off their cars because they can use them for other things, such as luggage.

Of course, it depends on the shape and style, but generally speaking, they come with multiple uses. It's like having a second car boot on top of it.

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When trying to buy a kayak roof rack, most considerations float around the main elements in this whole game – the boat and the car.

Structure of the Roof of Your Vehicle

Some cars come with a bare roof. In other words, there are no extra structures on top. Some others come with rails.

Go check your vehicle – forget about this type of transportation if you have no rails. Some people might suggest foam padding – terrible idea. It looks fine at first, but it's not as secure and safe as an actual rail. Therefore, there's a decent risk to lose the kayak or damage both the boat and your car.

Luckily, you can buy rails and crossbars yourself, even if the car is not fitted with such a system. This way, you'll be able to attach most types of kayaks.

Type of Your Kayak

How about your kayak? What type is it?

Although they share some common specifications, different types of kayaks are built with different specifications in mind.

Some of them are narrow, while others are extra wide. Kayaks used for camping, on the other hand, needs to have more storage area. No matter what type you get, make sure the rack you purchase can accommodate its size.

Some manufacturers focus on specific kayaks only. Buying an adjustable rack is better though. You might change the kayak overtime or perhaps you'd like to try a different type.

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Frequency of You Kayaking

How often do you go kayaking? If you like to do it every weekend or even more times during a week, you'll probably hate putting too much effort into loading and unloading the boat.

Therefore, opt for a carrier that provides assistance with such operations. Ideally, you should be able to load and unload the unit yourself.

From this point of view, you can also choose between side and top loading kayaks. They're both useful, yet the side alternative is easier to use. It does make your car wider though, so you'll have to pay more attention when driving.

Features of Racks

Finally, go through their small features as well.

Most manufacturers try to enhance their roof racks with all kinds of specs. Opt for safety and protection for both the kayak and the car.

Also, look for adjustability, as well as a solid construction. You don't want to scratch the kayak or the roof of your car, just like you don't want it to fall over when you drive over a speed bump.

Trusted Manufacturers

Go for a reliable and well established manufacturer too. Sure, you can buy a kayak roof rack Walmart, but you should never count on superior quality or a good service if you need any help from the manufacturer.

Well established companies are specialized in this field and put lots of effort into designing quality models.