Best Kayak Roof Racks

The Thule Traverse System Kayak Fit Kit is our best kayak roof rack which may work for the Chevrolet Traverse with the easiest installation possible. If you have a Hyundai Elantra Touring Wagon or a Hyndai Elantra 2010 then this kayak roof rack is a great solution for your car rack needs.

Our step-up pick is the Malone Downloader Folding J-Style Kayak Rack and the kayak roof rack also works for Jeeps and it has very good engineering to keep your kayak safe and sound. The transverse bars are separate and the kayak roof rack is also applicable for the Kia Optima. It can withstand a lifetime of use and may also be used for a Honda Cross Tour.

The budget pick is the 9sparts 2-Pairs Universal J-Shape Kayak Carrier and being specific to a different car such as for the Nissan Leaf, it has molded rubber pads for safety. This kayak roof rack is a j-style rack that will easily fit most cars and vehicles and it holds one kayak but you can also add another for 2 kayaks in one go.

A Little Background

A kayak roof rack is a roof rack that is typically installed in a car or vehicle’s roof system so you can mount your kayak or similarly shaped boat such as canoes. A kayak roof rack has the purpose of carrying your kayak from one place to another. They are better than foam blocks when it comes to holding your kayak and are quite versatile, as it will hold your kayak in place even during the strong winds that come in high mileage drives.
A roof rack can store large items such as bicycles and boats. The most common use for a car roof rack is usually for carrying boats like kayaks and canoes, in case they are going away to a beach trip, a cross country trip and many others. There are many things that you can fit on the top of your roof rack and that makes it quite versatile.
A lot of market racks today are better than the factory racks that come with your vehicle so it is very much timely to consider those when choosing the best kayak roof racks. There are many kinds of kayaks and thus you should consider a kayak roof rack that meets the requirements of both your vehicle and your kayak (or even a canoe if you have one as well).

How We Picked

In choosing the best kayak roof rack, you should consider these pointers first:
Size of the vehicle: the kayak roof rack should fit perfectly for your vehicle. Whether it is a car, a hatchback or a minivan or even a large coaster, you must consider a kayak roof rack that will fit your vehicle.
Size of the kayak: The point is that you have to find out if the kayak will be suitable for the kayak by comparing the numbers so that your kayak does not overpower your roof rack. If it is not suitable then that is the time you start looking for a kayak roof rack that is suitable for your kayak’s weight overall.
Durability and materials used: For the angler that is only a weekend warrior or someone who does not often so carry their kayak over the rooftop of their car or vehicle then a soft rack system that can be removed is more advisable to carry their kayak. Otherwise, you may need a hard mounted rack system if you are a frequent fisherman.
Ease of setup and mounting: Most of these roof racks can be installed properly without going over the state requirements or your driving view. Some may also require the rack be installed by a professional auto mechanic but it is a great convenience if you like kayaking a lot. Most small cars that are made for city use do not have such a car roof rack and therefore you have to buy one.
Stability and safety: Having a properly installed kayak roof rack with padding is important so that it does not clang all throughout the road trip and make annoying noises while you drive on the road. It will also prevent the kayak from getting damaged and/or scratched by the kayak roof rack bar or parts.

Our Pick

Thule Traverse System Kayak Fit Kit
The Thule Traverse System Kayak Fit Kit is our best kayak roof rack that is a vehicle specific fit kit so it will definitely adhere to your kind of vehicle make or model. It does not injure the car or vehicle at all due to its design such as the pads and brackets.
You can take your kayak to a remote location for fishing or boating with this kayak roof rack and it can definitely go well with cars with a bare roof. Perfect for the Honda Civic, there are various models and sizes to choose from for this kayak roof rack for easy loading the kayak.
Adhering well to a Nissan Juke or a Nissan Titan, the kayak roof rack is thickly coated with protection and it can guarantee the strongest hold for your kayak. It is also applicable for a Toyota Camry to place a kayak on the rack with enough peace of mind.
The soft and large rubber adds a lot of protection to your car and kayak and the kayak roof rack comes with enough pieces for you to settle things up with your kayak and car. The front 2 and the back 2 in this 4-pack and it also comes with a foot pack.
Perfect also for the A3 Sedan, the kayak roof rack also works different Prius models and it only needs 2 clips to install. Providing you with the safest fit, the kayak roof rack can also work for a VW Golf Jetta as well as for newer Honda Civic models.
The racking system only needs 2 feet for each bar and it can be locked by using lock cores (sold separately). Producing very minimal wind noise throughout your road trip, the kayak roof rack will not cause marring or scratching.
Using superb and high quality roof rack technology, the kayak roof rack is well worth the cost and will adhere to the contours of your roof. You can also add some load bars to this kayak roof rack for added safety as well as security overall to and for your kayak.

Flaws but Not Dealbrakers

A couple of small cons but not deal breakers to say about the Thule Traverse System Kayak Fit Kit include the fact that it might not have a good user’s manual, so it is best to contact the manufacturer for specific answers to your problem(s).

Step-up Pick

Malone Downloader Folding J-Style Kayak Rack
Our step-up pick is the Malone Downloader Folding J-Style Kayak Rack. Made for the security of your kayak, the anchors are plastic coated and will not damage your car or your kayak at all. The steel brackets are rubber coated to protect your kayak overall and it will also fit a Dodge Neon.
Made with JAWZ mounting hardware, the kayak roof rack mostly work best on a Jeep and on a Subaru and it is a great kayak carrier in which the max weight capacity is up to 75 or 80 lbs. It is surprisingly quiet for the long road ahead and it comes with steel hooks for added stability and durability.
Working well on a 2016 Acura RDX, the kayak roof rack easily cradles and will fit your crossbars just fine to provide flexibility as well as security for your kayak. Applicable for a Dodge Caravan as well as a Lexus 300 SUV, the kayak roof rack fits round, square and oval cross rails, even those that are factory made.
Also made for a Pelican Sit-in kayak, there is no height issue with this kayak roof rack due to its design. In fact, loading a kayak can be done by one person only due to its ease of usage. The kayak roof rack includes pre-coated mounting bolts that measure 60 mm and 70 mm.
As a kayak carrier, the kayak roof rack works well for the Nissan Pathfinder and for a 2013 Escape. You can buy 2 sets for two kayaks and it also has bow and stern lines for added stability. Easily folded down when not in use, the kayak roof rack can drive up to 65 mph.
This kayak roof rack could be easily locked into upright position and may fit a Kia Soul or a Subaru Forrester. With an amazing rack system, there is no difficulty installing this kayak roof rack and you have an option for getting professional installation with every purchase.

Budget Pick

9sparts 2-Pairs Universal J-Shape Kayak Carrier
Our budget pick is the 9sparts 2-Pairs Universal J-Shape Kayak Carrier. Fitting well on the Dodge Durango, the kayak roof rack has a unique fold down technology and it is so compact. You get no sounds from the rack so it is absolutely quiet even on the 2016 Forester or the Kia Sedona.
The kayak roof rack can work with various shaped racks and it seems solid when it comes down to the construction. With absolutely, no adapters needed it protects the boat and your car. The kayak roof rack will work on a 2011 RAV4 as well as on a 2012 Chevy Equinox and can be safe to use during transport.
You can survive a 2-hour drive or more with this kayak roof rack. It has 2 pairs in it and can be used for regular storage of your kayaks. The kayak roof rack will fit large sit on top kayaks and it can fit a Nissan Rouge just fine with 4 racks included.
Fitting kayaks up to 36 inches wide, you should not have any problems with this kayak roof rack as it can also be a surf carrier. Strapping it in so easily, the total load capacity is up to 75 lbs. Being well designed for a kayak, your Land Rover Discovery or Ford Excursion and Expedition EL may fit in this kayak rack.
The kayak roof rack generally fits most factory bars and it can also work on a 2010 Imprezza and a FJ Crusier. Fitting most aftermarket bars such as those from a 2016 Rav 4, the kayak roof rack is made of steel and you can just add shorter bolts for a Highlander.
Whether you have square, oval and flat crossbars as well as sporting cross bars, the kayak roof rack is great for a kayak and may also work for a paddle board. In fact, good tie downs can also have it used for holding bikes. It will generally fit on OEM crossbars that are 2.5 x 1 inches.

Best Kayak Roof Rack with a J-Style Design

ABN J-Rack Roof Top Kayak Carrier
If you want a j-style rack then the ABN J-Rack Roof Top Kayak Carrier is your best bet. The overhead clearance is good on this kayak roof rack and it will work on most kayaks such as Old Town kayaks and canoes.
What’s more, the kayaks do not touch each other in any way when stacked together in this kayak roof rack and it will also fit car racks up to 4 inches wide. With buckle protectors, the kayak roof rack can survive on most bumpy forest roads and it takes less than 5 minutes of installation and dismounting.
The kayak roof rack will be okay to use with Honda factory bars as well as the Lifetime Sport Fisher Kayak. With 6 inches from the center of the cross bar, it has an oversized padding. This j-rack comes with all of the necessary straps and buckles and it has 4 sets of racks in just one go.
Made with an all steel construction, the kayak roof rack is covered with a rust-resistant coating to keep your kayak and gear well mounted and protected. Being safe and simple, the rack is well constructed and it is a great kayak carrier for a Highlander as well as a Jeep Renegade.
The kayak roof rack will also work well for a Honda CR-V and a Kia Soul. With a universally compatible design, the kayak rack fits well on a round pipe and it has a total load capacity of 75 lbs. the kayak roof rack fits on cargo rails and it has an adjustable fit.
Most crossbars will adhere to the kayak roof rack as it can take most canoes and kayaks up to 13 feet. The kayak roof rack will also work on most Yakima kayak mounts and it is ideal for the weekend adventurer. The rack system will also fit on most load bars on your car.
You may also fit in some Eddyline kayaks in this kayak roof rack and especially if you have the original cross bar of your vehicle. Also as a surf carrier, the hardware on this kayak roof rack is quite durable and there is a protective padding that protects from scratches and dents. With a highly compatible design, the kayak roof rack is backed by a 1 year warranty.

Best Kayak Roof Rack that is Folding

Pack’em Folding J-style Automobile Kayak Rack
The Pack’em Folding J-style Automobile Kayak Rack will be ideal for those who want a folding kayak roof rack. It fits on flat crossbars just fine and it can be strapped down easily for your kayak. A fairly wide kayak can be put in this roof rack with only two wing nuts per unit needed.
Good for a Subaru Outback and a Subaru Legacy, the cam style load straps make loading your kayak onto this kayak roof rack super easy and it makes it sufficient to haul your kayak around for long trips. The kayak rack will fit can fit round and square cross bars.
As folded racks, the kayak roof rack can store up to two different kayaks and has large knobs for folding. Measuring 6 1/2 inches high, it will fit well on a Chrysler van and is quite easy to install. Unloading boards and kayaks is very easy and it has a large J-style design.
With strong steel tubing, the kayak roof rack is easy to install with its curved and straight mounting plates for transportation safety. The rack system will fit most factory and after market bars with its heavy duty steel design and adaptability.
All mounting hardware are provided with this kayak roof rack and it does not wiggle at all. The bow and stern tie down ropes are given for tough road trips throughout the kayak season. The kayak roof rack can accommodate kayaks up to 3 feet wide and there is enough clearance for a ratchet.
With an improved base, the kayak roof rack can support kayaks up to 100 pounds and it has easy to use pull down straps which will also accommodate a stand up paddle board and act as a luggage rack. You will find the kayak roof rack dependable all season long for your kayak.
It comes with various colors to choose from to match your kayak color and design or even the color of your car or vehicle. The kayak roof rack fits up to 3 1/2 inches (rectangle and square) and up to 1 1/2 inches (oval) and it is adjustable for angles that you want.
If you want better fuel mileage then you can go for this kayak roof rack from Pack’em which is made with superb materials to avoid internal rusting. It is backed by a 1 year manufacturer’s warranty.

Best Kayak Roof Rack for a Truck

Iglobalbuy 2 Pair J-Bar Kayak Rack
If you want a kayak roof rack that fits on a truck then go for the Iglobalbuy 2 Pair J-Bar Kayak Rack. The kayak roof rack can also work on Yakima round crossbars and it has an excellent folding ability, folding well on a 2015 Honda CR-V roof rack.
The boarding ramp is easy to load and safe and it is made of heavy duty plastic. Perfect for the Honda Pilot, the kayak roof rack will work with all kayaks due to its easy loading and it can also fit on an SUV’s roof rack. The kayak roof rack has been made with universal “U” brackets and has an overhang section.
It will fit any factory and aftermarket bars and can also accommodate a surfboard. The kayak roof rack has superb and superior hardware for car and SUV usage for your kayak and has a j-bar design. It will fit most crossbars within 2.5″ x 1″ and it can accommodate kayaks up to 36 inches wide.
Made with an aluminum frame, the kayak roof rack can be attached to a roof rack for easier loading and unloading. This kayak carrier is also versatile such that it can carry a ski conveniently with more space on crossbars. This rack for the roof has sufficient padding for safety.
Quite durable and with a weight rating of 75 lbs, the kayak roof rack gives you a fast installation and is also weather resistant for a roof top mount for your kayak. With a wide mouth j-bar, your boat can fit in this kayak roof rack as the hooks are strong.
Also great for a canoe, the steel construction is quite durable with 4 tie down straps to tie you’re your kayak. The kayak roof rack is absolutely perfect for your fishing or kayaking needs as it can fit on almost any crossbar possible, whether it is round, square, oval and flat crossbars.
The durability of the kayak roof rack last a long time and it also comes with 2 pairs of roof racks. Moreover, the pads are durable and keep your kayak safe as it can protect the hull from being deformed due to the wind.
Moreover, the kayak roof rack is quite economical that it can hold 2 kayaks at a time. The roof rack is perfect for just about any kayak or canoe and it has a rust-resistant coating for protection.

Best Kayak Roof Rack with a Universal Size

Rhino-Rack Nautic 570 Series Canoe/Kayak Carrier
With the Rhino-Rack Nautic 570 Series Canoe/Kayak Carrier, you can fit in almost any kind of vehicle on your kayak. Perfect for a Nissan Xterra, a 2012 Honda CR-V or a 2017 Kia Sorento, the kayak roof rack includes 4 tie down straps and it also greatly prevents a kayak from sliding easily.
You can also attach the kayak roof rack to a Audi Q7 and a Toyota Highlander if ever you come across water and want to go fishing or kayaking. Built and made with all of the necessary hardware to install it, the kayak roof rack can work for stand up paddleboards as well.
The kayak roof rack is easy to retighten the mounting hardware whenever you need it and you will find it completely assembled. It can house 2 kayaks and the installation is easy. Any load bar can be installed with this kayak roof rack and it also comes with s-hooks to use for the bow and stern system.
Fitting the Mercedes B200, a Subaru Impreza, Outback and Crosstreck, the kayak roof rack comes pre-assembled and has easy loading and unloading mechanisms on a Durango as well or on a Honda Odyssey and CR-V.
The contact surface area measures 2 x 7 inches and is quite large and the kayak roof rack will also fit a wide SUV and will not scratch your car. There are two front and two rear cradles and it comes with mounting instructions for your ease of use.
Having 9.8 feet long padded straps, the kayak roof rack offers easy loading and unloading and can adhere to 60 lbs kayak or more and has good rear loading on the front and rear cradles. It is lightweight and has a flexible pad that can adhere to a variety of hull shapes.
For transporting without assistance, the kayak roof rack will fit a kayak over a Toyota 4runner and it is also mold-resistant with spring loaded rear cradles. Being waterproof for your needs, it is felt covered to protect the kayak.
Ideal for a single person kayak or even for a tri-hull kayak, the kayak roof rack is plenty long for your kayak and tightening it is quite easy. The kayak roof rack would lock in place in a simple way and is backed by a 5 year warranty.

Best Kayak Roof Rack with a Crossbar Design

Ace-Trades 2 Pairs J-Bar Universal Carrier
Perfect for those who need a crossbar design, the Ace-Trades 2 Pairs J-Bar Universal Carrier is a go-to kayak roof rack to fulfill your needs. The kayak roof rack is really sturdy and it can withstand from 65 to 75 mph with the help of a bow and stern system.
With easy dismounting, the kayak roof rack may also work on a canoe and can be a dependable and versatile car top mount to consider which will mount on almost all crossbars. With a 1.5mm steel tube to use, the kayak roof rack can also be used for mounting a snow board.
Made with memory foam padding, the kayak roof rack comes with lock nuts on the base foe security and it has newly improved air vents to avoid corrosion. The extra lock nuts are provided to add more grip to the fishing kayaks. It comes with a good instruction sheet.
Great also for a Hobie PA 14 and a Jeep, installing the kayak roof rack is quite fast and easy and is applicable for a Mitsubishi Outlander. Great for the mountaineer or angler, the kayak roof rack comes with 2 bottom mounting plates and the whole thing can be used at highway speeds.
With nylon tie-down straps to tie down your kayak, the kayak roof rack has a simple on/off operation and it supports kayaks up to 36 inches wide. In fact, loading and unloading is easy with this kayak roof rack for your car’s roof top. With little effort, you can mount your kayak on your vehicle safely.
Ideal for the Toyota Highlander or the Acura MDX, the kayak roof rack has a quick on/off feature for ease of installation. With a universal fitting, the included pads are UV-protected and there is a security Allen key on this kayak roof rack for most sit on top kayaks.
Able to hold a kayak or a canoe, the kayak roof rack has no tools required for installation and you can also mount a snowboard onto this roof top mounted rack for easy loading and unloading. The kayak roof rack comes already assembled so you have nothing else to do.
With fast installation, the kayak roof rack will fit well on most Yakima round stock cross bars. The kayak roof rack can work on a 2014 Buick Encore and a 2014 Ford Edge rack.

Best Kayak Roof Rack for a Long Drive

A-Smart 2 Pairs J-Bar Kayak Carrier
The A-Smart 2 Pairs J-Bar Kayak Carrier is ideal for a long drive for a kayak roof rack. The kayak roof rack offers an adjustable padding and can be used for the Mazda Tribute, the Chevy Trailblazer or even the Toyota Camry with enough carrying strength as a roof rack.
Being easy to take down, the kayak roof rack is suitable for a Toyota Highlander 2008 and it can be used for a full-size truck. The rack will work well on any car, truck or an SUV due to the wide-mouth frame. The kayak roof rack will fit on a round bar and it has the capacity to fit on a 2-lb rack or a 15 oz rack.
With blade design cross bar fittings, the kayak roof rack is quite universal and it can also fit a paddle board on this kayak roof rack. Built with great quality, the kayak roof rack gives you an easy install and quick setup as a j-rack set with enough usability.
The kayak roof rack can prevent movement fore and aft and it is equipped with cushioning that is enough for a j-style car rack. Made with high quality materials, the kayak roof rack gives a quick on/off design for easy installation.
All mounting hardware are included in this kayak roof rack which is also applicable for a full size pickup truck. Made with quality material, the kayak roof rack can also handle your skis and it provides you with an easy install for your outdoor adventure.
It will work with a Lexus RX300 or a Grand Cherokee Laredo to mount a kayak or even a paddle board. It can also work on a ski, a paddle board, a snow board, a canoe and a wakeboard. The kayak roof rack is able to take up to 150 pounds of a kayak or a canoe and has a j-rack design.
With a rubber padding, it has a total of 4 kayak rack sets and consumes very small space on the car’s load bar. The steel tube of this kayak roof rack measures 1.5 mm thick so it is quite sturdy. It will fit on most crossbar shapes such as blade style, round and square types.
Being rust free, this kayak roof rack is quite simple to put together and can work on stand up paddle boards as well. It will also be easy to attach to a truck bed and can also be used on sit on top kayaks. You can even use it on speeds for up to 45 mph.

Best Kayak Roof Rack that is Inflatable

Rakapak Inflatable 180LB Capacity Roof Rack
The Rakapak Inflatable 180LB Capacity Roof Rack is a great kayak roof rack for those who want it inflatable and easy to remove. Also, simply order 2 j-bars for two kayaks for this kayak roof rack. Being wrapped around the supports is a foam rubber material.
With front cradles, the kayak roof rack comes with 18 feet long straps and it also includes a side-loading carrier. With an excellent locking mechanism, the kayak roof rack comes with easy rear mounting and it fits on most popular roof rack crossbars.
It gives a lot of kayak protection whether you have a Jeep Commander, a Subaru Outback or even a factory roof rack. The top of your car won’t be damaged because of the soft top design. It also holds some paddle boards and skis.
With a capacity of 180 lbs, the kayak roof rack is quite sturdy even if it is just inflatable. It is unique such that you can attach it and then take it out when you don’t need it because it is inflatable. You can hand pump it for ease of use within seconds.

The Competition

Other sit on top kayaks did not make it to our list because they did not have sufficient room for the person to feel breathable. The durability of the other kayaks were also questionable and they also lacked safety equipment. It is important for any sit on top kayak to be totally safe for the paddler.

Other Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is a roof rack?
A: A roof rack is a storage mounted compartment that is used to carry items on the rooftop of your car, vehicle, SUV, van or any kind of vehicle whatsoever. A roof rack is usually built-in on most car types, especially SUVs, but some don’t have them.
Q: Will any roof rack carry a kayak?
A: No, some roof racks are only rated for a certain weight. This is why you need to provide you own kayak roof rack and this is where choosing the best kayak roof rack comes in handy.
Q: How do I find out if the roof rack of my vehicle is suitable for my kayak?
A: You should look for the weight rating that is indicated in the user’s manual of your car or vehicle. Some roof racks also have their weight rating written on the actual roof rack on some hidden part.
Q: Why should I install pads between the bars and the kayak itself when installing it or mounting it on a roof rack?
A: The kayak roof rack can be shaking a lot when it comes to bumpy rides, and even if it is not a bumpy ride at all. Consider putting pads between the bars and the kayak to avoid noise.
Q: If my car or vehicle does not have a roof rack, can I still carry a kayak over it?
A: Yes, you can buy a kayak roof rack that is suitable for your car or vehicle when it comes down to vehicle make, size of the roof and many other factors. However, always check with the manufacturer as well as the user’s manual if the car or vehicle will still be suitable to carry a kayak or canoe over it, let alone be installed with a roof rack, due to its possible capacity limits.
Q: Why should I place or fasten my kayak upside down onto the kayak roof top over the car or vehicle?
A: The aerodynamics of the kayak’s bottom are way better if the kayak is flipped when it is tied to the kayak roof rack and into the vehicle’s rooftop. Consider having it flipped upside down so that it will pass through air faster and will give you more mileage. If you carry a kayak in its normal position then it will slow down the car and it will waste you a lot of fuel in the long run.
Q: What is the small car syndrome?
A: It is a stigma or stereotypical belief that small cars cannot carry kayaks as well as large bikes and boats. Nowadays, thanks to engineering and uniquely designed kayak roof racks, you can actually pick and buy some unique kayak roof racks that are specifically designed for small cars such as the Mini Cooper, Prius, Yaris and much more.
Q: Can mounting a kayak upside down affect its tracking on the water? How do I resolve this?
A: Some meticulous anglers do claim that the tracking ability of a kayak or a canoe can decrease if you hang your kayak or canoe and strap it upside down over your vehicle. While it saves you gas mileage in the long run, it will most definitely strip off some material over the kayak or canoe.
The best solution for this is to have a roller or a hook that is a special attachment such as a kayak carrier pad to make sure that you can easily sit the kayak over in the upright position. However, be prepared to lose gas mileage in case you want to put your kayak this way.
Q: What is a soft rack system for a kayak and what is it used for?
A: A soft rack system is for those small cars and anglers that do not go often on a kayak trip or fishing and would just like a non-permanent solution to kayak carriage. It is also an advisable rack system for your rooftop so that you can take it off once you have used it.
Q: What is a cockpit cover and why should I use it?
A: A cockpit cover is associated with a kayak roof rack and is made for those who do not want to overturn their kayak to lose tracking while in the water and being exposed to the wind. If you want to save up on gas mileage and save your tracking then you can cover the cockpit with a carabineer and a cockpit cover so that you will not reduce gas mileage and at the same time, you will not sacrifice your boat’s tracking ability as well.
Q: What is the crossbar and what does it do on a kayak roof rack?
A: The crossbars are the ones that hold your kayak altogether on a road trip. The crossbar is also the one that holds other sporting goods and heavy items such as cargo boxes, bikes, skis and much more. The crossbar comes in factory types, square types, round types and aerodynamic types. It depends on the user’s preference on what kind of crossbar should you get for your kayak roof rack.
Q: What is the typical weight range or limit of the kayak roof rack?
A: Usually, the roof racks of most cars and vehicles can range from 150 to 300 pounds but this can be increased if you ever order a kayak roof rack that has a bigger capacity so that you can load it up with more stuff and items other than just your kayak or canoe and paddles.
Q: Is it okay to stack your kayaks in just one roof rack?
A: Yes, some kayak roof racks have bigger capacities so that you can tie up as much kayaks as possible. Make sure that the kayak roof rack or kayak tying down system is still capable of the weight limit of the kayaks altogether. Usually, you can just tie up to 3 kayaks in one go.
Q: Can foam blocks be used as a kayak roof rack?
A: On some occasions will be okay but it is generally not very advisable if you do not want to damage the roof of your car. Moreover, foam blocks are more ideal for surfboards and not necessary for kayaks in general usage. Sticking to the actual roof bars of a kayak roof bar would be necessary.
Q: Aside from the kayak roof rack, how long should the straps be on a single kayak mounted onto the roof rack?
A: Consider high quality straps for your kayak that are about 12 to 15 feet but this depends on the size of your kayak. These are generally used to tie your kayak onto the crossbars of your kayak roof rack.
Q: What is a hard roof rack and why should I use it?
A: A hard roof rack is only more suitable if your kayak is quite heavy and if you also often go out and carry your kayak to a camping, fishing or boating trip. Sit on top kayaks are more ideally placed onto a kayak roof rack that is a hard rack.
Q: What kind of padded material should I place under the kayak to keep it safe from a bumpy ride?
A: For a cheaper solution , you can try those pool noodles that are made of foam that can be placed under your kayak roof rack when you mount your kayak. In the same way, you can also just remove your kayak rack altogether and use straps to make sure it stays in place. However, this only works if you are driving on a regular pace.
Q: Can I use kayak roof racks for other sporting equipment?
A: Yes, many kayak roof racks have the ability to also hold a surfboard, a pair of skis, some bicycles and much more.
Q: How should I tie up the kayak onto the kayak roof rack?
A: Make sure you tie it up in a straight way and keep it secure and snug. The straps to secure your kayak should be straight and not angled so it will not fall out of place.
Q: How do I know if my kayak is safe and secure in the kayak roof rack?
A: Test it by giving it a nice shake so that it will determine whether your tying scheme or mounting scheme is sufficient or if you need to tighten it up a bit more to avoid falling out of place and to keep your kayak safe as much as possible all the time through your kayak trip.

Wrapping It Up

Perfect for a lot of vehicles, the Thule Traverse System Kayak Fit Kit is our best kayak roof rack due to its ease of setup and universal design along with pads and brackets.