Top Best Kayak Roof Racks Review Guide For 2023

Top Best Kayak Roof Racks Review Guide For 2023 – Having the best kayak roof rack allows you to convert all those possible kayaking opportunities without worrying about the distance.

While kayak trailers can be too heavy for some cars and are quite expensive, the best kayak roof racks solve the issue instantly as they are affordable, easy to use, and suitable for almost every vehicle type.

Having said that, you may end up confused with so many car kayak carriers claiming to be the best. And to sort the lot, you need to compare kayak carriers on grounds of popularity, price, design, and most importantly in terms of fitting.

To help you navigate the market, we have gone through several kayak roof rack reviews and listed the top best kayak roof racks for this year.

In addition to that, we have compiled a comprehensive buying guide to help you in filtering your choices. To see them keep reading our Top Best Kayak Roof Racks Review Guide For 2023.

Yakima JayLow Kayak Car Rack

With multiple settings and a superior cradle design, Yakima JayLow Kayak Carrier is the best kayak car rack on our list for people who want to carry either one or two kayaks at the same time for long distances.

Design:

Yakima Jaylow fits any Yakima Streamline round, square, aerodynamic, and most factory-installed crossbars with a spread of 24 inches. It includes heavy-duty straps and bow to stern tie-downs so that you can travel any distance with your gear safely stowed. In case there is nothing to stow, this roof rack for kayak folds flat, which results in better clearance and reduced drag.

Performance:

Featuring an integrated cam lever that allows you to adjust the upright position with ease, positioning your kayak on this kayak rack SUV is a breeze. Moreover, this roof rack for a kayak comes as a fully assembled option so that you can install it in just 10 mins without any tool.

What Makes This Rooftop Rack For Kayaks Stand Out:

• Fits to factory-installed crossbars
• Multiple setting options
• Includes heavy-duty straps
• Very easy to load your kayak

MODEL & ACCESSORY SPECS:

• Best For: Long Distance Traveling
• Weight: 11 Pounds
• Boat Capacity: 2
• Load Capacity: 110 Pounds

Product Details:

• CARRY UP TO 2 KAYAKS: Fits 1 kayak in J-cradle position (up to 80 lbs.) or 2 kayaks in a vertical, stacked position (up to 110 lbs. combined)
• Fits most crossbars: Compatible with Yakima SteamLine and round, square, factory and aerodynamic crossbars; Minimum crossbar spread of 24″
• Includes straps: Includes all the necessary hardware and straps (Heavy-Duty Straps and Bow/Stern Tie-Downs) to secure your gear; SKS (Same Key System) locks sold separately
• Versatile design: Integrated cam lever allows you to adjust the upright position with ease; Rack also folds flat when you’re not using it for better clearance and reduced drag
• Easy install: Comes fully assembled out of the box; Tool-free installation in about 10 minutes;
• Refer to Yakima Fit My Car Tool to ensure compatibility

Malone Downloader Kayak Car Rack Amazon’s Choice

Coming with all the required support hardware to mount it on either side of the vehicle, Malone Downloader Folding J-Style Universal Car Rack Kayak Carrier is another top rated kayak holder for a car on our list with a user-friendly installation and loading assistance.

Design:

Featuring J-style high-grade steel corrosion proof frames, this SUV kayak rack comes with molded strap bales, replaceable base pads, replaceable upper sleeves, and a fold-down design. To support the roof racks, cam style load straps with buckle protectors and bow to stern safety tie-downs are included in the design.

Performance:

With a universal mounting system that fits a large cross-section of market load bars as well as most factory systems, this kayak rack on the car has a fold-down technology that creates additional clearance and minimizes the installation. On top of all, this roof kayak rack features an additional boarding ramp that makes it easy to position the kayak for beginners.

What Makes This Rooftop Rack For Kayaks Stand Out:

• Includes an additional boarding ramp
• Fold-down technology to add clearance
• Oversized padding of added protection

MODEL & ACCESSORY SPECS:

• Best For: Minimum Installation
• Weight: 10 Pounds
• Boat Capacity: 1
• Load Capacity: 75 Pounds

Product Details:

• J-style kayak carrier with built-in boarding ramp for easy loading
• Fold down technology increases overhead clearance. Compatible with the MPG351 Telos Load Assist
• Oversized padding protects boat during transport
• JAWZ mounting hardware fits round, square and most factory oval cross rails, includes both 60mm and 70mm pre-coated mounting bolts; Cam style load straps with buckle protectors
• Dimensions: Length: 17″,Width: 6″,Height: 19.5″,Load capacity: 75 lb.

HandiRack Universal Inflatable Roof Rack Bars

Unique, multi-purpose, and portable, HandiRack Universal Inflatable Roof Rack Bar is the most budget friendly kayak car rack on our list that offers a massive 175 lbs load-bearing capacity at a price that is affordable to many.

Design:

Constructed with high-quality nylon material, this kayak roof rack for cars without rails comes as a pair of two twin-tubes with 5 D ring anchor points in each tube. Further, the kayak rack for the car includes 2 x 9.8 feet tie-down straps with heavy-duty cam buckle, bow and stern lines, and a high-volume HandiPump for inflating each bladder. Moreover, the set includes a durable bag that fits all of its components and makes storage and carriage easy for you.

Performance:

Certified for securing kayaks on car tops at highway speeds, HandiRack is one solution to all. It needs no side rails or gutters which allows it to fit on any car to carry a kayak or any other heavy gear. Further, installing it is as easy as pie and needs no tools. Once set in the right position, the included air pump just takes a minute to make it ready for use.

What Makes This Rooftop Rack For Kayaks Stand Out:

• Massive load-bearing capacity
• Offers Interchangeability between vehicles
• Includes fast inflating air pump
• Compatible with most types of kayak

MODEL & ACCESSORY SPECS:

• Best For: Universal Fitting
• Weight: 5.5 Pounds
• Boat Capacity: 1
• Load Capacity: 175 Pounds

Product Details:

• Inflatable Technology: Air filled bars cushion and protect your load; Strong and Durable; Load capacity of 175lbs; Heavy-duty 400D Nylon material; Low drag and noise; Easy to store and totally portable; Certified for use up to Highway Speeds
• Multi-purpose: Cost-effective load carrier for all types of gear and luggage; Makes a practical kayak rack, canoe rooftop carrier, surfboard pads, SUP and paddleboard rack; Great solution for ladders and bulky store purchases; Bare roof system; Compatible with cars fitted with or without factory side rails
• Universal Size: Fits Compact, Sedan, MPV, SUV, Crossover, 4×4, 2, 3, 4 or 5 door vehicles; Unsuitable for vehicles with soft-tops and curtain airbags; Should not be left on vehicle when not in use; Tested on many vehicle brands including: AUDI BMW BUICK CHEVROLET DODGE FORD HONDA HYUNDAI JEEP KIA MAZDA MERCEDES MITSUBISHI NISSAN SMART SUBARU SUZUKI TOYOTA VW; Please contact Handi World if you are unsure about the compatibility of your vehicle
• Easy to install: No tools required; Takes 5 minutes; Quick to fit soft roof rack; Twin-bars secured by a pass-through cabin fitting strap; Strap then fastens in a heavy-duty cam buckle; To view the installation process, please watch the video; Detailed User Manual included
• What’s In The Box: 2 x Handi Rack twin-tubes each with 5 D ring anchor points, 2 x 9.8ft tie-down
• Handi Straps, 2 x 11ft Bow and Stern lines, High-volume Handi Pump for inflating each bladder, User
• Manual, Drawstring travel bag

Thule Hull-a-Port Rooftop Kayak Carrier Amazon’s Choice

Featuring an angled shape to create a stable and space-saving kayak mounting system, Thule Hull-a-Port Rooftop Kayak Carrier grabs its spot on the list for its wide mouth arms that allow easy loading and unloading.

Design:

Thule Hull-a-Port Rooftop Kayak Carrier comes with steel construction and features a durable, rust-resistant coating for longer life. With a J shape, this kayak holder for car is angled in such a manner that it takes minimum space on the car roof. The rack also includes a set of durable straps that has Thule Buckle Bumpers to keep the kayak firmly secured and protected in transit.

Performance:

When it comes to performance, this rack system offers user-friendly installation, simple loading and unloading, and above all, maximum protection to both kayak and the car surface. Thanks to its durable construction and versatile fitting, Thule fits any Thule rack system round bars or most of the factory-built racks. No wonder, this rack system has one of the best kayak roof rack reviews for its top-notch performance.

What Makes This Rooftop Rack For Kayaks Stand Out:

• Sturdy steel-based construction
• Optimum space utilization
• Fits most of the crossbars
• Very easy to load your kayak

MODEL & ACCESSORY SPECS:

• Best For: Versatility
• Weight: 8.7 Pounds
• Boat Capacity: 1
• Load Capacity: 75 Pounds

Product Details:

• High-performance, easy to use rooftop rack for one kayak
• Wide mouth J-profile offers simple loading and unloading
• Angled shape provides stable, space-saving design
• Thick all-weather pads for maximum kayak protection
• Durable straps keep kayak firmly secured in transit
• Built to last with rust-resistant coating and hardware
• Thule Buckle Bumper protects the kayak and car from scratches
• Fits Thule rack systems, round bars and most factory racks
• Dimensions: 20.3 x 7.7 x 15.1 inches
• Product Weight: 8.7 lbs.

JDM Auto Lights Rack for Kayaks

Durable and versatile, JDM Auto Lights Rack for Kayaks gets a spot on our list for their flexible towers that offer massive load-bearing capacity.

Design:

Capable of holding some of the heaviest kayaks on the market, this kayak holder for car is made from solid heavy-duty carbon steel that is tested to bear 165 lbs of weight. While you may think that it is a heavy setup it weighs just under 17 lbs each. Further, these carriers also have a rust-resistant coating on their surface which ensures they stand up to mother nature and whatever else you throw at them.

Performance:

With wide mouth J bar style, this rack offers easier loading and unloading and features a quick on/off hardware to ensure fast installation and removal. While most of the carriers allow you to carry one kayak comfortably, JDM allows you to load up to 2 kayaks or any other water sports gear your family has.

What Makes This Rooftop Rack For Kayaks Stand Out:

• Solid Steel based construction
• Massive load capacity
• User-friendly Installation

MODEL & ACCESSORY SPECS:

• Best For: Durable Construction
• Weight: 17 Pounds
• Boat Capacity: 2
• Load Capacity: 165 Pounds

Product Details:

• KAYAK CAR TOP CARRIER A simple, low-cost solution to carrying your kayak ITEM#: KAYAK-RK-J(2SET) CONDITION: BRAND NEW QUANTITY: 2 PAIRS
• This Kayak Carrier designed mounts to virtually all crossbars and load bars on the market. The carrier secures the kayak on its side, consuming minimal space on the load bar. As shown in the pictures we put the Kayak Rack on the Ladder Rack Bar.(sold separately). A maximum of 4 sets of kayak racks can be mounted on a full size truck. Save your space.
• Features: Steel design with adjustable padding for carrying strength and kayak protection Wide mouth J bar offers easier loading and unloading Quick on/off hardware ensures fast installation and removal Optimally sized J style carrier leaves roof space All surface rust-resistant coating and hardware for longer product life Includes all mounting hardware and 2 straps Accommodates kayaks up to 36″ wide and 75lbs Will fit most factory or aftermarket round, square, oval and flat crossbars
• PLEASE CHECK MEASUREMENTS BEFORE PURCHASE. ~The crossbars shown in the pictures are not included.
• Authentic TMS products contain vacuum sealed installation hardware. Booster product shipped in labeled boxes with item description (as shown in picture).

Thule Hullavator Pro Rooftop Kayak Carrier

Coming as a premium lift-assist carrier that reduces half of the kayak’s weight while loading, Thule Hullavator Pro Rooftop Kayak Carrier is a perfect choice for those kayakers who like loading, unloading, and hitting the water on their own.

Design:

Designed with high-grade aluminum and double coated steel that is resistant to corrosion, this top-rated kayak roof rack comes with wide cradles that can accommodate hulls up to 36 inches in width. Thanks to Its unique design that fits Thule rack systems or any of those round bars, you can install it in both T-track and around the bar mounting ways.

Performance:

What makes this car carrier for kayak special is its excellent assistance for kayak loading especially when you have no helping hand. For the purpose, it features a lift-assisting kayak rack design that allows easy loading and unloading as it features gas-assist struts that absorb 40 lbs of the kayak’s weight. Further, its 8 touch points of padded support offer maximum protection.

What Makes This Rooftop Rack For Kayaks Stand Out:

• Kayak lifting assistance
• 8 touch points of padded support
• Corrosion resisting coating

MODEL & ACCESSORY SPECS:

• Best For: Loading Assistance
• Weight: 39.7 Pounds
• Boat Capacity: 1
• Load Capacity: 75 Pounds

Product Details:

• Lift-assist kayak rack designed to easily load and unload on your own
• Gas-assist struts lift and lower 40 lbs. of the kayak’s weight
• Load and unload your kayak at waist height thanks to double extending arms
• 8 touch points of padded support for maximum protection
• Corrosion-resistant kayak cradles expand to fit wide kayaks

Thule HullaPort Pro Rooftop Kayak Carrier Amazon’s Choice

With a time-tested design and folding cradle arm for toting kayaks to your favorite drop-in point, Thule HullaPort Pro Rooftop Kayak Carrier gets the last spot on our list for improved overhead clearance and impressive stability.

Design:

The rooftop rack is made from steel rust resistant tubing that has been designed to be extra strong. Two perfectly placed thick pads ensure your kayak is not only away from anything that can scratch it but also held in the position you place it in. Thule has even included pockets that you can put the extra straps so they don’t blow in the wind. Further, the rack system includes QuickDraw ratcheting bow and stern tie-down straps and two 15 feet straps for securing the kayak.

Performance:

With quick on and off hardware, this kayak roof rack for cars comes with an angled design that allows more room for other boats or carriers. The rooftop kayak rack also features a Pull Fold Done lever to collapse the carrier quickly and efficiently when not in use. While the rack offers hassle-free loading of the kayak, its hardware fits square, round, and most factory-installed racks, and carries one kayak just like a breeze.

What Makes This Rooftop Rack For Kayaks Stand Out:

• Thick padding
• Extra-long straps
• Easy to fold cradle arms

MODEL & ACCESSORY SPECS:

• Best For: Stability
• Weight: 12.6 Pounds
• Boat Capacity: 1
• Load Capacity: 75 Pounds

Product Details:

• J-style kayak carrier creates more room on the load bar
• PFD lever (pull, fold, done)rapid folding and improved overhead clearance
• Accommodates kayaks up to 34 inches wide and 75 pounds
• J-profileeasy loading
• Quick on and off hardware
• Includes two ratcheting bow and stern tie downs and two straps with buckle protectors
• Fits Thule rack systems, round bars and most factory racks
• Dimensions: 20 x 10.5 x 5.5 inches
• Weight capacity: 75 pounds
• Product Weight: 12.6 pounds

Conclusion:

Thanks for taking the time to read our Top Best Kayak Roof Racks Review Guide For 2023.