What is the Best Kayak Roof Rack of 2022? [Buying Guide]

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Choosing the Best Roof Rack for Kayaks: Buyers Guide

Kayaking is an amazing and unique way to get out on the water and explore nature. For a few fortunate individuals, they can step out their back door and have access to water.  For the rest of us, it means having to travel and transport our kayaks to the water we intend to explore. This is where roof racks for kayaks become an essential piece of equipment.

It is easy to get confused with all the various options available for roof racks. There are different shapes, sizes, and even functions.To determine which kayak carrier best suits your needs, we’ve gathered the following guide to help you make your investment. 

Types of Roof Racks

There are four basic types of kayak roof racks: 

1. Foam Pads

Foam pads provide a reasonable temporary solution, used primarily for shorter drives. The pads are placed on the roof of your vehicle and have straps on either end of the pad that are then connected inside the car. The benefits are they can be mounted on almost all vehicles, do not require existing cross rails or mounts, and they are easy to install and remove. The downside is they aren’t as sturdy as other types of roof racks, the pads have the potential for slipping off at high speeds and thus are only recommended for short, moderate speed trips.

2. J-Cradle Racks

The rack is named for its shape, which is similar to the letter J. This is the most common type of roof rack for a kayak. Your kayak sits at approximately a 45 degree angle in the rack and they are designed so that you load your kayak from the side of your vehicle.  

Because your kayak will sit on one side of the vehicle it allows you to load other gear or a second kayak on the opposite side of the vehicle’s roof. To be able to use a J-cradle rack requires that your vehicle has cross rails or you have them installed, as the racks are secured to the mounts.  

The drawback to these types of racks is that they can be difficult to load and secure. You will need to determine if you have sufficient upper body strength and are tall enough in choosing this option. Additionally, this style of rack adds height to your vehicle that should be taken into account, especially if you store your vehicle in a garage. There are J-cradle racks that you are able to fold down when they are not being used so you can enter and exit your garage without having to take them off.  

3. Saddle Racks

Saddle racks allow your kayak to lie flat in a horizontal position. They usually come with a protective padding and are supported by a larger surface area. This will make your kayak more secure while transporting, especially for longer distances and at higher speeds. Additionally, the kayak’s positioning in this rack makes it more aerodynamic and should result in more fuel efficiency.  

Most saddle style racks require cross rails on your vehicle or to have them installed. Due to the fact that the kayak lies flat on saddle racks, it is easier to load and unload it from this type of carrier.  

4. Stackers

A stacker places the kayak in a vertical position similar to a J-cradle rack. The stacker functions like a post that you secure the kayak(s) to the rack. Stacker racks allow for carrying multiple kayaks on the roof of your vehicle. Since they are stacked on their sides, depending on the size of your vehicle, you may be able to transport as many as four kayaks.  

There are a couple of disadvantages when using a stacker: they are intended for smaller kayaks, wider ones may not fit securely; and stackers are mounted to cross rails, so your vehicle will need to either have rails or you will need to have them installed.  

Important Things to Consider

The following are a few things you will want to consider when you begin your search for a roof rack to haul your kayak.

Your Vehicle’s Roof

Before you can decide which roof rack to purchase you will need to assess your vehicle’s roof to determine which options will potentially work for you. If your roof is bare or is only outfitted with side rails, the only options are an inflatable or foam pad, or to have cross rails installed. Without cross rails being available there is nowhere to mount a roof rack.  

If your vehicle does come with cross rails, you can then proceed with considering a saddle, J-cradle or stacker roof rack system. You should consult your owners manual for any weight restrictions on factory fitted cross rails.  

Rack Design

Some carriers are designed to be multi-purpose or may not work with certain size kayaks. You should not attempt to use a roof rack that is not designed or capable of securely transporting your kayak. It is not worth the risk to your safety, the safety of others or the damage it may do to your kayak and/or vehicle.

Consider features you may need, such as if you will be permanently attaching the roof rack to your vehicle or if you have height considerations with a garage. In this case you would want to consider a carrier that has folding bars. 

Number of Kayaks You Plan to Transport

The number of kayaks you will be transporting will obviously impact the roof rack you purchase. The options listed above should provide you with a guide in making your decision. Safety should always be your top consideration. Trying to load too many kayaks or too heavy a load then your roof rack is intended to carry will endanger you as well as other travelers. 

Distance to be Traveled

You will also want to consider the distance you will be traveling with your kayak. If you will be traveling frequently, long distances and/or at high speeds you will need to consider a more secure and heavy-duty solution.

Foam or inflatable pads are not sufficient and can become a safety issue when traveling longer distances at higher speeds. If you are traveling only short distances and relatively slower speeds foam padding or inflatable roof racks may be considered.

Roof Rack Materials

It’s a good decision to steer clear of racks made from flimsier materials, such as plastic or fiberglass. You should limit your search to racks made from either steel or aluminum, providing you with a durable and secure system for transporting your kayak. Your roof rack will be exposed to outside conditions, especially if you will be kayaking in saltwater, exposing your system to rust and corrosion. 

Kayak Weight

Kayaks can be heavy and difficult to both balance and lift. It can be even more challenging depending on how tall you are or aren’t and how much upper body strength you have to manage loading and unloading your kayak. 

Kayaking places a significant demand on your arms and upper body. The difficulty loading your kayak only becomes more challenging after several hours paddling on the water. Some kayak roof racks come with special features such as rollers, bars, or rails that assist in making loading your kayak easier.  

You may also want to consider a storage system that can be utilized in a garage or shed. Harken Hoister provides three different overhead storage systems, depending on your needs. This is a high quality system that can be used for a variety of storage needs including your kayak, as well as, many other needs (bikes, ladders, paddleboard, canoes, sports equipment and even Jeep tops).  

If you have higher, unused space in your garage or shed this system will provide a safe and easy way to load and unload your kayak at home.

Roof Rack Brand

There are a whole host of roof racks brands to consider. Take your time and do your due diligence when conducting your research. You should consider the company’s reputation, customer reviews, customer service and any detailed information provided about their product.

A majority of roof racks brands will claim to have universal fittings to accommodate mounting to various cross rails. You should determine what type of fittings your vehicle will require to safely secure your carrier prior to making a purchase. 

Carrier Cost

As the old saying goes, “You get what you pay for.” Cost is usually a primary consideration when making a decision to purchase a roof rack. You have likely spent a significant amount on your kayak and obviously your vehicle comes with a high price, so cost is an important consideration but should not be limiting in your decision. You need to ensure you are getting a quality product that protects your investments and your safety.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need cross rails to use a kayak roof rack?

Unless you use temporary foam or inflatable pads you will need to install cross rails on your vehicle. It is important to choose cross rails that are designed for your vehicle’s make and model. Unless you have the requisite knowledge, skills and experience, it’s recommended that you go to your car dealership or an experienced installer to have the rails installed  correctly.

Why is there such a difference in the price of roof racks?

A variety of factors impact the cost of a kayak roof rack. The materials the rack is constructed with is a principal factor in the pricing of carriers. Steel or aluminum are more durable materials and cost more than racks made with plastic or fiberglass.  Aluminum tends to be the more expensive option. Roof racks that are foldable and/or are designed to provide a more aerodynamic profile are typically more expensive. Finally, some racks are more expensive based on a company’s reputation and experience or a perception of being a premium brand. 

When transporting my kayak on a roof rack do I need to secure it with front and rear straps?

The simple answer is yes. It is strongly recommended that you use both a bow and stern tie down, regardless of the length of your kayak. Weather conditions and specifically the wind will create a noticeable impact on both the roof rack and your kayak. The conditions are compounded by traffic, especially when you pass a semi-trailer truck or larger vehicles. The wind or gusts from passing vehicles can cause your kayak to twist without tie downs, causing potential damage to your kayak and vehicle, as well as compromising your safety and those around you.

Will my vehicle’s gas mileage be impacted by a roof rack? 

Yes, and even more so when you are transporting your kayak. There are certain racks that are designed to be more aerodynamically efficient, as well as some that are designed so the rack bars can be folded down when not in use. Additionally, smaller vehicles may be affected more significantly than a larger truck or SUV for example.

Will my roof rack make a wind noise?

Some customer reviews have reported hearing whistling or a whining noise that can be irritating. Based on the shape and design of the rack it uniquely creates an air flow, which can result in a wind noise. More aerodynamic racks tend to reduce or eliminate wind noise. If you find your roof rack is making noise a solution may be as simple as wrapping a bungee cord around the rack bars, which will disrupt the flow of air.  This may eliminate or greatly reduce any noise. You may also want to determine if there are any holes or slots where air may be flowing, causing a wind noise. If this is the case, a simple remedy is to place electrical tape over the area, changing the flow of the air.