The 15 Best Kayak Roof Racks

Kayaking is one of the most versatile ways to enjoy the great outdoors. You can take a lazy cruise across a lake or brave whitewater rapids, whatever floats your boat. But you still need to get your kayak from your home to your favorite body of water. And for that, you need a kayak roof rack.

But how do you know which kayak carrier is the best? To help you out, we’ve searched for the best kayak roof rack on the market.

We’ve searched for standard J-frame carriers as well as stackers, saddles, and a temporary inflatable roof rack for kayak transport. Whether you want to carry one kayak or four, across the neighborhood or across the country, we’ve got you covered. And, of course, we’ve looked at a wide price range, from premium kayak roof mount carriers to budget models that are made to be more affordable.

Best Kayak Roof Racks

1. Rhino Rack

The Rhino Rack S512 features a built-in cradle for transporting your paddle.

Key Features

• J-frame design
• Carries 1 kayak
• Steel tube construction
• Weighs 14 pounds
• Weight capacity of 99 pounds
• Universal roof rack clamps
• Built-in cradle for paddles
• Foam-padded steel tubes
• Collapsible
• Includes 4 tie-down straps

The Rhino Rack S512 is a J-frame kayak rack, which is the most common variety. In this style rack, steel or aluminum bars support your kayak at a 45-degree angle. This angle makes it reasonably easy to load your kayak while providing a narrow enough profile to stow extra gear – or a second kayak – on the other half of your roof.

Another feature of the Rhino Rack is the collapsible hinge. It folds down when you’re not using it, so you won’t need to remove your rack just to drive into your garage or run through the car wash.

The only downside of the Rhino Rack is the design of the mounting brackets. They’re supposedly universal, but they don’t like to attach to square rail systems. Other than that, they’re a well-engineered set of padded J-frames that will get your kayak from point A to point B without any issues.

Pros

• Easy storage for your paddles
• Large weight capacity
• Durable design
• Protects your gear from scratches

Cons

• Finicky mounting brackets

This J-frame carrier is a good choice for large, heavy kayaks.

2. Hullavator PRO

The Thule Pro Hullavator features a gas strut system that reduces your lift by 40 pounds.

Key Features

• Saddle-style design
• Carries 1 kayak
• Anodized aluminum construction
• Weighs 39.7 pounds
• Weight capacity of 75 pounds
• Gas struts relieve 40 pounds of weight
• Fits Thule rack system and struts
• Built-in elevator
• Can be used in conjunction with a second carrier
• Accommodates up to a 36-inch kayak

The Thule Pro Hullavator is a saddle-style rack with a significant upgrade: it has a built-in gas strut system. Essentially, the arms on one side of the rack tilt and slide down the side of your vehicle. You set your kayak in the bracket and push it up. And the gas struts relieve 40 pounds of weight, making it easy to load even a relatively heavy kayak by yourself.

Because of its lift-assist feature, the Hullavator is a popular choice for taller vehicles like trucks and SUVs. If you have a second kayak, the Hullavator can also be used to get it up onto the roof, so you’re at least close to your second rack.

Pros

• Great choice for taller vehicles
• Easy to load on your own
• Can be used to help load a second carrier
• Rugged design

Cons

• Heavy
• Expensive

This kayak carrier is an ideal choice if you need to load your kayak by yourself, especially on a larger vehicle.

3. Yakima

The Yakima ShowBoat 66 is an easy loading device for getting your kayak up to the roof.

Key Features

• Load-assist system for loading taller vehicles
• Loads 1 kayak
• Stainless steel construction with brass hardware
• Weighs 17.8 pounds
• Weight capacity of 80 pounds
• Padded rear rail
• Fits Yakima and most factory crossbars
• Includes a pair of 66-inch Yakima crossbars

The Yakima ShowBoat 66 isn’t actually a kayak roof rack, but we included it anyway because it’s a popular tool that pairs well with virtually any rack system.

This is a sturdy, stainless steel rail that runs around the circumference of your roof. It gives you something to slide your kayak along as you load it, and it also protects your roof and corners from getting dinged while you’re loading up your kayak.

This rail also includes a pair of 66-inch Yakima crossbars for your vehicle’s rail system. If you didn’t already have a place to mount your kayak rack, you will now.

Pros

• Great choice for larger vehicles
• Makes it easy to load your kayak by yourself
• Designed to work with Yakima kayak carriers
• Protects your vehicle from bumps and scratches

Cons

• A little pricey
• You’ll still need a kayak carrier

This accessory is a great way to protect your vehicle’s roof and corners from getting scratched during the loading process.

4. Malone HandiRack

The Malone HandiRack collapses into a small carrying bag when not in use, so you can store it in your trunk.

Key Features

• Temporary inflatable design
• Carries 2 kayaks
• Textile-reinforced nylon construction
• Weighs 8 pounds
• Weight capacity of 180 pounds
• Inflatable
• Fits most factory rail systems
• Includes a hand pump, carrying bag, and bow and stern tie-downs

The MaloneHandiRack is a lightweight, inflatable rack that’s small enough to stuff into a bag that’s smaller than a football. It’s easy to carry around when it’s not in use, and it sets up in just minutes with the small hand pump (included).

This rack has an impressive capacity of 180 pounds, making it beefy enough for even 2 very heavy kayaks. On the other hand, it’s inflatable. It’s just not as tough as steel and isn’t designed for cross-country or long-term use. This is for casual kayakers only.

Pros

• Compact and portable
• Large weight capacity
• Lightweight
• Affordable

Cons

• Not tough enough for long-term use

This is an excellent choice if you only need to use your kayak roof rack occasionally.

5. Yakima JayLow

The Yakima Jaylow features tool-free mounting brackets for easy installation.

Key Features

• J-frame/stacked convertible design
• Carries 1 or 2 kayaks
• Aluminum tube and polymer construction
• Weighs 11 pounds
• Weight capacity of 110 pounds (80 pounds for a single kayak)
• Collapsible
• Unique convertible design
• Fits Yakima and most factory rail systems
• Tool-free mounting brackets
• Includes mounting straps

The Yakima Jaylow is a unique rack that’s convertible between a J-frame and a stacked design. We’ve already talked about J-frame kayak racks, but what about stacked carriers?

A stacked carrier carries your kayak at a 90-degree angle. This gives it the narrowest possible profile and allows for multiple kayaks to be easily transported on the same car. On the other hand, this style of rack is harder to load, since you’ll need to hold your kayak on its side while you secure it.

The Jaylow is the best of both worlds. Use it like a J-frame for easy single-kayak transport, or adjust the tubes for stacked transport of two kayaks. Be careful, though; the weight capacity is only 110 pounds, so carrying two kayaks that weigh more than 55 pounds apiece is going to get dicey.

Pros

• Easily converts to a 1 or 2-kayak carrier
• Can be doubled up to carry 4 kayaks
• Easy, tool-free installation

Cons

• Limited weight capacity for 2 kayaks

This kayak carrier can be converted from a 1-kayak J-frame rack to a 2-kayak stacked rack.

6. Malone Stax Pro2

The Malone Stax Pro2 weighs less than 10 pounds and can support up to 4 kayaks.

Key Features

• Stacked design
• Carries 2 kayaks
• Aluminum tube construction with nylon platforms
• Weighs 8.5 pounds
• Weight capacity of 100 pounds per side
• Collapsible
• Can carry 4 boats with extra straps
• Universal mounting hardware
• Includes 4 tie-downs and 4 mounting straps

The Malone Stax Pro2 is a stacked kayak carrier that can be used to carry either 2 or 4 kayaks. Considering this capacity, it’s impressively lightweight, tipping the scales at only 8 ½ pounds. It has a capacity of 100 pounds per side, so you can carry either two very heavy kayaks or four lightweight kayaks.

This carrier includes the tie-downs and mounting straps you’ll need for two of the kayaks. You’ll need to buy extra hardware if you’re going to transport four. The nylon platforms do an admirable job of protecting your boats from scratches, and a lifetime manufacturer’s warranty protects you against any problems.

Pros

• Large capacity
• Lightweight
• Lifetime manufacturer’s warranty

Cons

• Comes with cheap mounting straps

This rack is an ideal choice for kayaking with a large group.

7. TMS J-Bar

The TMS J-Bar Rack HD is a budget-rate carrier that’s still wide enough to support oversized kayaks.

Key Features

• J-frame design
• Carries 1 kayak
• Steel tube construction
• Weighs 8 pounds
• Weight capacity of 75 pounds
• Foam-padded steel bars
• Mounts on most rail systems
• Includes mounting straps

The TMS J-Bar Rack HD is a J-frame kayak carrier with a large frame. With its long tubes, it can support a 36-inch kayak during transport, making it a solid choice for anyone with an extra-wide kayak.

This rack weighs only 8 pounds, and unfortunately, that comes at the cost of some flimsy mounting hardware. We’re not saying this is a bad carrier. It’s a great deal for the price. But it’s better suited for local roads than it is for interstate travel.

The TMS J-frame rack includes a set of mounting straps for securing your kayak to the carrier.

Pros

• Accommodates large, 36-inch kayaks
• Lightweight
• Inexpensive

Cons

• Flimsy mounting brackets
• Not collapsible

If cost is your primary concern, this kayak rack is a good choice.

8. Malone Downloader

The Malone Downloader has built-in ramps that make it easier to load.

Key Features

• J-frame design
• Carries 1 kayak
• Steel construction
• Weighs 48 pounds
• Weight capacity of 75 pounds
• Mounts on most rail systems
• Built-in loading ramps
• Collapsible with quick-collapse lever
• Includes mounting straps

The Malone Downloader is designed specifically for people who have to load their kayak by themselves, although it’s a great choice for anyone who doesn’t want to break their back while loading their yak. The side of the rack features a sloped rail, engineered for you to slide your kayak up effortlessly into the two brackets.

The bracket tubes themselves are padded with thick, nylon-encased foam that provides plenty of cushion. Take your time while mounting this rack, though. At 48 pounds, it’s on the heavy side. That said, setting it up is the hardest part of the experience. From there on out, transporting your kayak will be smooth sailing.

This rack features quick-collapse levers on the hinges. Just press the lever, and the hinge will instantly collapse. This makes it easier than ever to keep your kayak rack out of the way.

Pros

• Easy to load by yourself
• Collapses quickly
• Thick padding

Cons

• Heavy

This rack features thick foam padded with a nylon mesh protective sleeve, providing plenty of scratch protection for your kayak.

9. JDM Auto Lights

The JDM Auto Lights Universal Roof Rack is a pair of J-frame racks that will support 2 kayaks.

Key Features

• J-frame design
• Carries 2 kayaks
• Steel tube construction with nylon roof bracket
• Weighs 33.4 pounds
• Weight capacity of 165 pounds (82.5 pounds per kayak)
• Universal mounting hardware
• Includes 4 mounting straps

The JDM Auto Lights Universal Roof Rack is probably the best rack on the market as far as value is concerned. For a low price, you get two J-frame racks, with a total capacity of 165 pounds. These are universal racks, so they’ll mount on virtually any roof rail system, and they’re big enough to support oversized kayaks.

On the other hand, they come with some downsides. They’re on the heavy side, but despite their weight the mounting bracket still attaches to the J-frame with a flimsy nylon plate. They’re also not collapsible, so you’ll have to mount and unmount them between uses.

Then again, you’re getting a lot of capacity for a low price.

Pros

• Accommodates large, 36-inch kayaks
• Lightweight for their capacity
• Excellent value

Cons

• Heavy
• Flimsy mounting brackets
• Not collapsible

Considering the fact that you get 2 sets of racks, this carrier is a fantastic value.

10. Thule Hull-a-Port Pro

The Thule Hull-a-Port Pro has levers on the hinge to collapse it in less than a second.

Key Features

• J-frame design
• Carries 1 kayak
• Steel tube construction
• Weighs 13 pounds
• Weight capacity of 75 pounds
• Can mount up to 4 on a roof rack
• Thick padding on tubes and roof bracket
• Quick-collapse lever for convenience
• Fits Thule and most factory roof racks
• Includes ratcheting mounting straps

The Thule Hull-a-Port Pro is the most heavily-padded kayak rack on our list. This rack is as gentle as a catcher’s mitt, with thick foam padding on the vertical J-bars. On the horizontal saddle, it has a thick foam pad with a nylon shell that protects your kayak no matter how much it’s getting jostled around by back roads.

This kayak rack is a bit pricey, but it’s well worth the investment. Not only do you get unparalleled padding, but the Hull-a-Port Pro comes with a lifetime manufacturer’s warranty. And the quick-collapse lever makes it very convenient to fold up when it’s not in use.

Pros

• Collapses in about a second
• Narrow profile
• Extra-heavy padding
• Durable construction
• Lifetime manufacturer’s warranty

Cons

• A little pricey

This carrier features thick padding to provide your kayak with extra protection.

11. Malone SeaWing

The Malone SeaWing’s saddle-style design and smooth polycarbonate construction make it easy to slide your kayak on and off.

Key Features

• Saddle-style design
• Carries 1 kayak
• Polycarbonate construction with nylon straps
• Weighs 10 pounds
• Weight capacity of 70 pounds
• Tool-free installation
• Universal mounting hardware
• Includes 2 tie-downs

The Malone SeaWing is an example of the third style of kayak carrier: the saddle-style rack. This type of rack supports your kayak in a horizontal position, making it very easy to load. However, you’ll have minimum capacity, since you can install at most two of these racks side by side.

Because it’s designed for you to set your kayak in one end and slide it forward, the SeaWing is constructed from smooth polycarbonate, with no corners or rough edges that could scratch your finish. While it’s not collapsible, it mounts and unmounts easily with large, tool-free knobs that enable you to attach it in just a few seconds.

The SeaWing ships with a pair of tie-downs, as well as the nylon straps that are needed to mount your kayak to the rack. It also includes universal mounting hardware.

Pros

• Easy to install
• Easy to load
• Gentle on your hull

Cons

• Not collapsible

This polycarbonate carrier is exceptionally gentle on your hull.

12. Thule Hull-a-Port

The Thule Hull-a-Port is a rugged, reliable kayak carrier with a lifetime manufacturer’s warranty.

Key Features

• J-frame design
• Carries 1 kayak
• Steel tube construction
• Weighs 10.8 pounds
• Weight capacity of 75 pounds
• Thick foam padding on tubes
• Includes 2 mounting straps

The Thule Hull-a-Port is a more affordable, scaled-down version of the Hull-a-Port Pro we already looked at. It features the same thick, substantial padding on the tubes and the saddle. However, it’s not collapsible, which means you’ll need to unmount it if you want to park in your garage or use a car wash.

That said, the Hull-a-Port’s basic model is just as sturdy as its big brother. The tubes are constructed from heavy-duty steel, and the mounting hardware is very secure. It also comes with the same lifetime warranty as the Pro version.

Another nice feature of the Hull-a-Port is its exceptionally narrow profile. It holds your kayak closer to vertical than most J-frame racks, so you’ll save some roof space with this model.

Pros

• Narrow profile
• Durable construction
• Lifetime manufacturer’s warranty

Cons

• Not collapsible

This carrier features heavier-duty foam than you’ll find on most kayak roof racks.

13. Thule Xsporter Pro

The Xsporter Pro is an aftermarket rail system that installs over your pickup truck bed.

Key Features

• Cargo rack for pickup trucks
• Stainless steel construction
• Weighs 65 pounds
• Weight capacity of 450 pounds
• Custom adjustable height

The Thule Xsporter Pro is the third item on our list that falls into the category of “not technically a kayak rack, but…”

This is an adjustable cargo rail system that’s designed to mount to the mounting slots in a standard-sized pickup truck bed. You’ll still need a kayak carrier, but before you even think about putting a kayak carrier on your pickup you’re going to need a rail system.

These rails are sturdy enough to support 450 pounds, so you can use them for a lot more than just a kayak. You can even use them to mount a roof cargo carrier, effectively doubling your cargo space on a long trip.

Pros

• Great choice for pickup trucks
• Easy assembly and installation
• Exceptionally rugged design

Cons

• You still need a kayak carrier
• Expensive

You’ll still need a kayak carrier after installing this rack, but you’ll need a roof rack to carry any kayak on your pickup truck.

14. Vault Cargo

The Vault Cargo is an affordable J-frame carrier for a single kayak.

Key Features

• J-frame design
• Carries 1 kayak
• Aluminum tube construction
• Weighs 8.25 pounds
• Weight capacity of 65 pounds
• Foam padded tubes
• Collapsible
• Tool-free installation
• Includes 2 mounting straps

The Vault Cargo is a lightweight aluminum J-frame rack that’s designed for easy installation and removal. The tool-free mounting brackets are exceptionally easy to use and can be mounted and unmounted in just a few seconds. Not that you’ll need to do that often since the Vault Cargo rack is collapsible.

The downside of this rack’s lightweight construction is that it comes with a low weight capacity. If your kayak weighs more than 65 pounds, you’ll need to go with a sturdier option. On the other hand, it’s very reasonably priced, good value for what you’re getting.

Pros

• Lightweight
• Easy to install
• Affordable

Cons

• Low weight capacity

This roof rack weighs less than 10 pounds, and installs easily without the need for any tools.

15. ECOTRIC J-Bar

The ECOTRIC Universal J-Bar has a wide-mouth design that makes it easy to load larger kayaks.

Key Features

• J-frame design
• Carries 2 kayaks
• Steel tube construction
• Weighs 15.1 pounds
• Weight capacity of 165 pounds (82.5 pounds per kayak)
• Foam-padded tubes
• Includes 4 mounting straps

The ECOTRIC Universal J-Bar is a pair of J-frame kayak racks that are designed to accommodate larger kayaks. Their wide-mouth design makes it easy to put your boats in and out, while their long tubes will accommodate 36-inch wide kayaks. That’s not bad, especially given that we’re talking about a budget-rate kayak rack here, not a name-brand.

These racks have foam-padded tubes that are well protected and provide plenty of support. On the downside, they’re not collapsible, which means you’ll need to mount and unmount your rack relatively frequently.

Pros

• Accommodates large, 36-inch kayaks
• Wide-mouth design for easy loading
• Inexpensive

Cons

• Not collapsible

This carrier comes at a low price considering the fact that it allows you to transport two kayaks.

Bottom Line

There are two main questions you should ask yourself before you buy a kayak car rack. The first is how many kayaks you’re going to be carrying. If you’re carrying a single kayak, a saddle-style carrier is easiest to load.

However, a J-frame carrier is almost as easy to load and will typically allow you to carry two kayaks. If you need more than that, many stacker-style carriers can accommodate up to four kayaks on a wide enough roof.

The second thing you need to consider is how tall your vehicle is. It’s usually easy enough to load any type of kayak rack for cars because the height isn’t too much for an easy reach.

That said, if you drive a truck or SUV, it can be almost impossible to load a kayak by yourself. In this case, we’ve recommended an excellent lift to pair with your kayak rack for SUV loading. Also, don’t forget to invest in a kayak cover for storing it!