
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.Â
To help you navigate the market, we have gone through several kayak roof rack reviews and listed the 10 best kayak roof racks in 2021. In addition to that, we have compiled a comprehensive buying guide to help you in filtering your choices.
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Yakima JayLow Kayak Car Rack
- 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
Best For: Long Distance Traveling
Weight: 11 Pounds
Boat Capacity: 2
Load Capacity: 110 Pounds
Malone Downloader Kayak Car Rack
- 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
Best For: Minimum Installation
Weight: 10 Pounds
Boat Capacity: 1
Load Capacity: 75 Pounds
HandiRack Universal Inflatable Roof Rack Bars
- 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
Best For: Universal Fitting
Weight: 5.5 Pounds
Boat Capacity: 1
Load Capacity: 175 Pounds
- What Makes This Rooftop Rack For Kayaks Stand Out
- Includes hand knob for easy adjustment
- Quick releasing handle
- Extra padding to resist scratches
Best For: Scratch-free Experience
Weight: 10.5 Pounds
Boat Capacity: 1
Load Capacity: 80 Pounds
Thule Hull-a-Port Rooftop Kayak Carrier
- 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
Best For: Versatility
Weight: 8.7 Pounds
Boat Capacity: 1
Load Capacity: 75 Pounds
- What Makes This Rooftop Rack For Kayaks Stand Out
- Built-in roller configuration
- Spring-loaded base
- Adjusts to fit the shape of the kayak
Best For: Adjustability
Weight: 7.71 Pounds
Boat Capacity: 1
Load Capacity: 80 Pounds
JDM Auto Lights Rack for Kayaks
- What Makes This Rooftop Rack For Kayaks Stand Out
- Solid Steel based construction
- Massive load capacity
- User-friendly Installation
Best For: Durable Construction
Weight: 17 Pounds
Boat Capacity: 2
Load Capacity: 165 Pounds
- What Makes This Rooftop Rack For Kayaks Stand Out
- Ultralight
- Does not skid on car's surface
- Universal fitting
Best For: Small Cars
Weight: 2.4 Pounds
Boat Capacity: 1
Load Capacity: 60 Pounds
Thule Hullavator Pro Rooftop Kayak Carrier
- What Makes This Rooftop Rack For Kayaks Stand Out
- Kayak lifting assistance
- 8 touch points of padded support
- Corrosion resisting coating
Best For: Loading Assistance
Weight: 39.7 Pounds
Boat Capacity: 1
Load Capacity: 75 Pounds
Thule HullaPort Pro Rooftop Kayak Carrier
- What Makes This Rooftop Rack For Kayaks Stand Out
- Thick padding
- Extra-long straps
- Easy to fold cradle arms
Best For: Stability
Weight: 12.6 Pounds
Boat Capacity: 1
Load Capacity: 75 Pounds