10 Best Kayak Roof Rack in 2018

Yakima is known as one of the top roof rack and cargo box manufacturers. Their Jaylow kayak roof carrier is also top notch. It can carry kayaks up to 80 lbs in weight on crossbars that are 24 inches or wider. This is one of the lowest maintenance roof racks for cars on the market.

With multiple settings, the JayLow allows you to carry one boat in J-Cradle position, two boats in vertical position plus folds down when not in use. This style of roof rack is also one of the more aerodynamic options available. Instead of having a large and clunky strapping system Yakima have developed small tubing that allows the rack to be small enough to offer a lightweight system yet strong enough to carry a heavy load.

Malones kayak carrier for car is a great system. It comes with all the hardware necessary to get it on your roof and your kayak strapped in and is compatible with nearly every single crossrail variation.. The system itself is easy to use. Simply fold the system down and it’s ready for your kayak to be put on. Since the rack is able to fold down you will still be able to fit in your car park or underground parking.

You can also rest assured that your kayak won’t get dented or scratched by this roof carrier. It has oversized padding which protects your kayak along the way to the beach.

Thule has been around since 1942 which gives them more knowledge than nearly every other roof rack manufacturer on the market. Their experience have shown them the most sought after features on the market.

This setup has a PFD lever, which stands for pull, fold done. It really is that easy to get this up and running. When this is combined with two ratchet system and straps all you need to do is install this roof rack and you’ll be on the water in no time. And the fact that you don’t even need tools to install makes this one of the best systems on the market.

The roof rack itself is made from steel rust resistant tubing that has been designed to be extra strong. There are two perfectly placed tick pads which ensure your kayak is not only away from anything that can scratch it, but also held in the position you placed it in. Thule has even included pockets that you can put the extra straps so they don’t blow in the wind. This kayak carrier can hold a kayak up to 34 inches wide and up to 75 lbs heavy. This covers a lot of the kayaks on the market.

Thule is such a great company that they also include a limited lifetime warranty. You won’t be having to replace this roof rack in a year when a piece breaks. Simply contact Thule with your issue and they will work their hardest to remedy the issue.

JDM Auto Lights are making a name for themself in the roof carrier market. Their kayak holder for car are made from solid heavy duty steel. This may sound like a heavy setup, but in fact, weighs just under 17 lbs each. But the design can hold some of the heaviest kayaks on the market. In fact, this roof carrier can hold up to 165 lbs. 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.

Unlike other manufacturers who send you only a single pair, this company has upped their game. They are sending you everything you need for up to 2 kayaks. The two pairs of these racks will make it easy for you to transport every watersport toy your family has.

The SeaWing Saddle Kayak Carrier from Malone is a great option for people looking to reduce their overall weight. These are low profile carriers that take up only a small amount of space on your roof. The strap system is one of the easiest to use on the market and essentially involves looping the strap around two points and up and over the kayak. The cradles will then slightly flex ensuring a tight bond between the rack and the kayak. This will also reduce wind resistance and gas mileage.

There is also no tools required to install this setup. It comes with everything you need to toss it on your roof in minutes. The rack is also made from a corrosion-free polycarbon material for the frame and a synthetic rubber for the padding. Since your kayak will be resting on the ribbed rubber it won’t slide around at all.

This is a rack for cars without rails. Instead of being fastened to your vehicles rail system this rack simply loops around your roof. It uses two inflatable pockets that allow you to strap your kayak to transport it. But these will allow you to transport more than just a kayak. In fact, you can transport everything from furniture to canoes.

This system is made with a tough and durable 420 D nylon. It inflates in minutes with a double action Handi Pump. There are also 5 D-ring anchor points that you can connect the straps securing your kayak to your car. The amazing part about this carrier is its weight capacity of 180 lbs. This is near the top limit of what a kayak roof carrier can hold. If you are worried about it being an inflatable, Malone also includes a 1 year warranty.

This is one of the most ingenious car carrying roof racks on our list. It features a complete sliding system that can accomodate any size kayak with a width up to 36 inches and a maximum weight of 75 lbs. This is done by having a sliding roller on the end of the frame which can move to the ideal position which allows different sized kayaks to fit on the same roof rack. It also helps you load and unload your kayak. All you have to do is simply extend the bar and it will take 50% of your kayaks weight.

The body of this system is double coated corrosion resistant steel which allows it to stand up to salty conditions and mother nature alike. There are also 4 connection points where you can attach your kayak to. This disperses the pressure from the straps ensuring your kayaks form isn’t affected. The best part is that these straps are included in the package.

Yakima is one of the best companies when it comes to any kind of roof rack systems. Their kayak carrier for cars is also top of the line. The Showboat comes with a pair of carriers so that you can bring along all your kayaks. Yakimas attachment system will fit almost any crossbar system including round and square setups. You won’t need an extra attachment package with this roof rack. The pads are also on the large size. They will more than keep your kayak safe and secure no matter how bumpy the road is. They also include load assist roller slides which make loading and unloading your boats a breeze. Yakima is also the leader in the industry when it comes to warranties. Their Love it ‘Till You Leave It limited lifetime warranty is one of the best in the business.

This top rated rack from Thule has waist level loading, something unheard of in the kayaking industry. You are then able to strap your kayak in place and slide it up to the top of your roof which makes this setup great for people of all ages. This system can be used with boats up to 75 lbs and 36 inches in width. It works through a gas strut system

No longer do you have to struggle to attach your bow and stern lines to your car. Thule have an ingenious QuickDraw system that protects your cars bumper while ensuring your boat is securely fastened.

Thule is a trusted name that is known for delivering high quality products that outdoor enthusiasts can trust. These kayak carriers are no exception. With a durable steel design that features a rust-resistant coating you can rest assured that this will last you many years to come. The carrier features a foam padding that provides superior protection for your kayak. Superior carrying performance this roof rack allows you to carry one solo kayak or use another set and fit 2 carriers per vehicle.

This rack has a wide mouth design with a J style profile that makes it easy to get your kayak on and off your car. This also works to take up minimal space on your roof allowing you to tow along even more. Coming with everything you need to install, you can quickly add and remove this carrier when needed. Accommodating kayaks up to 75 pounds this is an exceptional choice for most kayaks.