10 Best Kayak Roof Racks of 2021

• Shape: J-curve
• Dimensions: 20.2 x 10.5 x 7.8 inches
• Weight Capacity: 80 lbs
• Number of Kayaks: 2

The Yakima Jaylow is a popular kayak roof rack that is easy to install and has a respectable feature set. For one, this model has a weight capacity of 80 lbs which makes it a little bit above average when it comes to the weight it can carry.

Moreover, it is versatile and can carry one kayak in a horizontal position or 2 kayaks when stacked vertically. Best, to protect your kayak, it has soft contact points that will not scratch your boat. One of the best things about this model is that you can purchase SKS locks to protect it against robbery. Note that those locks are sold separately.

Out of the box, you get all accessories that will allow you to quickly and easily get started right away with this roof kayak. It comes with heavy-duty straps to attach your kayak to the roof rack. In addition, you can easily fold it when you are not carrying a kayak.

The only caveat we have with this model is that it does not have a load assistant system and you will have to manually mount your kayaks with the full weight weighing on you. However, the Yakima Jaylow justifies its fairly steep price by being highly durable and easy to install.

• Shape: J-curve
• Dimensions: 18 x 7 x 7 inches
• Weight Capacity: 75 lbs
• Number of Kayaks: 1

The Lifetime TMS is a typical J-curve roof rack with an excellent build construction as well as a decent weight capacity of 76 lbs. But what makes this model one of the best kayak roof racks on the market is the highly affordable price.

In fact, the Lifetime TMS has the best price in this review. What we like about this model is that it has soft contact points that will not damage your kayak during transportation. It also has a fairly compact form factor at only 18 inches. Moreover, since it is quite compact, it will have no problem fitting on top of a small car.

This roof rack can accommodate kayaks up to 36-inch in width, which is pretty much almost every kayak on the market as kayaks are rarely wider than this size. You get a pair of very tough and heavy-duty straps for harnessing your kayak on your roof as well as all accessories for the installation.

One of the beauties about this affordable kayak roof rack is that it can be installed on both square and round crossbars allowing it to fit universally any type of crossbar on the market.

• Shape: Crossbar
• Dimensions: 55.2 x 8.2 x 6.5 inches
• Weight Capacity: 150 lbs

The Vault Cargo is a unique product in this kayak roof rack review. In fact, this model is not a real roof rack but a crossbar system that will allow you to quickly and easily accommodate roof racks of various makes and models.

One of the best things about this crossbar is that it has a high weight capacity of 150 lbs. Further, since it is made from a heavy-duty metal alloy, it will not break or bend with weight. Moreover, this crossbar is also very durable and long-lasting.

With its 55.2-inch width, it is quite large and ideally suited for a medium-sized or large size vehicle like an SUV. In addition, this crossbar will comfortably fit rails up to 47 inches. The remaining space can be used to store your baggage if you want to store it on top of your vehicle roof.

Moreover, this unit has a cam lock system that will quickly engage and lock the crossbar on top of your vehicle roof when pressed down. For more security, it comes with a key that will allow you to lock the cam lock system.

• Shape: Flat
• Dimensions: 36 x 6 x 16 inches
• Weight Capacity: 75 lbs
• Number of Kayaks: 1

In the world of roof racks, the Thule Hullavator Pro is a premium model that distinguishes itself from the competition with its solid and heavy-duty build construction. Moreover, this model is also one of the most expensive roof racks on the market.

However, quality has a price. This roof rack uses a flat shape that makes it very easy to use both when mounting on top of the crossbar or when installing a kayak. Of course, it is fully padded so as to protect your kayak against scratches and it has an efficient design that will allow you to transport your kayak even in rough terrains without making noise.

This roof rack has a maximum width of 36 inches, which is pretty average by roof rack standards. Best, the width can quickly and easily be adjusted so as to more securely fit your kayak dimensions. You can install your kayak both horizontally and vertically.

But what makes this top-rated kayak roof rack so popular is its gas strut system that will allow you to install your kayak very easily. Indeed, this gas strut removes 40 lbs out of your kayak weight when loading your kayak making it much easier to do so. Absolutely brilliant!

• Shape: J-curve
• Dimensions: 16 x 6 x 16.5 inches
• Weight Capacity: 75 lbs
• Number of Kayaks: 1

The Malone J-Pro 2 is one of the smallest and compact roof racks on the market. With a height of only 16 inches, it will appear almost invisible on a kayak.

Moreover, the weight capacity of this roof rack is pretty average at 75 lbs. However, it is still decent enough so as to be able to transport most kayaks with great ease. This model is delivered with all accessories and installation kits that will allow you to quickly and easily get started.

The harnesses that come with this roof rack are heavy-duty and the brackets are made from tough and durable metal that will not break or bend easily. Moreover, the bracket will install on both square or round crossbars which is almost every type of modern factory-fitted crossbars.

For additional protection of your kayak, the bar is fully padded so as not to scratch or cause unnecessary noise and vibrations on your kayak during transportation. Since this is a J-curve shape, your kayak will need to be installed vertically.

• Shape: Flat with a rolling desk
• Dimensions: 47 x 30 x 5 inches
• Weight Capacity: 75 lbs
• Number of Kayaks: 1

The Thule 887XT is the only horizontal roof rack with a rolling desk. What this means is that this roof rack comes as a whole system and you do not need a separate crossbar on your vehicle to use this roof rack. It is all-inclusive.

Moreover, the 887XT is one of the largest on the market with a width of 47 inches. Clearly, this model will not fit a small car as it is intended for a medium-sized or large vehicle. Therefore, we elect this model is one of the best kayak roof racks for SUV that you can currently buy.

Further, the build quality of this roof rack is excellent. It is made from a double-coated steel that is corrosion resistant, durable and very long-lasting.

One of the best things about this rack is that padded touch points that will protect the hull of your kayak of any type during transportation. The weight capacity of 75 lbs. is not very impressive, but still pretty decent.

Last but not least, this roof rack is able to accommodate only one kayak but it does so with ease and is quite stable even on bumpy roads.

• Shape: Flat
• Dimensions: 21 x 4.5 x 8 inches
• Number of Kayaks: 1

This kayak roof rack is one of the simplest that you can buy. The design is nothing extraordinary, but one of the good things about this model is that it simply works and it does not require a lot of accessories to do so.

But one of its downsides is that it is suited to work with a kayak that is only 30-inch in width or less. Further, installation is quite easy as it comes with all mounting accessories to do so. However, another caveat is that it can work only with a crossbar that has a maximum width of 3-1/4 inches. Most standard size crossbars will qualify, but not all.

Moreover, the build construction of this roof rack is quite decent as it is made from a thick ABS plastic that is durable and long-lasting. To make it a better deal, you get no less than a 5-year warranty on this roof rack. The touch points are padded so as to offer protection to your kayak as well as prevent scratches.

All in all, this is a simple and yet effective flat shape model for those looking for a cost-effective and simple roof rack solution for their vehicle.

• Shape: J-curve
• Dimensions: 17.5 x 11 x 6 inches
• Weight Capacity: 150 lbs
• Number of Kayaks: 2

As its name suggests, this rack is made from thick 1.5 mm steel which is very durable and long-lasting. Moreover, this model is consistently rated as being one of the best kayak carriers due to its impressive weight capacity. Indeed, at 150 lbs, it is one of the best weight capacities in this review.

Further, it comes with a complete mounting kit that will easily install on almost any type of crossbar, whether it is square or round. In addition, you get 2 pairs with this purchase so it can hold up to 2 large size and heavy kayaks with great ease.

For such a heavy duty kayak roof rack, it is also quite small in width and height. Indeed, with its width of 17.5 inches, it will not get in the way when a kayak is mounted on it. For further security, the bars are padded so as to protect your kayak even further from scratches.

Lastly, one of the best things that we like about this kayak roof rack is its price. Indeed, it is an affordable roof rack that offers a rich set of features.

• Shape: Bow
• Dimensions: 5 x 5 x 9 inches
• Weight Capacity: 90 lbs
• Number of Kayaks: 1

We know Malone for their quality kayak roof rack accessories. This Auto SaddleUp from Malone is no different. However, it is a little bit different from your traditional roof rack in terms of functionality and looks.

Indeed, this model uses the rare bow shape so as to press against your kayak during transportation and keep it firmly in position. Moreover, there are 4 “saddles” that have soft pads on them for protection and prevent your kayak from scratching easily.

This model comes with JAWZ mounting technology which means that it will universally fit almost any type of factory fitted crossbars. There are quite a few accessories delivered with this purchase, but installation remains quite easy. You also get quality harnesses and branded pads for the money.

• Shape: Block
• Dimensions: 32 x 17.5 x 9.5 inches
• Weight Capacity: 130 lbs
• Number of Kayaks: 1

The SportRack SR5527 is as unique as it looks. In fact, this is not your traditional metal kayak roof rack but rather a foam pad system on which your kayak rest upon.

Despite being made from foam, it is still heavy-duty and can withstand a heavy weight of 130 lbs. In fact, the weight capacity of this unit is one of the best you will find in this kayak roof rack review. Moreover, this model is antiskid which will prevent your kayak from slipping.

But one of the best thing about it is that you get a lot of heavy-duty straps to harness your kayak. Installation couldn’t be easier and you do not need a crossbar to use this product. Neat!