Whether you agree with me or not, carrying a kayak to the shoreline is surely one of the most tedious tasks to do, especially when you stay far away from the kayaking location. In this case, the option left with you is to carry your kayak in the rack and take it along with your car. 

Having a kayak rack for the car will allow you safely transport your kayak to the desired location with ease. Today, there are tons of kayak car racks available in the market but most of them will not fit your need. 

With that in mind, I have curated a list of the best kayak racks that will help you to carry and transport your kayak to your ideal paddling destination. 

So, keep on reading this post till the end and get the best offer on kayak racks for cars.

Before Moving Ahead, Here Are Our Top 5 Picks From This Article

Best Kayak Racks For Car

1.Epomaking Kayak Rack For Cars 

Here’s introducing one of the most popular kayak racks for cars which can accommodate your 42-inch long kayak with a weight of 100 kgs. It is suited for both tandem and single-person kayaks. 

This rack is made with high quality anodized Aviation Grade Aluminum Alloys material that makes it easy to carry, durable, rust-resistant and waterproof as well. It gets easily adjusted on top of an SUV, hatchback or any small size car. 

There are also oversized and thick rubber saddles and padded materials that will keep your kayak safe and sound from any kind of abrasions effectively. It is 100% foldable and each pair comes with 2 paddle holders as well.

The installation process is very simple and easy. You don’t need any extra tool or hardware to fix on top of your car or truck. If you are an expert paddler, it will take only 20 minutes for you to set it up on top of your car. 

2.HandiRack – The Original Universal Inflatable Kayak Car Rack

Here’s a smart, subtle and neat solution to transport your kayak to your desired paddling location. It’s a perfect kayak rack for cars and a better alternative to foam blocks or metal roof racks for kayaks.

One of the key USP of this rack is its quick and easy installation process. It just takes less than 5 minutes to set up on the top of any car without any tools required. Since this is an inflatable rack, you’ll be easily able to set it in minutes. 

It is a universal kayak rack for cars with rails and without sunroofs. Its Aero design reduces the vibrations and unnecessary noise that will let you to focus on driving and worry less about the kayak falling apart from the rack. 

When inflated, the rack creates a stable connection with the roof of your car. Each rack has 5 integrated d rings anchor points that can handle the load upto 175lbs. Plus, the air technology cushions will further protect your kayak and paddle board against damages. 

It comes along with a 1-year warranty and all the other accessories like twin bars, pump, tie-down straps, bow and stern lines, storage bag and instruction manual.

3.Malone Downloader Universal Car Rack Kayak

Here’s a car kayak carrier that you’ll surely love to buy. Here’s why? The Malone carrier is made to fit SQUARE racks perfectly. It works quite smooth and neatly as you would prefer for your kayak.

The mounting clamps that come along are strong and give you 2 bolt lengths. Make sure that you use the longest size as you’ll get tons of threads in the wing nuts to fix your kayak tightly.

It is designed in J style with a built boarding ramp for easy loading and unloading, while oversize padding will protect your kayak from any kind of abrasion and damage. Also, its fold-down technology makes it easy to carry and lightweight. 

Overall, this is a great kayak carrier for cars to opt for. 

4.BougeRV Kayak Roof Rack For Car

Looking for the best kayak racks for cars with tool-free installation? If yes, this is it. The BougeRV kayak rack comes pre-assembled and requires no tool for installation. You can easily fix this kayak rack on top of any car in less than 10 minutes like a breeze. 

This is a highly versatile kayak carrier that has a sliding design to make the J cradle easy to accommodate kayaks of 2 different shapes and sizes at the same time. Its folding mechanism allows you to fold it flat when not in use. 

It also features universal mounting hardware that fits most of the vehicle roof. The mounting hardware will have a tough hold on the cross bar and won’t fall apart. 

What’s the best part?

This kayak rack for the car comes with a 24-month warranty so that you can buy it with confidence.

5.XCAR Folding Rooftop Kayak Racks For Car

Are you planning to take home your first kayak from the store? Or, do you want to take your kayak to a remote location? Whatever your reason be, you need a safe and convenient way of transporting your kayak to any location. 

This is a 360- degree kayak rack for cars that is suited for paddle board, surfboards, wakeboards, skateboards, canoes, fishing rods and other gears. Designed to protect your gear from excess wear and tear, this J bar-style rack is very versatile. 

It can carry many different types and shapes of kayaks and other listed items. 

Made from high-quality aluminium alloys, this rack is lightweight, durable and rust-resistant. Also, 50mm foam is attached to each bar to prevent kayak from rubbing and damage effectively. 

6.WIRUGA Folding Kayak Rack For Car

This foldable kayak rack for cars is made with heavy steel, rubber pedals and cushions that make it very strong and durable. Also, they are very convenient for you to attach them on top of your car without using any other tool or gear.

Speaking of its construction material, this rack is made with black powder-coated steel that makes it durable, strong and rust-resistant in all weather types. It is best suited for a range of water sports gear like Kayak, Canoes, Surfboard, Ski and SUP. 

It is also backed with universal mounting system that makes it easy to install and compatible with most of the crossbars. Plus, the foldable J bar bracket can be adjusted to various angles which will allow you to keep your kayak and gears in the direction that you want.

I personally loved the high-quality design of this rack that creates the ultimate product quality concept and is most suited for your outdoor sports adventure. 

7.IKURAM R Kayak/Surf/Ski Roof Carrier Rack

If you are seriously looking for the most advanced kayak carrier for a car, here it is. Buy this right now and thank me later. It is made with a quick-fold design in mind so that you can easily pack it up when not in use. Its J bars can also be placed at different angles to hold the kayak for various shapes and sizes. 

You’ll also find oversized, thick and padded rubber saddles which will protect your kayak from abrasion and damage. Also, the rack is designed in such a way that allows you to carry 2 kayak or paddle boars at a time.

Overall, this is a J-style kayak carrier perfect for transporting your kayak easier and safer. You can also assemble or transfer it to another vehicle in minutes with no extra tools required.

8.ARTIPOLY Kayak Roof Rack for car

When it comes to buying kayak racks for cars, ARTIPOLY is the brand that many paddlers trusts. They have been in the business for a while now and known for making the best roof racks, crossbars and kayak carriers. 

It features a horizontal bar design that offers more stability as compared to other racks. Since it is made with aviation-grade aluminium, it is lightweight, durable and resistant to rusting. You can buy it with confidence and complete peace of mind and thank me later.

To take your kayak protection to the next level, this rack features a rubber pedal and foam protector. The high-density foam will reduce the friction between kayak and rack, and also prevent the hull from scratches during transportation.

Worried about installation? With easily foldable design, J bar, 180* adjustments and single-handed lockdown design, you can easily set this rack in less than 10 minutes without using any other tools. 

9.Leader Accessories Aluminum Folding Kayak Rack For Car

If you are following my blog for a while now, you might have come across various kayaking and boating gear by Leader Accessories. They are dedicated to outdoor leisure enthusiasts and are best for making watersports, outdoor activities and fishing gear. 

This 2 set of kayak racks for cars by Leader Accessorises is made with 22mm diameter and 1.5mm thick aluminium alloys. The design is foldable and allows you to quickly set up the rack and fold it when not in use. 

Within minutes, you can set up this rack and carry your kayak, canoe, surfboard, paddleboard, skiboard or snowboard to your desired location.

Its foam padding and rubber pedal design will protect your kayak from scratch or other damages, while the ergonomic quick-release design will allow you to adjust it according to the shape and size of your kayak.

10.SUNRUI Kayak Roof Rack 

With the SUNRUI kayak rack for the car, you can be ready to get the most out of your passion. This kayak rack is easy to load and unload and will completely ensure the safety and security of your ride while transportation. 

It is backed with a dual-position design and can be converted from a J-frame to a dual-boat stand mode and allow you to carry 2 kayaks at the same time. Not only kayaks, you can also fix paddleboards, surfboards, kayak paddles and other flat watersport gears and tools. 

This is also a multipurpose car kayak roof rack that comes with a paddle holder for easily supporting and transporting your different cargo and water sports equipment. 

To simply put, this kayak car rack includes everything that you need to carry 2 kayaks vertically on the roof of your car, SUV or truck. 

11.XGeek Kayak Roof Rack For Car 4-in-1 

This is a 4 in 1 kayak roof rack for car that is made by XGeek,  a Passionate Company that is known for making outdoor sports gear and accessories. This rack will help you to carry our kayak in a safe way. 

By understanding your love and passion for kayaking, the XGeek has made this rack with aluminium alloy material to make it tough and durable, and offering the best ever protection to your kayak. 

This rack is 180* foldable and will allow you to save space without even disassembling it. This also makes carrying and transportation easy. 

It is also backed with a saddle and a static plastic splint.

Since this rack comes with a foldable design, you can easily adjust the angle and make it suited for different styles of kayaks. For example, it can be used not only for kayaking but also for skis, surfboards, small canoes, luggage, etc.

12.KUCCMO Kayak Car Rack 4-in-1 

I would rate this kayak rack for car 5 on 5 because of its J style design which allows creating more usable space for more luggage and gears. The product is small, compact and subtle enough to accommodate kayaks upto 42″ wide and weighing around 264 lbs.

Now, you can easily carry and transport your tandem kayaks, hardshell kayaks, pedal kayaks and other large size paddle boards and kayaks. This J-Bar kayak roof rack for cars comes with a quick raise and folds down design for multiple adjustment options. 

With 180* adjustments, you can easily meet the requirement of various kayaks and boards. When not in use, simply fold it down and keep it in your car.

The key USP of this car rack is iron plate saddles and paddle rack. Plus, the aluminium construction and flexible high-density foam further enhance its strength and carrying capacity.

13.Tikaton Kayak Car Rack for 2 Kayaks

This car kayak rack is well designed and well built with aluminium construction materials. The quality of the materials are high grade making it long-lasting and high in strength to carry small, medium and large size kayaks at ease.

It comes along with a nicely written instruction manual that will assist you while fixing it on top of your car. There are 2 bolts set in different length that can fit on the crossbar at different heights.

You can create maximum loading space on the roof of your car with its 180* adjustable technology and with the help of one handle. 

There are extra 4 pcs tie-down straps included to make the loading of kayak, canoe, surfboard and SUP paddle boat easier and quicker.

Another good thing about this rack is folding with a lock design. The J-bar folds down to allow you to park your car in garages without worrying about damages or accidents. 

14.Rhino Rack Kayak & Canoe Carrier

It would be unfair if I don’t mention Rhino-Rack Folding J Style Kayak Carrier for a car on my list. This folding style carrier is specially designed to help you transport your kayak or canoe with 100% protection and with peace of mind. Its space-saving and compact design allow you to mount other accessories and luggage to transport more.

It comes with all the accessories that you need to fix the rack on your car and carry your kayak. It includes cradles, stainless steel hardware, rubber tube padding and 4 tie-down straps.

This rack is also designed by keeping the environmental impact in mind. So, if you buy it, you’ll also contribute your bit towards nature. Plus, its universal fit makes it suited for most cars and crossbars. 

So, whether you’re out paddling by yourself or with others, the S512 Folding J Style Kayak Carrier has you covered so you can enjoy the most out of your day.

15.MeeFar Universal Car Kayak Rack

Here’s introducing a rack that will fit on top of your car without any gutters. Although it is best suited for carrying kayaks, you can also take SUPs, canoes or paddleboard as well.

It is made with soft and top-grade materials that makes it non-slip and help avoid scuffing. It will tightly hold your kayak or SUP to reduce vibration and noise. Plus, the  EVA foam padded provides a soft landing for the kayak and prevents the hull from getting scratched. This will also save the roof of your car from dents and dings. 

It is easy to install and no tools are required at all. It comes with all the necessary nuts and gears like 2 adjustable straps, 2 quick loop straps,2 tie ropes to attach the pads to your car’s roof and hold the kayak or paddleboard in place.

Also, these roof racks are made with tough, durable materials to safely secure your kayaks and SUPs last for years to come.

16.Forauzon Universal Kayak Rack For Car

The next on my list of kayak racks for cars is by Forauzon. With a load capacity of 170lbs and made with high-quality EVA foam, this rack is widely popular among paddlers and anglers. It is best known for its ability to carry large and heavyweight kayaks with complete protection and care.

It is supported by a built-in anti-slip mat that will protect the roof of your car as well as the hull of the kayak from scratches. It will also reduce the vibration noise and allow you to concentrate on driving rather than focus on kayaking. 

It is fully accessorized and comes with adjustable straps with a padded cam to secure the gripping kayak. There are also 2 pieces of strong ropes to secure your large size kayak tightly from front and back. 

In case you are not satisfied with the performance or durability of this product, you can return it and get your refund. 

17.Novinter Soft Roof Rack

This is one of the most advanced and most accessorized car kayak racks on this list. Made with durable EVA material and premium 700D nylon fabric, this rack will the protection of your kayak or SUPs to the next level. Cam lock buckle, non-slip mat, adjustable straps and you name it, this rack has got it all.

It is supported with more extended accessories like heavy-duty straps, loop straps for more protection, tie-down ropes, storage bag for easy transportation, and lot more.

It can be used for a wide range of watersport products like snowboard, SUP, canoe, skis, kayak, inflatable boat, surfboard, wakeboard and a lot more.

Setting this rack is very easy. First, you need to clear the car roof and place the non-slip pad on your roof. Later, use the straps and buckles for adjustment and place your kayak on the roof pads. Now, tighten the straps and use the anchor loops to wrap them.

Too simple, right?

18.WONITAGO Soft Roof Rack  For Kayak

If you are looking for a lightweight kayak rack for a car, WONITAGO should be on your list. Wrapped in soft polyester material, this rack will protect your kayak from scratches, UV rays during the rainy season as well. Not only for kayak, it is suited for longboards, surfboards, SUPs, surfboards and many other outdoor activities gear. 

The straps and buckles are the key usps of this rack that sets it apart from others. Why? That’s because they are strong and high in performance and will hold your kayak tightly. 

Currently, this rack is available in multiple sizes of  19inch (48cm) and 28inch (71cm) sizes,  which can be selected from Amazon according to the length of your kayak and car. 19 inch is best suited for small kayaks, while 28inch is for large size kayaks. 

19.Mrhardware 2 Pair Of Car Kayak Rack

This car kayak carrier is perfect for carrying medium and large size kayaks. It stands at 17.7 x 6.7 x 14.5 inches and made with quality construction material to ensure you have a good trip and safe trip. 

It comes along with carefully and neatly written instructions that will help you with setting it up on your car roof. Also included is a tiny wrench that you can use to lock the nuts. There are 4 straps to be used for fixing your kayak on the rack. 

Along with straps all the necessary nuts and bolts are included. 

Yes, the lacks certain advanced features but good option to buy if you are running tight on the budget. 

20.PROSmart Soft Roof Rack For Kayak

What happened? Still yet not decided which one should I Buy? Let me help you, This one is my Favorite and I have attached it on top of my car. 

PROSmart soft roof car rack is a universal fit for most cars without rooftop crossbars, like sedans, SUVs, and minivans. On this rack, you can carry Kayak, SUP, Snowboard, Surfboard, Canoe, and Paddle Board.

This rack is made of multi-layers EVA foam, which can effectively decrease vibration during transport and also It is great for protecting your car from scratches. 

There are no tools required for installing this rack. It is very easy to install and store in your storeroom.

FAQs About Best Kayak Racks For Cars