Here at The Adventure Junkies, we pride ourselves on giving you the best tips, tricks and guide to experience the great outdoors. Whether it’s kayaking or scuba diving, we’ve got you covered.

Want to know more about kayak roof racks? If so, keep on reading to find out which roof kayak is best suited for you.

For more of our top kayaking gear recommendations, check out the Best Kayak Carts. 

Reviews - The Best Roof Racks for Kayaks

Thule Top Deck

Specs

• Installation: Easy
• Shape of Cradle: Flat

BEST FOR: ALREADY RACK-MOUNTED VEHICLES AND TRANSPORTING SINGLE KAYAKS

PROS: Quite affordable and one of the more versatile rack systems currently on sale

CONS: Only applicable for single-rack setups, requires an already installed car rack to use

View at REI

View at Amazon

HandiRack Inflatable Bars

Specs

• Installation: Easy
• Shape of Cradle: Flat

BEST FOR: BUDGET

PROS: Lightweight, compact, and easy it is to pack away and store

CONS: Not compatible with roof rack systems, although side rails are okay

View at Amazon

Malone Sea Wing

Specs

• Installation: Moderate
• Shape of Cradle: Saddle

BEST SADDLE-STYLE CARRIER

PROS: Designed to be rear-loading, with load-assist accessories available

CONS: No security features

View at Amazon

Thule Hull-a-Port Pro

Specs

• Installation: Moderate
• Shape of Cradle: J-Curved

BEST J-CRADLE STYLE CARRIER

PROS: Simple lever system that allow it to fold flat when not in use

CONS: Won’t fit kayaks over 34” inches wide

View at Amazon

Malone Stax Pro 2

Specs

• Installation: Moderate
• Shape of Cradle: Flat

BEST FOR: TRANSPORTING MULTIPLE BOATS AT ONCE

PROS: Includes a lifetime warranty

CONS: Maximum load capacity is only 50 pounds per boat

View at Amazon

Thule Xsporter Pro Truck

Specs

• Installation: Difficult
• Shape of Cradle: Flat

BEST FOR: PROFESSIONALS WHO MAY NEED TO HAUL MORE THAN ONE KAYAK OR BOARD WITH THEM

PROS: Incredibly well-built, includes an aluminum design and weather-resistant fastenings

CONS: Only suitable for flatbed trucks, professional installation is recommended

View at Amazon

Thule Hull-a-Port

Specs

• Installation: Moderate
• Shape of Cradle: J-Curved

BEST FOR: BUDGE-CONSCIOUS CONSUMER WHO WANTS THE STABILITY OF A J-CURVED RACK SYSTEM

PROS: Solid build quality for the price, easy installation

CONS: Foam cushioning may be prone to wear over time and weathering

View at Amazon

Yakima Jayhook

Specs

• Installation: Easy
• Shape of Cradle: J-Curved

BEST FOR: HEAVY DUTY SETUPS AND FOR TRANSPORTING LONGER SEA KAYAKS

PROS: Fantastic J-curve setup for longer kayaks that don’t suit themselves well to strapped racks, rust-resistant

CONS: A bit bigger than most and the dismounting angles can be tricky for shorter people

View at REI

Thule Hullavator Pro

Specs

• Installation: Difficult
• Shape of Cradle: Flat with Expandable Base

BEST FOR: ARGUABLY THE STURDIEST AND BEST-LOOKING RACK SYSTEM CURRENTLY ON SALE TODAY

PROS: Streamline installation with most vehicles, incredibly compact in design and comes with an expandable base

CONS: Quite pricey, can be hard to find in-stock on Amazon or REI

View at Backcountry

TMS J-Bar Rack HD Kayak Carrier

Specs

• Installation: Easy
• Shape of Cradle: J-Curved

BEST FOR: SINGLE-KAYAK SETUPS AND TRANSPORTING LIGHT CANOES, BOARDS, AND KAYAKS

PROS: Affordable option to other more expensive setups to transport boarding equipment

CONS: Not weather-proof or recommended for heavier, more robust tandem kayaks or canoes

View at Amazon

HOW TO CHOOSE BEST KAYAK ROOF RACKS

YOUR VEHICLE

The type of vehicle you have will play a huge role in determining which roof kayak roof rack is best for you. Whether it’s a small compact car or full-sized 4×4, there’s definitely a roof rack for your car.

For smaller cars, simpler set ups that can carry one kayak (maybe two) will be your best bet. But if your car’s quite sizable, you can opt to buy a rack that can carry three or four kayaks.

We recommend measuring the available outside roof space of your car first. That way, you know exactly what you’re getting into. Check out this guide to car roof racks from REI to learn more about which vehicles are best suited to have racks installed on them.

NUMBER OF KAYAKS

It should go without saying that the more kayaks you’ll want to carry, the larger the roof rack you’ll need. Keep that in mind as you shop around. This becomes even more important for safety reasons.

Shoving too many kayaks on a rack system that’s not designed for it can be hazardous on the roadway. Also, take into account that you’ll be needing to transport your paddles as well.

BAR HEIGHT

If you’re vertically challenged, a rack system that stands a foot above your car’s roof might not work. But, ones that are flush with the roofline will work better.

If you’re quite tall, you can opt for a taller rack system. These vertical rack systems can be used with little to no problem.

MATERIAL

When transporting kayaks worth a mortgage payment (or two), you want to be sure they won’t meet their demise as you drive down the highway. By avoiding certain cheaply made fasteners, you steer clear of unexpected detachments.

Plastic and aluminum fasteners are a no-go. Opt for models that use rust-free coated steels and even carbon fiber fasteners.

NEED OF AFTERMARKET CROSS BARS

If your car already has a roof-mounted cross bar system, you’ll want to ensure its compatibility with the roof rack model you’re looking at.

If your car doesn’t have one, you’ll want to be sure you purchase an aftermarket cross bar system. Be sure to check its compatibility with your roof rack system, too. Most in-store outlets will be more than happy to help you ensure just that by doing a test install.

For beginners and families, opt for a setup that has the potential to carry more than one kayak. Check out this guide from Rack Attack for more fitting details.

The post Best Kayak Roof Racks of 2022 appeared first on The Adventure Junkies.

Here at The Adventure Junkies, we pride ourselves on giving you all the necessary information to get the best out of your adventures. Whether it’s kayaking through the waves of Key West or in the San Francisco Bay, we can give you the know-how on how to make the most of any experience.

For more of our top kayaking gear recommendations, check out the Best Kayaking Dry Bags.

Reviews - The Best Kayaking Dry Bags

Sea to Summit Lightweight

Specs

• Backpack?: No
• Material: Coated Nylon
• Capacity: 4 Liters

BEST FOR: SHORT-DISTANCE PADDLING, HIKING, AND SHORT-TERM CAMPING

PROS: Has more space available than other budget-minded dry bags

CONS: Can be awkward to carry around and hike with

SHAPE: Cylinder

View at REI

View at Backcountry

Sea to Summit Big River

Specs

• Backpack?: No
• Material: 420-denier Nylon
• Capacity: 65 Liters

BEST FOR: STORING KAYAKING GEAR, SOME TEXTILES, AND FOOD

PROS: Easy to pack and features stabilizing construction to keep it from rolling

CONS: May be hard to carry for long distances, plastic buckle strap is prone to break

SHAPE: Cylinder

View at REI

View at Backcountry

Sea to Summit Hydraulic With Harness

Specs

• Backpack?: Yes
• Material: 420-denier Nylon
• Capacity: 65 Liters

BEST FOR: STORING KAYAKING GEAR, SOME TEXTILES, AND FOOD

PROS: Easy to pack and features stabilizing construction to keep it from rolling

CONS: May be hard to carry for long distances, plastic buckle strap is prone to break

SHAPE: Cylinder

View at REI

View at Backcountry

SealLine Seal Pack

Specs

• Backpack?: No
• Material: Polyurethane-coated Polyester
• Capacity: 4 Liters

BEST FOR: SHORT-DISTANCE PADDLING AND HIKING

PROS: Can double as a fanny pack

CONS: Its 4-liter capacity means you can’t pack an awful lot

SHAPE: Rectangle

View at Amazon

Big Agnes Pumphouse Ultra

Specs

• Backpack?: No
• Material: Aviation-grade, Ultralight Fabric
• Capacity: 50 Liters

BEST FOR: SHORT-DISTANCE DESTINATION PADDLING, CAMPING

PROS: Can double as an air mattress inflater and pump

CONS: Not recommended to be submerged, can be difficult to cary

SHAPE: Cylinder

View at REI

View at Backcountry

SealLine Black Canyon Boundary

Specs

• Backpack?: Yes
• Material: Thermoplastic Urethane-coated Nylon
• Capacity: 70 and 115 Liters

BEST FOR: HIKING, LONG-DISTANCE PADDLING, CAMPING

PROS: A fantastic dry bag for destination paddling

CONS: Polyester straps can become damp

SHAPE: Cylinder/Backpack

View at REI

View at Backcountry

Forbidden Road Waterproof Dry Bag

Specs

• Backpack?: No
• Material: Polyurethane Coated PVC
• Capacity: 10 Liters

BEST FOR: SHORT-DISTANCE PADDLING AND THOSE TRYING TO SAVE MONEY

PROS: Inexpensive and durable

CONS: Limited for only one year and small storage

SHAPE: Cylinder

View at Amazon

HOW TO CHOOSE THE BEST DRY BAGS FOR KAYAKING

SHAPE

Knowing what you’ll be storing can help you determine which dry bag for kayaking you’ll need. For textiles and clothes, cylinder shapes work well. If you’re storing more shapely and squared materials, rectangular dry bags are best.

WEARABILITY

Some kayakers need their bags to be easily worn. Other users may have no need for straps or things of the sort.

Simpler drawstring bags will suffice for most kayakers. However, paddlers who want to hike after they’ve reached their destination could benefit from a wearable bag. Dry bags that utilize waist-straps are perfect for hiking, too.

VISIBLE ON AND OFF THE WATER

Many dry bags for kayaking are available in neons and pastels. Others can be bought in more natural brown and black tones. It’s worth investing in a bright colored dry bag, should you ever lose it on the water. It’ll be much easier to track down than a black or earth-toned one.

Also, look for bags that have reflectors on them. This will make them even more visible in low-light conditions, helping you to even be better seen by other kayakers as well. If you’re interested in other tips on how to stay safe on the water, check out this list by the American Canoe Associations.

MATERIALS

The hydrophobic linings of these dry bags are the keys to their success. Thermoplastic urethane (TPU) and polymers are commonly found in dry bags. Avoid any bags with exposed steel linkings and ones with hydrophilic cotton.

WEIGHT

Most kayak bags are quite light by their very nature. But that’s not to say that there aren’t a few out there that are quite heavy. When you’re shopping for your drybag, be cognizant of the weight of the bag itself.

GEAR CAPACITY IN LITERS AND CUBIC INCHES

Knowing what you require from the gear you’re looking to lug around will be wholly beneficial to deciding which dry bag is right for you. Most bags list their liter and cubic inch capacities on their product descriptions. That said, liter capacitors are far more important to take note of than available cubic inches. For more tips on how to pack a dry bag, check out this how-to by Paddlinglight.com.

SUBMERSIBLE OR NOT

Do you think your bag may, at any time, be submerged under water? If so, make sure you purchase a dry bag that can be submerged while still keeping your belongings dry.

A key characteristic of submersible bags is that they’ll come with lock-and-seal openings where you can suck the air out of them. Bags not intended to be submerged will utilize zippers and even nylon drawstrings. A submersible bag is a great asset to have for beginner and seasoned kayakers alike.

THE KAYAK YOU HAVE

Depending on what kayak you’re intending to put the bag in can have a great deal of impact on which dry bag you purchase. If your kayak has an allotted storage space, you can support a larger bag. However, if the cockpit area is quite small, a 10-liter bag may be all you can fit after putting down your paddle.

The post Best Dry Bags for Kayaking of 2022 appeared first on The Adventure Junkies.

Here at The Adventure Junkies, we pride ourselves on providing you with the tips and know-how on how to experience your favorites outdoor actives in the best ways possible.

Whether or not you’re looking to take on class-four rapids or just paddle through a glass-smooth lake, there are some key kayaking tips you should take into account before pushing off the shoreline. In this guide, we’ll go over everything from paddling techniques and stretching, to equipment care and proper attire. Follow these rules, and you’ll get the maximum benefits provided by kayaking.

BEFORE YOU SET OFF

1. DRESS FOR THE WATER, NOT THE WEATHER

Regardless of whether it’s a cold near-winter morning or a hot mid-summer afternoon, dress for the water. For example, if you’d normally wear a wetsuit in those waters, wear one kayaking. If it’s more board shorts appropriate water, a well-fitting swimsuit will suffice.

2. INVEST IN WATER-PROOF STORAGE CASES

There’s nothing that can ruin your kayaking adventure more than coming back to find your expensive smartphone is now water damaged. While press-and-seal storage container will work just fine for your food and wallet, we’d recommend investing in something more sturdy to store your electronics and clothing. These dry-bags from REI are highly recommended.

3. LEARN RAPID SAFETY PRACTICES

If you’re going down white waters, we’d highly suggest you touch-up on rapid safety practices from Raft Masters. A quick flip of your kayak can suddenly put you in a life-or-death situation. And every decision counts.

4. RENT IF YOU CAN

Get a feel for kayaking first before investing in any equipment, if you can. Kayak renting services have become more and more popular in the past decade. Be sure you to also rent helmets and life vests in addition to the kayak and paddles.

5. KNOW RIVER LANGUAGE

There’s actually a series of hand signals and gestures that help kayakers communicate with each other. After all, rapids can be quite noisy and distracting. If you’re kayaking in a group, it may be helpful to brush up on these simple signals, like these as found at Paddling.com.

6. KNOW PADDLING STYLE

We recommend getting a feel for how you paddle-stroke before hitting the water. Simply straddle an armless chair while holding a broomstick or hockey stick, and imagine yourself paddling from side to side. Depending on how you hold paddle and stroke will determine your style. For more information, watch the video below.

VIDEO: KAYAKING BASIC PADDLING TECHNIQUES

7. PHYSICAL MAPS

Like we’ve touched on before, you should either leave your electronics on dry land or sealed in a dry-bag. Print-out or check-in with a visitor center for any maps or guidebooks on the area they may have available.

8. CHECK THE FORECAST

Kayaking through a lite drizzle won’t raise too much of a problem. But trying to paddle through a heavy rain will fill your kayak’s cockpit with water and render it unstable. Make sure to check all weather conditions where you’re kayaking before heading out. Also, take not that heavy rains from a day or two prior will make for more turbulent waters too.

9. DUCT TAPE IS YOUR FRIEND

You really should never leave home without it. Having a role of the versatile adhesive on hand can come in handy in a pinch. Has the shaft of the rod cracked? Tap it up. Want to secure gear from rolling around your kayak seat? Secure it.

ON THE WATER

10. SIT TIGHT, SIT STRAIGHT

While sitting with your back supported in the kayak, place the balls of your feet in the foot guides. Some kayaks have pegs, instead. Your toes should be pointed outward and your heels should be found in the center of the kayak. The knees should have an upward and outward bend to them allowing the legs to contact and apply pressure to the thigh braces.

11. PACE YOURSELF

Don’t be a rabbit right out of the dock. Enjoy the scenery, get a feel for how your body rests in the kayak and how you paddle through the water. Focus on technique, not speed. The turtle wins in the end, after all.

12. STAY ALERT

Rocks and animals can seemingly pop-out of nowhere. Kayaking is no time for your favorite playlist. Take advantage of being outside, and enjoy nature’s playlist.

13. STAY IN CONTACT WITH OTHERS

Like we’ve said before, if you’re traveling in a group, it’s best for everyone to stay in contact with one another. Especially if you’re traveling down any white waters. The general rule of thumb is no one should be further than earshot from each other.

14. MOVE WITH YOUR KAYAK, NOT AGAINST IT

If you’ve ever experienced a spin while driving, you know exactly what we’re talking about. Don’t fight the vessel, go with it. If you spin your kayak, follow through with the motion and adjust accordingly. Use the kayak’s kinetic energy to your advantage.

15. BRING BINOCULARS

There are few places better to wildlife watch than from the seat of a kayak. Bringing a pair of light, durable binoculars will only enhance that. Look for water-resistant and portable binoculars—See our article all about binoculars. Scratch resistant lenses are ideal.

BACK ON SHORE

16. STRETCH IT OUT

Odds are, you’ve been sitting in one upright position for an hour or two. Maybe even more. And now you’re body is quite tight and settled in that position. To avoid cramps and aches throughout the rest of the day, do some light stretching. It’s also beneficial to do these before kayaking, as well. We’d recommend doing the ones found in this video below.

VIDEO: STRETCHES FOR PADDLERS AND KAYAKERS

17. DRY YOUR THINGS

One of the cardinal rules of any water sport is to never pack gear or clothing while it’s wet. If you do, mold, rust, and other unwanted surprises will be quick to follow. If you’re in a rush and can’t spare the time, leave the damp packed gear uncovered.

18. DOUBLE-CHECK YOUR GEAR

Before stepping into your car and heading off into the sunset (or sunrise), check your gear. Be sure you haven’t caused any accidental dings, holes, tears, you name it. Also, pay special attention to your paddle and kayak seat. Then, after that, do it all again.

The post 18 Kayaking Tips For Beginners appeared first on The Adventure Junkies.