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

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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

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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.

Kayak carts are two-wheeled devices that support one end of a kayak to allow for easy transport. If you plan to make kayaking a regular hobby of yours, a kayak cart should be viewed as a necessity rather than a superfluous purchase. We’ve listed the best 10 kayak carts for all different kayaks and terrains.

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

Reviews - The Best Carts for Kayaks

Seattle Sports ATC

Specs

• Capacity: 300 lbs
• Frame Material: Powder-coated Steel
• Weight: 15.0 lbs

BEST FOR: ALL-AROUND KAYAK CARTING

PROS: Designed to haul kayaks, canoes, John boats, and larger craft, foldable, spring-loaded kickstand

CONS: Some users report wheels are low quality, not durable

WHEELS: Bike tires, 16.0″ (40.6 cm)

VERSATILITY: High, can cross many terrains

View at Amazon

TMS KY001 Cart

Specs

• Capacity: 150 lbs
• Frame Material: Aluminum
• Weight: 8.3 lbs

BEST FOR: LONG HAULS ON A BUDGET

PROS: Foldable, 12.0 ft long tie-down strap, solid metal frame, foam bumpers, stainless steel fasteners, spring-loaded stand for quick loading

CONS: Kayak tends to bounce around during transport, some users needed extra bungee cords

TIRES: Inflatable all-terrain, 9.5 x 3.5″ (24.1 x 8.9 cm) tires

VERSATILITY: Moderate, not suited for large, heavy kayaks

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Malone Clipper Deluxe

Specs

• Capacity: 200 lbs
• Frame Material: Aluminum
• Weight: 10.00 lbs

BEST FOR: WIDE KAYAKS

PROS: Folding, oversized padding on the frame protects the boat, locking kick stand, tie-down straps included

CONS: Some users reported poor performance on sand

WHEELS: No-Flat Tires

VERSATILITY: High, can support other vessels over many terrains

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RAILBLAZA C-Tug Trolley

Specs

• Capacity: 300 lbs
• Frame Material: Reinforced Composite
• Weight: 9.8 lbs

BEST FOR: PACK-IN CAMPING

PROS: Folding, UV-resistant, corrosion-free, tool-free assembly, fits most kayak and canoe hulls, SUP boards, fits in most kayak hatches, 7.9 ft strap, removable kickstand

CONS: Some users reported wheels coming off on long treks

WHEELS: Puncture-proof wheels, high-grip tread, 10.0 x 3.5″ (25.4 x 8.9 cm)

VERSATILITY: High, supports many activities, weights

View at Amazon

Bonnlo Boat Beach Trolley

Specs

• Capacity: 165 lbs
• Frame Material: Aluminum
• Weight: 13.9 lbs

BEST FOR: SANDY AND MUDDY CONDITIONS

PROS: Easy to assemble

CONS: Wheels and tires lack long-term durability

TIRES: Inflatable 12 x 7″

VERSATILITY: High, includes ratchet straps

View at Amazon

HOW TO CHOOSE THE BEST KAYAK CARTS

FRAME MATERIAL

Kayak carts are usually made of either steel or aluminum. Occasionally, they are made of plastic or composite. While steel is suitable for freshwater excursions, it will corrode if exposed to saltwater or ocean air.

Aluminum is lightweight and will not corrode. Look for a powder-coated or aluminum frame to ensure your investment lasts.

WEIGHT

Decide where you will be using your kayak the most before settling on a cart. Strength and durability can come at the expense of portability unless the cart is designed to accommodate both. You will need to consider the weight of your kayak in addition to the weight of the cart.

WHEELS

WIDTH

Do you live on the beach? Maybe your favorite stream is only accessible via a rocky trail through the forest. As with cycling, you wouldn’t ride a mountain bike in a race judged on speed, or a road bike in a downhill mountain race. The wider the tire, the more stable a wheel will be.

MATERIAL

Not all tires are created equally. Some are all-terrain inflatable, some are molded plastic and some are foam-filled. An all-terrain tire, ideally puncture-proof, is the way to go if you intend to cover rougher surfaces.

VERSATILITY

The fact that you are browsing The Adventure Junkies gives us reason to believe you may be an adventure junkie. If you prefer to splash your way through as many different water sports as possible, a kayak cart that can carry a variety of vessels would be your perfect match.

Some carts offer an adjustable width or flexible saddle to accommodate thin, wide, or multiple kayaks and maybe even stand up paddle boards.

WEIGHT CAPACITY

Look for a cart with a weight capacity over 150 lbs for maximal versatility. This may not be necessary if you own a single, lightweight or inflatable kayak. Those with heavy, tandem kayaks or interested in accommodating stand up paddle boards will find a higher weight capacity useful.

STORAGE

In recent years, kayak carts that fold flat or easily dismantle to enable easy on-board storage have become very popular. It’s not ideal to have to leave a possession purchased with hard-earned money on the shore in hopes it will still be waiting upon your return.

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

It doesn’t matter whether you store it for 24 hours or 12 months. It needs to be done well to protect it from the elements. Here at The Adventure Junkies, we offer you a bunch of useful information on kayak storage in this lengthy article. We’ll cover everything from day-to-day storage in the high season to long-term storage.

KAYAK STORAGE: WHY?

There are four main reasons to store your kayak properly, even if it’s only for a short period of time. Don’t just leave your boat laying around. You’ve spent a decent chunk of money on it, so treat it accordingly. The better you store it, the longer it’ll last.

REASON 1: DAMAGE AND DISTORTION PROTECTION

Most kayak hulls will bend or deform if their weight isn’t distributed evenly. This doesn’t happen overnight, but it can happen over time. The types of kayaks most prone to distortion are plastic ones. Composite kayaks and even wood-hulled kayaks can also become deformed over time, though.

If you store your kayak on its hull, the hull will have to bear the full weight of the kayak. This may alter the shape of the hull, eventually affecting your kayak’s performance in the water. Other kayak storage practices you should avoid include standing the boat up on one end, hanging it from its grab handles and supporting it only on its bow and stern. You should also not place it on a hard, flat surface.

The best practice is supporting your kayak at several spots along its entire length. You can do this by using angled surfaces and padded cradles. The best option, though, is using wide nylon webbing matching the hull’s curve.

If you’re using an inflatable kayak, take it apart and deflate it when storing it for a longer period of time.

REASON 2: PROTECTION AGAINST THE ELEMENTS

Another important reason to store your kayak is to protect it from the sun, weather and other climatic elements. As REI.com says, sunlight is able to degrade pretty much any type of material. This includes plastic, wood and even fiberglass.

Therefore, it’s critical to find a shady spot at the very least. Better, of course, is storing your kayak inside—in your basement or garage. In case it’s impossible to find any shade, you can protect it from the sun by covering it with a weather-resistant tarp. Make sure the tarp covers the entire kayak, but pay attention that it doesn’t touch it. Contact between the hull and tarp can cause fungal growth or mold.

You may also want to spray your kayak with a sun-protective spray. This enhances the UV protection of your boat. You can apply a nice coating before the kayaking season and, again, before storing your kayak for longer periods of time.

If you’re storing the kayak outside under a tarp, ensure that the tarp doesn’t collect any rain or snow and becomes pressed down on the kayak. Know that frost may damage the hull of your kayak, even if it’s stored inside. This can happen if water has seeped into cracks in the hull or into seams or joints. By expanding and contracting—freezing and thawing—it can severely damage your precious boat.

In addition, if you’ve been kayaking in saltwater, it’s essential to spray down your boat afterward with fresh water. Salt is known to corrode metal parts and degrade materials.

REASON 3: PERSONAL SAFETY

Another reason for proper kayak storage is protecting the safety of yourself and those around you. An ill-stored kayak may fall down or fall over and injure a bystander. Make sure your kayak is securely stored. To do this, you can use a variety of equipment, from safety straps to racks and ropes.

REASON 4: PROTECTION AGAINST THEFT

Especially if you’re not using your kayak regularly—in the off-season—you won’t check up on it on a regular basis. This is why you should always store it in a hidden place. If you’re not able to store it inside, make sure it’s hidden from view as well as possible. You don’t want to give potential thieves any ideas.

To make it harder to steal, you can position the kayak in a way (and place) that makes it hard to grab it and run off with it. You may even want to consider putting a security cable or lock on it if you’re storing it for a longer time.

DAY-TO-DAY KAYAK STORAGE

If you’re kayaking every day, it’s okay to store it on its side or even standing on one end. Kayak rental companies often store their boats like this. Before storing it, make sure to empty the kayak from all water.

Note that this kind of kayak storage is only suitable for short periods of time. As explained above, keeping it these positions for an extended period of time can cause deformation. It’s better to store it upside down, ideally in slings or straps.

LONG-TERM KAYAK STORAGE

Wilderness Systems lays out the steps to take before storing your kayak long-term. Always start by emptying out the boat, rinsing it with freshwater and inspecting it for damage, scrapes or wear. Preferably, store it inside, out of direct sunlight and in a spot where it doesn’t freeze.

The best way to store a kayak long-term is slung on its side with webbing. You should position these webbing straps one-third of the way along the kayak’s hull. Make sure that the straps aren’t too tight as that can result in deformation over time.

Another acceptable kayak storage method is placing it upside down—hull up—on parallel bars. If you choose this method, it’s important to distribute its weight evenly.

Taking into account all the information listed in this article, you can prevent damage to your kayak when you’re not even using it. How silly would that be? It’s normal for a kayak to become weathered and scraped if you take it out on the water a lot. Damage caused by storing it improperly is not. However, that’s something that’s easy to avoid by following these tips.

The post How To Store A Kayak appeared first on The Adventure Junkies.

On any longer kayaking excursion, you’ll most likely have to carry out so-called “portages”. In addition, you obviously also need to transport your kayak to and from your starting and ending points.

As outdoor experts, we here at The Adventure Junkies are ready and able to give you some solid advice on how to transport a kayak safely, comfortably and conveniently. In this article, you’ll find tips and tricks that will help to make your kayaking adventure a memorable success.

HOW TO TRANSPORT A KAYAK

When talking about how to transport a kayak, you will probably think only about transporting it with a vehicle. That seems the most difficult thing, doesn’t it? Much of what follows will teach you how to transport a kayak with a vehicle, but we’ll also discuss some tips on carrying your kayak by hand.

WITH A VEHICLE

The easiest way to transport a kayak is, of course, throwing it in the back of a pickup truck and securing it with some ropes. Everyone can do that. A bit trickier, however, is figuring out how to transport a kayak on top of a vehicle. This is what most people will have to do and what we’ll talk about below.

To transport a kayak on top of a car, you’ll need some kind of rack system on your car’s roof. Removable soft racks are a good option because they’re easy to set up and can be removed. This system is nothing more than a pair of foam tubes with a strap through each tube’s center. Open all four doors, place one tube above the front doors and one above the back doors. Run the straps through the doors and tighten them. Close the doors.

Then, place your kayak upside down on the tubes, securing it with the rest of the available straps. Make absolutely sure to secure your kayak’s bow and stern to your front and rear bumpers respectively. This system is simple but tends to have some flex. You’ll want some extra security. This is an ideal system for short trips. For longer car trips, you’ll want a proper roof rack consisting of mounted crossbars.

There are two manufacturers that make reliable roof racks: Thule and Yakima. They both make excellent racks that you can put on your car. They also offer a wide range of add-ons for their crossbars. This makes those racks suitable for everything from bicycles and suitcases to kayaks and canoes.

While your kayak should be placed upside down on foam tube racks, its position on actual roof racks depends on each individual rack. Follow their instructions.

HOW TO STRAP DOWN A KAYAK ON A ROOF

The best way to strap down a kayak on your car’s roof is to slowly tighten the straps. Don’t just yank them down, but be gentle. You don’t want to crack your kayak’s hull by pulling too hard on the straps.

When placing the kayak on the roof, make sure it’s totally parallel with your car. As REI.com tells us, center it fore and aft. Using at least two straps, secure your kayak’s body. Then, secure the bow and stern to your car’s bumpers. For this, you can use a simple tie-down strap or buy a specially made bow/stern tie-down set.

It’s also worth considering locking your kayak to your rack. This is particularly useful if you’ll go somewhere where you won’t be able to see your car. You don’t want it to be stolen!

VIDEO: HOW TO CAR-TOP A KAYAK

HOW TO TRANSPORT A KAYAK BY HAND

Carrying your kayak by hand is known as portaging. This is necessary to simply get your kayak to and from the water’s edge, but also on longer kayaking excursions. For example, when you’re following a river, you may encounter unavoidable obstacles. You may also have to transport your kayak between different bodies of water, such as rivers and lakes.

It could be necessary to get out of the water to avoid dangerous rapids or areas that are simply too shallow to kayak in. Portaging is nothing more than carrying your kayak overland to a point where it’s safe and/or possible to get back into the water.

When you know that you’ll have to do some portaging during your trip—and you should know!—, make sure to bring a backpack. It’s essential that you can fit all your gear into that backpack.

Before starting the portage, remove all your gear from your kayak and put it in your backpack. When doing this, make sure your kayak is far enough on land. You don’t want it to float away as it gets lighter.

Put your backpack on and secure all of its straps. Ensure that it fits well and is comfortable. Then, squat down to keep your center of gravity close to the ground. Pick up your kayak by placing your hands over the cockpit coaming and lifting it over your head. Your kayak will now be upside down.

Hold the kayak so that its weight is balanced over your shoulders. Your head should be where the cockpit is. Make sure the kayak is tilted a bit backward. Trails.com says that, when portaging, you can rest one hand at a time by resting one side of your kayak on your shoulder, switching from hand to hand and shoulder to shoulder as you go along.

Depending on the length of the portage, you’ll have the rest at regular intervals. How often and how long you take a break, of course, depends on how strong and fit you are. The best advice we can give you is to take your time. Don’t overexert yourself. You do not want to jeopardize the rest of your kayaking adventure by trying to prove yourself during a portage. Take it easy.

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