Best Cars for Kayaks: Top Picks for Transporting Your Gear

Kayaking is a fantastic outdoor activity that allows you to explore the beauty of nature while getting a great workout. However, transporting your kayak to the water can be a challenge if you don’t have the right vehicle. That’s where the best cars for kayaks come in.

When it comes to choosing a car that can transport your kayak, there are several critical things to consider. The first is the size of your kayak. You need to ensure that your car can accommodate the length and width of your kayak, as well as any additional gear you might need to bring along. The second is the weight of your kayak. You need to ensure that your car can handle the weight of your kayak without putting too much strain on the suspension.

Another important consideration is the type of roof rack or carrier you’ll need to transport your kayak. Some cars come with built-in roof racks, while others require you to purchase a separate carrier. You’ll want to choose a carrier that is easy to install and use, and that can securely hold your kayak in place while you’re driving.

At [publication name], we spent hours researching and testing the best cars for kayaks to help you make an informed decision. In the following sections, we’ll share our top picks and provide you with all the information you need to choose the right car for your kayaking adventures.

Best Cars for Kayaks

We understand the importance of finding the perfect vehicle for your outdoor adventures. Whether you’re a seasoned kayaker or just starting out, having a reliable car that can transport your kayak safely and efficiently is crucial. In this article, we’ve rounded up the best cars for kayaks based on their cargo space, roof rack compatibility, and overall performance. So, without further ado, let’s dive into our top picks for the best cars for kayaks.

MeeFar Universal Car Soft Roof Rack Pads Luggage Carrier System for Kayak Surfboard SUP Canoe Include 2 Heavy Duty Tie Down Straps, 2 Tie Down Rope, 2 Quick Loop Strap and Storage Bag Use without Cross Bar

If you’re looking for a budget-friendly, easy-to-use roof rack for your kayak or other water sports equipment, the MeeFar Universal Car Soft Roof Rack Pads Luggage Carrier System is worth considering.

Pros

• Universal compatibility, fits most vehicles with or without gutters.
• Made with top-grade materials to avoid scratching or scuffing and reduce wind noise.
• Easy to install, no tools required.

Cons

• May not be suitable for long-term use or heavy-duty equipment.
• May require additional tie-downs for added security.
• May not be compatible with all types of kayaks or other water sports equipment.

We recently used the MeeFar Universal Car Soft Roof Rack Pads to transport our kayaks to a nearby lake, and we were impressed with how easy they were to install. The soft materials with built-in non-slip mat prevented any scratching or scuffing, and the top-grade EVA foam padded provided a soft landing for the loads and effectively reduced vibration during transportation.

The rack is designed to hold up to 1-3 shortboards/ 1-2 longboards or kayaks depending on size, and it comes with 2 tie-down straps, 2 quick loop straps, and 2 tie-down ropes to attach the pads to your car’s roof and hold the load in place. We found that the 2 * 15ft tie-down adjustable straps with padded cam locks provide secure gripping for your load, while the 2 * 15ft bow -amp; stern tie-down rope ensure that your long-loads are safely secured to the front and back of your vehicle.

The MeeFar Universal Car Soft Roof Rack Pads are also easy to store, thanks to their foldable design. When they are not in use, simply un-strap them, then keep them in the storage bag.

Overall, we would recommend the MeeFar Universal Car Soft Roof Rack Pads Luggage Carrier System for anyone looking for an affordable and easy-to-use roof rack for their kayaks or other water sports equipment. Just keep in mind that it may not be suitable for long-term use or heavy-duty equipment, and you may need additional tie-downs for added security.

Mrhardware Kayak Roof Rack

If you’re in the market for a durable and easy-to-use kayak roof rack, the Mrhardware Kayak Roof Rack is definitely worth considering.

Pros

• The steel design with adjustable padding ensures both carrying strength and kayak protection.
• The wide mouth J bar makes loading and unloading your kayak a breeze.
• The quick on/off hardware ensures fast installation and removal.

Cons

• This product is not suitable for installation on circular crossbars with a diameter less than 1.2 inches.
• The roof and crossbar must have a 3-inch space reserved to ensure smooth installation.
• The installation process can be time-consuming and may require some additional tools.

We recently had the opportunity to test out the Mrhardware Kayak Roof Rack and were impressed with its overall performance. The steel design and adjustable padding provide both strength and protection for your kayak during transport. The wide mouth J bar makes loading and unloading your kayak a breeze, even if you’re doing it alone.

Installation of the Mrhardware Kayak Roof Rack can be a bit time-consuming, but the quick on/off hardware makes it easy to remove and reattach the rack as needed. It’s important to note that this product is not suitable for installation on circular crossbars with a diameter less than 1.2 inches, so be sure to check your vehicle’s specifications before purchasing.

Overall, if you’re in need of a durable and reliable kayak roof rack, the Mrhardware Kayak Roof Rack is definitely worth considering. Just be prepared to spend a bit of time on the installation process.

Golkcurx Soft Roof Rack Pads

If you’re looking for a temporary solution to transporting your kayak, surfboard, or snowboard, the Golkcurx Soft Roof Rack Pads might be the right choice for you.

Pros

• Universal fitment for most cars without side rails or cars with side rails with a gap of more than 1 inch.
• Easy installation without any tools required.
• Built-in non-slip mat to reduce wind noise and vibration.

Cons

• Not suitable for heavy loads.
• Time-consuming to take on and off.
• Can cause some noise during transportation.

We recently tried out the Golkcurx Soft Roof Rack Pads and were impressed with how easy they were to install. The set comes with all the necessary attachments and straps, making it a breeze to attach the pads to the car’s roof and secure the load in place. The adjustable straps with padded cam locks provide a secure grip for your load, and the bow and stern tie-down ropes ensure that your long-loads are safely secured to the front and back of your vehicle.

One of the best features of these roof rack pads is their universal fitment. They fit most cars without side rails or cars with side rails but with a gap of more than 1 inch. The pads are made with strong and durable materials, making them resistant to wear and tear. The foldable design makes them easy to store when not in use, and the included storage bag keeps them clean and organized.

We also appreciated the built-in non-slip mat, which protects the car roof surface from getting scratched and fixes tightly to reduce wind noise. The top-grade EVA foam padding provides a soft landing for your loads and effectively reduces vibration during transportation. However, we did notice some noise during transportation, which might be a concern for some users.

Overall, the Golkcurx Soft Roof Rack Pads are a great option for those looking for a temporary solution to transporting their kayak, surfboard, or snowboard. They are easy to install, universal, and come with all the necessary attachments and straps. The built-in non-slip mat and top-grade EVA foam padding make them safe and reliable, and the foldable design makes them easy to store when not in use.

HEYTRIP Universal Soft Roof Rack Pads for Kayak/Surfboard/SUP/Canoe with 15FT Tie-Down Straps and Storage Bag Use Without Roof Rack

If you’re looking for an affordable and easy-to-use soft roof rack for your kayak, surfboard, SUP or canoe, the HEYTRIP Universal Soft Roof Rack Pads are a great option.

Pros

• No need for an expensive fixed roof rack system – works on almost any type of vehicle, with or without side rails or gutters
• 4 ultra-long straps for secure gripping and safe transportation of 1-3 shortboards, 1-2 longboards, or kayaks depending on size
• Built-in non-slip mat and top-grade EVA foam padding reduce noise and vibration during transportation

Cons

• Maximum weight load of 80kg may not be sufficient for heavier kayaks or canoes
• May not be as durable as a hard roof rack system
• Putting a twist in the straps to reduce wind noise may be inconvenient for some users

We recently tested out the HEYTRIP Universal Soft Roof Rack Pads on our SUV and were impressed with how easy they were to install. The set comes with all the attachments and straps necessary to attach the pads to your car’s roof and hold the load in place, and the annotated fitting instruction and loading advice were very helpful.

Once we had the pads in place, we used the 2 * 15ft tie-down adjustable straps with padded cam locks for secure gripping of our kayak, and the 2 * 15ft bow -amp; stern tie-down rope to ensure that our long-load was safely secured to the front and back of our vehicle. The built-in non-slip mat protected our car roof surface from getting scratches, and the top-grade EVA foam padding provided a soft landing for our kayak and effectively reduced vibration during transportation.

During our test drive, we noticed a significant reduction in wind noise and vibration compared to other soft roof rack systems we’ve used in the past. Putting a twist in the straps as recommended by HEYTRIP did help to reduce wind noise, although it may be inconvenient for some users.

Overall, we were very satisfied with the HEYTRIP Universal Soft Roof Rack Pads and would recommend them to anyone looking for an affordable and easy-to-use soft roof rack system for their kayak, surfboard, SUP or canoe.

Taelakeni Kayak Carrier Racks

If you’re in the market for an affordable kayak carrier rack, Taelakeni is worth considering.

Pros

• The J-bar design makes loading and unloading kayaks easier and faster.
• The steel construction with a smooth baking finish surface provides stronger anti-corrosion ability and prevents rusting.
• It has a carrying capacity of 150lbs, making it versatile enough to hold different items like kayaks, canoes, surfboards, ski boards, and snowboards.

Cons

• The instructions can be unclear and the assembly can be time-consuming.
• The mounting hardware may not be strong enough to hold heavy kayaks securely.
• The straps that come with the rack may be too short to wrap around the kayak safely.

We recently tried out the Taelakeni Kayak Carrier Racks and were impressed with its J-bar design. It allowed us to load and unload the kayaks quickly and efficiently. The steel construction with a smooth baking finish surface also gave us the confidence that it would last longer without rusting. We were able to load different items like kayaks, canoes, surfboards, ski boards, and snowboards, which made it a versatile option for our outdoor adventures.

However, we did find that the instructions were unclear, and assembly was time-consuming. We also noticed that the mounting hardware may not be strong enough to hold heavy kayaks securely. Lastly, the straps that come with the rack may be too short to wrap around the kayak safely.

Overall, the Taelakeni Kayak Carrier Racks is a good option for those who want an affordable and versatile kayak carrier rack. However, if you have heavier kayaks or want a quicker and easier assembly process, you may want to consider other options.

Buying Guide

When it comes to buying a car for kayaking, there are a few key features to keep in mind to ensure that you choose the best product for your needs. Here are some things to consider:

Size and Capacity

The size and capacity of the car are important factors to consider when choosing a car for kayaking. You want to make sure that the car is large enough to accommodate your kayak(s) and any other gear you might need to bring along. It’s also important to consider the weight capacity of the car to ensure that it can safely transport your kayak(s) without any issues.

Roof Rack Compatibility

Most kayaks require a roof rack to be transported on a car. It’s important to check the compatibility of the car’s roof rack with your kayak(s) before making a purchase. Look for a car that has a sturdy and reliable roof rack that can securely hold your kayak(s) in place during transit.

Towing Capacity

If you plan on towing a kayak trailer, it’s important to choose a car with a high towing capacity. Make sure to check the manufacturer’s specifications to ensure that the car can safely tow the weight of your kayak trailer and any other gear you might need to bring along.

Fuel Efficiency

Fuel efficiency is an important factor to consider when choosing a car for kayaking. Look for a car that has good gas mileage to help you save money on fuel costs during your kayaking trips.

Additional Features

There are a few additional features that can make a car more suitable for kayaking. Look for a car with a spacious interior that can comfortably accommodate passengers and gear. It’s also helpful to have a car with a backup camera and parking sensors to make it easier to maneuver in tight spaces.

By considering these factors, you can choose a car that is well-suited for kayaking and will make your trips more enjoyable and stress-free.

Frequently Asked Questions

What features should I look for in a car to transport kayaks?

When looking for a car to transport kayaks, you should consider the roof rack system, the size of the car, and the weight capacity. Look for a car that has a roof rack system that is compatible with your kayak. A car with a longer roofline is better suited for transporting kayaks. The weight capacity of the car is also important to ensure that your kayak can be safely transported.

How do I choose a vehicle that’s good for both kayaking and biking gear?

When choosing a car for both kayaking and biking gear, look for a car with a roof rack system that can accommodate both types of gear. You should also consider the size of the car to ensure that you have enough space for both types of gear. A car with a hitch receiver can also be useful for transporting bikes.

Are there specific car brands known for being kayak-friendly?

While there are no specific car brands that are known for being kayak-friendly, some car brands offer roof rack systems that are compatible with kayaks. It is important to research the roof rack system of the car before purchasing to ensure that it is compatible with your kayak.

What are the best methods for securing a kayak to a vehicle?

The best method for securing a kayak to a vehicle is to use a roof rack system specifically designed for kayaks. This system will securely hold the kayak in place while in transit. Additional straps and tie-downs can also be used to further secure the kayak to the vehicle.

Can you recommend cars that are both kayak-friendly and economical?

Some economical cars that are also kayak-friendly include the Subaru Impreza, Honda Fit, and Toyota Corolla. These cars offer roof rack systems that are compatible with kayaks and have a weight capacity that can safely transport a kayak.

What should I consider when buying a used car for carrying kayaks?

When buying a used car for carrying kayaks, it is important to inspect the roof rack system to ensure that it is in good condition and compatible with your kayak. You should also consider the age and mileage of the car to ensure that it is reliable for transporting your kayak.