Doing what you like most is enough reason to look forward to the end of the week, to that stretch of a few hours in the middle of the week, or better yet, an upcoming holiday. Having time away from school or work is relaxing, rewarding, and of course exciting. Finally, it is time to leave the daily responsibilities behind for a few days and chase that high that you get from your favorite hobby. Is there a better feeling than this?

For an increasing number of people, this comes in the form of water sports, particularly paddling. As an activity paddling from a boat can be done in a number of ways, but the most popular one by far has to do with kayaking. A kayak is a very versatile craft that is applicable in many different situations on the water.

The best part of it all is the fact that it can supplement other activities and make them more optimal and more fun. Fishing, hunting, camping, exploring… all of them are better off when a kayak is included.

Sharing the Fun

There is one more way in which you can make kayaking more fun and enjoyable. The best things in life are experienced with those closest to you and kayaking is not so different. If you want unforgettable times and some of the best moments ever, you should think about paddling with someone else.

Now, doing it in a tandem kayak may be the way to go, but having someone by you in their own vessel presents a more engaging and even competitive experience.

There is a problem here though, and just like with most other things with kayaks, it deals with transportation and handling. One kayak is a nightmare to store, transport, and carry, let alone two at once. Of course, the most optimal way to do it is with the help of a vehicle. You either put it inside if it fits, in the truck bed if you own one or on the roof.

The roof is the most versatile option, but also the only option if you have two kayaks to transport at once. And since you are bringing a friend or a family member along, the only way to transport it is with a kayak roof rack.

What are Roof Racks?

A kayak roof rack is a device that allows you to safely transport your kayak on top of your vehicle. These racks are designed to hold your kayak securely in place while you drive, ensuring that it stays safe and secure during transport. They also look good on the car and make the whole experience more enjoyable and optimal.

There are several types of kayak roof racks available on the market, each designed to accommodate different types of vehicles and kayaks. Some kayak roof racks are designed to fit onto the roof of a regular car like a coupe or a sedan, while others are designed to fit onto the roof of an SUV or a pickup truck. There are also racks that can be mounted onto the roof of a van or other larger vehicles.

Advantages of Roof Racks

One of the main advantages of using a kayak roof rack is that it allows you to transport your kayak without taking up valuable space inside your vehicle. This is especially useful if you have a smaller car or SUV, or if you need to transport other items in your vehicle at the same time. By using a roof rack, you can keep your kayak safely out of the way while still being able to easily access it when you need it.

Another advantage of kayak roof racks is that they are generally very easy to install and use. Most racks come with clear instructions and are relatively simple to put together, even if you have little experience with automotive accessories. In addition, once you have installed your kayak roof rack, it is easy to load and unload your kayak onto the rack and there is no need to ever take it down.

Buyer’s Guide

There are a few different things to consider when choosing a kayak roof rack for your vehicle. First, you will need to determine what type of vehicle you have and whether or not the rack is compatible with it.

Depending on what your car type is you can get a smaller or a bigger rack, as well as multiple different features that come along. You will also need to consider the size and weight of your kayak, as well as any other items you may need to transport with it. Do you want to place all of the gear inside as well?

Finally, you will want to consider the overall durability and reliability of the rack, as well as any additional features it may have, such as padded cradles or built-in locks. This is important because it directly responds to your specific needs and wishes.

Our Picks Of Roof Racks That Hold Two Kayaks At Once

In the following sections, we review the best roof racks that can comfortably and securely hold two kayaks at once. Between them, you will surely find the one that will suit your car and kayaks best.

1. Malone Strax Pro2 Universal Car Rack

Coming in at 21.8 x 8.8 x 7 inches and weighing 8.1 pounds, the Stax Pro2 by the trusty Malone brand is one of the best roof racks for two kayaks on the market. Made of aluminum, it is lightweight but sturdy and very durable, as well as corrosion-resistant. It is compatible with basically any crossbars whether they are round, square, oval, or factory issue.

The kayaks will be held on octagonal posts included in the package. They are located on injection molded nylon platforms for amazing stability and comfort for the kayaks. The stacker blocks provide cushioning for the sides of the kayak. All the hardware for mounting is included and the installation process is quite easy.

When the kayaks are in place, the T posts fold down to prevent drag as you drive. This roof rack can handle up to 100 pounds of weight, which is more than enough for two average size kayaks. Each kayak can be up to 32 inches wide, while the length is not as important. There are also straps included, as well as safety tie-downs for the bow and the stern.

2. IKURAM Folding J Rack

In case you do not want a traditional roof rack but something more modern and sleeker, you will want a J-style rack instead of the one that uses T posts. Completely foldable, the maximum weight they can carry is amazing at 158 pounds, while the kayaks can be 42 inches wide each. This means it can carry heavier and larger kayaks than the previous model.

Just like most other racks, this one easily fits on square, round, and oval crossbars. It is unique, thanks to its design and features because it adjusts to a wide variety of positions. Depending on what you like or need, you can carry two kayaks but also surfboards, large canoes, and other crafts.

When it comes to the racks, they are an anodized aluminum alloy that makes them light, durable, and resistant to corrosion. Each rack has a lot of padding that protects the roof, but also, more importantly, the kayaks from being damaged while in transport. A neat thing about this roof rack is that it also has paddle holders between the kayak spots, saving a lot of space if your paddles are not foldable.

3. Yakima JawLow Mounted Rack

Minimalists rejoice for here is a roof rack that easily accommodates two kayaks at once without being too bulgy or looking like a complicated contraption. If you want something that will not stick out of your roof and barely be noticeable, this compact, foldable design is probably the best choice.

The fact that there are no racks contributes to this the most. However, the crossbars need to be 24 inches apart. Its dimensions are 20.25 x 10.38 x 7.75 inches and it weighs 13.2 pounds.

If you want to carry two kayaks with this rack, it needs to be done vertically. The J-style position only fits a single kayak, but that is okay. The maximum weight for two kayaks is 110 pounds, which close to the average load capacity on this list. The rack can be locked to the crossbars, but the brand’s key system is a separate purchase. There is an integrated cam lever though that allows different positions, even entirely flat when it is empty.

Arguably the best thing about this rack is that is sells entirely assembled, meaning minimal installation time and effort. It is assembled so all you need to do is place them and secure them on the crossbars. That is it. As you can see, simplicity and a minimalist approach is what this two-kayak roof rack system is all about and that is exactly why it is among the most popular choices on the market.

4. DrSports Universal Foldable Kayak Carrier

Everything you need to know abou this rooftop carrier is right there in the title. It is foldable, it has a wide range of uses, and it is very adjustable, enough so to be used for kayaks but also canoes, SUPs, surfboards, skis, and snowboards. It is a universal carrier that among all things fits two kayaks at once. Its load capacity is a very good 150 pounds and it measures 33 x 10 x 8.5 inches.

Similar in design to the aforementioned IKURAM rack, it has more function in terms of adjustability. It is a traditional J-rack, a dual J-rack, or a saddle rack all at once. This means it is a 3 in 1 solution and therefore very universal. The rack is made of 1.5 milimiter steel suting and it is compatible with any crossbar. For extra protection there is rubber and foam padding in key places regardless of what you are carrying.

Always important to mention, the installation process is a walk in the park. All of the hardware is included as well as the necessary bolts. For extra protection there are two cam loading straps as well as two bow and stern safety lines. These make it simpler and easier to tie everything down and secure your two paddling boats in palace for the entire trip.

5. XCAR Folding J-Bar Rooftop Rack

The no nonsense approach, the simple yet attractive design, and the ease of use are all features of this rooftop rack set by XCAR. It does what it is supposed to well and does not make a fuss about it. Other than 2 kayaks at once, it can also hold surfboards, canoes, and SUP. The rack weighs 15 pounds.

The rack has thick (50 mm) foam padding in numerous places meaning the kayaks will be protected no matter the type and size, nor the terrain across which you drive. It is lightweight, durable, and resistant to rust due to it being made of alumionum alloys. Various positions are available since it is easily adjustable with a safety lock.

Compatible with most crossbars except round ones, the rack is aerodynamic as well. It is definitely a heavy-duty option since the saddles are rubber coated and resistant to socrates and other damage. Included in the package are also 4 tie-down straps that make it easier to properly secure the kayaks in place.

Conclusion and Takeaways

Carrying and transporting kayaks is never fun, but it is a necessary thing if you want to experience some fun times on the water. Paddling cannot done without a boat, and the kayak is the best possible choice. Doing it with someone else implies bringing two kayaks at once which makes the effort twice as hard. The only thing you can do to make it easy and optimal, fun even, is to get a proper roof rack for your car.

The five above mentioned choices are the real deal, each with a few features the others may lack. Depending on the size of your kayak, you can pick and choose whichever you like most. One thing is certain, any of them will be your new favorite kayak-related accessory because they will make the whole experience easier.