Our Review: Thule Hull-a-Port XTR Kayak Rack System

After spending several weekends testing the Thule Hull-a-Port XTR, we’re impressed with its thoughtful design and functionality. This J-style rack arrives pre-assembled, saving valuable setup time at the start of your adventure. We particularly appreciate how it folds flat when not in use, significantly reducing wind noise and improving gas mileage during everyday driving.

The ability to carry two kayaks on a single system is a major plus for our team outings, and the universal mounting system fit perfectly on our variety of test vehicles with load bars up to 80.5mm wide. The locking mechanism gave us peace of mind when stopping for lunch during our transport trips.

While it’s priced at the higher end of the market, we found the durability, ease of use, and security features make the Hull-a-Port XTR a worthwhile investment for serious paddling enthusiasts.

08 Feb

Exterior Accessories

Our Honest Review: Thule HullaPort Pro Rooftop Kayak Rack

February 8, 2026
By premieracmech@gmail.com
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Our Honest Review: Thule HullaPort Pro Rooftop Kayak Rack

We’ve spent the last month testing the Thule HullaPort Pro, and it’s quickly become our go-to kayak carrier solution. The foldable J-cradle design offers remarkable convenience when not in use, allowing us to keep it installed without significant wind resistance or height concerns during regular driving.

With a 75lb load capacity, it easily handled our collection of kayaks. The included two bow and stern tie-downs, plus the two straps, provided everything we needed for secure transportation. Installation was straightforward, and the carrier fits most roof rack systems without issue.

What impressed us most was the balance between security and accessibility. Loading and unloading our kayaks took minimal effort, while the locking mechanism gave us peace of mind during stops. The build quality is exceptional, with weather-resistant materials that should stand up to years of adventures on the water.

23 Nov

Exterior Accessories

Our In-Depth Experience with Thule Hull-a-Port Aero Kayak Rack

November 23, 2025
By Drivecraft
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Our In-Depth Experience with Thule Hull-a-Port Aero Kayak Rack

We recently put the Thule Hull-a-Port Aero Rooftop Kayak Rack through its paces during our summer adventures, and we’re thoroughly impressed. The anti-theft design gave us peace of mind when leaving our kayak on the car during pit stops. What really stood out was the foldable design-when not in use, we could fold it down to reduce drag and improve fuel efficiency.

The rubber padding mounting surface protected our kayak from scratches while providing a secure grip. We particularly appreciated the easy strap management system, which eliminated those annoying flapping straps during highway drives. With a 75lb weight capacity, it easily accommodated our touring kayak.

Installation was straightforward, taking us less than 30 minutes. The carrier’s sturdy construction inspires confidence even at highway speeds. For kayak enthusiasts looking for convenience without sacrificing security, this rack is definitely worth considering.

23 Jul

Exterior Accessories

We Test the Thule Hullavator Pro: Kayaking Made Easy

After three months of testing the Thule Hullavator Pro, we’re convinced this kayak carrier is a game-changer for paddling enthusiasts. The gas-assisted struts did the heavy lifting, reducing the kayak’s weight by up to 40 pounds when loading. We particularly appreciated how the carrier lowers the kayak by 24 inches to the side of our vehicle, eliminating awkward overhead lifting.

Installation was straightforward, though the unit is admittedly hefty at 56 pounds. The corrosion-resistant aluminum construction held up beautifully during our coastal adventures where salt exposure is constant.

What impressed us most was the stability during transport-even on windy highways, our kayak remained firmly secured with the eight touch points of padded support. While the $850 price tag represents a significant investment, the back-saving design and durability make it worthwhile for serious kayakers who hit the water regularly.

13 Jul

Exterior Accessories

YAKIMA JayLow: Our Top Pick for Versatile Kayak Transport

After testing numerous kayak racks this season, we’ve found the YAKIMA JayLow to be exceptionally impressive. This rooftop carrier offers remarkable flexibility with both J-cradle and stacker positions, allowing us to transport either one boat in the J-cradle or two in the stacker configuration. We appreciate how the tool-free installation made setup a breeze on our crossbars, while the padded contact points ensure our kayaks remain scratch-free during transit. The integrated SKS (Same Key System) locks provide peace of mind when we need to make stops along the way. What really sets the JayLow apart is its folding design-when not in use, it collapses down to minimize wind noise and improve clearance for garages. For paddlers seeking a reliable, adaptable transportation solution, we highly recommend the YAKIMA JayLow.