15 Aug

We Tested the Thule Portage: Your Canoe’s New Best Friend

August 15, 2025
By Drivecraft
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We recently put the Thule Portage Canoe roof rack through its paces, and it quickly impressed our testing team. The single-canoe carrier features an intelligently designed loading shape that made getting our 16-foot canoe onto our SUV surprisingly effortless. We particularly appreciated the weather-resistant padding, which provided excellent protection for our canoe’s hull while preventing scratches during transport.

The included load straps deserve special mention – they’re remarkably durable and feature a thoughtful anti-scratch cover that protected both our canoe and vehicle. During our 200-mile testing journey, which included some rough backroads and highway driving, the Thule Portage kept our canoe firmly secured without any shifting or concerning noises.

For paddling enthusiasts seeking a reliable, user-friendly roof rack system, our testing confirms the Thule Portage delivers exceptional performance with thoughtful design elements that make canoe transport remarkably straightforward.

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.