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.

13 Aug

Exterior Accessories

Our Take on ARKSEN’s Folding J-Bar Kayak Rack System

August 13, 2025
By premieracmech@gmail.com
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Our Take on ARKSEN’s Folding J-Bar Kayak Rack System

We recently got our hands on the ARKSEN Universal Folding Kayak Roof Rack, and we’re pleased with its versatility. The J-bar design securely cradles kayaks and canoes while the universal mounting system attached easily to our crossbars. What impressed us most was the folding feature-when not in use, the rack folds down flat, reducing wind noise and improving clearance for garages or low overhangs.

The heavy-duty steel construction feels robust enough to handle our 70-pound kayak without issue. We appreciate the adjustability that accommodates different hull shapes, and the padded contact points protect our boat’s finish during transport.

Installation took us about 30 minutes, requiring basic tools and minimal effort. The included straps work effectively, though we recommend adding bow and stern lines for complete security during highway travel.

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.

10 Jul

Exterior Accessories

Our Take on the Leader Accessories Folding Kayak Rack: Worth It?

July 10, 2025
By Drivecraft
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Our Take on the Leader Accessories Folding Kayak Rack: Worth It?

We recently tested the Leader Accessories Folding Kayak Rack, and we’re impressed with its versatility. This 4-piece J-bar system mounts easily to most crossbars, providing secure transport for kayaks, canoes, and SUPs. What sets this rack apart is its folding design-when not in use, it collapses down, solving the clearance issues we’ve experienced with fixed racks.

The included four tie-down straps are a thoughtful addition, eliminating the need for separate purchases. During our highway test, the rack held our kayaks firmly with minimal noise. Installation was straightforward, taking us about 30 minutes without specialized tools.

While the powder coating seems durable, we recommend checking the tightness of bolts before long trips. Overall, at this price point, we believe this rack offers excellent value for occasional to regular paddlers looking for a practical solution.