Our Review: Thule Hull-a-Port XTR Kayak Rack System
10 Feb
Exterior Accessories

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

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.

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Our Honest Review: Thule HullaPort Pro Rooftop Kayak Rack
08 Feb
Exterior Accessories

Our Honest Review: Thule HullaPort Pro Rooftop Kayak Rack

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.

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Testing YAKIMA BigStack: Our Adventure With A 4-Boat Rack
02 Feb
Exterior Accessories

Testing YAKIMA BigStack: Our Adventure With A 4-Boat Rack

Testing YAKIMA BigStack: Our Adventure With A 4-Boat Rack

We recently put the YAKIMA BigStack through its paces during our annual kayaking retreat, and it certainly lived up to its name. This rooftop rack system efficiently secured four kayaks on our SUV, something we’d previously thought impossible without a trailer. The padded base provided excellent protection for our boats, while the adjustable overhang accommodated our varied kayak sizes.

Installation was straightforward, taking us about 20 minutes from unboxing to completion. The heavy-duty straps kept everything secure, even when we encountered some unexpected highway turbulence. We appreciated the included bow and stern tie-downs for added stability during our 200-mile journey.

While the BigStack adds considerable height to your vehicle (something to remember when entering parking garages!), the ability to transport four boats with one rack system made our group adventure significantly more convenient and economical.

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We Tested the TOOENJOY Heavy-Duty Kayak Lift Assist
25 Dec
Exterior Accessories

We Tested the TOOENJOY Heavy-Duty Kayak Lift Assist

We Tested the TOOENJOY Heavy-Duty Kayak Lift Assist

After struggling with loading our kayaks for years, we were eager to try the TOOENJOY Heavy-Duty Kayak Lift Assist Roof Rack. With its impressive 100-pound capacity, this rooftop loader significantly reduced our loading effort. The elevating assist system worked smoothly, allowing us to position our 80-pound tandem kayak with minimal strain. We appreciated the sturdy construction and weather-resistant materials that held up during our three-month testing period.

Installation took about 45 minutes, requiring only basic tools. The mechanism operates through a balanced pulley system that transforms the lifting process from a back-straining ordeal into a manageable task. Our team particularly valued the safety locks that kept everything secure during loading. While the price is higher than standard racks, the reduced physical strain and potential injury prevention make it worthwhile for regular paddlers or those with heavier watercraft.

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We Test the 4-in-1 J-Bar Kayak Rack: Versatile & Secure
03 Dec
Exterior Accessories

We Test the 4-in-1 J-Bar Kayak Rack: Versatile & Secure

We Test the 4-in-1 J-Bar Kayak Rack: Versatile & Secure

We recently put the 4-in-1 Multifunction Bilateral J-Bar Kayak Rack through its paces during our summer water adventures. This versatile carrier impressed us with its sturdy construction and thoughtful design. The J-shaped bars securely cradled our two kayaks without any concerning movement, even on winding roads.

What sets this rack apart is its multifunctionality – we easily switched between carrying kayaks, canoes, surfboards, and even our SUP without needing different equipment. The integrated paddle holders were a welcome bonus, freeing up valuable interior space in our SUV.

Installation on our crossbars was straightforward, taking under 15 minutes with the included hardware. The powder-coated steel construction suggests this rack will withstand seasons of adventures and the elements. For adventure enthusiasts looking to transport multiple watercraft without breaking the bank, this J-Bar system offers excellent value and versatility.

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We Tested the Thule Portage: Your Canoe’s New Best Friend
15 Aug
Exterior Accessories

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

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.

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Our Take on ARKSEN’s Folding J-Bar Kayak Rack System
13 Aug
Exterior Accessories

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

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.

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YAKIMA JayLow: Our Top Pick for Versatile Kayak Transport
13 Jul
Exterior Accessories

YAKIMA JayLow: Our Top Pick for Versatile Kayak Transport

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.

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

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

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.

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