Whether you’re a seasoned kayaker or just starting out, having the right gear can make all the difference. A Subaru Forester kayak rack is a great investment to ensure you can safely and easily transport your kayak to your favorite waterways. But with so many options on the market, it can be overwhelming to choose the right one.
In this article, we’ll guide you through the top Subaru Forester kayak racks available, so you can hit the water with confidence and ease.
In short, based on our assessment, we believe that the Thule Hullavator Pro Kayak Carrier is the top choice for a Subaru Forester Kayak Rack due to its comprehensive features. However, we have also presented other notable alternatives for you to consider in our article. Check it out here
What Are The Best Kayak Racks For Subaru Forester Available Now For Purchase?
Many Thule items are recommended in the Subaru Forester accessory brochure. Nonetheless, we still got many other options for you to check out.
To save you the trouble of looking for the best Subaru Forester Kayak Rack, we summed the Five best options available for purchase today right here down below:
Thule Hullavator Pro Kayak Carrier
The Thule Hullavator Pro Kayak Carrier might be the best kayak roof rack for Subaru Forester owners looking to safely and easily transport their kayak. With its lift-assist design, this kayak rack allows you to load and unload your kayak with ease, even when you’re on your own.
The gas-assist struts lift and lower up to 40 lbs of your kayak’s weight, while the double-extending arms enable you to load and unload at waist height. The kayak cradles feature 8 touchpoints of padded support, ensuring maximum protection for your kayak during transport. Additionally, the corrosion-resistant cradles are designed to expand and accommodate wider kayaks.
Constructed with aluminum and double-coated steel, this kayak carrier is built to last and withstand harsh outdoor conditions. It comes with bow and stern tie-downs to secure your kayak during transport and has a load capacity of up to 75 lbs.
Measuring 36 x 6 x 16 inches and weighing 39.7 lbs, this kayak carrier is specifically designed to fit the Subaru Forester roof and provide a safe and secure way to transport your kayak to your next adventure.
Yakima JayLow Rooftop Mounted Kayak Rack
The Yakima JayLow Rooftop Mounted Kayak Rack has the ability to carry up to 2 kayaks, this rack fits 1 kayak in a J-cradle position (up to 80 lbs.) or 2 kayaks in a vertical, stacked position (up to 110 lbs. combined).
This kayak rack is designed to fit most crossbars, including Yakima SteamLine and round, square, factory, and aerodynamic crossbars, with a minimum crossbar spread of 24″. The rack comes fully assembled out of the box and can be installed tool-free in about 10 minutes.
Included with the rack are all the necessary hardware and straps, including Heavy-Duty Straps and Bow/Stern Tie-Downs, to secure your gear.
Additionally, the rack features an integrated cam lever that allows you to adjust the upright position with ease. When not in use, the rack can be easily folded flat for better clearance and reduced drag.
HandiRack Universal Inflatable Soft Roof Rack Bars
The HandiRack Universal Inflatable Soft Roof Rack Bars for transporting your kayaks, canoes, surfboards, SUPs, and other gear on your Subaru Forester.
This inflatable roof rack features air-filled cross bars that cushion and protect your load, with a load capacity of up to 175 lbs. The heavy-duty 400D Nylon material ensures durability and strength, while the low drag and noise design ensures a smooth ride.
This cost-effective universal roof rack is easy to install and requires no tools, taking only 5 minutes to set up. The twin bars are secured by a pass-through cabin fitting strap, which then fastens in a heavy-duty cam buckle.
The HandiRack fits all types of vehicles, including compact, sedan, MPV, SUV, crossover, 4×4, 2, 3, 4, or 5-door vehicles, including the Subaru Forester.
Included in the package are 2 HandiRack twin tubes, each with 5 D-ring metal anchor points, 2 9.8ft tiedown HandiStraps, 2 11ft Bow and Stern lines, a high-volume HandiPump for inflating each bladder, a user manual, and a drawstring travel bag.
Please note that the HandiRack is not suitable for vehicles with soft-tops and curtain airbags, and should not be left on the vehicle when not in use. However, it is certified for use up to highway speeds and is tested on many brands, including Subaru..
With the HandiRack Universal Inflatable Soft Roof Rack Bars, you can easily and safely transport all your gear on your Subaru Forester without the need for a bulky and expensive permanent roof rack.
Thule Hull-a-Port Pro Rooftop Kayak Carrier
The Thule Hull-a-Port Pro Rooftop Kayak Carrier is designed to create more room on the load bar, making it easier to transport your kayak alongside other gear.
With a PFD lever (pull, fold, done), you can quickly fold the carrier down for improved overhead clearance when not in use. The carrier can accommodate kayaks up to 34 inches wide and 75 pounds, thanks to its sturdy and durable construction.
The J-profile of the carrier makes it easy to load and unload your kayak, while the quick on-and-off hardware ensures that you can get on the road in no time. The carrier comes complete with two ratcheting bows and stern tie downs and two straps with buckle protectors, ensuring that your kayak is securely fastened to your Forester’s roof.
The Thule Hull-a-Port Pro Rooftop Kayak Carrier is compatible with Thule rack systems, round bars, and most factory racks. With dimensions of 20 x 10.5 x 5.5 inches and a weight capacity of 75 pounds, it is the perfect choice for Subaru Forester owners who want a high-quality and reliable kayak carrier. Plus, at just 12.6 pounds, it won’t weigh you down when you’re loading and unloading your kayak.
TMS Kayak Roof Racks for 2 Kayaks
The TMS Kayak Roof Racks for Subaru Forester are the perfect choice for anyone looking for a reliable and affordable option to transport their kayaks.
Featuring dual universal fit carriers and two sets of straps, these easy-to-mount J-Bar style carriers can accommodate kayaks, canoes, paddleboards, and surfboards. These Subaru Forester double kayak racks are designed to mount to virtually all crossbars and load bars on the market, ensuring compatibility with your vehicle.
The carriers are constructed with a steel design and adjustable padding, ensuring optimal carrying strength and kayak protection. With a wide-mouth J bar, loading and unloading your kayak has never been easier, also the quick on/off hardware ensures fast installation and removal, allowing you to switch between transporting your kayaks and other items effortlessly.
This Subaru Forester kayak rack boasts an all-surface rust-resistant coating and hardware, offering a longer product life. The powder-coated finish ensures durability in any weather condition.
Capable of accommodating kayaks up to 36″ wide and 75lbs, these carriers are compatible with most crossbars and load bars. The TMS Kayak Roof Rack comes with all mounting hardware included, making installation a breeze.
Conclusion: What Is The Best Kayak Rack For Subaru Forester?
In conclusion, choosing the right Subaru Forester kayak rack is an important decision for any watersport enthusiast.
Each of the 5 Subaru Forester kayak racks we’ve discussed in this article offers unique features and benefits, making it easier to transport your Kayaks safely and efficiently. These Kayak racks are designed to meet the needs of Subaru Forester owners with different preferences and budgets.
Please note that there are a number of criteria to consider when buying the best Subaru Forester kayak rack.
Moreover, we recommend double-checking the compatibility and fitment with your specific Subaru Forester vehicle before purchasing.
It’s important to note that the majority of Kayak racks require a pre-existing roof rack or cross bars for proper and secure mounting.
After that being said we believe that the best Subaru Forester kayak rack would be the Thule Hullavator Pro Kayak Carrier for offering the best value and modern features all around, which are very helpful for any adventure. Check the best price by clicking the link below:
However, if you prefer a Subaru Forester kayak rack that is more budget-friendly and versatile we recommend the HandiRack Universal Inflatable Soft Roof Rack Bars since it can be used for other applications as well. Check the best price by clicking the link below:
In the end, we hope you found our Best Subaru Forester Kayak Rack article valuable and pleasant, and if so, please assist us by sharing it, since sharing drives us to create more relevant content.
