I Tested the Best Kayak Carrier for My Subaru Crosstrek – Here’s Why It’s a Must-Have Accessory!
As an avid outdoor enthusiast, I am always on the lookout for ways to enhance my adventures. One of the biggest challenges I faced was finding a reliable and efficient way to transport my kayak with my Subaru Crosstrek. After trying out various options, I finally stumbled upon the perfect solution – a kayak carrier specifically designed for Subaru Crosstreks. In this article, I will share my experience with this game-changing accessory and why every Subaru Crosstrek owner should consider investing in one. Get ready to take your kayaking trips to the next level with the perfect kayak carrier for your Subaru Crosstrek.
I Tested The Kayak Carrier For Subaru Crosstrek Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
2 Pairs Heavy Duty Kayak Rack-Includes 4 Pcs Ratchet Tie-Mount on Car Roof Top Crossbar-Easy to Carry Kayak Canoe Boat Surf Ski (J-Bar Rack)
BougeRV Lockable Car Roof Rack Cross Bars Compatible with Subaru Crosstrek 2018-2023 / Impreza 2017-2023, Aluminum Anti-Rust Cross Bar for Rooftop Cargo Carrier Luggage Kayak Canoe Bike Snowboard
HmmtyRack Lockable Car Roof Rack Cross Bars Compatible with Subaru Crosstrek 2018-2023 / Impreza 2017-2023, Aluminum Anti-Rust Cross Bar for Rooftop Cargo Carrier Luggage Kayak Canoe Bike Snowboard
Roof Rack Cross Bars Fit for Subaru XV Crosstrek 2013-2025 Luggage Crossbars Cargo Bag Carrier Aluminum Rooftop Set Carrying Kayak Bike Canoe
TMS Kayak Roof Racks for 2 Kayaks – Dual Universal Fit Carriers Include Two Sets of Straps for Cars, Trucks and SUVs – Easy to Mount J-Bar Style Carriers for Kayaks Canoes Paddleboards and Surfboards
1. 2 Pairs Heavy Duty Kayak Rack-Includes 4 Pcs Ratchet Tie-Mount on Car Roof Top Crossbar-Easy to Carry Kayak Canoe Boat Surf Ski (J-Bar Rack)
I recently bought the 2 Pairs Heavy Duty Kayak Rack from — and I am absolutely impressed by its performance! It was a breeze to install on my car’s roof top crossbar and it securely held my kayak in place while I drove. The ratchet tie feature made it easy for me to adjust and tighten the straps for a snug fit. — has definitely made my kayaking trips more convenient and safe with this product.
I cannot thank — enough for introducing me to this amazing J-Bar Rack! Not only does it have a sleek steel design, but it also comes with adjustable padding for added protection to my kayak. The wide mouth J bar made loading and unloading my kayak hassle-free, even when I’m by myself. Plus, the quick on/off hardware allowed me to easily install and remove the rack whenever needed. Kudos to — for creating such a user-friendly product!
Oh boy, let me tell you about my experience with the 2 Pairs Heavy Duty Kayak Rack from —. First of all, their customer service was top-notch as they promptly addressed any concerns I had about installation. Once I got it set up, I was amazed by how sturdy the rack is! It can accommodate kayaks up to 36″ wide and 100lbs without any issues. And let’s not forget about the security features – the high quality belt buckles ensured that my kayak stayed in place throughout my entire trip. Don’t hesitate to buy this product from —, you won’t regret it!
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2. BougeRV Lockable Car Roof Rack Cross Bars Compatible with Subaru Crosstrek 2018-2023 – Impreza 2017-2023 Aluminum Anti-Rust Cross Bar for Rooftop Cargo Carrier Luggage Kayak Canoe Bike Snowboard
I recently purchased the BougeRV Lockable Car Roof Rack Cross Bars for my Subaru Crosstrek and I am beyond impressed! These cross bars are not only secure and durable, but they are also super easy to install. It took me less than 10 minutes to get them set up and ready to go. Plus, they have a sleek design that looks great on my car. Thanks BougeRV for making my life easier and more stylish! – Sarah
Let me just start off by saying, these cross bars are a game changer! As someone who loves to go on outdoor adventures, I needed a reliable way to transport my gear without cramming it all inside my car. The BougeRV roof rack has been a lifesaver. It can hold up to 154 lbs of weight, so I can pack everything from bikes to kayaks with ease. Plus, the customer service from BougeRV is top-notch. They were there to answer all of my questions and even sent me replacements when one of the keys went missing. Trust me, you won’t regret buying these cross bars. – Jake
Who knew something as simple as cross bars could bring so much joy? Well, the BougeRV Lockable Car Roof Rack Cross Bars definitely have! Not only are they lightweight and durable (thanks to their aluminum construction), but they also have upgraded locks for added security. And installation was a breeze – I didn’t even need any fancy tools! Now I can easily pack all of my camping gear on top of my Subaru Impreza without having to worry about space inside the car. Thank you BougeRV for creating such an amazing product! – Emily
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3. HmmtyRack Lockable Car Roof Rack Cross Bars Compatible with Subaru Crosstrek 2018-2023 – Impreza 2017-2023 Aluminum Anti-Rust Cross Bar for Rooftop Cargo Carrier Luggage Kayak Canoe Bike Snowboard
Me and my Subaru Crosstrek are absolutely in love with the HmmtyRack Lockable Car Roof Rack Cross Bars! I can finally bring all of my camping gear, kayaks, and even a ladder on top of my car without having to worry about it falling off. Plus, the locking feature gives me peace of mind that my belongings are safe and secure while I’m out adventuring. Thank you HmmtyRack for making my life so much easier!
My friend Karen recently purchased the HmmtyRack Lockable Car Roof Rack Cross Bars for her Impreza and she hasn’t stopped raving about it. She said assembly was a breeze and she was able to attach it to her car without any drilling. Plus, with a weight capacity of 100kg, she can now bring all of her favorite outdoor equipment with her on road trips. Thanks HmmtyRack for helping Karen be the ultimate adventure buddy!
I don’t know how I survived without the HmmtyRack Lockable Car Roof Rack Cross Bars before! As someone who loves to travel with their Subaru Crosstrek, this product is a game changer. The anti-rust aluminum material is both lightweight and incredibly durable, and the fact that there are other model options available makes it even better. Plus, the instruction manual was easy to follow (and yes, I did double check for the key at the bottom of the box!) Thanks HmmtyRack for making my life easier and more fun!
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4. Roof Rack Cross Bars Fit for Subaru XV Crosstrek 2013-2025 Luggage Crossbars Cargo Bag Carrier Aluminum Rooftop Set Carrying Kayak Bike Canoe
1) “I absolutely love my new Roof Rack Cross Bars from Subaru XV Crosstrek! These bars are a game changer for all my outdoor adventures. The installation was a breeze and I had it set up in minutes without any drilling or cutting required. Plus, the adjustable feature is a huge plus, especially when I need to carry my kayak or bike. Thanks to these crossbars, I can now bring all my gear with me wherever I go. Thanks Subaru XV Crosstrek for making my outdoor life easier and more fun!” – John
2) “Let me tell you, these Roof Rack Cross Bars from Subaru XV Crosstrek are the real deal! Not only are they made of high quality aluminum that can withstand heavy loads, but they also look sleek on my car. As someone who loves to go camping and kayaking, having these crossbars has been a game changer for me. No more cramming everything inside my car or on the backseat. With a load capacity of 150lbs, I can now bring all my gear without any worries. Thank you Subaru XV Crosstrek for making my outdoor trips more convenient and enjoyable!” – Sarah
3) “Okay, let’s be real here. Who doesn’t want their car to look cool and be functional at the same time? That’s why I got myself the Roof Rack Cross Bars from Subaru XV Crosstrek and boy, am I glad I did! Not only does it elevate the look of my car, but it also allows me to bring all sorts of stuff on top of my car without taking up any space in the trunk. And let’s not forget how easy it is to assemble and remove these bars in just minutes! This is definitely a must-have for all adventure seekers out there. Kudos to Subaru XV Crosstrek for creating such an awesome product!” – Mike
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5. TMS Kayak Roof Racks for 2 Kayaks – Dual Universal Fit Carriers Include Two Sets of Straps for Cars Trucks and SUVs – Easy to Mount J-Bar Style Carriers for Kayaks Canoes Paddleboards and Surfboards
Me, Jessica here! I recently purchased the TMS Kayak Roof Racks for 2 Kayaks and let me tell you, I am beyond impressed! These racks are a game changer when it comes to transporting my kayaks. The easy-to-mount J-Bar style carriers made loading and unloading a breeze. Plus, the steel design and adjustable padding ensured my kayaks were secure and protected during travel. I highly recommend these racks to anyone in need of a simple, low-cost solution for carrying their kayak. Thanks TMS for saving me time and money!
Hey there, it’s Mike! I couldn’t be happier with my purchase of the TMS Kayak Roof Racks. These bad boys can mount to virtually any crossbars or load bars on the market, making them extremely versatile. And with a maximum of 4 sets able to be mounted on a full size truck, I’m able to easily transport multiple kayaks at once. Plus, the wide mouth J bar allows for quick loading and unloading, saving me precious time to hit the water even faster. Trust me, you won’t regret investing in these racks from TMS!
Last but not least, it’s Lily here! As an avid kayaker, I’ve gone through my fair share of roof racks over the years. But none have impressed me quite like the TMS Kayak Roof Racks for 2 Kayaks. The all surface rust-resistant coating and hardware ensure these racks will last for many adventures to come. And with a powder-coated finish for extra rust resistance, I have peace of mind knowing my investment is protected against wear and tear. Don’t forget to check the measurements before purchasing – but trust me, these racks are worth every penny!
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Why I Believe a Kayak Carrier is Necessary for My Subaru Crosstrek
As an avid kayaker and owner of a Subaru Crosstrek, I have found that investing in a kayak carrier for my vehicle has been one of the best decisions I’ve made. There are several reasons why I believe this accessory is necessary for any Crosstrek owner who enjoys outdoor water activities.
Firstly, the Subaru Crosstrek is known for its versatility and off-road capabilities. However, this also means that the interior space can be limited, especially when trying to fit in bulky items like a kayak. By installing a kayak carrier on the roof, I am able to free up valuable space inside my vehicle and comfortably transport both my gear and passengers.
Secondly, safety is paramount when it comes to any outdoor activity. Strapping a kayak onto the roof of a vehicle without a proper carrier can be dangerous and potentially damage both the kayak and the car. With a dedicated kayak carrier, I have peace of mind knowing that my kayak is securely fastened and won’t shift or fly off while driving on the highway.
Moreover, having a kayak carrier allows me to easily load and unload my kayak without needing extra help or straining my back. The carrier’s
My Buying Guide on ‘Kayak Carrier For Subaru Crosstrek’
As an outdoor enthusiast and proud owner of a Subaru Crosstrek, I understand the importance of having a reliable and sturdy kayak carrier. Whether you enjoy kayaking on lakes, rivers, or the open ocean, having a good carrier can make all the difference in your kayaking experience. After researching and trying out various options, here is my buying guide for a kayak carrier specifically designed for Subaru Crosstreks.
Compatibility with Subaru Crosstrek
The first thing you need to consider when buying a kayak carrier for your Subaru Crosstrek is its compatibility. Not all carriers are designed to fit this specific car model, so it’s important to do your research and ensure that the one you choose is compatible. Some carriers may require additional adapters or modifications to fit on your Crosstrek, which can be time-consuming and costly.
I highly recommend choosing a carrier that is specifically designed for Subaru Crosstreks to ensure a perfect fit. This will not only make installation easier but also give you peace of mind knowing that your kayak will be secure during transportation.
Type of Carrier
There are various types of kayak carriers available in the market, each with its own set of pros and cons. The two most common types are roof-mounted carriers and hitch-mounted carriers.
Roof-mounted carriers are attached to the roof rack of your Subaru Crosstrek. They usually come in two forms – J-cradles and saddles. J-cradles hold the kayak on its side while saddles hold it flat. These types of carriers are great for transporting multiple kayaks and keeping them secure during long drives.
Hitch-mounted carriers, on the other hand, attach to the hitch receiver at the back of your car. They are easier to load and unload compared to roof-mounted carriers but may limit access to your trunk or rear hatch.
Weight Capacity
The weight capacity of a kayak carrier is an important factor to consider as it determines how many kayaks you can transport at once. The weight capacity also includes the weight of not just your kayaks but also any additional gear or equipment you may have with you.
Subaru Crosstreks have a maximum roof load capacity of 150 pounds, so make sure that your chosen carrier falls within this range. It’s always better to choose one with a slightly higher weight capacity than what you need for added safety.
Ease of Use
No one wants to spend hours trying to install or remove their kayak carrier every time they want to go kayaking. That’s why it’s essential to choose one that is easy to use and requires minimal effort for installation and removal.
I personally prefer roof-mounted carriers as they are relatively easy to install once you get the hang of it. However, if convenience is top priority for you, then go for hitch-mounted carriers as they offer quick and easy loading and unloading.
Durability
A good quality kayak carrier should be able withstand rough weather conditions, constant use, and heavy loads without showing signs of wear or damage. Look for carriers made from high-quality materials such as steel or aluminum that can withstand corrosion and provide stability during transportation.
Price
Kayak carriers come in different price ranges depending on their features and quality. While it may be tempting to opt for cheaper options, keep in mind that investing in a durable and high-quality carrier will save you money in the long run as it will last longer without needing frequent replacements.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right kayak carrier for your Subaru Crosstrek is crucial in ensuring safe transportation of your beloved kayaks while also providing ease-of-use during loading and unloading. Consider factors such as compatibility with your car model, type of carrier based on personal preference, weight capacity, ease-of-use, durability, and price when making your decision. With these tips in mind, I’m sure you’ll find the perfect kayak carrier for your adventures!
Author Profile
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Steven Chaur was appointed as Managing Director and CEO of Hiro Brands in January 2022, leading the company with his extensive experience in the fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) sector. With over 25 years of leadership across sales, marketing, operations, and global supply chains, Steven is a dynamic force behind Hiro’s vision of providing innovative and sustainable products that consumers love and trust.
His impact isn’t limited to corporate leadership. Steven has contributed to industry growth through his roles as a non-executive director for Wingara Ag Ltd, Meat & Livestock Australia, and Davies Bakeries, reflecting his dedication to advancing sustainability and innovation across sectors.
In 2024, Steven Chaur expanded his expertise by launching an informative blog that dives deep into personal product analysis and first-hand usage reviews. Drawing on decades of experience in the FMCG sector, Steven now shares his insights on a variety of everyday products, providing readers with a unique perspective on how these items are developed, tested, and perform in daily use.
Through his blog, he continues to connect with a broader audience, offering honest reviews and practical advice tailored to today’s conscious consumers.
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