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It’s always more fun when you can paddle with a buddy, so a kayak rack that can carry two kayaks might be just what you need.
We’ve checked out some of the best options out there to help you choose the right roof rack for 2 kayaks. Our top pick is the Thule Compass 4-in-1 if you’re looking for quality and versatility.
Top 11 Best Roof Racks For 2 Kayaks
1: Thule Compass 4-in-1 Kayak Rack (best J-cradle)
- Rack type: J-cradle/stacker
- Compatible with: Most crossbars
- Weight capacity: 130 pounds (75 pounds for one kayak)
The Thule Compass 4-in-1 kayak rack is a versatile kayak rack that can be a great choice if you also enjoy paddle boarding. This rack can carry one kayak up to 75 pounds in J-cradle mode or saddle mode. Or it can carry two kayaks in stacker mode. It can also carry up to two SUPs in saddle mode.
However, you can’t carry a SUP and a kayak at the same time with this rack. And it may not be the most secure if you have a very heavy kayak.
The roof rack features excellent padding on the upright arms as well as durable rubber saddles. This can help to provide a secure grip for your kayak’s hull, as well as help to prevent scratches to your kayak.
This one also has the benefit of being able to fold down flat against your roof when not in use. This means you can keep it on your roof rack for convenience with minimal impact on your vehicle’s aerodynamics or height.
It comes with two sets of load straps with BuckleBumpers for added protection, as well as bow and stern tie-down straps.
The universal mounting hardware means you can install it on most types of crossbars without needing an adaptor.
Pros
- Versatile kayak rack
- Rubber cradles
- Durable
Cons
- Not great for heavy kayaks
2: Malone Stax Pro 2 Kayak Rack (best stacker)
- Rack type: Stacker
- Compatible with: Most crossbars
- Weight capacity: 100 pounds (50 pounds per kayak)
The Malone Stax Pro 2 is one of the best kayak stacker racks on the market, with the capacity to hold up to four kayaks.
It has vertical octagon shaped posts made from strong and lightweight aluminum. The arms feature individual strap slots to tie down two kayaks.
There are foam stacker blocks that fit over and around your existing crossbars. These help to provide a padded base to support the weight of your kayak and prevent it from damage.
Another great feature is that the arms fold down flat for storage so you don’t need to remove them each time you return home from a paddling trip. However, a downside is that the arms are not padded.
The JAWZ mounting hardware is a universal fitting design so you should be able to install the rack on any roof rack without the need for tools.
A nice feature of this rack is that it comes with all the straps you need to secure two kayaks to the roof of your vehicle. The rack also benefits from having a lifetime warranty.
Pros
- Can carry up to four kayaks
- Folding stacker rack
- Universal mounting hardware
Cons
- No padding on the posts
3: Yakima BigStack Boat Rack (best for tandem kayaks)
- Rack type: Stacker
- Compatible with: most crossbars
- Weight capacity: 165 pounds
The Yakima BigStack has a high weight capacity that can be ideal for carrying two larger tandem kayaks or heavier fishing kayaks.
This is compatible with most types of crossbars, including round, square, and most factory bars. It’s also compatible with the SKS lock core system (sold separately) so you have the option of adding additional security measures.
A nice feature of this rack is that it has two options for securing your kayaks through the AnchorHead system. The outer hooks are ideal for lasso loading or you can put your straps through the center of the AnchorHead arm.
The AnchorHead posts have integrated padding to help protect your kayak’s hull from scratches and dents while on your roof.
However, there are no padded points to support your kayak from underneath. This means you may want to add padding to your crossbars to avoid your kayak’s hull resting directly on metal bars.
This rack folds down flat against your car roof for convenience and clearance. It also comes with a set of loading straps, but only for tying down one kayak. You’ll need to purchase a second set of straps to secure a second kayak.
Pros
- Optional locking system
- Padded arm
- Generous capacity
Cons
- No crossbar padding
> Rhino Rack vs Thule vs Yakima racks compared
4: Malone Foldaway 5 Kayak Carrier (best value)
- Rack type: J-cradle/stacker
- Compatible with: most crossbars
- Weight capacity: 150 pounds
The Malone Foldaway 5 Kayak Rack offers incredible value and durability. This is a versatile rack that can be ideal for multi-sport use. It can carry a SUP or a canoe, in addition to offering cradles to carry two kayaks in a stacker mode or one in a J-cradle mode.
This also features a lifetime limited warranty against manufacturing defects.
The rack is made from corrosion-resistant coated steel and features thick padding to help protect your vessel while it’s in transit.
The J-cradle has an extension arm so that both kayaks can be protected and supported during transportation instead of resting directly on crossbars. However, it can be tricky to load kayaks on tall vehicles with this one because of the upturned lip on the cradle.
It has universal mounting hardware with two lengths of mounting bolts for an improved fit on individual bars.
The rack also folds for convenience and comes with two sets of loading straps so you can secure two kayaks.
Pros
- Lifetime warranty
- Straps for two kayaks
- Padded cradles
Cons
- Not easy to load kayaks
5: TMS 2 Pairs J-Bar Rack HD Kayak Carrier (best budget)
- Rack type: J-cradle
- Compatible with: most crossbars
- Weight capacity: 75 pounds per set
This TMS J-Bar HD Kayak Rack features two sets of J-cradles and can be an easy and affordable way to transport two kayaks on the roof of your vehicle.
These powder-coated steel cradles feature adjustable padding so you can position the foam padding to suit the shape of your kayak. There are four cradles in total – two for each kayak. Each set of J-cradles can carry one kayak up to 36-inches wide and weighing up to 75 pounds.
This can be a good choice for carrying recreational kayaks, touring kayaks, and some tandem kayaks, as long as they are within the weight range. Two sets of straps are included.
A downside of these budget J-cradles is that they don’t fold down when not in use. This means you may have to remove them after each kayaking adventure if you want to be able to drive into your garage. This will likely be more of an issue with SUVs, minivans, and pickup trucks.
Pros
- Two sets of J-cradles
- Padded cradles
- Affordable kayak rack
Cons
- Don’t fold