Kayaking

Where in the boat do you want to sit? 

• Sit-in kayaks move fast, track straight with covered cargo compartments. Good for paddling to a destination and in cooler conditions.  
• Sit-on-top kayaks are easy to get on, self-draining and less confining. Best for easy flowing waters and warmer conditions. 

What category of kayak is best for you? 

• Recreational: Affordable, stable, easy to use and simple to turn. Best for shorter outings.   
• Day touring: Sleeker and more efficient. Easier to transport and handle than touring models but often pricier. 
• Touring: Ideal for long distances, tracks and handles wind and currents well with more storage—but at higher cost. 
• Specialty: Includes folding, inflatable, tandem and pedal-powered models. Great for limited storage or specific activities like fishing. 

Where do you want to paddle? 

• Calm waters (lakes): Any sit-on-top or recreational sit-in kayak is a fun choice. 
• Flowing rivers (no technical rapids): Choose a short, stable recreational or day-touring model.  
• If dealing with wind, waves, currents and tides: Look for a sit-in touring kayak with a rudder or fin. A sit-on-top is a good choice if you don’t mind getting wet. 

Choose a category

Base roof racks

• A roof rack system includes three components: cross bars that run horizontally across a vehicle's roof, towers and fit kits or clips
• Cross bars serve as the base for attaching other racks, such as cargo roof boxes, roof bike racks or kayak racks

Bike racks

Options include:

• Bike hitch racks attach to a vehicle trailer hitch
• Roof bike racks secure your bike to cross bars by attaching the bike's fork, frame or wheels
• Trunk car racks attach to trunks or rear hatches with straps

Watercraft racks

Options like J-cradles are designed to carry kayaks, paddle boards or canoes

Ski and snowboard racks

Roof-mounted options require crossbars while hitch-mounted options secure skis and snowboards on the back of the vehicle

Cargo roof boxes

These hard-sided containers mount to a roof rack and keep gear secure. They're versatile for storing long, loose or odd-size gear in an enclosed system.

Where on your car do you want to haul gear?

• Roof carriers leave your trunk free but require lifting gear overhead
• Trailer hitch racks secure gear on the back of your vehicle

Which rack fits your vehicle?

Use brand guides find car racks that fit your vehicle.