Subaru Forester has got all the features that a die-hard kayaker expects from an SUV. Riding on a Subaru Forester is smooth af when the condition of the road is excellent. Even when you are heading off-road, it still manages to offer comfortable a ride as Subaru Forester comes jam-packed with tons of innovative features. Now mounting a kayak on its roof should not be that complicated right? Well, you could not be more wrong.
To make your job easier, here we have handpicked some of the best kayak racks that you can install on Subaru Forester –
Best 5 Kayak Racks for
Subaru Forester
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01. Best Marine Folding Kayak Roof Rack
You ain’t gonna believe how handy the Best Marine Folding Kayak Roof Rack is once you get it up top your Subaru Forester. First thing you spot, it’s got that smart fold-down design, saving you from them ugly overhangs when you ain’t haulin’ no kayak or surfboard. Built from rust-proof, powder-coated steel, it kinda laughs right in the face of rain and salty air. The thick padding wrapped around the cradles hugs your gear like a mama bear — you ain’t gotta be frettin’ about no scuffs or scratches no more. Whether you’re luggin’ a 12-foot kayak, paddleboard, or a SUP board, this rack got the muscle to hold up to 100 pounds, which suits most outdoor folks just fine.
But listen, it ain’t all roses. While the rack folds down easy, sometimes the locking pin can be a bit fiddly, specially if you got them cold fingers. Also, the installation instructions they toss in the box ain’t exactly poetry, so you better have a pinch of patience. Overall though, for a Subaru Forester owner who’s serious about paddlin’ and surfin’, this Best Marine kayak rack gonna serve you better than most.
Pros:
- ✅ Strong powder-coated steel frame fights rust like a champ
- ✅ Thick foam padding protects kayaks and surfboards real good
- ✅ Folds down flat when not in use, less wind noise on highways
- ✅ Handles loads up to 100 lbs — covers most SUP boards and fishing kayaks
Cons:
- ❌ Locking pin can be a lil’ tricky to engage, specially in cold weather
- ❌ Instructions ain’t the clearest thing you’ll ever read
- ❌ Might need aftermarket crossbars if your Subaru Forester don’t already got ’em sturdy enough
02. Thule Compass Kayak Roof Rack
If you’re rolling with a Subaru Forester, the Thule Compass Kayak Roof Rack might just be that pal you didn’t know you needed. One thing’s for sure, it’s super versatile—you can chuck one kayak flat, stand it up J-style, or even squeeze two kayaks side-by-side if you need. Built tough like, it holds up to 130 pounds, which’s more than plenty for most kayaks and SUP boards. Setup ain’t rocket science either, thanks to the universal mounting hardware fitting almost any crossbars—whether you rocking factory bars, Thule crossbars, or Yakima ones. You gonna appreciate the thick padding too, cause it hugs your boats without them getting scratched up like crazy.
But hey, not everything’s all sunshine. Price tag ain’t exactly cheap, and lifting your kayak high up on a Subaru Forester rooftop can be a sweaty mess if you ain’t tall. Plus, some folks been mumbling about the bolts needing retightening every now and then, which’s kinda annoying when you just wanna hit the water fast.
Pros:
- ✅ Fits kayak and SUP in multiple loading styles.
- ✅ Maximum load capacity of 130 lbs.
- ✅ Thick padding prevents hull damage.
- ✅ Compatible with most crossbar types, including factory Subaru bars.
- ✅ Tool-free installation (mostly) once you figure it out.
Cons:
- ❌ Costs more than many simpler roof racks.
- ❌ Might be hard to lift kayaks onto a high SUV like a Forester solo.
- ❌ Bolts may need re-tightening after a few trips.
- ❌ Straps coulda been a lil’ longer for big fishing kayaks.
03. Yakima JayLow Kayak J Cradle
If you’re thinking bout tossing a Yakima JayLow Kayak J Cradle on your Subaru Forester, oh boy you’re gonna like it. This beast ain’t just for show, it’s all about real muscle and brains packed together. You can haul 1 kayak in the classic J-cradle style, or 2 kayaks stacked up vertical if you got a buddy tagging along. Fits like a charm on most factory crossbars, especially them Forester ones, so you ain’t gotta waste your weekend figuring out modifications. Plus, the JayLow folds down flat when you ain’t using it, which actually helps the gas mileage a bit. Some folks been saying they drove with it folded and barely noticed any whistling. Real neat when you planning long trips toward the lakes or sneaky river bends.
✅ Pros:
- ✅ Carries 1 kayak in J-cradle or 2 stacked — super flexible.
- ✅ Compatible with Subaru Forester factory roof racks straight out the box.
- ✅ Built-in ramp assists loading, no back-breaking.
- ✅ Folds flat to reduce drag, keep it stealthy.
- ✅ Comes bundled with heavy-duty straps and bow/stern tie downs.
❌ Cons:
- ❌ Adjusting the angle can sometimes get fiddly if your hands wet.
- ❌ Plastic parts might wear faster if left baking under full summer sun all year.
Now, one little thing that makes the Yakima JayLow a darling is how low-profile it becomes when you’re not hauling a kayak. You don’t gotta keep removing it everytime like them bulky ones. It’s made mostly of rugged steel with a nice cushy padding so your kayak don’t get them ugly scratches. Important if you love your boat looking fresh. Also, installation on the Subaru Forester barely takes 15 mins if you ain’t trying to overthink the instructions (which, let’s be honest, we all do sometimes). Just make sure you double knot them straps when you planning them highway speeds cause… safety first always, friend.
04. XCAR 2 Pairs Universal Kayak Rack
If you thinking ’bout hauling your kayak on a Subaru Forester, that XCAR 2 Pairs Universal Kayak Rack might actually do the trick better than you’d expect. Made from heavy-duty steel, these racks hold up kayaks without feeling flimsy or wobbly which honestly lotta cheap racks out there struggle with. You gonna like that it’s got a pretty universal fit, so even if your Forester got factory crossbars or aftermarket ones, it sticks just fine. Foam padding thick enough to feel like your kayak’s gettin’ a hug, not a beating. The hardware all looks rust-resistant too, but still, you probably wanna double-check fittings if you park outside a lot.
One thing you’ll notice, these kayak roof racks are solid but the included straps ain’t gonna impress you much. You might need better ones if you driving long distance or rough terrains. Installing this rack can be a little fiddly at first, like bolts and nuts feel like they’re playing hide and seek. But once you tighten up good, this thing not moving nowhere. Overall, for a Subaru Forester kayak rack setup, the XCAR Universal J-Bar Racks really give you solid bang for your buck if you don’t mind lil’ tinkering.
✅ Pros:
- ✅ Heavy-duty steel construction, don’t feel cheap at all
- ✅ Fits Subaru Forester crossbars (factory and aftermarket both)
- ✅ Foam padding protects kayak from scratches
- ✅ Rust-resistant hardware for longer lifespan
- ✅ Can hold up to 36″ wide kayaks easy
❌ Cons:
- ❌ Included straps kinda weak, you might wanna upgrade ’em
- ❌ Installation instructions a bit confusing, trial and error needed
- ❌ Might not be a super fit for very thick crossbars
- ❌ Bolts need frequent checking if you drive bumpy roads a lot
05. AA-Racks 2 Pair J-Bar Rack
If you’re using a Subaru Forester and ya need something rugged but don’t wanna spend a fortune, the AA-Racks 2 Pair J-Bar Rack be a pretty sweet pick. This kayak rack fits real snug on most crossbars, plus it’s made with heavy duty steel so it ain’t gonna wobble like them cheaper ones. You get two pairs, which mean carrying two kayaks at once if ya feel adventurous someday. Installation not too much headache either, even tho instructions kinda weirdly worded. Folks with Subaru Forester love it cause it don’t sit too tall, still clears most garages easy. Also, the foam padding? Thick enough you won’t scratch up your kayak’s finish unless you install sloppy.
Pros:
- ✅ Solid steel construction that don’t flex easily
- ✅ Carries two kayaks side-by-side on your Subaru Forester
- ✅ Thick rubber padding protects your kayak from scratches
- ✅ Affordable price for 2 full sets
- ✅ Fits most round, square and aero crossbars good enough
Cons:
- ❌ Instructions kinda confuse more than help sometimes
- ❌ Straps included ain’t the best, might wanna buy better ones
- ❌ Some folks say the paint chips off after long use
Running kayaks on a Subaru Forester ain’t never been this easy with the AA-Racks J-Bar setup. The black powder coating gives it a neat look, but you gotta watch after few months for rust if you live where it rains a lot. And buddy, you better double-check them bolts after first drive, cause they loosen tiny bit if you ain’t tighten crazy tight from the start. The way the J-Bar rack angles your kayaks makes it easier loading even if you short or ain’t got super strength. Honestly, if you just need strong and no-fancy kayak rack for cheap, this one beats a lotta overpriced junk out there right now.
What is Wrong With Outback’s Crossbars
Subaru Forester has slightly changed the shape of its bar so that the roof rails can easily be fitted into the existing crossbar system and this is exactly where the problem creeps in. This uniquely shaped crossbar is now widely being considered to be a misfit in the industry. Hardly will you come across a kayak roof rack that can be fitted onto it. This makes lives difficult for those Subaru Forester owners who can’t choose between their passion for kayaking and Subaru Forester.
Unlike after-market crossbars that are commonly available in the market, the factory crossbars that come preinstalled in Subaru Forester are very thin and it does not look like, it will be able to withstand the weight of the kayak for long. However, the company claims that the crossbars have a maximum 150lbs weight capacity but you have to take this information with a grain of salt.
However, thankfully, Subaru Forester has recently simplified the design of the rail and this makes it easier for people to get it fitted with other commonly available aftermarket crossbars.
What to Look Out in A Kayak Rack for Subaru Forester
Unless you don’t want to feel disgusted with your choice of kayak rack, you need to be careful during the selection process. Here are some crucial features that you need carefully consider before making the final call –
1. Kayaking Frequency
So, how many times do you go out for kayaking in a month? If it is one or two times a month, you might settle for a cheaper one because in that case, the kayak rack would not have to deal with the daily drudgery. But if you are planning to kayak almost every other day, you will have to settle for a kayak rack that can withstand daily abuse with ease and elan. Moreover, you will also have to make sure that the kayak rack you select at the end allows you to load and unload kayaks at ease.
2. How Many Kayaks You are Planning to Carry?
You can easily carry 2 kayaks on Subaru Forester but in case, you want to increase the number, you might have to purchase a stacker in that case.
3. Take A Good Look At The Roof of The Car
You need to take a close hard look at the roof of your car before you decide to purchase the right kayak roof rack for your Subaru Forester. Now cars come fitted with aftermarket crossbars whereas some come equipped with factory sidebars. So, you have to consider this otherwise you might end up purchasing a kayak rack that may or may not be compatible with the existing roof rack system of your car. The same goes for Subaru Forester. However, most Subaru Foresters come equipped with crossbars that mean, you can easily fit stackers, saddles, or j-cradles without facing any such issue.
4. Distance
Remove temporary pads from your list in case you want to travel far and wide and explore new waters because these temporary pads are notorious for their short lifespan. Temporary pads are known to wear out very fast and therefore, if you are planning to travel long distances, you should always opt for high-quality kayak racks so that you don’t have to replace them every now and then.
