---
title: "Three Ways to Transport Your Canoe or Kayak"
description: "Thanks to advances in materials and design, modern canoes and kayaks are lighter, stronger, and more streamlined than the paddle craft of yesteryear. However, unless you live next to water you can paddle in, they're still long and difficult to transport. Unless you own a truck or trailer, your best option for taking a boat with you when you go is a roof rack. Depending on the size of your vehicle, a rack safely holds a kayak or canoe and makes it easy to load and unload. If you've been needing a roof rack for some time, here are a few thoughts on different setups and notes about the styles that work best."
date: "2019-10-01"
modified: "2021-04-20"
authors:
  - name: "The Editors"
    link: "https://www.outdoorlife.com/authors/the-editors/"
url: "https://www.outdoorlife.com/3-ways-to-transport-your-canoe-or-kayak/"
categories:
  - "Gear"
---

# Three Ways to Transport Your Canoe or Kayak

![](<https://www.outdoorlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/01/F7Z4XVELVPI7ZAXV3M423MNXQY.jpg>)

Sometimes, getting a new toy for the outdoors also means investing in a way to carry it. This is especially true of canoes, kayaks, and SUPs, which are usually hauled via car or truck rack. If you already have the bars and roof mounts but need a rack specifically designed to haul such a vessel, here are a few configurations that will work for almost any paddle craft.

The [J-style rack](<https://www.amazon.com/ECOTRIC-J-Bar-Universal-Carrier-Warranty/dp/B01F6XJZ8I/ref=as_li_ss_tl?tag=camdenxodl-20&_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=1X2N3KRHHH6ATQDZ4F82&linkCode=ll1&linkId=f76a3c97c7929104b2f51ee1ba82e3f3&language=en_US%2F%2F>) is particularly well suited for kayak transport. Available in either a one-piece or folding design, they cradle the hull firmly and securely, requiring minimal straps and tie-outs. One-piece J racks are inherently sturdy but less adaptable to hull shape and size. Fold-down versions are more flexible with regard to hull compatibility and allow you to position the vessel for maximum aerodynamic efficiency and noise reduction. But they do have moving parts that may have a little more play under load and can wear out over time.

A [rack](<https://www.amazon.com/Thule-Compass-Kayak-SUP-Carrier/dp/B07MXVGKRM/ref=as_li_ss_tl?tag=camdenxodl-20&_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=1X2N3KRHHH6ATQDZ4F82&linkCode=ll1&linkId=7ca26e28429e78092617ad74f42eec29&language=en_US%2F%2F>) with an adjustable center post is about the most versatile way to car top your yak or SUP. Fold flat to car-top a single vessel, recline one way or the other as a J-rack, or rig two SUPS on the edge with the post in the upright position.

[Saddle mounts](<https://www.amazon.com/Car-Rack-Carriers-Universal-Crossbar/dp/B074MMGHCL/ref=as_li_ss_tl?tag=camdenxodl-20&_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=1X2N3KRHHH6ATQDZ4F82&linkCode=ll1&linkId=a2081b976ff54da521dbbeecc67cbbc8&language=en_US%2F%2F>) carry the canoe or kayak in an upright position, one at a time. That is a very stable configuration, but it exposes the topsides to weather and road dirt and takes up more room than hauling the boat on edge. They are the most economical rack style of the three noted here, and are ideal for an occasional paddler with a single boat.