Getting your kayak to the water should be the easiest part of your adventure. For Jeep Patriot owners, finding the right rack system is crucial for safe and convenient transport. With various options from simple J-cradles to complete crossbar setups, the perfect solution depends on your vehicle’s configuration and your kayaking style.
This roundup cuts through the clutter to present the top-rated kayak rack options designed for the Jeep Patriot. We’ve evaluated each product for its compatibility, durability, and unique features to help you make an informed decision, ensuring your next trip is focused on the water, not the journey.
The Best Jeep Patriot Kayak Racks
- PIRIPARA Kayak Roof Rack 2 Pairs J-Bar Carrier Holder
- Tuyoung 220lbs Lockable Roof Rack Cross Bars
- PARTOL Roof Rack Cross Bars for Jeep Patriot
- Yakima JayLow J-Cradle Rooftop Kayak Mount
- Thule Compass Kayak and SUP roof rack
- Malone SeaWing Saddle Style Universal Car Rack
- Rhino-Rack Universal Side Loader
- Allen Sports Deluxe 2-Bike Trunk Mount Rack
- Malone VersaRail Bare Roof Cross Rail System
- INNO Kayak Holder Locking Canoe Carrier
PIRIPARA Kayak Roof Rack 2 Pairs J-Bar Carrier Holder
This set from PIRIPARA offers a complete solution for transporting two kayaks simultaneously. Constructed from sturdy alloy steel, the racks are built for durability and feature a rust-resistant coating to withstand the elements. The wide-mouth J-bar design is a key benefit, making the process of loading and unloading your kayaks significantly easier and reducing the risk of scratching or dropping your gear.
Each rack is equipped with adjustable padding that provides a secure grip and protects your kayak’s hull from damage during transit. With a total load capacity of 150 pounds, this set is capable of handling most recreational kayak pairs. The thoughtful protection design and robust construction make this an excellent value for kayakers who frequently travel with a partner.
Tuyoung 220lbs Lockable Roof Rack Cross Bars
If your Jeep Patriot has raised side rails, the Tuyoung crossbars provide a solid and secure foundation for any roof-mounted gear. These bars are a direct-fit replacement for models from 2007 to 2017, ensuring a perfect and hassle-free installation. A standout feature is the integrated metal lock, which adds a crucial layer of anti-theft security for your expensive kayaks and other cargo.
Built from high-grade aluminum alloy, these crossbars boast an impressive 220-pound weight capacity. The manufacturers have also included tie-down loops on all four brackets, which are incredibly useful for adding extra stability straps for long kayaks or securing other types of cargo. The durable plastic brackets are designed to be more resilient than standard ABS, contributing to the overall longevity and safety of the system.
PARTOL Roof Rack Cross Bars for Jeep Patriot
For Jeep Patriot models equipped with vertical side bars, the PARTOL crossbars offer a dedicated and reliable mounting solution. These aluminum crossbars are engineered specifically for your vehicle, which typically results in a more secure and streamlined fit compared to universal options. Their primary function is to create a stable platform from which you can mount various kayak carriers, cargo boxes, or other accessories.
It is essential to verify your vehicle’s compatibility before purchasing, as these are designed for Patriots with the specific vertical side bar configuration. Once installed, they provide a sturdy base capable of supporting canoes, kayaks, bikes, and cargo bags, effectively expanding your vehicle’s storage capacity for all your adventure needs.
Yakima JayLow J-Cradle Rooftop Kayak Mount
The Yakima JayLow is a highly versatile and user-friendly kayak carrier from a trusted brand in the industry. Its key advantage is the ability to function as a single J-cradle or be configured to carry two kayaks vertically, adapting to your needs for any given trip. An integrated cam lever allows you to easily adjust the upright position, ensuring a custom and secure fit for boats of different widths and shapes.
This rack is designed to work with a wide range of crossbars, including round, square, factory, or aerodynamic bars. For added security during transport, the system includes heavy-duty straps and provisions for bow and stern tie-downs. With a capacity for one boat up to 80 pounds or two boats up to 110 pounds total, the JayLow offers a professional-grade solution for serious kayakers.
Thule Compass Kayak and SUP roof rack
For the multi-sport enthusiast, the Thule Compass is an incredibly adaptable carrier. It seamlessly transitions between carrying kayaks and stand-up paddleboards (SUPs), offering tremendous value. You can transport a single kayak in a secure J-style or saddle mode, two kayaks in a stacker configuration, or up to two SUPs in saddle mode, making it perfect for a family or group with varied interests.
Protection for your equipment is a priority with this model. It features thick rubber saddles and a padded upright to prevent scratches and damage to your kayak or SUP hull during travel. With a generous 130-pound weight limit and the ability to fit watercraft up to 36 inches wide, the Thule Compass is a robust and flexible choice for anyone with a diverse collection of gear.
Malone SeaWing Saddle Style Universal Car Rack
The Malone SeaWing offers a simple, low-profile, and efficient way to transport your kayak. Its single saddle design cradles the hull of your boat, providing a stable and secure hold while taking up minimal space on your roof rack. This minimalist approach is not only easy to set up but also contributes to better aerodynamics, which can help improve your vehicle’s fuel efficiency on long drives to the lake or river.
This carrier is a universal fit, designed to work with most factory and aftermarket crossbars. The setup is straightforward, with a mid-point mounting system that gets your kayak ready for travel quickly. For added safety, the product includes bow and stern lines to ensure your kayak remains firmly in place, giving you peace of mind on the road.
Rhino-Rack Universal Side Loader
Loading a heavy kayak onto the roof of a tall vehicle like a Jeep Patriot can be a challenging task. The Rhino-Rack Universal Side Loader is a clever accessory designed to solve this problem by enabling a true one-person loading operation. It is compatible with kayaks, canoes, SUPs, surfboards, and even long items like ladders, making it an incredibly useful tool for any adventurer.
The process is simple: you attach the loader to your crossbar, lift one end of your kayak onto the loader, and then use it as a pivot point to easily slide the other end onto your roof rack. This method greatly reduces the physical strain and risk of injury associated with lifting a kayak directly overhead. It includes six rack adapters, a foam pad, and a quick strap for immediate use.
Allen Sports Deluxe 2-Bike Trunk Mount Rack
While not a kayak rack, this Allen Sports product is included as a versatile addition for the active Jeep Patriot owner who also cycles. This trunk-mounted bike rack provides a simple and effective solution for transporting up to two bicycles, freeing up roof space for your kayak. It’s an excellent option for multi-sport trips where you might want to bike and paddle on the same outing.
The rack features a straightforward installation process that does not require a trailer hitch. It secures to your vehicle using sturdy straps and includes features to hold your bikes steady during transit. For owners looking to maximize their vehicle’s utility without a permanent roof-mounted solution, this rack offers great flexibility.
Malone VersaRail Bare Roof Cross Rail System
If your Jeep Patriot does not have factory side rails, the Malone VersaRail system provides the foundational crossbars you need to carry a kayak. This is a complete solution for bare-roof vehicles, creating a sturdy mounting point for any universal kayak carrier, such as J-cradles or saddles. The system is designed for easy installation with a provided wrench and requires no additional tools.
The 50-inch load bars feature a corrosion-resistant coating, ensuring they hold up well against rain and road salt. Their rectangular shape is a universal standard, allowing you to attach a wide array of rack accessories from Malone and other brands. This system effectively transforms your bare roof into a fully functional cargo platform.
INNO Kayak Holder Locking Canoe Carrier
The INNO Kayak Holder is a locking canoe and kayak carrier known for its quality construction and security features. While specific details and an image for this model are not provided, INNO is a reputable brand that typically produces carriers with integrated locking mechanisms. These locks are designed to secure both the carrier to your crossbars and your kayak to the carrier, offering peace of mind when you need to leave your gear unattended briefly.
INNO carriers often feature padded cradles and sturdy construction to protect your watercraft during transport. For Jeep Patriot owners who prioritize security and brand reputation, the INNO Kayak Holder is certainly a product worth investigating further to confirm its specific features and compatibility with your vehicle’s roof rack system.
Buying Guide: How to Choose a Kayak Rack for Your Jeep Patriot
So, you’ve got a Jeep Patriot and a kayak, and you’re trying to figure out how to get the two to play nicely together. I’ve been there. The world of roof racks and kayak carriers can be a bit overwhelming, but it really just boils down to a few key decisions. Let’s walk through what you need to know to pick the right setup for your adventures.
First, you need to understand your starting point. Does your Patriot have factory-installed side rails running front-to-back on the roof? If so, you’re in a great spot. You’ll just need to add crossbars that span the width of the vehicle. These crossbars are the foundation that everything else mounts to. If you don’t have side rails, you’ll need a more complete system that includes both the towers that attach to your vehicle’s door frames and the crossbars. This is a common setup and works perfectly, it just involves a few more parts.
Next, think about how you want to carry your kayak. The main options are J-cradles, saddle-style carriers, and foam blocks. J-cradles hold the kayak on its side, which is great for carrying multiple boats and keeps them secure. The downside is they add a lot of height, so watch out for low garage doors! Saddle or roller-style carriers let you lay the kayak flat on its hull. This is a more low-profile option and is often easier to load by yourself. For a super simple and budget-friendly solution, foam blocks that strap directly to your crossbars (or even just to the roof rails) can work surprisingly well for occasional trips.
You also need to consider your kayak itself. Is it a heavy, rigid fishing kayak or a lightweight recreational one? Heavier kayaks demand a rack system with a higher weight capacity. Always check the max dynamic (while driving) weight rating for both the crossbars and the kayak carriers. Don’t forget about straps and bow/stern lines. Good, non-stretch cam straps are a must to secure the boat to the rack, and I always use separate bow and stern lines attached to the front and rear of my Patriot as a critical safety backup. They prevent the kayak from shifting dangerously if a main strap were to fail.
Finally, think about your lifestyle. If you’re a weekend warrior who only goes out a few times a season, a simpler, more affordable system might be all you need. But if you’re hitting the water every week, investing in a sturdy, name-brand rack system with easy-to-use carriers will make your life much easier. When looking for the best 10 Jeep Patriot kayak rack options and buying guide, remember that the right choice balances your budget, your kayak’s needs, and how often you plan to use it. A little research now will lead to many stress-free trips later.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I install a kayak rack on a Jeep Patriot without roof rails?
Absolutely. Many of the best rack systems are designed specifically for vehicles like the Patriot that may not have factory side rails. These systems use towers that clamp securely onto your vehicle’s door frames. They create a solid mounting point for the crossbars, which then hold your kayak carriers. Brands like Thule and Yakima are famous for these “naked roof” or “gutterless” setups, and they are just as secure as systems that use existing rails.
What is the weight limit for a Jeep Patriot roof rack?
This is a crucial question for safety. You need to check two different weight limits. First is the vehicle’s factory roof capacity, which for the Jeep Patriot is typically around 100 to 150 pounds of dynamic weight (while moving). The second limit is the capacity of the aftermarket crossbars and carriers you install. Even if your crossbars can hold 165 pounds, you must stay within the lower limit set by Jeep. Always err on the side of caution and never exceed the lowest weight rating in your setup.
What’s the easiest type of kayak rack to load by myself?
If you’re often loading your kayak solo, a saddle-style carrier is usually the easiest. These have contoured cradles that hold the kayak on its hull. You can lift one end of the kayak onto the rear cradle, then lift the other end and slide it forward onto the front cradle. Some models even come with a built-in roller on the rear bar to make sliding the kayak up even smoother. While J-cradles are secure, they require you to lift the entire kayak up and over to get it into the J-hook, which can be trickier for one person.
Do I really need to use bow and stern lines?
Yes, you really do. I never skip them. While your main cam straps are doing the heavy work of holding the kayak to the crossbars, bow and stern lines are your critical safety backup. They attach from the front and back of your kayak to a secure point on your vehicle’s front and rear (like the hood loop or tow hooks). If your main straps were to loosen or fail, these lines prevent the kayak from sliding off the roof entirely. It’s a simple step that adds a huge layer of security and peace of mind on the highway.
Are foam block kayak carriers a good option for a Jeep Patriot?
Foam blocks can be a decent, low-cost solution for occasional, short-distance trips. They simply strap onto your existing factory crossbars or even directly onto the side rails. However, they offer less security and stability than a dedicated hard-mounted carrier like a J-cradle or saddle. They can also shift if not tightened perfectly. I’d recommend them for a lightweight kayak and infrequent use, but for regular travel or a heavier boat, investing in a proper rack system from a list of the best 10 Jeep Patriot kayak rack options and buying guide is a much safer and more reliable long-term choice.
How do I prevent my kayak from scratching the roof of my car?
Scratches are a common worry. The first line of defense is ensuring your rack’s cradles or saddles are made of a non-abrasive material like rubber or soft plastic. Before you strap the kayak down, give the hull a quick clean to remove any grit that could get trapped and act like sandpaper. You can also use a soft moving blanket draped over the roof between the crossbars as an extra protective layer during loading. Finally, be mindful when tightening straps that they don’t have metal buckles that could swing and hit your paint.