Carrier for Multiple Kayaks Compatible with Factory Roof Rack Bars on 2015 Subaru Forester

Question:

Can you recommend which kayak racks would work to carry two Perception Swifty 9.5 kayaks on top of a stock rack on 2015 Subaru Forester?

asked by: Steve G

Expert Reply:

Your Perception Swifty 9.5 kayaks measure 9-1/2 feet long, have a 29-inch beam (width) and weigh just under 40-lbs each. This combination of attributes means they will be compatible with a good number of different rack-mount kayak carriers.

For the sake of weight and space efficiency I suggest the Thule Stacker # TH830 which directly fits your Subaru factory roof rack bars. Since it sounds like two of you will be kayaking most of the time you'll have the extra hands needed to easily mount the boats. The Stacker can transport as many as 4 kayaks so if you need more capacity in the future you're already there.

If you prefer to use a set of two separate basic J-style carriers, each facing outward on the roof rack, then I suggest two of the cost-effective Swagman Contour # S65148.

Please refer to the linked review video for more details on this cost-effective Thule kayak carrier and to the linked article for more general information on rooftop kayak carriers.

expert reply by: Adam R