BRIGHTLINES Folding Kayak Roof Rack

Curated from 82 real Reddit conversations

Refreshed on: February 16, 2025

BRIGHTLINES Folding Kayak Roof Rack

Brand: BRIGHTLINES
Price: $99
Snoop Score:
7.0
Sentiment
7.2
Popularity
8.5
Technical
6.4

Snoop's Take

The BRIGHTLINES Folding Kayak Roof Rack is designed to securely transport kayaks, canoes, and stand-up paddleboards on your vehicle's roof. With its foldable design and universal mounting brackets, this rack offers flexibility and convenience for outdoor enthusiasts. Customer feedback highlights several strengths of the BRIGHTLINES rack, particularly its easy installation and removal process, with one user stating, "I have a van tech P3000 bed rack. It’s easily removable when not in use." Additionally, many users appreciate the foldable design that provides extra overhead clearance, with one customer noting, "Stable and secure" while carrying heavier kayaks. However, some concerns have been raised regarding its suitability for heavier boats and difficulty loading kayaks solo. Overall, the BRIGHTLINES Folding Kayak Roof Rack is recommended for casual users looking for a reliable and easy-to-use solution for transporting smaller to medium-sized kayaks. Those with heavier models may need to consider alternative options or additional loading techniques.

Not for you? Check out our other rated Kayak, Canoe & SUP Racks

Best dual canoe/kayak rack? I don’t think I want a full system that covers the cab so I’m trying to

Positive Feedback

Unless your boats are light, TRAILER!!!

Negative Feedback
Product
7.0
BRIGHTLINES Folding Kayak Roof Rack
Single Kayak Transport
7 / 10
Dual Kayak Transport
6 / 10
SUP and Surfboard Transport
6 / 10
Paddle & Gear Storage
5 / 10
See how this compares to all Kayak, Canoe & SUP Racks

What it does well!

Key strengths users can’t stop talking about.
Easy installation and removal
Best dual canoe/kayak rack? I don’t think I want a full system that covers the cab so I’m trying to
I have a van tech P3000 bed rack. It’s easily removable when not in use.
I bought these exact ones and used them on a hire car I have at the moment. It pops the roof in if I
Separate j racks or dual-sided j racks for two kayaks? Which is more secure? Pics for reference.
Foldable design offers extra overhead clearance
I carry a Moken 12.5 V2 on one which is around 72 pounds and a 11.5 recreational kayak on the other. I never had an issue with carrying them. Stable and secure.
I used longer bars. They overhang but I had a taller vehicle.
Durable and reliable over seasons
I'm on my third season with it and it's working out great so far.

Where it needs some work!

Areas to watch—feedback on possible improvements.
Not suitable for heavier kayaks
Unless your boats are light, TRAILER!!!
I have a set of two j-racks and would prefer a single double sided.
For a single plastic short boat, my advice is skip the j-bars and just strap directly to the crossbars.
Difficulty in loading kayaks by oneself
I can load it my kayak from the rear and push it forward.
They are harder to load. I've dropped two kayaks futzing with them.
I’m switching to one set of j hooks and using the double one flat for my larger kayak.
I do this for my ~100 lbs BKC 14 and it’s the only way I can load this massive thing on my roof rack on my own.
Straps can cause water to enter the car
water getting inside car from the straps when it rained.
you could probably fit either of these rack types between the gunwales of your canoe, though with the cradle-style you wouldn't even need to flip anything down.
Straps can pop the roof in if tightened too much
This covers the different kind of setups that are available to you, and some simple recommendations for you and your vehicle.

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Core Power Plays

The specs and strengths that make it shine.
Discussion on kayak rack styles
I will be getting either a 10 or 12 foot sit in kayak.
It's the best of both worlds.
I love it for saddle carrying the lite tackle around.
Product name or amazon link plez 🥺
Discussion on kayak brands and features rather than specific product feedback.
buy once, cry once
brand isn't really a major factor: most brands at this level are at least decent
Hull design is 1000x more important than brand
Ya, they should get a sit-on-top wider kayak, especially for ocean/bay type waters for beginners
Discussion on the use of longer straps for more stability
I ended up buying some longer straps as well. 2 boards = more strap

Hidden Hero Hacks

Unexpected tricks and side‑door uses you’ll love.
Discussion on alternative kayak transport methods
It can work though you might be able to achieve the same effect with a pool noodle. Won't last as long tho
I’ve never heard of a boat coming off the roof. That minimal slide side to side might seem scary, but as long as the front is tight in the form fitted saddles you’re good.
Avoid those heavy duty ratchets, they can really damage your boat by over tightening. Invest in a nice pair of cam straps and bow/stern ropes.
You don't *NEED* anything else - what you have will work, but I have a few recommendations.
Discussion on using Hullavators and alternatives
I’m looking for something that can safely roof ~200 lbs of dynamic weight (2 sets of Hullavators on cross bars plus 2 17’ thermoform sea kayaks), with ample gear storage when seats are down.
And if I'm carrying to kayaks, I've got someone else with me to help get the second one up.
Will still look at the Rogue as the current model claims 220 lbs dynamic weight.
For the price of 2 Hullivators and new rack, you could get a Droprack and cradles.

Buyer’s Cheat Sheet

What to check before you click ‘Add to Cart.’
Discussion about kayak rack styles
Sounds like that one they're trying to sell you is the Aero.
Discussion on kayak loading techniques
There’s a lot of different gadgets out there!
I hate that everyone puts those shark fin antennas on the roof of suv's now.
uses the cam strap tensioned between the edge of the two crossbars to keep the kayak off the roof paint.
I’ve got a roller that suction cups to back of my car and use that to get up top.

Cautionary Callouts

Know the pitfalls before they catch you off guard.
Discussion on the difficulty of loading kayaks by oneself
It is really hard for me to get it on my car by myself.
I hate it and I love it.
Personal experiences with kayak transport
I do it. I've gone 80 with it strapped to my camry.
What would your advice be for two kayaks (my fiance and I)? Thanks in advance!
I have Thule crossbars on the roof of my VW Golf and Thule J bars to carry my kayak. I use the “Hull-a-port” model and have been perfectly happy with it.
Discussion about the difficulty of loading kayaks solo
For a single kayak on the roof, do not do J Racks. Loading them solo is rough and an easy way to drop the boat, damaging the car and the boat.
Concerns about potential antenna damage when using roof racks
Gonna do the same thing! But my only thought was is the antenna gonna get hurt.

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