Malone Foldaway-5™ Multi-Rack Folding Kayak Carrier

Curated from 89 real Reddit conversations

Refreshed on: March 27, 2025

Malone Foldaway-5™ Multi-Rack Folding Kayak Carrier

Brand: Malone
Price: $188
Snoop Score:
6.6
Sentiment
8.5
Popularity
9.6
Technical
4.2

Snoop's Take

The Malone Foldaway-5™ Multi-Rack is a versatile carrier designed for transporting one or two kayaks, stand-up paddleboards (SUPs), or canoes. With its foldable design and universal mounting adapters, it easily fits most load bar designs, making it a practical choice for outdoor enthusiasts. Feedback from users highlights the Malone Foldaway-5™ as a trusted brand for long-distance trips, with one user stating, "Malone is what I trust. 5 days drive to condo in Mexico from Alberta Canada. Zero issue." Many appreciate its solid construction and ease of use, noting that it effectively carries two kayaks and can accommodate wider models. Users also find the tie-downs convenient for secure transport, though some have raised safety concerns regarding vertical setups. Overall, the Malone Foldaway-5™ Multi-Rack is highly recommended for anyone looking to transport kayaks or SUPs, especially given its versatility and durability as confirmed by user experiences.

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

Malone is what I trust. 5 days drive to condo in mexico from Alberta Canada. Zero issue.

Positive Feedback

it worked better for my ascend 10t SOT than it did for my old town sit in.

Negative Feedback
Product
6.6
Malone Foldaway-5™ Multi-Rack Folding Kayak Carrier
Single Kayak Transport
1 / 10
Dual Kayak Transport
8 / 10
SUP and Surfboard Transport
8 / 10
Paddle & Gear Storage
8 / 10
See how this compares to all Kayak, Canoe & SUP Racks

What it does well!

Key strengths users can’t stop talking about.
Trusted brand for long-distance trips
Malone is what I trust. 5 days drive to condo in mexico from Alberta Canada. Zero issue.
Very easy to use and they are solid.
What Kayak brands are good? (And which ones should I steer clear of?)
Solid and easy to use
consider your life vest as “critical gear” and prepare to spend real money if you necessary to get one that fits good on your body in your cockpit.
I have been on multiple trips where i sustained 65-75 mph.
Easy to transport kayaks with tie-downs
Never had a problem.
Strap that sum bitch down and tie a red rag on the ends of the kayaks and then just send it
Versatile and fits many crossbars
Roof rack for Kayak and SUP I own a Bote SUP and Kayak, what roof rack/cross beams and attachments would you recommend to carry both simultaneously whether side by side or stacked on top of each other?
Look into the Malone foldaway 5 - lots of versatility and fits many different crossbars
Can load two kayaks effectively
Not as simple as 2 sets of j cradles but it worked
All I can see is that it can hold up 75lb kayak on each side.
I strap two lifetime emotion 11s on mine fine.
Holds up to 75 lbs per kayak
I’d definitely use bow and stern lines.
More so the width - 35 inches wide is bigger than what I usually see demo'd on these types of racks, so I wasn't sure if that would pose an issue.
Can carry wider kayaks
The width shouldn’t be a problem. I’ve also done it with a Yupik and it’s 35” wide and 90lbs.
Easy to use Malone downloaders
I love my malone downloaders, and you can get the actual downloader lift if you need the boost but these sit at the edge of the roof.

Where it needs some work!

Areas to watch—feedback on possible improvements.
Vertical setup is unreliable
it worked better for my ascend 10t SOT than it did for my old town sit in.
Potential safety concerns when transporting
No don’t do it. Buy regular bars to go across the roof, ie Yakima, Thule.

Compare On All Talked About Dimensions

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IKURAM R Kayak Roof Rack - Aluminum CarrierIKURAM R Kayak Roof Rack - Aluminum Carrier$89
9.2
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ARTIPOLY Kayak Roof Rack CarrierARTIPOLY Kayak Roof Rack Carrier$80
8.9
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Leader Accessories Kayak Rack 2 Pair J BarLeader Accessories Kayak Rack 2 Pair J Bar$79
7.9
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BRIGHTLINES Folding Kayak Roof RackBRIGHTLINES Folding Kayak Roof Rack$99
7.0
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Malone Foldaway-5™ Multi-Rack Folding Kayak CarrierMalone Foldaway-5™ Multi-Rack Folding Kayak Carrier$188
6.6
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Mrhardware 2 Pairs Heavy Duty Kayak RackMrhardware 2 Pairs Heavy Duty Kayak Rack$54
5.8
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GZDEMYYXGS 2 Pairs Kayak Rack J-Bar Car Roof RackGZDEMYYXGS 2 Pairs Kayak Rack J-Bar Car Roof Rack$49
5.7
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XCAR Universal Kayak Rack Canoe Car Racks SetXCAR Universal Kayak Rack Canoe Car Racks Set$75
5.5
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YUANSHI Upgraded Universal Folding Kayak RackYUANSHI Upgraded Universal Folding Kayak Rack$44
4.9
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Yima Accessories 2-Pack Kayak Roof Rack CarrierYima Accessories 2-Pack Kayak Roof Rack Carrier$59
4.8
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Suspenz Kayak Roof Rack with Tie Down StrapsSuspenz Kayak Roof Rack with Tie Down Straps$113
4.4
DetailsBuy

Core Power Plays

The specs and strengths that make it shine.
Discussion about the preference for separate j racks for different types of boats
No need to paint yourself in a corner if you can avoid it.
I’m switching to one set of j hooks and using the double one flat for my larger kayak.
Maybe in a couple years my teenagers will want kayaks too, so we’ll be able to hold four kayaks.
I also live in the city, so ones that can lay down between use would also be a feature I didnt think about until after purchasing.
Comparison of different kayak racks
Thank you I am now down to the XCAR rack v a Malone Foldaway 5 for two kayaks held down by NRS cam straps.
Just pad your rack and strap it directly to the rack. Don't forget about bow and stern tie downs.
I have used this system for 20-plus years with never a problem: https://www.rei.com/product/232866 NRS Deluxe Kayak Car Rack Kit #REIapp
Discussion about different kayak rack styles and their usability
The main downside is that typical rec kayaks are too wide to fit side-by-side in this style of rack on most vehicles.
I pretty much only recommend racks like that when you're only carrying the second kayak every now and then; it's just a hassle to load/unload the kayak that's not in the cradle.
They can be very useful for transporting multiple boats.
You can always add an additional cradle later on.
Mention of other kayak racks and their experiences
it hasn't left my roof and it's help up really well.
I refurbish and sell Yakima parts and have Timberline towers and Jetstream bars for sale to fit raised rails on Crosstreks.
I carry either two 17 foot sea kayaks or one kayak and one paddle board.
Mention of different Malone carriers and their effectiveness
I really like the [Malone SeaWing](https://www.etrailer.com/Watersport-Carriers/Malone/MPG107MD.html) carriers that we use to carry a Crescent LiteTackle and a 10ft Old Town rec kayak side by side on our CR-V.

Hidden Hero Hacks

Unexpected tricks and side‑door uses you’ll love.
Discussion on kayak transportation methods
Just a recommendation... You can place 2 kayaks up top and not use holders or anything else. Just ratchet straps.
Discussion about inflatable kayaks versus traditional ones
Can anyone recommend something good value for smooth seas/ lakes that won’t sink with me and a three year old in?
I have an advanced elements and it's great even in some rougher water.

Buyer’s Cheat Sheet

What to check before you click ‘Add to Cart.’
Discussion on securing paddles during transport
Hi all, I was wondering if anyone transports their paddle by strapping it on their roof rack?
It works nicely.
They go in the kayak
Super useful.
Comparison to other kayak carriers
Works great. May upgrade to a more reputable brand at one point, but presently have no need.
Discussion about alternative brands and their similarities
I just buy whichever set is cheapest with a 4 star average from a large number of reviewers.
Discussion about kayak compatibility with roof racks
I feel like it might be super difficult to get a kayak that wide onto the cradle by myself, as well.
I'm still not sure if they will bit fit.
That might not be too bad, but the width of the Outlaw has me wondering if it’s going to be like a gorilla fucking a football on its side up there lol.

Cautionary Callouts

Know the pitfalls before they catch you off guard.
Discussion about foldable kayaks versus traditional ones
Thoughts about foldable kayaks I was looking at getting a foldable kayak but wanted to get peoples thoughts about them.
I love the portability and durability of it.
We’re looking to get some but don’t know how it would hold up in terms of durability and usage.
All and all I’d say it’s pretty durable. 7 years in after some pretty good use and it has no punctures or leaks.
Discussion about kayak transportation methods
I'm struggling with what I'd like my final build to be.
Works like a charm.
Concerns about carrying wide kayaks with J-racks
the width of the kayak and the paddleboard will cause them to lean against each other rather than the racks themselves
Can’t speak to the paddle board aspect, but a good quality J-Hook is adjustable for carrying vertically or slightly “reclined”
Two sets of single J's might be better if I can create some space in the middle
Use a cradle system not a j hook.
General excitement about new kayak purchase
I just wanted to say congrats on your purchase.

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