Yakima Fatcat 4 Evo Ski/Snowboard Carrier

Name: Yakima Fatcat 4 Evo Ski/Snowboard Carrier
Price: 255 USD
Availability: InStock
Rating: 4.9 (94 reviews)

Curated from 94 real Reddit conversations

Refreshed on: March 2, 2025

Yakima Fatcat 4 Evo Ski/Snowboard Carrier

Brand: Yakima

Price: $255

Snoop Score:

4.9

Sentiment

6.4

Popularity

7.5

Technical

2.3

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Snoop's Take

The Yakima Fatcat 4 Evo is a versatile ski and snowboard carrier designed for cars, SUVs, and vans, allowing users to transport their gear safely and easily. Consumer sentiment highlights the product's practicality, with many users noting its ability to accommodate multiple boards, as one satisfied customer stated, "4 boards fit in it easily." Additionally, the low-profile design and whisper-quiet operation have garnered positive feedback, emphasizing its aesthetic appeal and functionality in reducing wind resistance. Overall, the Yakima Fatcat 4 Evo comes highly recommended in its category, as users appreciate its reliability, ease of use, and compatibility with stock crossbars. However, potential buyers should be aware of considerations such as the need for additional parts that may be out of stock. Despite some concerns regarding aesthetics and maintenance, the overall user sentiment leans towards satisfaction with the product's performance and design.

Not for you? Check out our other rated Ski & Snowboard Racks

much better than modifying the cross bar!
Positive Feedback

Thule’s look better (opinion), mount easier, and come with all the hardware you need in the box instead of charging extra like Yakima for a part that’s out of stock often.
Negative Feedback

4.9

Yakima Fatcat 4 Evo Ski/Snowboard Carrier

Buy on Amazon for $255

Ski Trips for Families

5 / 10

Solo Snowboarder

5 / 10

Mixed Gear Transport

9 / 10

Winter Sports Road Trips

6 / 10

See how this compares to all Ski & Snowboard Racks

What it does well!

Key strengths users can’t stop talking about.

Good for long boards with modifications

“much better than modifying the cross bar!”➕

“done, 20 minutes well spent, thanks for the idea!!”➕

Reliable availability of T-slot kit

“I had no problem finding the T-slot kit at my local Yakima seller.”➕

Doubles as a fishing rod rack

“The Yakima ski rack doubles as an excellent fishing rod rack”➕

“Can’t wait!”➕

“This is perfect.”➕

Ample space for transporting multiple boards

“4 boards fit in it easily.”➕

Low profile design preferred over cargo boxes

“I personally like how low profile my roof racks are apposed to a box”➕

Users are generally satisfied with Yakima products

“I've been using my Yakima and I love it.”➕

“I have a 10 year old fatcat. It works fine for the most part.”➕

Fits multiple boards easily

“Thanks for any advice!”➕

“The Fat Cat is slimmer and super quiet; I highly recommend it”➕

“If this fit on the crosstrek's rack, you could fit 6 snowboards!”➕

Compatible with stock crossbars

“I have Yakima racks on my 2014 and love them, but I've had them for years so I don't know about the price.”➕

Low-profile design reduces wind resistance

“The styling and low-profile looks better than other racks, and probably has a bit less wind resistance.”➕

Whisper quiet operation

“but the fat cats are whisper quiet.”➕

Integrated look preferred by users

“I got the Subaru oem rack, I prefer the integrated look. And Yakima ski and snow board rack.”➕

Users love the Yakima products

“I love it.”➕

Easily fits multiple skis

“it only takes up one side of the bed/crossbars and would be easy to fit a bike rack on the other side.”➕

Where it needs some work!

Areas to watch—feedback on possible improvements.

Extra parts required that may be out of stock

“Thule’s look better (opinion), mount easier, and come with all the hardware you need in the box instead of charging extra like Yakima for a part that’s out of stock often.”➕

Concerns about road debris damaging equipment

“Want to know what you think?!”➕

“I would have concerns about getting road crud, gravel, or chemicals on my equipment.”➕

Aesthetics concerns about size

“Too big and looks silly.”➕

Hassle of removing bindings for transport

“Personally i don’t want to go through the hassle of removing bindings everytime, but your measurements and advice is much appreciated.”➕

Maintenance concerns with salt damaging boards

“Are snowboard racks worth it? I've recently bought a yakima fresh track 4 rack and I am considering returning it.”➕

Storage for roof boxes can be an issue

“Roofbox wasn't an option for me either since I don't have anywhere to store it.”➕

Racks can leave gear covered in road grime

“I hate having my gear covered in road grime.”➕

“Strongly recommend a box. There are reasonably priced options, it protects your skis from road grime and salt, it holds your poles as well as your skis, has a higher capacity, and can be used for road trips and stuff to store everything else.”➕

Quality compared unfavorably to Thule

“The Thule was much better quality and came with the t-slots.”➕

Compare On All Talked About Dimensions

Product Name	Price	Score	See Details	Buy Now
Yakima PowderHound 6 Ski & Snowboard Roof Rack	$193	8.8	Details	Buy
Leader Accessories Car Ski Snowboard Roof Racks	$79	8.2	Details	Buy
Just-V 33'' Aluminum Universal Ski Roof Rack	$109	8.1	Details	Buy
VEVOR Universal Car Roof Rack	$83	8.1	Details	Buy
Thule 91725B Universal Ski & Snowboard Rack	$183	7.6	Details	Buy
TOPOWN Folding Hitch Ski Rack	$99	7.4	Details	Buy
BRIGHTLINES Improved Universal Roof Ski Snowboard Racks	$119	6.9	Details	Buy
AA Products Inc. 33'' Aluminum Universal Ski Roof Rack	$83	6.0	Details	Buy
Thule SnowPack Extender Ski/Snowboard Rack	$479	5.8	Details	Buy
Thule SnowPack Ski/Snowboard Rack, Large	$378	5.6	Details	Buy
BrightLines Ski Snowboard Racks	$119	5.6	Details	Buy
ECCPP Universal Ski/Snowboard Roof Rack	$75	5.1	Details	Buy
OCPTY Roof Rack Ski Carriers	$108	5.1	Details	Buy
Yakima Fatcat 4 Evo Ski/Snowboard Carrier	$255	4.9	Details	Buy
Tyger Auto TG-RK1B707B Folding Hitch-Mounted Ski/Snowboard Rack	$289	4.4	Details	Buy
JOYTUTUS Spare Tire Ski Snowboard Rack	$349	4.4	Details	Buy
Savvycraft Ski and Snowboard Rack for Car Roof Rack	$169	4.2	Details	Buy
ARKSEN Folding Hitch-Mounted Ski/Snowboard Rack	$199	3.9	Details	Buy
Rage Powersports Elevate Outdoor SKI-6 Roof Rack	$79	3.3	Details	Buy
ECCPP Universal Ski Roof Carrier	$63	2.3	Details	Buy

Core Power Plays

The specs and strengths that make it shine.

Discussion about ski racks vs. cargo boxes

“I am specifically looking for advice on the Thule Snowpack 4 vs. 6 vs. Extender racks since I seem to be most confused on what is the best out of those.”➕

“I am not aware of the ski rack vs cargo box debate.”➕

Advice on protecting skis/boards in transit

“If you’re going rack, you need to put your skis/boards in a bag to keep the sand and salt off them.”➕

Discussion on equipment fitting and size specifications

“For four boards you’ll want at least 24” wide and 8-10” deep, and 72” long.”➕

Comments on the performance of different racks

“Rack does everything I need it to do (except carry a fifth board!), can't really say much more or less about it.”➕

“I've been super happy with the setup.”➕

General chatter about rack choices and brands

“Pretty much ruled this out unless someone can convince me otherwise.”➕

Discussion about practical features of ski racks

“Big advantage is that the tray slides out so you don’t have to reach over into the bed to put the skis on.”➕

Hidden Hero Hacks

Unexpected tricks and side‑door uses you’ll love.

Tips on drilling and modifying racks for better use

“Makes all the difference”➕

Alternative storage methods discussed

“I’d just throw it in the bed of the truck”➕

Discussion about alternatives to buying new racks

“I have a ski rack in wisco and won't use it because of the salt.”➕

Discussion on the advantages of used equipment

“You can probably find a slightly older used box for that much and I think you’ll be way happier.”➕

“Thanks for the input! I don't know why I haven't thought of it before, but I'll definitely look into purchasing used equipment to see what they have out there before making a final decision.”➕

Alternative suggestions for ski transport.

“Don't bother overpaying for the dumb specialized hitches. They are superbly overpriced.”➕

“ALTA RACKS builds racks that carry bikes, Ski, and snowboards.”➕

Discussion about alternative ski transport options

“You should also check out the Otium SoftRack. Alternative to a Thule or Yakama, it is easily removable, fits any car, and can be used for a wide variety of equipment (skis, snowboards, kayaks, etc.)”➕

“Get a roof bin/coffin. You can pick up a decent Thule from Dicks for around $250 on sale usually. Way better protection for your boards (assuming you put them in proper padded bags), plus you can throw wet gear in there and not stink out your car.”➕

Discussion about alternative options for carrying gear

“What are some of your favorite rack/stow systems for recreational activities(snowboards,skis,bikes etc.)?”➕

“Just get an RSI smart cap and throw stuff in your bed. Then you Don’t have to worry about it getting stolen”➕

“That’s what I did. Got a RSI similar bed cap and now I don’t have to worry about making a stop while on long trips.”➕

“That’s kind of what I got now I have the mopar hard cover on the bed.”➕

Buyer’s Cheat Sheet

What to check before you click ‘Add to Cart.’

Discussion about gear storage and transportation methods.

“reading some older posts about grime being worse on tow hitch mounted ones but having a hard time justifying a roof only setup as we probably won't use the crossbars/box for anything else.”➕

“Nothing worse than having salt and grime hit your boards while you’re driving 70+ down the interstate.”➕

“I find it more aesthetically pleasing than just the clamps.”➕

“The roof box is safer, much better protects my gear, and actually gets better gas mileage on my car than with a rack.”➕

Discussion about gear storage and transportation methods

“Just curious, why don’t we store ski/snowboard in the trunk or gear tunnel?”➕

Discussion about compatibility with different rack models

“The older Fatcat6 (non-evo) are 36 in wide and fit well with the traction boards on the R1S.”➕

“Thanks for the detail!”➕

“Did you have to buy separate T-bolts to mount direct to the rack without the clamp mounts?”➕

“yes, there is a yakima channel adapter kit.”➕

Questions about compatibility with Rivian's version

“Perfect. Is the Yakima sold by Rivian the same as an off-the shelf Yakima, or does it have bigger attachment points to allow it to fit on the cross bars?”➕

Comparisons of different transport options (racks vs. boxes)

“I carry my board, my wife's skis and my boys boards - it's just barely big enough to hold it all.”➕

Limited options for hitch ski carriers.

“Trailer hitch rack? Picked up a new car and would prefer to go with a hitch based system rather than roof rack (garage height), any suggestions?”➕

“While I'm sure some other people make dedicated options for this, we only have options from Thule and Yakima for hitch ski carrying.”➕

Discussion about roof rack clearance.

“My Yakima setup only adds like, four inches (from the crossbar).”➕

“Would the fulltilt be sufficient enough clearance to go on the back of Wrangler with the spare tire?”➕

Ski rack availability timed with seasons

“Most ski racks don't come out until the spring, when the weather is warm, beer flows freely, and morals are questionable.”➕

Comparative comments on Yakima vs Thule

“They're about the same. At basically any given price point where Thule makes something, there'll be a competitive Yakima product that is almost indistinguishable.”➕

General comparison of different ski rack brands

“Get one that locks with the price you like.”➕

Cautionary Callouts

Know the pitfalls before they catch you off guard.

Discussion about stolen gear and prevention tips

“super disappointed and hoping they turn up somehow.”➕

“Let us know if you get them back, hoping for your sake you will!”➕

“I’ve never left my gear unlocked since”➕

“I got them back because they posted them on Craigslist like 2 days later”➕

Concerns about debris affecting bindings

“My concern with ski racks is debris getting into my bindings and then the bindings not working correctly.”➕

Comparative discussion about roof boxes vs. racks

“roof boxes are the way to go instead”➕

Yakima Fatcat 4 Evo Ski/Snowboard Carrier

Curated from 94 real Reddit conversations

Yakima Fatcat 4 Evo Ski/Snowboard Carrier

Snoop's Take

Yakima Fatcat 4 Evo Ski/Snowboard Carrier

Ski Trips for Families

Solo Snowboarder

Mixed Gear Transport

Winter Sports Road Trips

What it does well!

Where it needs some work!

Compare On All Talked About Dimensions

Core Power Plays

Hidden Hero Hacks

Buyer’s Cheat Sheet

Cautionary Callouts

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