Best Way To Carry One (Or Two) Kayaks On A 2024 Subaru Outback

Updated 08/05/2025 | Published 07/28/2025

Products Featured in This Question

LockRack Series-X Universal Adjustable Watersport Carrier - Side Loading - Universal Mount

(24)

$331.18

etrailer Kayak Carrier w/ Tie-Downs - J-Style - Folding - Clamp On

(219)

$129.99

Question:

Hello, Could you please advise what carrier would I need to haul a kayak on my 2024 Subaru outback? Also is it possible to haul 2? Thank you

asked by: Marie R

Expert Reply:

Hey Marie, sure can! To haul kayaks with your 2024 Subaru Outback you will need to install a roof rack with crossbars. If you already have one, perfect. Just let me know the brand and approximate length of crossbar.

If you do not have crossbars already, what I recommend is the Yakima Yakima SkyLine Roof Rack # Y39TB. This comes with 50" aero crossbars.

As far as the kayak carrier, I see you were looking at the LockRack Series-X Universal Adjustable Watersport Carrier # LR24VR. This is a great option for carrying one kayak. It is easily adjustable, very secure and fully lockable. I have used it several times and it is very easy to deal with. If you can lift your kayak my yourself, or with the help of a friend, it will work great for you.

That said, the LockRack carrier would be for only one kayak. It would not be possible to fit two.

If you need to carry two kayaks at a time, the best option will be to use a J-Style carrier like the etrailer Kayak Carrier w/ Tie-Downs # e98878. This allows the kayaks to be carried on their side so you would have no problem fitting two on the 50" crossbars.

I have provided links to a few of our videos that highlight each kayak carrier.

What kind of kayaks do you have?

expert reply by: Jesse M

LockRack Series-X Universal Adjustable Watersport Carrier
(click to enlarge)

Marie R.

8/4/2025

Thanks All Subaru outbacks come with roof racks with crossbars. Maybe you could take a look at the specs to make sure for me? And I already have the jbars unfortunately I cannot secure them myself with the ratchet system. So would this system work?

Jesse M.

8/5/2025

@MarieR They all have factory rails on the roof that run from front to back, but they do not all come with crossbars from the factory. Once you add crossbars, the LockRack carrier I mentioned above will be a great option for carrying a single kayak. It is still recommended to use bow and stern tie downs with the LockRack carrier.