Winter is coming to a close, and time is running out to enjoy our favorite winter activities.
For most people, the gear they use for enjoying the frozen outdoors doesn’t fit inside their vehicle. For that, they turn to carriers mounted to the roof racks of their vehicle. Roof racks are an option on most vehicles, from sedans to SUVs, and are extremely useful when carrying long items. There is a wide selection of carriers available online, but the most popular brands are Thule and Yakima.
Yakima EasyTop.
No roof racks? Don’t despair, there are some options as well. Universal mounts like the Yakima EasyTop are designed to flush mount to a vehicle’s roof. They’re engineered with soft undersides to keep them from damaging paint. Fairly quick and easy to install, these safely carry skis and snowboards on your roof. They’re not replacements for fixed roof mounts, however, and shouldn’t be used to carry anything over their weight rating.
Depending on which kind of winter activity you plan on enjoying, there are general and specific roof racks which can be used. Some of these roof racks, like the EasyTop mentioned before, have great summertime uses as well, bringing four seasons of fun.
Skiing
Thule SnowPack line of carriers.
Ski mounts for roof racks are available for universal fit. Many also fit snowboards, too, though a lesser amount. There are a few choices, with the limiting factor being how many skis you want to hold on the roof. These compact carriers are very easy to store away in the summer, and have the least amount of drag. Thule SnowPack line of ski carriers is a top choice.
Yakima FatCat ski/snowboard carrier.
Or, choose from the Yakima FatCat ski racks. Both offer industry leading quality and durability. The downside here is your ski poles. With no place to stash them above, they have to ride in the cabin with you.
Snowboarding
While snowboards can be carried in some of the ski carriers mentioned, there are some snowboard specific mounts worth considering.
Thule 575 snowboard carrier
Individually, the Thule 575 Snowboard carrier offers less capacity than their SnowPack. However, they can be paired for nearly the same price, and offer an advantage in accessibility. An outward facing angle makes access to your snowboards much easier from the side, saving the uncomfortable reach to the middle of your vehicle.
Cross-country skiing, snowshoeing
Those who are looking to enjoy longer winter hikes, on skis or snowshoes, will have more to carry. Dumping a load of wet, smelly, snow covered skis, poles, boots and gear into your vehicle may not be desirable. Even alpine skiers will appreciate storing poles or boots overhead. Here, aerodynamically designed rooftop carriers are the best choice.
Yakima ShowCase 15
The Yakima ShowCase 15, and others similar, provide excellent space for a variety of winter equipment. They maintain stylish lines along the roof, minimizing the aerodynamic impact, and your fuel efficiency. Best of all, when the snow melts, carriers like these can carry an assortment of camping or biking gear.
Don’t let a lack of trunk space keep you from enjoying the best activities Winter allows.
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