Best Roof Racks of 2013
Heading out the door? Read this article on the new Outside+ app available now on iOS devices for members! Download the app.
Thule Sonic Alpine gear box roof rack
The dimples aren’t just for show. Just as they help a golf ball cut through the air more effectively, they cut down on drag (and noise) on the Sonic Alpine. Inside, there was enough room (ten cubic feet) for a weekend’s worth of camping gear (or three pairs of skis, two pairs of boots, and change). And it took us less than five minutes to mount.
Kuat Vagabond X basket roof rack
Unlike sleek rocket boxes, gear baskets like the Vagabond X can accommodate just about anything you don’t want in the car, be it a sack of wet paddling gear, a spare tire, or unwieldy pieces of luggage. Kuat’s is more expensive than other ones out there, but it also comes with more, namely an integrated cable lock and two locking bike mounts.
Yakima Whispbar WB200 fork mount
Taking a cue from the airfoil-shaped Whispbar crossbars Yakima released last year, the WB200’s aerodynamic design cuts down on noise and wind drag (thus saving you fuel). It’s pricey, but it accommodates a nine-millimeter quick-release fork or a 15millimeter through-axle with the flip of a lockable switch.