David Horkan | Kayaking Ireland | davidhorkankayaking.com

Kari-Tek Easy Load Roof Rack Review

7/28/2019

 
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One of the best kayaking related products money can buy. Once you have one you will wonder how you ever lived without it.
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The Kari-Tek Easy load roof rack is exactly that. A simple system that allows you to get your kayaks on your roof without any stress or effort.  They are made in Scotland by a small family run business.
The design is brilliant, well made and works great.  I got my first Karitek rack a few years ago and had it on my Ford Transit. It was the high roof version.
As someone who paddles daily and often on my own it made life so much easier being able to load up my composite kayaks on my own without climbing up and down ladders or risking dropping my kayaks. 

When I changed my van this year to a VW Transporter I knew I would have to get another rack as I just can not live without one now. The version pictured is the standard or low roof version  set up on my Transporter. I have it set up to carry one kayak but it can take 3/4 kayaks.

These racks are expensive, but if you consider the convenience, the hassle-free loading and the lifetime build quality they actually work out good value and I would consider it an investment. No more waiting around for help, no more damaging your expensive composite boat or breaking your back to get it up on the roof.

I would compare a Kari-Tek rack to a dry suit, sure you don't necessarily need one but, I guarantee you once you own one you will wonder how you ever lived without it !
Pros:
Incredibly convenient 
Simple system
Very easy to use
Can be modified for different roofs

Cons:
Initial investment 

​Alternatives:
 Drop Racks
Thule Hullavator  
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10 Comments
Dave Conroy link
8/12/2019 01:26:40 am

I've got the Karitek easy loader too. Concur with the big initial outlay, but definitely a good investment!

Reply
David Horkan
8/12/2019 07:02:49 pm

Totally. Thanks for the comment Dave

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Glenn
8/16/2019 06:38:16 pm

I’m Going to need this now ,post surgery Dave,how much am I going to have to spend😖😖😖

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Eila Wilkinson
1/28/2020 08:13:14 pm

Love it. Thank you.
Great review.. we’ll share it to our FB page
Kari-Tek Products

Reply
Peter
1/30/2020 09:43:25 am

That's exactly what we need for out T6 !
We have the same roof bars (length of the vehicle), but what are the roof rails please ?
Thanks.

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Roger Waugh link
5/15/2021 08:41:28 pm

Brilliant review Dave - let me know if you need any parts! Do you mind if I put the link on my shop?

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Denis lefebvre
9/22/2021 08:13:55 pm

Is there any place in Canada where this rack can be purchase, or in US?

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Ian Smith
11/5/2021 09:09:01 am

I have just purchased my kayak wagom - also a transtorter. I seem to find any prices on this rack?

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Craig Smith
8/2/2022 10:08:25 pm

I have a brand new still boxed Kari-Tek easy load Roof rack with two sets of SOT cradles. Bought this then changed vehicles so now have a trailer on order. Selling for £850 which saves approx £200 on new. And this is new!

Reply
South Gate Fan Repairs link
8/29/2022 04:43:59 pm

Thanks for sharing this

Reply



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