By
Gloria Bussey
Gloria Bussey
Product Research and Writer
Gloria is a talented writer based in Chattanooga, TN and enjoys kayaking and mountain biking. She graduated with a business degree in 2007 and is now working on a master's i read more
reviewed
Reviewed By
Steven Martin
Steven Martin
Vehicle Fit Expert and Consultant
Steven is a skilled car mechanic based in Denver, CO. He's a passionate hiker, devoted backcountry camper and his mechanic expertise allows him to maximize space in any vehi read more
Last updated: August 13, 2023

Thule Compass Review: The Perfect Rack for Your Kayak (Fall 2023)

Rack Advisor is reader-supported. We earn commission on products purchased via the links on this page. Learn more
By
Gloria Bussey
Gloria Bussey
Product Research and Writer
Gloria is a talented writer based in Chattanooga, TN and enjoys kayaking and mountain biking. She graduated with a business degree in 2007 and is now working on a master's i read more
reviewed
Reviewed By
Steven Martin
Steven Martin
Vehicle Fit Expert and Consultant
Steven is a skilled car mechanic based in Denver, CO. He's a passionate hiker, devoted backcountry camper and his mechanic expertise allows him to maximize space in any vehi read more
Last updated: August 13, 2023
Rack Advisor is reader-supported. We earn commission on products purchased via the links on this page. Learn more
Ideal for
  • People who are into paddleboarding
  • People who love surfing and canoeing
  • Kayak enthusiasts who must transport their kayaks
  • Family or friends hangout
Key features
  • It can accommodate kayaks up to 36" wide
  • It's quick and easy to install
  • It offers multiple carry options
  • It boasts a versatile water sport carrier
Editor's Rating
9,7
out of 10
  • Durability
    9.6
  • Safety
    9.7
  • Capacity
    9.7
  • Versatility
    9.8
  • Overall
    9.7
Users’ Rating
4.1
out of 5
98 Users’ Rating
rating rating rating rating rating
rating
rating rating rating rating rating
4.1
out of
5
98 Users’ Rating
  • 5 stars
    23%
  • 4 stars
    60%
  • 3 stars
    14%
  • 2 stars
    2%
  • 1 stars
    0%
Add your rating:

Kayaking is one of the activities enjoyed by many. While many love this water sport because of the plentiful health and physical benefits it fetches, the fun it gives, and the rejuvenating spirit it revives is another reason why some will never miss out on an opportunity to paddle. However, for people who love this activity and love to enjoy it frequently, it becomes pertinent to have their kayak with them and, this is exactly why you need to check out the Thule Compass review.

No matter how much you love kayaking, moving your kayak to and fro can be very challenging. If you choose to think out of the box and explore a couple of options like choosing a trailer or roughing your way around with a big estate car, there are still some inconveniences you’re bound to encounter, and they can even discourage you or get you dispirited. With the Thule Compass, you’ve got all you need to enjoy your kayak anytime, any day. And as it stands to be a great solution to help you carry your kayaks effectively, this Thule Compass review will help you with all you need to know about the incredible Thule.

This product's also been included into these rankings:

Our #4 pick for the best double kayak roof racks
Our #9 pick for the best thule roof rack

Specifications

Mounting Type
Strap
Load Capacity
130 lbs
Dimensions
32 x 7 x 19 in
Weight
20 lbs
Length of Straps
2x15 in
Hull Width
36 in. or Less
Rubber Cover for Strap Buckle
Yes
Warranty
Lifetime limited

Thule Compass Review

The Thule Compass has an array of special features that make it the best for the job it does. For those who haven’t heard of Thule, this brand is reputed for the high-quality products it produces consistently, and it’s renowned for being one of the world’s biggest suppliers of bike and kayak accessories. Now, back to the Thule Compass itself, this rack offers its users multiple ways to carry with its versatile watersport carrier. This means that you’ll find this rack very useful whether you want to use it to carry your paddleboards, canoe, kayaks, or surfboards.

With its saddle mode, you can carry up to two SUPs; with its stacker mode, you can carry two kayaks; and with its saddle configuration or J-style, you can carry a single kayak if you intend to roll alone. This rack makes it easy to enjoy your refreshing watersports Trusted Source Boating laws rules and license requirements | CA Department of Parks and Recreation Life jackets are the most important piece of safe boating and watersports equipment. www.parks.ca.gov activities “in two” with its offered diverse modes. With its padded protection and thick rubber saddles, you can stay relaxed that your stand-up paddleboards and kayaks will receive maximum protection. The fold-down design of this rack is also worth commending because it makes you enjoy better aerodynamics whenever it’s not in use as it swiftly folds down flat. This easy-to-use, stylish, and innovative kayak carrier makes spending more time out on the water an exciting adventure you’ll always look forward to.

Design

Thule Compass Review: The Perfect Rack for Your Kayak (Fall 2023)

This kayak carrier boasts a stylish design, and it’s most appreciated for its fold-down design. And with that, you enjoy better aerodynamics whenever it’s not in use because it swiftly folds down flat.

Versatility

You enjoy ample versatility when you’re using this rack. For instance, let’s say you and your friends are hanging out, or you’re on a fun trip with your family, and everyone has varied interests. You all will be able to experience the water in your preferred ways because you’re at liberty to mix the types of craft you carry, for it’s not just for kayaks. This rack will fit straight on any roof bar, ranging from round bard and factory roof bars to others. And, you do enjoy several ways to carry with its versatile watersport carrier that permits you to carry two SUPs in saddle mode, two kayaks in stacker mode, or a single kayak in J-style.

Weight Capacity

The Thule Compass kayak carrier is fit and capable of carrying your surfboards, paddleboards, and canoes. Whether you want to have one or two kayaks, you can trust it to serve you well but take note that its maximum weight is 130 pounds. Nevertheless, you have no reason to be sad because 130 pounds is a lot of weight! But if you intend to carry more, adding an extra rack on your roof will quickly solve that.

Kayak Compatibility

Thule Compass Review: The Perfect Rack for Your Kayak (Fall 2023)
Thule Compass allows you to transport either two kayaks or two standup paddleboards.

The Thule Compass kayak rack works pretty well with your kayak without creating any stress or causing any fuss. With a rooftop kayak rack from Thule, your lovely water sports gear can be transported, and while you’re in transit, you can stay relaxed that the durable and soft rubber padding will protect your kayaks. So, have no fear.

Durability

The Thule Compass is sturdy, well-built, and made of high-quality materials. As a result of this, its durability and reliability are steadfast, and you can feel relaxed that your paddleboards, canoes, or kayaks will not be tampered with because of the rack’s padding protection. And, the frame is powder-coated steel as well.

Warranty

The Thule Compass kayak rack comes with a limited lifetime warranty. You shouldn’t just look forward to a positive and seamless experience but also expect a friendly customer experience from Thule if you have any difficulties or challenges.

Thule Compass Installation

The Thule Compass kayak carrier is easy to use and install. This incredibly versatile cradle boasts different modes such as saddle mode, stacker mode, or J style mode that you can use to carry either a single kayak or two kayaks.

Aside from the fact that this rack offers you the convenience of choosing how you carry your items, it can also accommodate your paddleboards, canoes, and kayaks comfortably.

When you purchase this rack, you’ll find all the necessary universal mounting hardware you’ll be needed for installation. Regardless of whatever kind of roof bars you have, it will fit in easily, and this rack will give you little or no stress at all when you fit it into your vehicle. Your kayak can never fall off because this rack will prevent such a thing from happening and there are included straps that you can use to enjoy more protection — these straps are purposed to secure your kayaks effortlessly.

Other Features

Though the Thule Compass rack has a lot of positive sides that make it a valuable and easy option for transporting your kayaks, canoe, or paddleboards, it also has a few opposing sides. Let’s quickly take a look at them.

PROS CONS
It has little effect on aerodynamics or fuel consumption It’s a bit pricey
It can carry surfboards, paddleboards, canoes, and kayaks It does not offer locking capabilities
It’s apt for any roof bar
It supports an incredible weight of 130 pounds
It’s easy to use and install
It’s well-built and features a fine design

Conclusion

If you seek a new kayak roof rack system, we’ll recommend that you consider the Thule Compass kayak rack because it’s well-built and it’s durable, and reliable. Although the price could hurt your pocket a little bit, you have more to enjoy in the long run because it’s a straightforward and practical solution that will always deliver and not disappoint you. Using this kayak rack comes with more ease because you don’t have to keep uninstalling it every time after use — you can leave it on your vehicle roof every time without worrying about anything.

Acknowledged to be a high-quality rack that is worth investing in, this kayak carrier is very versatile, and it does its job perfectly well. We hope this Thule Compass review will help you to make the right decision!

References

1.
Boating laws rules and license requirements | CA Department of Parks and Recreation
Life jackets are the most important piece of safe boating and watersports equipment.
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