Hudson Valley Pack & Paddle, Inc.

The Hudson River Valley's watersport rack specialists. Pack & Paddle carries a full line of Thule and Yakima roof rack system components. Our experienced staff will help you find the perfect fit for your vehicle and the easiest and safest ways to load and carry your boat. Free installation is available on most roof racks and accessories. We also stock luggage boxes as well as roof and hitch mounted bike and ski carriers.

Roof Rack 101
Cartopping canoes and kayaks is a necessity for all paddlers. Even those few who have immediate access to a body of water, ie: lakehouse or dock, eventually need to get out and explore the other waters of the world. Years of experience enable us to help guide
you through the process of finding the right rack for your vehicle.

There are 4 basic types of vehicle roofs and factory racks out there.
1. A sedan, minivan or wagon that has no factory rack at all. This type of vehicle/roof requires a foot pack/tower system with a fit kit/clip attachment and a pair of load/cross bars. These 3 components create the basis or platform of the rack. Then carriers for kayaks/canoes/bikes/skiis can be added for your specific needs. This type of system can also work on pick up trucks for bikes & skiis. However, for canoes or kayaks, an extended cab design is usually necessary to acheive the 24" plus bar spread generally required.

2. Factory racks that have a pair of raised rails running lengthwise, attached to the vehicles roof. Some of these vehicles have factory crossbars which are sometimes compatible with certain canoe and kayak carriers. If you do not have crossbars you will need a foot pack/tower system and crossbars. The after-market systems now available are usually much less expensive and sturdier than the crossbars available from the car dealership and offer a great deal more flexibility as to how they are used and positioned. The Thule or Yakima Load Bars are made of steel, have a very durable black plastic coating and are much stronger than most factory rack crossbars.

3. Factory racks with a set of tracks that are attached/screwed directly into vehicles roof. This allows for a foot pack/tower system to be installed into the track. Some of these vehicles have factory rack crossbars which are sometimes compatible with certain canoe and kayak carriers. If you do not have crossbars you will need a foot pack/tower system and crossbars. The after market systems now available are usually much less expensive and sturdier than the crossbars available from the car dealership and can offer a great deal more flexibility. The Thule or Yakima Load Bars are made of steel, have a very durable black plastic coating and are much stronger than most factory rack crossbars.

4. This last option is for vehicles that have raingutters. They work best on Volvo Wagons, Older Jeep Cherokees and Commercial/Work Vans. The foot pack/tower clamps on to a rain gutter or strong piece of trim attached along the roofline, above the side windows. Also, "artifical rain gutters" can be permanently attached to a vehicles roof but usually work best on pick up truck caps, camper roofs and hard top Jeep Wranglers. This method requires drilling and is generally reffered to as a custom/permanent installation. A set of load bars/crossbars are also required and these components create the basis or platform of the rack. Then carriers for kayaks/canoes/bikes/skiis can be added for your specific needs.
Rear Loading and Side Loading. J Cradles vs Saddles. More Rack 101 to come.

Beetle/Thule Hullaports - Malone Autoloader 99.95 - Riverside Foam Blocks & Straps offer a safe and affordable alternative for car topping canoes & kayaks.

Hudson Valley Pack and Paddle Roof Rack Safety Tips
1. Check and inspect any roof rack before each usage.
2. Properly strap and secure all items being carried on the rack. No bungee cords.
3. Canoes and kayaks should always be secured at the bow and the stern to the front and rear bumpers of the vehicle. These bow/stern tie downs are necessary in addition to the tie down straps across the body of the craft.
4.Check the vehicle manufacturers roof rack capacity limitations if using a factory rack.
5.Drive Safely. Do not exceed the posted speed limit while using the rack.

Bedrail Racks for Pick Up Trucks include the Yakima Outdoorsman 300, THULE Xsporter & Goalpost. See the manufacturers web sites for fit guides, pictures and descriptions or call or stop by our store and we'll help you find what will work best for you and your truck.
Yakima Outdoorsman 300, List $185.00 per pair, On Sale Now for Only $159.95 a pair !

THULE HULLAVATOR - We've tested it and it works great! This load assist and kayak rack will get your boats on to your cars roof more easily and you onto the water! $469.00
THULE SLIPSTREAM - Load and slide your kayak onto your vehicle from the rear with ease. Protects your car & kayak & fits, Thule, Yakima & factory racks. Only $300.00!

THULE & Yakima LUGGAGE BOXES
These roof top carriers are best way to transport skiis and other gear. Locking security and watertight. Use one and you'll have alot more room in your vehicle for you and your family on your next vacation or weekend getaway.

The Talon System Check out our in-store display model and see how it can help you load your vehicle. Helps lift, lower and transport kayaks and luggage boxes easily. We currently have one Talon System Instock, it will fit on Thule crossbars.
Demo Model, Was $429.00, ON SALE ONLY $100.00

Roof Rack Policy
All roof rack components purchased from Hudson Valley Pack and Paddle, Inc. are warrantied soley by the manufacturer. Hudson Valley Pack and Paddle, Inc.does not offer any additional warranty or guarantee as to the safety or fit of any roof rack component. It is the consumers responsability to ensure the safe and proper installation of any roof rack and failure to read and observe important information provided by the manufacturer may result in serious injury and/or damage to the product and other property.

LOAD AND CARRY YOUR BOATS, BIKES AND GEAR SAFELY AND SECURELY.