Call 888-463-6367 | Contact
  •  0 items
    •  
    Email Page | Feedback

    Shop By Sport

    Clothing & Outerwear

    Specialty Shops

    Gift Services

    Gift Card

    Featured Brands

    Deals

    Expertise

    Why Shop EMS

    • 1. Our Guarantee
    • 2. Easy Returns
    • 3. Quick Pickup

    Let Eastern Mountain Sports help you find the best multisport rack system for your vehicle. We carry the full line of both Yakima and Thule.

    NEW TO CAR RACKS? START HERE!
    1

    If it's a roof-mounted rack you're after, there are essential components you MUST have before you can secure accessories to mount gear to your roof, even if you have a vehicle equipped with a factory rack. Most roof-mounted racks begin with three basic foundation pieces:

    Roll over the hot spots below to learn more.

    2

    FIND RACK ACCESSORIES

    After you build the foundation of your roof-mounted rack, it's time to find accessories to carry all your outdoor gear! This means you need to choose rack carriers that can secure your bikes, boards, and boats to the top of your roof-mounted rack. There are also extra load or luggage carriers in the form of cargo boxes, bags, and nets.

    3

    FIND YOUR RACK

    Now it's time to rack your car! Whether it's a roof-mounted, hitch, truck-bed, or trunk/hatchback rack, you'll find the best rack and rack accessories for your car with our easy-to-use Rack Finder tools (that's right, no sweating involved):

    THULE Rack Finder YAKIMA Rack Finder

    What's the difference?

    * Both Rack Finders take into consideration those vehicles equipped with a factory-installed roof rack.

    Select a Category

    • Thule Rack Finder
    • Yakima Rack Finder
    • Ski & Snowboard Racks
    • Bike Racks
    • Kayak & Surfboard Racks
    • Rooftop Boxes & Baskets
    • Thule Bars, Racks & Feet
    • Thule Fit Kits
    • Yakima Base Components
    • Yakima Q Clips
    • Yakima Ground Control System
    • Car Rack Accessories
  • Shopping Services:
  • Our Guarantee
  • Shipping
  • Returns
  • Quick Pickup
  • Account Information
  • Contact Us
  • About Us:
  • All About Us
  • Store Locations
  • Career Opportunities
  • Privacy Policy
  • Group Discounts
  • Become An Affiliate
  • Copyright © 1998 - 2008
  • Helpful Information:
  • All Product Reviews
  • Expert Advice
  • Catalog Request
  • Email Sign-up
  • Site Map
    		•

    Foot Packs and Towers allow you to add bars for carrying different accessories (like bike racks, kayak racks, and cargo boxes).

    Thule's roof mounts are called Foot Packs.

    Yakima's roof mounts are called Towers.

    Bars attach to the top of roof mounts and support your gear-mounting accessories (like bike trays and cargo boxes).

    Thule calls them Load Bars. (square bar design)

    Yakima calls them Crossbars. (round bar design)

    Fit Kits, Q Clips, and Landing Pads create a custom fit for your vehicle's roof.

    Thule's Fit Kits ensure a custom fit between the appropriate Foot Pack and your vehicle's roof.

    Yakima's Q Clips secure Towers to your door frame, while Landing Pads are sometimes required to fit Towers to certain roof designs.

    - Not every vehicle will require a Fit Kit/Q Clip.

    - The Thule and Yakima Rack Finders will let you know exactly which components are needed for your vehicle.

    WHAT'S THE DIFFERENCE
    Yakima and Thule both design the highest quality car racks for all your outdoor activities, but each company has different philosophies. Which company you choose depends on your personal style preference.

    Yakima designs round crossbars for strength and adjustability. Round bars allow you to rotate and flatten rack mounting accessories (kayak cradles, wheel mounts, etc.) when they're not in use. According to Yakima, the company's design philosophy centers on durability and functionality. Yakima originated in the United States and has been in the rack business for more than 25 years.

    Thule designs square load bars, because this design prevents the rack and rack accessories from shifting and rotating. According to Thule, the company's design philosophy centers on safety and ease of use. Thule originated in Sweden, and it's the largest rack manufacturer in the world.