Best Roof Racks for Subaru Forester
Finding enough space in your Subaru Forester for tripods, Pelican cases, and lighting kits can be a logistical nightmare during remote shoots. While the Forester is a champion of off-road capability, its interior volume disappears quickly once you load up professional production gear. After years of hauling cinema rigs to the Rockies, I’ve found that a high-quality roof rack is the most vital upgrade for any adventure photographer. Our top pick, the Thule WingBar Evo, offers the perfect balance of silence and strength.
Our Top Picks at a Glance
Best Roof Racks for Subaru Forester: Detailed Reviews
Thule WingBar Evo View on Amazon View on B&H
The Thule WingBar Evo is the gold standard for Forester owners who refuse to compromise. When I’m driving eight hours to a sunrise shoot, the last thing I want is a whistling roof rack. Thule’s WindDiffuser technology actually disturbs the airflow to reduce noise and drag, which is a lifesaver for long-distance fuel economy. With a 220-lb load capacity, these bars easily support a cargo box full of C-stands and modifiers or even a hardshell rooftop tent for overnight location scouting. The BoxBeam internal structure makes these incredibly rigid; I’ve never felt them flex even under a full load. Installation on the Forester’s raised rails is a breeze, taking less than 20 minutes. My only gripe is that the locks are often sold separately, which feels a bit stingy at this price point. However, for sheer reliability and build quality, Thule remains the king of the mountain.
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Yakima JetStream View on Amazon View on B&H
The Yakima JetStream bars are the direct rival to Thule, and in many ways, they offer a better value proposition. I particularly love the seamless T-slot mounting system; you don’t have to trim the rubber infill to slide in your accessories, which is a massive time-saver when you’re swapping between a bike rack and a gear basket. The teardrop shape is exceptionally aerodynamic, and while they might be a hair louder than the Thule Evo at 75mph, the difference is negligible. For Forester owners, the Yakima TimberLine towers provide a rock-solid grip on the factory side rails. I’ve used these to haul heavy Pelican 1650 cases across washboard desert roads, and they didn’t budge an inch. They are made from seamless aluminum, so you never have to worry about rust if you live in a coastal area for surf photography. They are a sleek, professional-grade choice that leaves a little extra in your budget for that new prime lens.
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Leader Accessories Cross Bars View on Amazon View on B&H
If you only need to haul extra gear a few times a year, the Leader Accessories Cross Bars are a fantastic way to save money. Let’s be honest: not everyone needs a $600 rack system. These aluminum bars are surprisingly sturdy and come with a built-in locking system, which is a huge plus for security. I found the installation to be straightforward, though the hardware isn’t quite as refined as Thule or Yakima. You will notice more wind noise here—at highway speeds, there is a distinct hum that might bother you if you aren’t playing music. However, they hold up to 150 lbs, which is plenty for a medium cargo bag or a pair of kayaks. For the price of a single high-end memory card, you get a functional rack that expands your Forester’s utility immensely. Just be aware that the finish may fade faster than premium brands if left in the sun year-round.
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Rhino-Rack Pioneer Platform View on Amazon View on B&H
For the Forester owner who treats their vehicle like a mobile production studio, the Rhino-Rack Pioneer Platform is the ultimate upgrade. Unlike standard crossbars, this is a full tray system made from reinforced nylon and aluminum. It allows you to mount gear anywhere on the surface, which is incredible for strapping down oddly shaped items like lighting booms or large scrim kits. I’ve seen photographers use this as a stable shooting platform (while parked!) to get a higher vantage point. It’s low-profile, so it doesn’t add much height to the car, and the black powder coating is incredibly durable against scratches and UV damage. It is a more complex install and certainly more expensive, but it transforms the roof of your Forester into a professional workspace. If you’re serious about overlanding to get the perfect shot, this is the system you want.
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Malone AirFlow2 View on Amazon View on B&H
The Malone AirFlow2 is a dark horse in the roof rack world. It offers features often reserved for the “big two” brands but at a significantly lower price point. One of the best things about the AirFlow2 is that it comes as a complete kit—bars, towers, and locks are all included in the box. For a photographer, the built-in locks provide immediate peace of mind when leaving gear-filled cargo boxes unattended at a trailhead. The bars have an “wing” shape that effectively reduces wind drag, and the triple-wall aluminum construction provides a rigid 165-lb load capacity. They fit the Forester’s rails perfectly with a simple Allen key adjustment. While the aesthetics are a bit more industrial than the sleek Thule bars, they are incredibly robust. I’ve found these to be the perfect mid-range option for those who want quality and security without the premium brand markup.
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Buying Guide: How to Choose Roof Racks
Comparison Table
| Product | Best For | Rating | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Thule WingBar Evo | Max Performance | ★★★★★ | Check |
| Yakima JetStream | Versatility | ★★★★☆ | Check |
| Leader Accessories | Tight Budgets | ★★★★☆ | Check |
| Rhino-Rack Pioneer | Overlanding | ★★★★★ | Check |
| Malone AirFlow2 | Value Security | ★★★★☆ | Check |
Frequently Asked Questions
Will these roof racks affect my Subaru Forester’s gas mileage?
Yes, any roof rack will create some aerodynamic drag. High-end wing-shaped bars like the Thule WingBar Evo minimize this effect, usually resulting in a loss of less than 1 MPG. However, budget-friendly square or round bars can be much more disruptive, potentially dropping your efficiency by 2-3 MPG. If you leave a cargo box or basket on the rack, the impact will be significantly more noticeable, especially at highway speeds.
Can I still use my Forester’s sunroof with these racks installed?
In most cases, yes. The Subaru Forester’s sunroof is designed to slide into the roof rather than pop up high above it. Most modern crossbars from Thule, Yakima, and Malone sit high enough on the side rails to provide ample clearance. However, if you are using a platform rack or very low-profile aftermarket bars, you should double-check the clearance before fully opening the glass to avoid any potential contact.
How much weight can I safely put on my Forester’s roof?
Most Subaru Foresters have a dynamic roof load limit of 176 lbs (80 kg) while the vehicle is moving. This includes the weight of the roof rack itself. It’s crucial not to exceed this, as it can negatively affect the car’s handling and center of gravity. When parked (static limit), the roof can typically support much more, which is why rooftop tents are safe for two or three adults once the car is stationary.
Do I need professional help to install these racks?
No, most Forester roof racks are designed for DIY installation. Since the Forester usually comes with raised side rails, the process involves clamping the towers onto the rails and tightening a few bolts. Most kits come with the necessary tools (like torque-limited Allen keys). If you can follow basic instructions and have 20-30 minutes of free time, you can easily install any of the recommendations on this list yourself without professional assistance.
Are the locks really necessary for a roof rack?
While not strictly necessary for the rack to function, I highly recommend them. A roof rack is a high-value item that is relatively easy to remove if it isn’t locked. Furthermore, locks secure your accessories (like expensive cargo boxes full of camera gear) to the rack itself. For peace of mind during overnight stays at hotels or while you’re away from your vehicle on a long hike, the small investment in lock cores is well worth it.
Final Verdict
For the professional photographer or outdoor enthusiast who spends a lot of time on the road, the Thule WingBar Evo is the clear winner for its silence and durability. If you’re looking for a slightly more affordable entry into premium racks, the Yakima JetStream is an excellent alternative. For those on a strict budget who just need to get their gear from point A to point B, the Leader Accessories bars offer the best bang for your buck.