The Ultimate Yakima DoubleHaul Rooftop Fly Rod Carrier Review

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The Yakima DoubleHaul Rooftop Fly Rod Carrier Review highlights this premium solution for anglers seeking secure, convenient transport for up to four fully strung fly rods, offering protection and ease for any fishing adventure.

The DoubleHaul Rooftop Fly Rod Carrier by Yakima, SKU: #8004087, represents a solution that meets the needs of serious fly-fishing enthusiasts who value convenience, security, and protection for their gear. At a regular price of $799.00, the DoubleHaul delivers a premium rooftop storage system capable of transporting up to four fully strung-up rods, saving valuable time and effort while ensuring that your gear is ready to go the moment you arrive at your fishing destination.

Design and Build Quality

Yakima is renowned for producing durable, functional outdoor gear, and the DoubleHaul Rooftop Fly Rod Carrier lives up to the brand’s reputation. From the moment you unbox the unit, it’s clear this is a premium product. Weighing in at 46.60 lbs., the carrier feels substantial yet manageable for mounting. The choice of materials reflects a commitment to strength and longevity—each of the four rod tubes is lined with plastic, while the aluminum construction provides durability without adding unnecessary weight. The rod tubes also serve to keep the rods separate, preventing the abrasion that can occur when gear is loosely stored in a vehicle or an unpadded rack.

The dimensions of the carrier—L 131.00 in x W 15.00 in x H 9.00 in—indicate that this product is designed to accommodate even the longest fly rods, with the ability to transport rods up to 10 feet in length. For users who prefer shorter setups, Yakima offers a customizable length, allowing the DoubleHaul to be adjusted between 11 ft. or 6 ft., making it a versatile choice for different vehicle sizes.

Ease of Installation and Compatibility

One of the major selling points of the DoubleHaul is its ease of installation. Yakima’s tool-free universal crossbar attachment makes mounting the unit on most roof racks a straightforward process, meaning you can get it up and running without professional help or complicated tools. If your vehicle has a T-slot crossbar system, you can use Yakima’s SmarT-Slot™ Kit 3 (sold separately) for a sleeker installation.

The universal mounting hardware is compatible with Yakima crossbars and most other roof racks, a feature that ensures widespread compatibility for vehicles of all types. With a minimum crossbar spread of 27.00 inches and a maximum spread of 108.00 inches, it’s safe to say this carrier fits on anything from compact SUVs to full-size trucks.

Functionality and Capacity

Where the DoubleHaul really shines is in its ability to accommodate multiple rods of varying sizes. The four rod slots can hold rods up to 10 feet long, with space for two spey rods in the upper slots. Yakima has clearly paid attention to the needs of fly-fishing enthusiasts, as the top two reel slots are designed to fit most 12-wt. reels, while the bottom two slotshandle most 10-wt. reels. This careful attention to detail ensures that different rod setups, including those with heavier reels, can be transported with ease.

One of the standout features is the reel box, which is designed to protect and fit most reel sizes while also accommodating the fighting butts of single-handed rods. This ensures that your most valuable pieces of equipment are fully protected during transit. The custom-fitted felt padding inside the reel box adds a layer of cushioning, preventing wear and tear on your gear.

An often-overlooked aspect of fly rod carriers is how they affect the rod’s sensitive components like stripping guides and eyelets. Yakima has addressed this by placing the reels on the side of the carrier, which reduces the amount of wear and tear on these critical elements. It’s a small but thoughtful feature that could make a significant difference in prolonging the life of your rods.

Security and Weather Protection

Transporting expensive fly rods means security is a top priority, and Yakima delivers peace of mind with the inclusion of its SKS (Single Key System) locks. These locks secure both the rods inside the carrier and the carrier itself to the roof rack, providing two layers of security against theft. In a world where outdoor enthusiasts often leave their gear unattended while making roadside stops, this is a feature that adds real value.

Another important consideration is how well the DoubleHaul protects your gear from the elements. Fly-fishing often takes place in unpredictable weather conditions, and the DoubleHaul is built to handle it all. Whether it’s a sudden downpour or intense sun exposure, the weather-resistant construction ensures that your rods and reels remain protected. The rod tubes and reel box are designed to keep out rain and moisture, making it suitable for use in all weather conditions.

Aesthetics and Vehicle Fit

A product designed to sit on top of your vehicle needs to look good as well, and Yakima has hit the mark with the modern styling of the DoubleHaul. It manages to blend into the profile of most vehicles without looking clunky or out of place. For those who are particular about their vehicle’s aesthetics, the half-length configuration option offers a sleeker, less obtrusive look, which might be preferable for smaller cars or users who don’t need the full 11-foot setup.

Despite its length, the carrier does not significantly increase wind resistance or produce noticeable noise, an issue that can plague some rooftop systems. This aerodynamic design ensures that your vehicle’s fuel efficiency remains largely unaffected, even on longer trips.

Value for Money

At $799.00, the DoubleHaul Rooftop Fly Rod Carrier isn’t cheap. However, given the combination of its capacity, thoughtful design features, ease of installation, and robust security, it’s a product that justifies its price. For anglers who often travel long distances or have invested heavily in their gear, the DoubleHaul offers the kind of convenience and protection that makes it well worth the cost.

While there are less expensive options on the market, few offer the same level of security and protection for multiple rods. Considering the value of the equipment being transported, the DoubleHaul serves as both a protective storage solution and an insurance policy against damage and theft.

Final Thoughts

The DoubleHaul Rooftop Fly Rod Carrier by Yakima is a premium product designed for anglers who take their craft seriously. Its ability to transport up to four fully strung-up fly rods, compatibility with most roof racks, ease of installation, and robust weather protection make it an excellent choice for both occasional and avid fly-fishers.

The attention to detail in terms of rod and reel protection, coupled with the dual security provided by Yakima’s SKS locking system, ensures peace of mind for users who want to protect their valuable gear. While the price point may be steep, the DoubleHaul delivers a level of convenience, durability, and security that makes it an investment worth considering for anyone serious about fly fishing.

In summary, the DoubleHaul is a top-tier fly rod carrier that excels in both form and function, providing anglers with the confidence to travel with their gear securely and conveniently.