All Guides

Every guide we publish about Hikula — quick, direct answers to the questions readers ask most often.

• Are roof rack pads necessary?

  Yes — roof rack pads are necessary if you're carrying surfboards, kayaks, or any gear directly on bare crossbars, because unpadded metal bars will scratch, dent, or pressure-crack

• Can I leave roof rack pads on all year?

  Yes, you can leave roof rack pads on year-round, but UV exposure, moisture, and road grime will shorten their lifespan significantly if you do — removing them when not in active us

• Do roof rack pads affect gas mileage?

  Yes, roof rack pads add aerodynamic drag that measurably reduces fuel efficiency, though the impact depends heavily on pad size, driving speed, and whether you're carrying a load o

• How to use roof rack pads?

  Roof rack pads mount to your crossbars to protect your boards during transport — wrap them around the bars, secure the closures, lay your boards on top, and tie everything down wit

• Are packrafts safer than kayaks?

  Kayaks are generally safer for most paddlers because they offer better primary stability, higher weight capacity, and more predictable handling across a wider range of conditions t

• What exactly is packrafting?

  Packrafting is a style of backcountry travel that pairs a lightweight, packable inflatable raft with hiking or biking to cross water features that would otherwise stop foot travel

• What is the 120 rule in kayaking?

  The 120 rule is a cold-water safety guideline stating that if the air temperature (°F) plus the water temperature (°F) adds up to less than 120, you should dress for immersion — me

• What is the inflatable ring called?

  The inflatable ring is most commonly called a floating ring — a round, inflatable water float with an outer buoyancy tube and a suspended mesh center pool that sits just below the