2017 2.5i Limited Kayak & Bike Rack Questions

[Netsrin94]

I picked up my first Subaru a few months ago and am looking into setting it up for the summer. I have a 2017 Subaru Outback 2.5i Limited, and I need to be able to haul 2 kayaks and 4 bikes (2 kids, 2 adults, one being a fat tire bike). The forums are all over the place, and I am lost on where to start. I have not purchased kayaks yet, because I want to understand how hauling them will work first. I was thinking of a tow hitch bike rack and a roof rack for the kayaks. I keep hearing mixed reviews on whether the stock rails are okay or must be replaced with a Yakima system. I am less concerned about price and more focused on usability and durability. I want a setup that makes it easy to load things up independently and is secure without compromising my MPG too much. Any guidance would be so helpful!