Hey everyone! I recently joined the Subaru family with a new Outback, and I’m absolutely loving it so far. I’m planning to get it ready for some serious outdoor adventures this summer, but I’m feeling a bit overwhelmed by the sheer number of roof rack accessories available.

I’m specifically looking for gear that plays well with the Outback’s built-in swing-out crossbars. My main goal is to haul two mountain bikes and potentially a cargo carrier for camping gear, but I’m really worried about wind noise and how it might affect my gas mileage on long highway stretches. I’ve looked at some of the standard Thule and Yakima setups, but I’m wondering if there are any specific low-profile baskets or specialized mounts that you guys have found work particularly well with the Subaru roofline.

Also, since I’m not the tallest person, ease of loading is a big factor for me—reaching the center of the roof can be a bit of a stretch! Does anyone have experience with those side-loading kayak mounts or specific bike trays that don't require a step stool? For those of you who have been kitting out your Outbacks for years, what are your absolute must-have roof rack accessories that offer the best balance of durability and convenience?