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Yakima PowderHound 4

Name: Yakima PowderHound 4
Brand: Yakima
Price: 249 USD
Availability: InStock
Rating: 4.3

Reliable ski and snowboard carrier with tool-free mounting

Last reviewed: April 2026

ski_snowboard_carrierroof_crossbarScore: 87/100

At a glance

Quick Specs

Weight Capacity—

Weight5 lbs

Materialaluminum

Mountingroof_crossbar

Why this product

Why the Yakima PowderHound 4?

The PowderHound 4 carries 4 pairs of skis or 2 boards with spring-loaded jaws and button release. At 5 lbs and a mid-range price, it sits between the budget FreshTrack and the fat-ski FatCat EVO. Glove-friendly, lockable, tool-free mounting. The right size for couples or small families who do not need 6-pair capacity.

Detailed specs

Full Specifications

Max Skis	4
Max Snowboards	2
Glove-Friendly Operation	Yes

Sliding Feature	No
Button Release	Yes
Spring-Loaded Jaws	Yes
Carrier Weight	5 lbs

Rubber Jaw Pads	Yes
Low Profile	No

Best prices

Where to Buy

Retailer	Price	Status
Amazon US	Check price	Check availability	Check Price

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Performance analysis

Insights for Yakima PowderHound 4

How It Compares

vs. average in ski_snowboard_carrier

Score Breakdown

Category Position

Price vs. score for all ski_snowboard_carrier

Fitment

Vehicle Compatibility

Chevrolet

Model	Years	Fit	Requirements
Tahoe(5th Gen)	2021+	good	Crossbars needed

Ford

Model	Years	Fit	Requirements
Explorer(6th Gen)	2020+	good	Crossbars needed
Escape(4th Gen)	2020+	good	Crossbars needed

Honda

Model	Years	Fit	Requirements
Pilot(4th Gen)	2023+	good	Crossbars needed
CR-V(5th Gen)	2017–2022	good	Crossbars needed
CR-V(6th Gen)	2023+	good

Hyundai

Model	Years	Fit	Requirements
Santa Fe(5th Gen)	2024+	good	Crossbars needed
Tucson(4th Gen (NX4))	2022+	good	Crossbars needed

Jeep

Model	Years	Fit	Requirements
Grand Cherokee(WL)	2022+	good	Crossbars needed

Kia

Model	Years	Fit	Requirements
Sportage(5th Gen)	2023+	good	Crossbars needed
Telluride(1st Gen)	2020+	good	Crossbars needed

Nissan

Model	Years	Fit	Requirements
Rogue(3rd Gen (T33))	2021+	good	Crossbars needed

Subaru

Model	Years	Fit	Requirements
Outback(6th Gen)	2020+	good	Crossbars needed
Forester(5th Gen (SK))	2019–2024	good	Crossbars needed
Forester(6th Gen)	2025+

Tesla

Model	Years	Fit	Requirements
Model Y(1st Gen)	2020+	good	Crossbars needed

Toyota

Model	Years	Fit	Requirements
RAV4(5th Gen (XA50))	2019–2024	good	Crossbars needed
Corolla Cross(1st Gen)	2022+	good	Crossbars needed
4Runner(5th Gen (N280))	2010–2024

Community feedback

What Users Say

Amazon

4.3/5

Based on 654 reviews

77% positive10% negative

Common praises

“4-pair capacity”
“Affordable ski rack”
“Easy mount”

Common complaints

“Basic lock”
“Limited width”

Alternatives

Top Comparisons

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Common questions

Frequently Asked Questions

The Yakima PowderHound 4 mounts to most factory and aftermarket crossbars. You'll need existing roof rails or a rack system already in place. Use our compatibility checker below to confirm your vehicle works before ordering.

The Yakima PowderHound 4 holds up to 4 pairs of skis or 2 snowboards. Fat skis count as roughly 1.5 slots each, so plan accordingly if you ride wider gear. Check the product specs above for exact slot widths.

Yes, and it's straightforward. The Yakima PowderHound 4 takes about 15 minutes with basic hand tools. The mounting hardware and instructions come in the box—no dealership visit or special equipment needed.

The Yakima PowderHound 4 uses rubber-padded clamps and soft cradles to grip your skis without metal-on-surface contact. Your topsheets and edges stay protected. Just wipe off any road grit before loading to avoid surface scratches from debris.

The Yakima PowderHound 4 doesn't include a built-in lock, but you can add a cable lock or aftermarket ski lock for security. If you regularly leave skis on your car at the mountain, it's a worthwhile $15–$25 add-on.

You may hear a light hum at highway speeds with the Yakima PowderHound 4. It's noticeable but not loud—think background noise, not a headache. Adding a wind fairing can help reduce it. Learn more in how ski racks work.

A ski rack like the Yakima PowderHound 4 costs less, adds minimal drag, and lets you load gear fast. A cargo box carries more types of gear but costs 3–5x as much. If you only haul skis, the rack wins on budget and convenience. See our ski rack vs cargo box comparison for the full breakdown.

Answered by our expert team, MyCargoRacks

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Performance analysis