The Yakima Landing Pads are an effective solution to Subaru's terrible roof mount system on some models of Outback.

This setup creates a sturdy and versatile rack system for late model Outbacks, replacing the very weak factory crossbar system. The LP 13 increases the distance between the bars a few inches at most, but provides a very solid attachment point for whatever is attached to the Yakima bars. The close spacing of the flimsy factory bars makes original equipment racks just about useless for any substantial load because any long objects like ladders, kayaks or canoes tend to teeter-totter on the closely-spaced, weak crossbars and because the factory bars are so poorly attached, such loads can literally tear them apart from the leverage a long load creates. The Landing Pad 13 makes a nearly bomb-proof way of attaching the Control Tower crossbar system to the car. There is no wiggling or flexing of the bars or towers once installed and locked down. The control towers are very quickly and easily installed or removed. It only takes me about two minutes to do so. The whole setup is fairly quiet at highway speeds, no whistling or rattles. When the towers are removed, the LP 13s stay in place on the vehicle and have covers that snap onto the attachment points for a clean look. There is no effect on fuel economy from the Landing Pads versus the stowed factory crossbars. Even with the crossbars installed, I lose at most 1 MPG. I highly recommend the LP 13 system as the best alternative to the very poor factory system.