Sherpa Equipment Company: Complete Guide to Roof Racks, Bed Racks and Accessories

Sherpa Equipment Company, or more commonly referred to as Sherpa, has become one of the most respected names in the overlanding and off-road community. Based in Berthoud, Colorado, the company designs and manufactures premium aluminum roof racks, bed racks, topper racks, load bars and accessories. Every Sherpa product is made in America with materials sourced from within 500 miles of their facility. How many companies can make that claim?

Whether you drive a Toyota 4Runner, Tacoma, Tundra, Ford F-Series, RAM or another popular platform, Sherpa offers purpose-built solutions that combine aircraft-grade aluminum construction with stainless steel hardware. The result is  systems that are lightweight, corrosion-resistant and backed by a limited lifetime warranty.

This guide covers the full Sherpa Equipment lineup, from their PEAK Series roof racks and PAK System bed racks to the Crow's Nest topper rack, universal load bars and a growing catalog of accessories which are all designed to work flawlessly with other Sherpa products. Use the table of contents above to jump to any section, or browse the full Sherpa Equipment lineup at Truck Brigade to start shopping.

About Sherpa Equipment Company

Sherpa started on the front range of Colorado, namely Fort Collins, CO,  when a group of adventure-seeking, Toyota-loving videographers needed a rack system that could handle the demands of their production work. Traveling with large amounts of camera equipment and camping gear, they needed something adaptable, lightweight and tough enough for extended trips on rough terrain. Out of this need, arguably one of the best racks was born.

At the time, they were part of the 3rd Gen 4Runner community and found very little aftermarket support for the platform. That gap in the market pushed them to design their own rack, packing in the utilitarian features that overlanders and off-roaders actually needed. What started as a solution for their own rigs quickly grew into a full-fledged equipment company that continues to grow it seems like daily.

Today, Sherpa stands out in a crowded market because of their commitment to constant product revision and super high-quality components. They also offer racks from some vehicles that lack options keeping them strict to their roots. While many companies release a product and move on, Sherpa continuously tests and refines their designs. They were among the first in the industry to integrate black oxide stainless steel hardware, and their side plates remain the strongest available at a full 1/4-inch thickness of aircraft-grade aluminum. Make sure you check the details on some of the other racks in the market and see if they can compare. Often, manufacturers do not discuss the specific details such as material thickness and quality.

The company culture reflects the same passion their customers bring to the trail. Team members are outdoor enthusiasts who spend weekends on trips together and late nights working on the company race car. That hands-on connection to the overlanding lifestyle shapes every product decision, from initial design through customer service.

Sherpa Roof Racks

Sherpa initially had a single line of roof racks but have since launched a PEAK Series and SPORT Series. Sherpa's PEAK Series roof racks are the foundation of their product line. Built with 33 percent thicker aluminum than most competitors and assembled with stainless steel hardware, these full-length platform racks are designed for serious use. Every rack features built-in handles and tie-down points, tight-fitting side plates that follow the contour of your rig and a mounting system that creates a full roof seal without silicone. For a detailed breakdown of features, customization options and fitment, check out our Sherpa Roof Rack Guide.

The lineup includes vehicle-specific racks for Toyota, Lexus, Ford, RAM and more. Each rack can be customized with your choice of fairing height (half-height for light bars or full-height for maximum wind protection). Sherpa used to offer their racks with an option bare finish, but that is no longer available and all racks come with a black powder coat finish.

Toyota 4Runner Racks

Sherpa offers some of the widest 4Runner coverage in the industry, with racks spanning the 3rd Gen (1996-2002), 4th Gen (2003-2009), 5th Gen (2010-2024) and the new 6th Gen (2025+). Popular models include the Crestone full-length rack for the 5th Gen with its 9 crossbars, 300 lb dynamic and 700 lb static capacity, as well as the more compact Crestone Sport and Needle options. The Matterhorn and Princeton cover earlier generations. The Capitol Rack is for the 2025+ 4runners.

For a deep dive on every 4Runner option, check out our Sherpa Roof Rack 4Runner Guide. 

Toyota Tacoma Racks

Sherpa also has a rich offering for Tacomas. The Grand Teton is available for 2005-2023 Double Cab Tacomas, delivering 7 crossbars and an impressive 400 lb dynamic / 700 lb static capacity at just 45 lbs. The Rainier is available for the 2024+ Tacoma Double Cab with the same build quality. A more affordable Grand Teton Sport is also available for owners who want fewer crossbars and a lighter setup. For camper shell setups, the Animas rounds out the lineup.

Learn more about Tacoma-specific setups in our Sherpa Roof Rack Tacoma Guide. You can also check out our Sherpa Roof Rack Collection which contains all Sherpa Roof Rack Options.

Additional Vehicle Racks

Beyond Toyota trucks and SUVs, Sherpa builds racks for the Lexus GX460, GX470 and GX550, the Toyota Land Cruiser, Sequoia, FJ Cruiser and RAV4, as well as Ford F-Series Super Duty trucks, RAM trucks and even the Porsche Cayenne and Volkswagen Touareg. To understand how Sherpa's different rack styles and series compare, check out our Sherpa Racks Explained guide.

Sherpa Bed Racks

If you make a quality roof rack you would think a bed rack would flow naturally from that success. Well, it does with Sherpa. Sherpa's PAK System bed racks bring the same level of engineering as their roof racks to the truck bed. Available in mid-height and rack-height configurations (will align the bed rack perfectly with a Sherpa roof rack ensuring on level platform - perfect for hauling large items such as a kayak), the PAK System is built from precision-cut aluminum with stainless steel hardware. It features a modular design that works with Sherpa's full ecosystem of accessories and has been tested over 100,000 miles across four years of real-world use. And this testing is not road testing you might think, Sherpa is one of the best a field testing their products in real world conditions and on some of the most difficult trails. 

The mid-height version keeps gear low and centered for better off-road stability, while the rack-height version matches the height of your Sherpa cab rack for a seamless look across the entire truck. Both deliver a 1,000 lb static and 400 lb dynamic load rating. Fitment options cover the Toyota Tacoma/Tundra, Ford Super Duty, Ford F-150/Raptor, Jeep Gladiator and likely more in the future.

PAK System Key Features

• 1,000 lb static / 400 lb dynamic load rating
• Dual-height crossbar support for rooftop tent adaptability
• Integrated PEAK Series accessory mounting system
• Rock light mounting points
• Standard accessory braces included
• Bolt-on installation with no drilling required

For more on bed rack setups and use cases, read our Sherpa Bed Racks Guide. You can also explore our Sherpa Bed Racks collection to see available options.

Sherpa Topper Racks

If you run a truck cap or camper shell, Sherpa's Crow's Nest is a universal topper rack that brings full rack functionality to the top of your topper. It uses the same 1/4-inch aircraft-grade aluminum side plates and stainless steel hardware found across the PEAK Series lineup. Our Sherpa Topper Rack Guide covers everything you need to know about sizing, installation and setup ideas.

Crow's Nest Highlights

• Load Rating: 300 lb dynamic / 600 lb static
• Weight: 35-50 lbs depending on configuration
• Crossbars: 5 (5-foot bed) to 9 (8-foot bed)
• Fitment: Universal for small, mid and full-size trucks with a shell including Toyota Tacoma, Tundra, Ford F-Series, RAM, Chevy and more
• Installation: Drill-free, requires 8 track nuts and a track system
• Warranty: Lifetime

Recommended Crossbar Sizes

• Mid-Size Trucks: 2nd/3rd Gen Tacoma — 48 inches, 1st Gen Tacoma — 43 inches, 1st Gen Tundra — 47 inches
• Full-Size Trucks: 2nd/3rd Gen Tundra — 53 inches, Ford F-Series — 56 inches, Chevy/GMC — 56 inches, RAM — 55 inches

Shop the Sherpa Topper Racks collection to find the right configuration for your truck.

Sherpa Load Bars

Not everyone needs a full platform rack. Sherpa's Roof Track Load Bar System offers a lighter, lower-profile alternative for carrying specific gear like bikes, kayaks, ski racks, cargo boxes and rooftop tents. Each extrusion crossbar contains multiple 1/4-inch slots that accept drop-in T-nuts, making it easy to bolt on accessories. Available in 48, 55 and 60-inch lengths, the bars mount to factory roof tracks and feature adjustable height to dial in clearance and aerodynamics. For a complete breakdown of sizing and use cases, read our Sherpa Load Bars Explained Guide.

Sherpa also makes a SmartCap Load Bar System specifically designed for RSI SmartCap truck caps, with a 200 lb dynamic / 500 lb static load rating and adjustable height mounts.

Browse the Sherpa Load Bars collection to find the right fit for your vehicle.

Sherpa Accessories

We might argue that a rack is only as good as the accessories that can be used with the rack. Afterall, the great thing about a modular rack is that that can be configured to your specific needs and accessories help get that job done. Sherpa's accessory line is designed to work seamlessly with their PEAK and in most cases Sport Series rack systems and PAK System bed racks. Every accessory bolts directly into the extrusion crossbars using drop-in T-nuts, which means no drilling, no modification and quick installation. Our detailed guides on Sherpa Roof Rack Accessories and Sherpa Bed Rack Accessories walk through every available option in depth.

Mounting and Storage Options

• Awning Mounts and HD Awning Mount — Mount your favorite awning to any Sherpa rack crossbar
• Tent Mounts — Secure your rooftop tent with purpose-built brackets
• Roam Case Mounts and Tie Downs — Lock down Roam cases, coolers and similar storage boxes
• Traction Board Mounts — Carry MaxTrax or similar recovery boards on the rack or bed rack
• Rotopax Mount — Bolt-on mount for Rotopax fuel and water containers
• HiLift Mounts — Secure a Hi-Lift jack to your rack
• QuickFist Mount — Clamp-style mount for shovels, axes and other tools
• Waterport Mount — Mount a Waterport portable pressurized water system

Lighting and Communication

• Light Bar Mounts — Mount LED light bars to the front of your rack (standard and Sport Series options)
• Handle Light Brackets — Add lighting to the built-in handles
• Antenna Mounts — NMO-sized hole for HAM, CB or GMRS antennas, plus a WeBoost mount option

Panels and Plates

• Window Panels — Available for 3rd, 4th and 5th Gen 4Runners with optional Rotopax and Traction Board mounting kits
• Adapt Plate — Universal mounting plate for custom setups
• Crossbar Riser — Lift crossbars for rooftop tent clearance
• Cable Clip — Route wiring and cables cleanly along the rack
• Offset Flyrod Mounts — Carry fly rods securely on the rack

PAK System Bed Rack Accessories

• PAK Standard Accessory Panel — Bridges the gap between towers for side-mounted gear
• PAK XL Accessory Panel — Larger panel with specific Rotopax and Waterport mounting holes
• PAK Interior Accessory Panel — Mounts inside the bed rack towers

Shop the full selection at our Sherpa Accessories collection.

Roof Racks vs Bed Racks: Which Do You Need?

One of the most common questions from truck owners is whether to go with a roof rack, a bed rack or both. The answer depends on your vehicle, your gear and how you plan to use the setup. No two persons needs are identical and that is ok because their are endless ways to configure your setup. In fact, we often change our setup depending on the trip so no two setups for ourselves are the same. Our Sherpa Racks Explained guide covers this comparison in detail, but here is the short version.

When a Roof Rack Makes Sense

• You drive an rig without a bed like a 4Runner, Sequoia or Land Cruiser
• You want to carry gear on top of the cab without losing bed space
• Your primary cargo includes rooftop tents, kayaks, bikes or cargo boxes
• You want a single platform for mounting lights, antennas and recovery gear

When a Bed Rack Makes Sense

• You drive a truck and want to maximize bed utility
• You want to mount a rooftop tent over the bed while keeping the cab clear
• You carry heavy loads that benefit from the lower center of gravity
• You want side-mounted gear like traction boards, Rotopax and tools

Running Both

Many Tacoma, Tundra, Ford, and other and truck owners run a Sherpa roof rack on the cab and a PAK System bed rack in the bed. This creates a massive amount of organized storage that is level offering the ability to haul longer gear more securely. The rack-height PAK System paired with a Sherpa roof rack will also give you a cohesive look.

Materials and Construction

Sherpa's build quality is one of the primary reasons they command a premium in the market for good reason. Here is what goes into every rack:

• Aircraft-Grade 6061 Aluminum — Side plates are a full 1/4-inch thick (PEAK Series), which Sherpa notes is 33 percent thicker than competitors
• 5000 Series Aluminum — Used in PAK System bed rack towers for exceptional strength-to-weight
• Stainless Steel Hardware — All fasteners are stainless steel with black oxide coating on PEAK Series racks for corrosion resistance and a clean look
• 1/4 Inch Aluminum Mounts —All Sherpa roof racks come with 1/4 inch thick aluminum mounts offering a lightweight but super rigid mount.
• Nylon Lock Nuts — Used throughout to prevent loosening from vibration on the trail
• Rubber Roof Seals — Proprietary mounting feet with rubber seals create a watertight connection without silicone. Let silicone be a thing of the past.
• Powder Coat Finish — Black powder coat finish ensures the rack is rust and corrosion resistant. Note the aluminum also helps in this department along with the stainless steel hardware. No need to worry about rust with Sherpa products.
• Laser-Cut Details — Built-in handles are laser cut into the aluminum side plates for loading assistance

All materials are sourced from within 500 miles of Sherpa's facility in Berthoud, Colorado. Every product is made in America and backed by a limited lifetime warranty. We love getting the best quality but also helping hard working Americans at the same time!

Installation Overview

Sherpa designs every rack (very few options might require drilling — make sure to check instructions) for bolt-on installation with no drilling required. Each rack mounts to factory mounting points or bed rails using the included hardware and mounting brackets.

Roof Rack Installation (Generalized)

1. Remove the OEM plastic trim covers from the factory roof mounting points
2. Cut small holes in the vinyl padding to access the factory bolt holes
3. Attach the mounting feet with rubber seals to the roof
4. Place the crossmembers onto the feet and loosely tighten
5. Install the side plates onto the crossmembers
6. Measure both sides to ensure the rack is centered and square
7. Install the wind fairing
8. Torque all hardware to final specifications
9. Add remaining crossbars and accessories

Bed Rack Installation (Generalized)

1. Install the chair brackets into the bed rails
2. Bolt the towers to the chair brackets using stainless carriage bolts
3. Attach the crossbars to the towers at your preferred height
4. Install accessory panels and braces
5. Add accessories and gear

Most installations take one to two hours with basic hand tools. No specialized equipment is needed.

How to Choose the Right Sherpa Setup

With so many options, here is a simple framework for choosing the right Sherpa products for your rig. Given the ultra-high quality of Sherpa products our opinion is you cannot go wrong with any of them. Unlike some other brands, don't let quality be a consideration and focus on your specific needs setting quality aside. Anytime you don't need to consider one aspect is a win.

Step 1: Identify Your Vehicle

Start with your specific year, make and model. Sherpa makes vehicle-specific racks for Toyotas (4Runner, Tacoma, Tundra, Sequoia, RAV4, Land Cruiser, FJ Cruiser), Lexus (GX460, GX470, GX550, LX470), Ford (F-Series), RAM, Porsche Cayenne and Volkswagen Touareg. Our 4Runner guide and Tacoma guide cover the two most popular platforms in detail. Many of the other racks Sherpa offers share features and specs.

Step 2: Decide Your Platform

• Full-Length Roof Rack — Maximum cargo space and mounting options for overlanding and heavy use
• Sport Rack — Shorter, lighter and more affordable for moderate cargo needs
• Bed Rack — Ideal for trucks, with mid-height for lower profile or rack-height to match your cab rack
• Topper Rack — For trucks running a cap or camper shell
• Load Bars — Lightest option for specific gear like bikes, kayaks or a cargo box

Step 3: Customize Your Rack

Most Sherpa racks let you choose fairing height. Pair your choice with the right roof rack accessories or bed rack accessories to build a setup that fits your exact needs.

Step 4: Add Accessories

Once your rack is installed, build out your setup with Sherpa's bolt-on accessories. Sherpa accessories are guaranteed to work with theor roof racks and bed racks unless explicitly said otherwise. Popular combinations include tent mounts with a crossbar riser, traction board mounts on the side plates, and awning mounts with light bar brackets on the front fairing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Sherpa Equipment Company located?

Sherpa is based in Berthoud, Colorado. All products are made in America with materials sourced from within 500 miles of their facility.

What warranty does Sherpa offer?

Every Sherpa rack and accessory comes with a limited lifetime warranty.

Do Sherpa racks require drilling?

No. Nearly all Sherpa roof racks and bed racks use bolt-on installation that mounts to factory mounting points or bed rails. No drilling or vehicle modification is required.

What is the weight capacity of Sherpa roof racks?

It varies by model. For example, the Crestone (5th Gen 4Runner) holds 300 lbs dynamic and 700 lbs static, while the Grand Teton (Tacoma) holds 400 lbs dynamic and 700 lbs static. Check each product page for specific ratings.

Can I use my sunroof with a Sherpa roof rack?

Yes. Sherpa racks are designed to maintain full sunroof functionality. The crossbars are removable, so you can adjust the layout to keep the sunroof area clear.

What is the difference between PEAK Series and Sport Series?

PEAK Series racks are the full-length premium (1/4 inch side plates) option with maximum crossbars, full side plates and the highest load capacity. Sport Series racks are shorter and lighter (3/16 inch side plates) with fewer crossbars, making them more affordable while still using the same quality materials.

Do Sherpa accessories work on both roof racks and bed racks?

Most Sherpa accessories that mount to crossbars — tent mounts, traction board mounts, Rotopax mounts and more — work on both PEAK Series and Sport Series roof racks. Some will also work on the PAK System bed racks, but check before making that assumption. The PAK System also has its own dedicated accessory panels.

How long does installation take?

Most roof rack and bed rack installations take a couple hours with basic hand tools. All required hardware is included.

Can I run a roof rack and bed rack together?

Yes. Many truck owners pair a Sherpa cab rack with a PAK System bed rack for maximum organized storage. The rack-height PAK System is specifically designed to match the height of the cab rack for a clean, seamless look across the entire truck.