Getting your gear to the swim has never been easier thanks to the host of wheel kits, shuttles, barrows and trolleys available on the market today. Match-style trolleys will take seatboxes, and many manufacturers also do wheel kits for their own specific boxes – well worth a look if car space is at a premium.
Barrows tend to come in various formats, ranging from one to four wheel version each with its own advantages. Four wheels are unbeatable on firm, level ground, but ploughed fields and potholed river banks are best suited to a single-wheel barrow design and while an inflatable tyre is much smoother to push, they are a nightmare if you get a puncture. we recommend looking for a solid wheel design, or try puncture-proofing your wheels with products designed for pushbikes.
The best barrows and trolleys at a glance
If you struggle to push a normal barrow system then there are motorised upgrades available for some barrows, or you can buy motorised barrows ready to go, some are included in this list. Whatever you need your barrow to carry, you can be sure you'll find one suitable below...
How we test the best fishing barrows
These fishing barrows were tested by experienced members of the Angling times team. We have been using and abusing barrows and trolley's for years and have probably used most, if not all of them during our time on the bank, so we know the best from the rest!
Team members, Mark Sawyer and Dan Webb have been testing a variety of barrows on some of the UK's premier commercials fisheries, to ensure they perform and get a thorough testing to ensure they can get all your gear to the bank safely and with minimal effort!
Our decision process of what makes the best barrow takes into account various factors including price point, build quality, ease of use and loading to ensure we can give you the best advice on factors that will make an actual different to your angling, rather than confuse you with a load of specifications.
The following list includes a mixture of our favourites for both carp and match fishing to help find a reliable barrow for you. Find out how we test our gear, HERE.
Imagine getting to your peg effortlessly with all your gear. The Matrix 4 Wheel Power Transporter powered by the might of two 130-watt in-hub motors no payload is too heavy to bear.
Based on the original Matrix Transporter, it looks almost identical, with the same height-adjustable handles, rear bag with zipped lid and drainage holes, adjustable seatbox locking clamps, extending frame, elastic strap loops, plastic frame clips to stop it scratching your seatbox, and ergonomic rubber handles.
It’s also compatible with the Transporter Bag, the additional bolt-on front carrier for keepnets and side trays. There’s additional strengthening to the frame to take the extra strain from the motors, a digital display with thumb controller at the rear, and a battery compartment at the bottom.
Even the motors aren’t visible, as these are hidden inside the pneumatic front wheels. The rear wheels remain solid, as before.
The trolley comes apart very quickly, then packs up surprisingly small. A second bag is provided just for the wheels, to split the weight and keep the mucky part of the trolley away from your nice clean car interior.
To put the whole thing together from scratch took me less than five minutes, and I’m sure it can be done far quicker with practice. Anglers with bigger cars or vans will want to keep it assembled, but might find it difficult to lift, as the battery makes it heavy. Minus the battery, the Transporter is barely heavier than any other non-powered trolley. But is it powerful? Yes!
To properly test it, I went over the top with the gear! A bag with two poles and 30 top kits, a ready-rod bag with six made-up rods, and all my normal gear plus three pole rollers went on top, along with 15 kilos of groundbait into the rear bag. Yet by pressing the throttle down hard it would wheel-spin as it sped away!
The trolley has three speed settings, which you switch between by pressing a button on the controller. Flat out at speed two will be fast enough for most people, while full throttle at speed three was so quick I was almost jogging behind it – even fully loaded!
I thought the Power Transporter was going to be good, but I was surprised at just how good! It’s easy to use, powerful, fast, very stable, and packs away easily. If you fish natural venues, regularly tackle long walks, or are struggling a little getting your gear to the bank due to age or health issues, this might just be the best product you will ever buy.
You can watch the full review of the Matrix Power Barrow on our YouTube channel here...
Pros
- Effortless transport gear to your peg
- Detachable battery for ease of charging
Cons
- Does take a while to setup so is best left constructed where possible
If you dont need power and prefer human power then the Matrix Four Wheel manual barrow is an excellent choice.
Getting my kit from my van to my peg would take multiple exhaustive trips, but the Matrix 4 Wheel Transporter has completely changed that. Having used 2 wheeled barrows in the past, the amount of strain it would put on your forearms could be uncomfortable and would find myself stopping to rest on longer treks.
Straight away, I was impressed by how easy it was to set up. Once you had assembled the handles and rear trolley bag as one piece it’s simply a case of slotting in the handle to the main frame, attach the wheels, tighten the hand wheels, and it's good to go. It folds down surprisingly compact and comes in a durable storage bag, which keeps my van more organised.
One of the best features is the adjustable extending frame (75cm to 100cm), making it easy to load up for short sessions or extend when more kit is needed. The seatbox locking system is rock solid, keeping everything secure without any anything sliding from side to side and potentially falling off! It’s designed for Matrix seatboxes but is adjustable so can accommodate most other brands.
Pushing it is effortless thanks to its height-adjustable handles, you won’t find yourself lurched over trying to drive the barrow forward and the solid tyres mean I never have to worry about punctures.
The four-wheel design makes a massive difference in stability, even when I’m navigating rough paths. The waterproof storage bag is a nice touch too, perfect for keeping the trolley together and the back of the van or car clean from the muddy wheels.
Even though the trolly has a storage bag that easily takes my bait bucket, I did choose to purchase the Matrix Transporter Front Bag, this replaces the bar that the seatbox sits against, the bag will take my net bag, the only item of kit that seems to be insecure on the barrow so with this further attachment everything stays securely in place and I’m not forever having to stop and readjust or pick something up that’s fallen or slid off.
Apart from the odd handwheel coming lose and going missing the transporter has stood firm, transporting my gear to and from some distant pegs. If you’re in the market for a 4 wheel-barrow, you won’t go far wrong with the Matrix 4 Wheel Transporter.
Pros
- Very stable.
- Hard wearing wheels.
Cons
- Can be noisy on rough terrain.
With upgraded and strengthened construction, the MK2 version of the popular Map Extending Barrow is now even more durable. With an extending frame, extending handles and rear carry bag supplied as standard, there is also two sizes of front fitting bag to carry your nets and trays available separately.
Having owned this barrow for several years now I have to say it has been very impressive, yes I have lost the odd wheel screw and it has a bit of rust on it, but it performs as well as it did the first dayI bought it. The extending frame is great, as it allows you to tailor the barrow to the amount of gear you have, either use it in a more compact style or the elongated version. This sliding frame also makes it easier to get in and out of the car. The barrow itself isn't huge either despite its ability to carry a lot of gear and easily goes into my medium hatchback car without any issue!
The carry bag to the rear is great for carrying clothing, extra bait, tackle bags basically whatever will fit in it really, just be sure to put your box on the other end first or it is likely to tip up. You can buy an accessory bag for the front of the barrow and I would definitely recommend getting one as it is great for stink bags and nets. The Eva arms that come with the barrow are great for securing gear and you can use them to lock a seatbox down or cross them over to fasten your holdall into place and stop it falling off.
The only minor downside is the handles are a little low on the barrow, despite being adjustable so the best thing to do is turn them around so they face upwards. This makes it much easier to push the barrow and less stressful on your back! Apart from that this barrow is a durable, no-nonsense option and I plan on keeping mine for another 4 years as it has been a reliable partner on the bank!
Pros
- Very stable and the support arms are great for secruing a pole holdall
- The barrow bag is very spacious
Cons
- The nuts can rattle loose so make sure they are tight
Having stood the test of time, the Preston Innovations Spacestation Shuttle is highly rated for its strength and durability. Available in two- and four-wheel versions, both come with a utility bag for carrying smaller items.
This was the original match fishing barrow and you will still see some of the original versions now and again, testament to their quality and reliability. The design hasn't changed much since then, due to their popularity, all that has really been upgraded is the fixtures and fittings to ensure that they still remain a firm favourite amongst anglers.
The adjustable legs with xl mud feet help keep the barrow stable and despite only having two wheels and we definitely found it easier to push compared to the four wheeled versions available, especially over loose gravel and roots!
The barrow will comfortably accommodate a seatbox, carryall and bait bag with ease and you can secure a holdall on top thanks to the bungee hook clips that are welded underneath the frame.
A whole host of add-ons is available, including adapters to securely hold any Preston seatbox without straps, a bucket loop, and a conversion kit to upgrade the two-wheel to a four-wheel shuttle. Secured using thumb screws, the whole lot comes apart easily for transportation.
Pros
- Easy to manoeuvre
- Very customisable
Cons
- Not as strong as some others available
The Daiwa Fold-N-Go is designed to be set up in an instant, with the front wheel set, rear wheel set and front support bar folding and snapping into place with locking pins and the folding handles secured with sliding collars. The wheels are also removable, should you need it to pack up even smaller.
For many of us anglers, space is at a premium and for those who don't have access to a van, often we have to squeeze everything into a car and a barrow can at times be too difficult to get in along with everything else. Daiwa have solved the issue with this barrow as its flat folding design ensures it takes up the minimal amount of space so you don't have to choose between taking other tackle or leaving the barrow at home!
The other great thing about the Daiwa Fold-N-Go is that it can be setup faster than any other barrow on the market. Simply get it out, and begin to unfold, in fact it is so easy it almost sets itself up and we had it out of the boot and up in less than 20 seconds, impressive!
An internal retainer secures a 17-litre bucket underneath the frame. The trolley also boasts height-adjustable handles, an under frame storage bag, padded 90-degree seatbox retaining arms and a height-adjustable rod support for carrying holdalls across the top. A wide footprint ensures superb stability, and steel construction will take punishing loads.
Pros
- Very Strong
- Compact when packed away
- Setup in seconds
Cons
- Not the biggest storage bag
Best match trolley design
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A unique two-tier loading system on the Frenzee HGV allows rods and poles to be placed safely beneath your seatbox and bags, making loading fast, stable and space-saving. The load area is length-adjustable and comes with multiple strapping points.
The bucket loop can be positioned on numerous points to suit individual preference, while the large rear bag has a weatherproof zip top and rear storage pouch for smaller items. The whole lot comes apart to allow transportation in a car.
Already on its MK2 version, the new MK3 now has changeable handles to allow for multiple pushing positions and is arriving in shops right now.
Pros
- Great two-tier design for transporting loads of tackle.
- Packs away easily.
Cons
- Can be a bit cumbersome until you get used to it.
Best carp barrow for mobility
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The Avid Carp Transit Extreme Barrow is designed to carry everything you need for a day or two on the bank or as part of a mobile approach, thanks to its two side bags and under-frame bag, all of which can be accessed while the barrow is fully loaded.
Adjustable side bars allow various sizes of chair or bed to be carried in the main load area, or alternatively held upright on the front frame section that can also be used for buckets; either can be held in place by a pair of integrated buckle straps.
Features include height-adjustable handles, a quick-release multi-terrain tyre and extra-large mudfeet. A barrow cover is also available separately.
Pros
- Height adjustable handles.
- Strong design.
Cons
- Not as stable as others.
Best carp fishing power barrow
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The Nash Trap Evo is a power-assisted barrow for lugging huge loads up to five miles between charges. Equipped with a stepped-up 24v 150w motor, controlled via a variable speed trigger system on the handles.
Featuring three under-frame storage bags with zipped side access, angled rear legs with spring locking height adjustment and mudfeet, centrally-located twin 12V batteries, multiple strap/ bungee points and front and back rod bag retainers.
Also available are a twin rear wheel kit, bucket outrigger and a smaller Metro version for anglers who carry less tackle.
Pros
- Battery powered.
- Can carry a lot of tackle.
Cons
- Too expensive for casual anglers, however, a game changer for those with mobility issues.
Best carp barrow for short sessions
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A compact barrow system designed for day sessions, but the Fox Explorer Barrow can still easily be configured for longer trips thanks to its extendable front frame that will also take a Fox Barrow bag. Alternatively, the bag can be placed on the main frame when in shorter ‘day mode’, retaining the balanced weight distribution.
Included in the price are a removable Camolite under-frame barrow bag, which has both side and top entry flaps. Either side of the wheel are mesh side pockets, perfect for 5-litre water containers or additional bait.
Supplied with two barrow straps, the design folds flat using locking pins, and the wheel is quick-release.
Pros
- Compact design.
- Perfect for anglers that like to stay mobile.
Cons
- Handles are a bit low.
Best barrow for river fishing
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Folding front bars and rear legs, combined with removable handles and wheel, make the fast-erecting Korum Transition Compact Barrow amazing to store in tight spaces. The front arms are extendable, meaning you can clamp and load the heaviest items right in front of the puncture-proof wheel for ultimate balance.
Perfect for the angler who needs to tackle long walks over difficult ground but doesn’t want the bulk of a carp-style barrow.
Pros
- Perfect for difficult terrain.
- Lightweight design.
Cons
- Won't take as much tackle as others available.
Best all-round carp fishing barrow
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The Carp Porter Big Boy is one of the best-known carp angling barrows available, with lots of new features to improve on the previous models. The barrow now has locking rear legs to prevent them slipping and a new steel front bar has been added to improve the overall strength of the product.
The Carp Porter features three, all terrain deep tread tires. These not only make it incredibly easy to push over rough ground but they also make for a very stable structure, eliminating the barrow toppling over, which we have all fallen victim to in the past. There is also a rear park brake to prevent the barrow moving or rolling when stationary, making unloading and loading the barrow far more efficient.
A flat, folding design makes the barrow take up the minimal amount of room possible in your vehicle, with the side bars able to extend to accommodate even the widest of bed chairs.
Pros
- Loads of space to accommodate lots of tackle.
- Very stable and strong.
Cons
- It is pretty heavy.
What to look for in a fishing trolley or barrow
When it comes to choosing a trolley or barrow the main thing to consider above all else is, will it be able to accommodate all your tackle? If it can't, then it is of no use to you. Whether you are carp fishing and need it to transport heavier items like bedchairs or you're an avid match angler and you physically can't carry your seatbox then a barrow will enable you to get to your peg with all your tackle in the most efficient and easy way possible!
The next thing to consider is, how mobile you are as an angler. If you push your gear to the swim and you plan on staying there for the duration of your session, obviously you have to in matches, then a four-wheel version is great because it is very stable and can generally accommodate a lot of gear. What you will find, however, is four wheels are harder to push than two or single wheel versions, so if you like to stay mobile it would be far wiser to choose a version with less wheels.
Space is also a big concern to many that don't have large vehicles, so it's definitely worth considering a model that folds completely flat during transit.
Glossary
Barrow: A wheelbarrow is a small hand-propelled vehicle, usually with just one wheel, designed to be pushed and guided by a single person using two handles at the rear.
Seatbox: A fishing seatbox is often a box with lots of storage space, with a seat on top to sit on comfortably. Seatboxes can come basic or with things like drawers and footplates.
Bedchair: A bedchair is an adjustable, foldable chair that can be laid flat to create an off-the-floor bed.
Thumb screws: Oversized locking nuts to make it easier to grip and tighten or undo a screw.
Buckle straps: A tie down strap that uses a plastic clip that fastens the two ends together, it can then be tightened if needed via the back of the clip.
Extending frame: The base of the barrow or trolley, where the tackle sits. Can be extended to make the whole structure longer for added carrying capacity.
Extending handles: The handles can be made higher or lower, depending on preference, via locking screws to the base of the handle.
Author Dan Webb first became involved in angling journalism in 2015 and has worked as Tackle Tester at Angling Times since April 2021. He is a fanatical all-round match angler and former England Youth International.