Barrows - The Most Efficient Way To Load A Barrow
Owning a barrow will be a game changer to your carp fishing. Being able to transport all your gear in one trip with less strain on your back is essential. You can transport your gear a longer distance easier with a barrow. Let's also not forget the amount of other uses they have for things outside of fishing. They're brilliant for festivals for example or even when doing garden work and transporting heavy items. The best bit about barrows is that they come in all different sizes so you can select one which suits you!
Anyways, here is what I've found to be the most efficient way to load a barrow with no side bars.
Barrow Bags
If your barrow has a bag which sits underneath the body of the barrow. Make use of this. Store a water container, bait bucket, distance sticks or anything you can fit which will take up the most space!
Place your bedchair directly on the frame, but fold out the 2 legs of the bed chair so that it creates a side bar alongside the barrow. This will make everything more stable and the legs also will give you something to hang bits off. For example hanging a bait bucket off the leg of your bedchair or a bin bag at the end of your session.
Even Weight
Get the weight of the barrow nice and even on each side! To do this I place my brolly on one side of the frame, and rods and retention sling on the other side. This ensures that you have even weight. With the bedchair legs folded out, this will support these items and stop them from falling off the side of the barrow.
Place your cool bag, carryall, unhooking mat, and waders in the middle in between the brolly and the rods. These items have a larger surface area so in theory this should keep your barrow balanced nicely. You can put your rucksack in the middle as this is usually a heavy item. However I like to wear mine to make it easier.
If you've got 2 bait buckets, hang them on each side of the bedchair leg. If you've got one, hang it off the side with the rods and retention sling.
How to secure your items on the barrow.
If you've got a lot of kit you may struggle keeping it all on the barrow. The best way to keep your gear secure is with a barrow strap! Stretch the strap over your kit from side to side of the frame and this should keep it in place. If you're like me and take as minimal gear as possible, you won't need to do this!