Effortless

Once upon a time, a barrow was just that: a wheelbarrow. Nothing more, nothing less. Nowadays, though, they come with more added features than Darrell Peck caught forty-pounders on his recent Belgium trip. Battery packs, thin tyres, fat tyres, clever space-saving pannier bags. Yes, all marvellous, but aren’t we forgetting something: how easy is it to push the damn thing?

Whilst everyone’s has been focusing on those added extras, Trakker have sneaked in with this: their new X-Trail Gravity Barrow; the equivalent to a hot hatch on steroids. It’s super competitively priced; it’s big enough to take all your kit; and thanks to the Northerners clever design, it now has an extended ‘sweet spot’, meaning it’s insanely easy to push and makes it ideally suited to anglers of all heights and builds.

The big questions

I always thought their previous X-Trail Pro was good, so how’s this even better?
The X-Trail Pro was, well still is, a great barrow, no question. Built off the back of knowledge and experience provided by the likes of Peck, Levy, Hewitt and co., it combines superior stability and excellent performance over all terrains, but this new model, the X-Trail Gravity Barrow, now offers even more in all areas, from loading to transit.

I’m confused: it looks too simple to be as good as you say…
It’s all about that ‘sweet spot’, and by this we mean getting more weight over the load-bearing front wheel. Achieve this, like Trakker have here with the X-Trail Gravity, and you’ve got a barrow which just needs guiding on its way, making it effortless to use, even with the most challenging of payloads (think: a “two-tripper” in one go).

So how have they done this then?
With a combination of clever design tweaks. Firstly, it’s been designed so that it is pushed in the optimum barrow angle position (in-use sweet spot) irrespective of the height of the user. The low centre of balance makes for very stable loading and use over a variety of terrains. In fact, it’s so well balanced – we kid you not – you don’t really need bungee ropes, but in case you want that added extra security, Trakker have built-in four attachment points. Plus, they’ve created plenty of ground clearance at the front of the barrow to reduce the chance of snagging during transit.

Hang on, doesn’t the way you pack it help too?
It sure does, so take note. Firstly, you need to load any loose items in to the storage bag. Secondly, place your bedchair on to the barrow with the legs in an open position. Thirdly, place your heaviest item of luggage such as a barrow bag or rucksack on the front plate. And finally, load the rest of gear accordingly, finishing with rod bag on top. Follow these packing tips, particularly on this barrow, and you’ll move like shit off a supersonic shovel.

So the big question: will it go in my Focus?
Yes, it’ll pretty much fit into any boot. Although the set-up footprint size of 155 (L) x 83cm (W) means it’s big enough for a mountain of kit, thanks to its clever fold-away design, it’s teeny when not in use.

Is it all plastic furnishings?
Absolutely not. Starting with the removable, single straight handles, these are not only super strong but they also allow for a wider and steadier grip. There’s also designated storage straps for these in the zipped storage bag when it’s all packed down. Large thumbscrews have been used throughout for ease of locking and tried and tested ‘Twist & Lock’ knobs ensure that the barrow rear legs lock into position during use. Oh, and back to the handles, these feature moulded, ergonomically-designed EVA hand grips that function in all conditions.

Is there anything else I should know about?
How does an integrated front mud guard which prevents splash back from the barrow wheel grab you? Or that it comes complete with a large central zipped storage bag too? Or the fact it retails for £149.99 – some £30.00 cheaper than their competitors and, putting it frankly, this is better. Fact. trakkerproducts.co.uk