It may seem like a simple question, but it’s one we get asked often — how do you securely load a barrow? Your barrow is the essential bridge between your vehicle and your swim, often carrying a significant amount of gear. When loaded correctly, it offers better balance, control, and ease of movement. Done poorly, it can mean instability, wasted energy, and unnecessary hassle on the bank.

As the manufacturer of the industry-leading Power Porter and manual barrow systems, Carp Porter is best placed to guide you through the right way to load your gear. Here’s how to get it right, every time.

Before you start stacking anything, take a moment to think about what you’ll need first when you reach your swim. Items like banksticks, storm poles or your bivvy should be the last things you load — making them the first things you can reach without unloading everything else.

Good organisation here avoids unnecessary frustration and keeps your setup efficient from the moment you arrive.

To maintain balance and minimise the risk of tipping, always aim to keep heavier items as low to the ground as possible. This helps to lower the barrow’s centre of gravity and improves handling across uneven terrain.

Use your main barrow bag to store dense items such as:

While you’ll want a few leads accessible for early setup, avoid overloading your carryall with the full set. Use the barrow’s storage compartments for non-immediate essentials.

Carp Porter barrows are designed to work in tandem with our fitted luggage. These bags don’t just provide secure storage — they attach directly to the frame and stay put on the move.

Side bags, front bags and tidy bags are ideal for storing essentials like:

These items are typically needed early in the session, and having them within reach means you can get set up quickly without unloading your entire barrow.

Once you’ve made full use of all fitted luggage, it’s time to stack the rest of your kit.

Start with the bedchair.
Lay it flat on the barrow with the legs facing upwards to create a stable base for everything else.

Position heavier bags toward the front.
This places the bulk of the weight over the front wheel — an important detail for both powered and manual models.

Flatten the top of your load.
Keeping the top surface flat makes it easier to secure additional items like unhooking mats or chairs. Folded mats, such as Basix models, may sit better when strapped to the handlebar frame if they don’t lie flush.

Once the main structure of your load is in place, it’s time to secure rods, shelters, and anything else sitting on top.

Use a Y bar if available.
The Y bar provides reliable security across the top of your load, preventing items from rolling or shifting in transit.

Secure with straps or bungees.
Use bungee cords or dedicated barrow straps to lock everything down. We recommend a cross-strapping method for extra stability — attach the straps diagonally in an X pattern.

Carp Porter frames are fitted with dedicated strap loops to help with this. They’re designed for load securing and offer a much more stable anchor than wrapping around handlebars or other fittings.

Avoid using thumbscrews to strap your load.
Thumbscrews are not designed to withstand the pressure of tied-down straps and may become damaged if overtightened. Always use the correct anchor points provided.

Before setting off toward your swim, take a moment to:

These small checks can save big problems once you’re on the move.

Loading your barrow properly doesn’t just keep your gear safe — it saves your energy, protects your equipment, and sets you up for a smoother session. With a properly packed Carp Porter, you’re ready to take on the terrain with full control and confidence.

If you have a specific setup or unique gear combination and want tailored advice, our support team is here to help. Get in touch and we’ll make sure your barrow works for you.