USED AND ABUSED: NASH TRAX MICRO BARROW - 25/06/2010

Jon says: On first setting it up in the office, I was a little dubious as to how the Trax Micro would perform, but on the bank it’s performed well thus far. It’s big enough to pile high with gear, but the best feature is how it collapses down for transport. The wheel and handles can be removed quickly and easily and the remaining frame can then be split in two as well. If you have a small car, or limited storage space at home, then this feature will make a huge difference.

Once set up the Micro is relatively long and with the majority of the load over the wheel it gives a great balance point. This ensures that the barrow takes almost the entire weight of the load rather than your arms. There’s a front, adjustable bar, but no side bars, which I like, and there’s a storage pouch under the bed for awkward items such as clothing and water bottles. The mesh bed allows any items of tackle to be placed on the barrow without falling through the frame. A wide wheel is available separately, and I’d advise that you get one. With the thinner wheel and a heavy load, the barrow does topple over rather easily on uneven ground. The wider wheel goes a long way to eliminating this. When you set the barrow up, make sure that the mudfeet have been folded out parallel to the ground. I forgot, loaded the barrow with one mudfoot sat vertical, and it snapped as I piled my gear onto the barrow.

VERDICT

• Performance: 8
  
• Value: 7