Make it easier to carry your kayak/canoe - Choosing the best trolley for you

A kayak/canoe trolley is a simple piece of equipment that enables you to transport your kayak or canoe.

It's essentially a metal/plastic frame with wheels.It's easy to load on your kayak/canoe and carry it to and from the paddling spot or to carry while portaging rapids/locks etc.

Your kayak/canoe is held on to the trolley using a strap (or two) and the large wheels make it easy to move over rough ground and sand.

The C-Tug Trolley - this is an all plastic one and really good too

Tips to choosing your trolley

The most important criteria for your trolley is whether it can hold and carry the weight of the kayak/canoe.

Most trolleys will state the maximum weight they can hold. You should not exceed this or it will put strain on the frame and wheels and potentially break it.

The C-Tug trolley in the photo above can hold 120kg (300lbs) static load. You must allow for any extra weight (eg. tent, clothes etc) in the kayak/canoe too.

The type of wheels determines how easy it will be to move over the trolley over the ground.

Large wheels will be less affected by bumps and holes in the ground.

Solid wheels will make the journey more bumpy and potentially damage your kayak/canoe. Pneumatic tyres will soften the ride, but are prone to punctures. Some trolleys have different wheels for going over sand.

The type of material the trolley is made of varies too. Plastic is lightweight and relatively strong. Metal can be heavier but is usually the strongest material.

How the trolley folds up will determine how you can fit it in your kayak/canoe.

Some trolleys will be impossible to fit fully in smaller kayaks.

However, you can split the trolley and put the frame in one kayak and the wheels in another. You can then shuttle the kayaks if you need to.

The C-Tug trolley is balanced and easy to pull

Wear and tear on the trolley will vary for different trolleys. Regular use on sandy or muddy trips will cause abrasion and wear on the parts of the trolley.

Carefully cleaning and storing the trolley will help to prolong the life of the trolley.

Checking tyres (especially pneumatic ones) ensures the trolley will be ready to go when you need to use it.

For more information about the C-Tug trolley we purchased and use, see the video below:

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