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Kettlebells and handles for farmers carries

Two kettlebells train the farmers carry, swings, goblet squats and lunges. Few pieces of kit do more.

Reviewed 5 Nov 2026 · 1 source · 5 picks

The farmers carry is 200 m with two kettlebells: 2 × 16 kg for Open women, 2 × 24 kg for Open men and Pro women, and 2 × 32 kg for Pro men 1.

A pair of kettlebells is also one of the most useful things you can own for hybrid training. Swings, goblet squats, lunges, presses and carries cover most of a strength week.

At a glance
Criteria

What to look for

01

A pair, not one

Farmers carries need two bells of the same weight. If your budget allows only one pair, buy your race weight.

02

Cast iron or competition

Cast-iron bells grow with the weight. Competition bells keep the same size at every weight, so your technique stays the same as you go heavier.

03

A smooth, even handle

Run your hands along the handle. Seams or a rough coating tear skin on carries and swings.

04

Handles as an alternative

Farmers carry handles load with weight plates and go heavier than most home kettlebell sets.

5 picks

Worth a look

  1. Kettlebell

    Cast-iron kettlebell 16 kg

    Open women's race weight 1 and the classic all-round bell for swings and goblet squats.

    Best for Open women, general training

    Check on Amazon *Affiliate link
  2. Kettlebell

    Cast-iron kettlebell 24 kg

    Open men's and Pro women's race weight 1. Heavy enough for serious swings and carries.

    Best for Open men, Pro women

    Check on Amazon *Affiliate link
  3. Kettlebell

    Competition kettlebell 32 kg

    Pro men's race weight 1. Competition bells keep the same size as lighter ones, so technique carries over.

    Best for Pro men

    Check on Amazon *Affiliate link
  4. Adjustable kettlebell

    Bowflex SelectTech 840

    One adjustable bell that changes weight with a dial. Saves space; you still need two for carries.

    Best for Small spaces

    Check on Amazon *Affiliate link
  5. Carry handles

    Farmers walk handles

    A pair of handles you load with weight plates. Useful if you already own plates and want to go heavy.

    Best for Heavy carry training

    Check on Amazon *Affiliate link

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Farmers carry technique Kettlebell swing technique
FAQ

Questions

What kettlebell weight is used at Hyrox?

Open: 2 × 24 kg for men, 2 × 16 kg for women. Pro: 2 × 32 kg for men, 2 × 24 kg for women 1.

Can I train carries with dumbbells?

Yes. Dumbbells work well for carry training; the kettlebell handle sits a little differently in your hand, so practise with bells before the race.

Cast iron or competition kettlebells?

Cast iron is cheaper and fine for most people. Competition bells suit you if you train many different weights and want the same size and feel.

References

Sources

  1. HYROX. Official rulebook and station standards, current season. hyrox.com/rulebook. Accessed 2026-11-05.
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Kettlebells and handles for farmers carries

Two kettlebells train the farmers carry, swings, goblet squats and lunges. Few pieces of kit do more.

The farmers carry is 200 m with two kettlebells: 2 × 16 kg for Open women, 2 × 24 kg for Open men and Pro women, and 2 × 32 kg for Pro men.

A pair of kettlebells is also one of the most useful things you can own for hybrid training. Swings, goblet squats, lunges, presses and carries cover most of a strength week.

What to look for

Worth a look

  1. Cast-iron kettlebell 16 kg

    Kettlebell. Open women's race weight and the classic all-round bell for swings and goblet squats. Best for: Open women, general training.

    Check on Amazon *Affiliate link

  2. Cast-iron kettlebell 24 kg

    Kettlebell. Open men's and Pro women's race weight. Heavy enough for serious swings and carries. Best for: Open men, Pro women.

    Check on Amazon *Affiliate link

  3. Competition kettlebell 32 kg

    Kettlebell. Pro men's race weight. Competition bells keep the same size as lighter ones, so technique carries over. Best for: Pro men.

    Check on Amazon *Affiliate link

  4. Bowflex SelectTech 840

    Adjustable kettlebell. One adjustable bell that changes weight with a dial. Saves space; you still need two for carries. Best for: Small spaces.

    Check on Amazon *Affiliate link

  5. Farmers walk handles

    Carry handles. A pair of handles you load with weight plates. Useful if you already own plates and want to go heavy. Best for: Heavy carry training.

    Check on Amazon *Affiliate link

Carry smarter: In the race, a short planned break is faster than dropping the bells when your grip fails. Practise 200 m unbroken in training, then plan where you will rest if you need to.

Questions

What kettlebell weight is used at Hyrox?

Open: 2 × 24 kg for men, 2 × 16 kg for women. Pro: 2 × 32 kg for men, 2 × 24 kg for women.

Can I train carries with dumbbells?

Yes. Dumbbells work well for carry training; the kettlebell handle sits a little differently in your hand, so practise with bells before the race.

Cast iron or competition kettlebells?

Cast iron is cheaper and fine for most people. Competition bells suit you if you train many different weights and want the same size and feel.

Sources

  1. HYROX. Official rulebook and station standards, current season. hyrox.com/rulebook. Accessed 2026-11-05.