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Making a wood portaledge?

Original Post
Patrick K. · · Bozeman · Joined Nov 2009 · Points: 295

What does everybody think about the possibilty of a wood portalaedge?

I have seen Alex honnold with a wood ledge in a few videos and wondering what others thought of this. I'm thinking of useing 6 bolt-hangers for connection points and then flagging the frame on the line when hauling.

I know it would be heavy, but would only cost about 30 bucks.

Share your thoughts and advice

Jeremy Monahan · · Fort Collins, CO · Joined May 2002 · Points: 410

I'll share what I learned from making them to haul up a tree in my backyard as a kid.

Pros:
Cheap
Disposable (to a degree)
Heavy (as you mentioned)
Can be sturdy if you reinforce it right
Customized easily

Cons:
Heavy
Not foldable (without carpentry magic)
Not waterproof (no rainfly w/o modification
Rigging can be a pain in the arse (depending on how you rig it, its really hard to get the damn thing to lay straight)

All in all, I wouldn't recommend it unless someone has some awesome plans for a lightish, sturdy ledge w/ fly for substantially cheaper than buying an actual portaledge. Its tough to drag it anywhere or make it portable, and I can't even imagine hauling a wooden ledge up a wall without partially destroying it.

That said, if you want a ledge that doesn't need to be hauled super far or super high on a wall, go for it. It is cheap, and they can be designed to be pretty damn sturdy.

Post up if you decide to build one!

EDIT: I hear Russ from Fish makes a killer ledge, but be prepared to wait in line for a custom one..

Rob Dillon · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Mar 2002 · Points: 760

I believe one has been towed up Whitesides, on the FA of Arm and Hammer. Stegg's kinda tough, though. Are you?

As wall climbing is all about suffering (at least until you learn better), I'd say: go for it! The worst that can happen: you work your ass off for a few days and have a good story to tell. Isn't that what we're all after?

Gunkiemike · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Jul 2009 · Points: 3,492

I read a few years ago about a team that had one - in Yosemite I think - and the wind picked up really strong. The ledge was flying around them basically trying to decapitate them.

Nathan Stokes · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Oct 2008 · Points: 440

On Liquid Sky at Cathedral Ledge they originally used a wooden pallet for a belay ledge at the Space Station belay while working the route.

rock-fencer · · Columbia, SC · Joined Dec 2009 · Points: 265

go over to the FOIL site rockclimbing.com and check out the crusty ledge article. Not as cheap as a wood ledge but much lighter.

T

Brannen Brannen · · Flowery Branch, GA · Joined Oct 2010 · Points: 0
rock_fencer wrote:go over to the FOIL site rockclimbing.com and check out the crusty ledge article. Not as cheap as a wood ledge but much lighter. T
I actually just made a ledge for my first wall about a week ago. I looked at the Krusty ledge stuff, decided I didn't know how to sew, or want to learn, so I went to Walmart and bought the Ozark Trail Cot.

Thought I could use some of the cot pieces, turns out I couldn't. So I just used the fabric, bought about 10$ worth of PVC pipe and fittings, used some old webbing for the connection points, and kayak hauling straps for my adjustable straps. Total Cost around $60.
rock-fencer · · Columbia, SC · Joined Dec 2009 · Points: 265
Brannen wrote: I actually just made a ledge for my first wall about a week ago. I looked at the Krusty ledge stuff, decided I didn't know how to sew, or want to learn, so I went to Walmart and bought the Ozark Trail Cot. Thought I could use some of the cot pieces, turns out I couldn't. So I just used the fabric, bought about 10$ worth of PVC pipe and fittings, used some old webbing for the connection points, and kayak hauling straps for my adjustable straps. Total Cost around $60.
Curious what size PVC did you use. Post up some pics of you in it. I want to see how it flexes!
Bob Dergay · · Colorado · Joined Oct 2006 · Points: 101

Just take one of those tri-fold lawn chairs and tie some webbing to the corners.

$11 bucks. cheap.

everything-beach.com/beachc…

Guideline #1: Don't be a jerk.

Big Wall and Aid Climbing
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