Portaledge!? Building my framed hammock and expedition rainfly!

**Refreshing** · 10-03-2014, 14:08

First I need to say thank you to everyone who has helped me finish this project! I received helped on many topics from my sewing machine malfunction to the materials that I used. I also wanted to give a direct shout out to Truehart for sharing his engineering knowledge with me. I am currently building a two person portaledge which would have been a disaster without your tips!

But for now take a look at my single portaledge! I would like to refer to my portaledge as a single point hammock with a spreader bar on all four sides

. My latest DIY bridge hammock and tarpsock was great but not perfect so when I came across an old cot laying in a pile of free stuff I grabbed it and went to work!

The rainfly is made out of a 30D silnylon and is covered by a topcap which was genius-ly designed (and patented) by Metolius. But since I am not selling this thing I decided to copy their design! HUZZA!

The whole thing collapses down into a neat and tidy bundle.

And here is a picture of her maiden voyage:

I still have to get final weights but everything including the frame, bedding, anchors, rigging material, and rainfly should come in under 6 pounds. If you want to see the portaledge up close then watch the test video:

Direct Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kSLFf1qBwG0

THANKS EVERYONE!

**Osulagh** · 10-03-2014, 14:37

Wow! This is really interesting--too bad I don't have a use to make one.

Great work! It looks amazing.

**RedStix** · 10-03-2014, 16:16

You are becoming a jedi-portaledge master! Great work and ingenuity!

Regards,
RedStix

**Truehart** · 10-03-2014, 17:09

Looks great! And thanks for the shout out. *Blushes* Can't wait to see the double.

**Refreshing** · 10-03-2014, 21:22

Redstix I accept the title of Jedi-portaledge master! I really don't think you guys would believe how much time I have been putting into these latest hammock iterations. I need a long backpacking trip to relax my brain.

**RedStix** · 10-03-2014, 21:48

Stop right now and get out there before the weather gets too bad! My mom, who lives close to Duluth, sent me a picture of it snowing today. You need to get out while the getting is good.

**Refreshing** · 10-04-2014, 08:53

Redstix, what if I prefer winter!?!?

No bugs, and no sweaty clothes! BRING ON THE SNOW!

**nothermark** · 10-04-2014, 13:45

Looks good! I was a bit concerned about rolling off until I saw the sag in the underview. I know you are clipped in but some surprises are not fun. ;-) Next you need a bottom quilt. ;-))

**GoatHanger** · 10-04-2014, 16:58

That thing is awesome! What a nice job, man. I like the pull up handle. That's great.

Very cool, thanks for sharing this.

**Refreshing** · 10-05-2014, 12:36

Originally Posted by nothermark

Next you need a bottom quilt. ;-))

I think my sewing skills might finally be at the level necessary to take on a task like that! Shh, don't tell my wife I already have plans for my next project. Haha.