Portaledge

Portaledge seen from above

Portaledge (also: Portable ledge) is an aid for bivouacking in rock faces when climbing big walls . It consists of a platform (rigid frame, usually composed of aluminum rods, between which a fabric is stretched) and tension belts with which the portaledge is attached to rock hooks . Often the entire portaledge is also covered with a tarpaulin to protect the user from wind and rain.