portaledge question

hey there
so im a broke college student who doesnt have much money to spare and was wondering what is the cheapest way to make a portaledge? i read little about the Walmart cot and webbing. is this worth it?should i get new tubing and reinforce it and make it fold so it packs better? if you have picks post them please or send them my way.

keep in mind im just getting into aid climbing and have done one grade V and stayed in a pika hammock i picked up(Kinda sucked when it came to cooking and what not) and would like to spend some more nights on the wall. does anyone have any pointers for using my pika hammock?

thanks Pat

I just finished making a portaledge, after my first design failed. I haven't gotten to test it out yet, but I can tell you that it takes a lot of work, materials,money, and frustration. It is pretty cool to have a homemade one(pending if mine works well or not), but I am not sure that I would recommend making one unless you really like tinkering with projects.

I have heard that good deals come up on ebay sometimes. Fish makes some ledges that are pretty reasonably priced and sweet.
fishproducts.com/

Definitely talk to Russ Walling at Fish, and he can set you up with a killer deal. "Mention my name..."

Climb routes with natural ledges. You have plenty to do before a porta-ledge is required.

stick with the Hammock or get a second job for two weeks.

I'm a broke college student, just scrimp and save all year and by the time spring wall season rolls around you should have enough for a ledge and fly. They pop up on here quite frequently, all you need is a ~$500. Buy ramen, you'll cut your food bill by at least half.

BTW, you want to team up? all my climbing buddies either are too old (smart) to do long trips or don't get out of school until mid june.