sleeping in trees

How to rig a portaledge in a tree.

[@stonetoolcompany3649]

pretty fancy mountaineering gear! Back in my teens (late 60’s) my friends and I did this free climbing, or with logger climbers, camping in net hammocks with mummy bags..... not tied off with any kind of safety lines. Home brewed platform just large enough for cook stove and supplies. Free rappelling down was a blast!... no hardware except a rappelling harness, using the over the shoulder and around the waist with a leather glove for speed control. We couldn’t afford the Jarmal ascenders then in vogue, but sometimes used prusik knots just for the fun of it. The long spike climbers were faster, but it required two belts to clear branches. Fun stuff. I’m here to tell about it half a century later.... never hurt doing stupid things!

[@deadmemedoge1473]

I've done this so many times. Each time was insanely fun

[@kashtheyoutubeguy9807]

Good for you cause I've never done it

[@johnchan6191]

Wow, @#$%ing awsome, tree camping w/ a dbl portaledge, very cool. Thx 4 sharing on the internet. Keep on tree climbing & camping.

[@jencastle9134]

Thank you for posting this! After these years have you ever did it again? In the summer i love ciclotouring and sleep in tend in the Wild. Often in those situation my instinct tells me where to sleep safely. However I'd like to find a system to sleep like you on threes and carry light weighted equipments on the bike. I saw a couple of hammock tends on the market, but still is not exactly what i have in mind. I really want to find a way to sleep easily on trees like a bird, it is a mystical experience. Thank you

[@trooper2221]

I'd love to get started doing this! Buuuuuutt I may have waited a little too far in to life, not sure at 55 and out of shape, not sure I could pull it off

[@3204clivesinclair]

trooper2221 I'm 61 and climb trees with my two Grandsons - do it!

[@trooper2221]

Clive Sinclair thanks. You encouraged me.

[@treeclimberdave3095]

Tree climbing is much more about technique than strength. You should be fine Trooper2221. Just spend some time practicing close to the ground and work up to longer climbs. There are also several different climbing methods you could use, and a great variety of gadgets to make it easier for different body types. You are haning from a rope the whole time, so you can always sit back and take a break to enjoy the view. You should check out Tree Climbers International at treeclimbing.com for more information.

[@IaMoDiNaRy]

I always liked the idea of sleeping in a tree for safety while hiking out in the middle of nowhere but all of that sure is a lot of trouble! Isn't there a simpler way to sleep up there safely without so much to do?

[@dtj41]

+IaMoDiNaRy try a hammock. I sleep like a baby in my ENO hammock. I put an inflatable mattress underneath me to spread it out a bit

[@IaMoDiNaRy]

Thanks for the suggestion.... i definitely prefer being above ground for safety from two legged as well as four legged predators..... makes it easier to relax and get some sleep...

[@5winder]

Build a treehouse.

[@davehunzicker6248]

I'm using a 200' rope, but you don't need that much for most trees. Just be sure you have enough to loop over a high branch and reach the ground with both ends.

[@davehunzicker6248]

Yes, I am using a grigri along with an ascender attached to footloops. There are plenty of other options for single rope climbing, but this is simple and easy.

[@hailheaven4372]

Too Risky. You want to be within the branches of a tree

[@Natureshangout]

That's crazy man!

[@Chris-ru9cq]

What kind of tents/hammocks are you sleeping in?

[@treeclimberdave3095]

The platform in the video is a portaledge designed for multi-day rock climbing trips. It's heavy and easiest to assemble on the ground, but super comfortable for sleeping.

[@martinzshow4361]

Are you using GriGri while going up?

[@skml_8008]

Extreme sleeping!!!

[@Eternalgunner]

What a skill.

[@gokuamv432]

Army

[@myaslife9730]

is it possible to do it like how it was done in the hunger games 😳😎

[@michaelhorn9114]

I do this like 14 times a day! NOT!LOL!

[@indianawilson4729]

Ha I knew tree fool would say something about this!

[@natalieelskamp03]

How do you get the rope down?

[@treeclimberdave3095]

Great question Natalie. When I'm ready to come down, I climb up to the main anchor point, tie myself in to the tree using a piece of webbing, and disconnect from the main rope. Then I untie the main rope and reset it so it is draped over a strong crotch but not tied to the tree. Just make sure both ends of the rope reach the ground. Then you can rappel down the double rope to the ground. If both ends of your rope do not reach the ground from your high anchor, you will have to rappel down part way, and reset your rope so both ends reach the ground.

[@natalieelskamp03]

Ok cool thanks

[@loganlewis8123]

man this video is great I always come back to it great job and be safe

[@treeclimberdave3095]

I'm glad you've enjoyed it. Thanks for the feedback.

[@squashytoes5636]

Say yahwini

[@Ojaldrelast]

How did you get the rope that was left in the tree?

[@treeclimberdave3095]

That last rope is just slung over a branch at the top of the tree with both ends reaching the ground. I just rappel down the double line and then pull the rope out of the tree once I'm on the ground.

[@bro-rockmobamba28]

how do you get the rope back down

[@tittyrino]

You use a thin line like paracord that is tied to the carabiner that anchors the main climbing line. Once on the ground you just pull the cord and it bring your rope down. Easy and this is a blast. I am 51 and just started climbing here in Pennsylvania 3 months ago. I use a hammock with mosquito net built-in but will upgrade to a portaledge this summer

[@FungalFruitBat]

roughly how much does that all cost to get that setup?

[@camiwill7314]

+Joe Chase probably more than $1000 considering the portaledge is $700 on its own.

[@Jugg215]

@@camiwill7314 you can make your own portaledge using a cot though so that will save a bit