How Do Mountain Climbers Sleep -You Should To Know

Mountain climbing, also known as mountaineering, is the activity of climbing up to the peak of a mountain for sport or pleasure. Mountaineering is popular amongst the young generation and adults.

When we think about mountains, it gives us the feeling of getting closer to the sky! There are three types of mountain climbing, those are- hiking, rock climbing, and ice climbing.

Also, there are different ways to try mountain climbing. Expedition and Alpine- you can try one of these styles of mountain climbing according to your choice. Never heard of them? Let me explain! You are climbing with many people, distant from civilization for a longer time, that is an expedition. On the other hand, alpine is the informal one, or you may call it casual hiking because here, the involvement of team members will be few.

As a new climber, you often may wonder how mountain climbers sleep. Here is the fun! Cause mountain climbers sleep on the side of the mountain walls. Sounds exciting! Isn’t it? Then how do they sleep and what equipment do they use to sleep? What are the methods of sleeping on the mountain? Let us discuss all these in the following topic.

Key Takeaways

• Hiking, trekking, or mountaineering- no matter which way of climbing you are trying, have a sound sleep or a nap you must be during the journey.
• Portaledge- the ultimate sleeping solution is here for your vertical climbing! You will get more details after reading.
• As we all know, mountain climbing is the revolutionary way of all other climbing techniques. all of these relevant topics have been discussed precisely as they relate to mountain sleeping.

Sleeping on The Mountain

‘Sleeping on the mountain, dreaming in the sky’- who doesn’t want that! But mountain climbing is not an easy task at all. As a beginner, you might face critical problems such as dizziness, headache, nausea, vomiting, etc. Though you might be okay up to 2500 meters, once you cross this height, there is a possibility of having those issues that I have mentioned just now.

Ensure your sleep system is a must as a mountaineer. As you are climbing up, giving your body time to adapt to the new environment is necessary. Well, in that case, you should pay attention to the importance of sleep. Sleeping bags, pads, and pillows- these three components are a must for you to keep during mountain climbing because the stuff you are using for sound sleep is crucial, along with the sleeping place while traveling.

Additionally, how you will sleep or which way you will pick to sleep during traveling depends on the place. You will get tired very soon as you are new to climbing. Breathing issues and sleeping disorders might happen during the climb. Forget about deep sleep during those times because people often mess up their sleeping rhythm while climbing. With a quick nap, you can be in that situation to give your body and mind proper rest for a short period.

The Way of Mountain Climbers Sleep

The way climbers sleep on the mountain is quite adventurous and thrilling! Now, the question is, how do they sleep? Before demonstrating different mountain climbing methods, I want to define something regarding mountaineering. Mountaineering is the extreme version other than hiking (going for a long walk) and trekking (longer than hiking which lasts for weeks, maybe).

Let us know about the ways of sleeping on the mountain. The shelter, hammock, and bivouac- these three are the way to choose while you are traveling outdoors. Indeed, you will get enough information from traveling websites about those methods in detail.

For mountain sleep, portaledge is the best way for climbers. Cliff camping, cliff dwelling, vertical camping- these are the other terms you can call it. One more thing to add: before portaledge, people used a hammock- a portable lightweight bed attached with two supports. You can consider hammock as the traditional way of using portaledge. Also, the originator of the portaledge is still unknown.

Portaledge – A Modern Hammock

The word ‘Portaledge,’ combining words like- portable and ledge, is a temporary bed that is portable enough to hang and sleep on a mountain. The platform of a portaledge is similar to hanging cots, covered in fabric with a metal frame.

Are you worried about sleeping on the mountain in the middle of rock climbing? Portaledge is the best option for you. Also, you can use it as a storm shelter. As a user, consider the size, weight, and stability of a portaledge during purchase. If you need clarification about the space you will need for you and your partner; there are loops in portaledge to increase your sleeping space, supported by four or six suspensions with a single anchor. Two people can easily sleep in a portaledge. The design of a portaledge is effortless, like a hanging tent. You can call it the upgraded version of a hanging cot once you buy it. You purchased a new portaledge to make your travel more adventurous and don’t know how to use that during rock climbing. I must say no need to get upset! Cause you will get to know about the benefits of using a portaledge in next topic.

How to Sleep Using a Portaledge?

Imagine hanging on the side of a mountain wall on a starry night with your nearest one. How romantic it could be! Again, you can experience the sunset and sunshine, the wind and the rain, the chirping of the birds, and the soothing nature at a time.

Do you need to sleep on the mountain? Now one must think using a portaledge is nothing but a suicidal method. On that note, you can only become an expert in using that thing after some time. If you feel that sleeping using a portaledge is not a good idea for you, then you can initially try trekking or hiking to get accustomed to extreme traveling.

Moreover, as an expert in rock climbing, there is no alternative way of using a portaledge. Cause you know that despite climbing you must give yourself time for rest, sleep and meals.

So, if you are keen to know how to use a portaledge, this writing can add some knowledge for you.

See Also: How Long Do Climbing Shoes Last?

How can You Use a Portaledge?

Famous Rock-climber Warren Harding was the first to use a natural ledge during the first ascent of EI Captain in 1958. Check Wikipedia to know more precisely how human beings used to sleep in a portaledge.

Also, setting up a portaledge is a one-man job to do. So,

I would like to describe here the usage of a portaledge including its functions.

• To begin, get yourself a portaledge that would be the best option for you as you will be using that in the long run. I suggest getting a double portaledge so that you get enough space to keep your stuff. Another thing is, double is cheaper than two single portaledge. But if you are short on your budget, you can go for the single one as it is easier to set up.Once you set your mind to get a portaledge- Black diamond cliff cabana, Metolius Bomb Shelter Double, black Diamond Single Portaledge, G7 Pod, and much more available in the market for you to select!
• Another point is to understand the function of a portaledge. Suppose you have bought a portaledge and don’t know how to use it? The answer is, it’s not that hard to get actually. From assembling the frame to securing the position of your portaledge, you should be more careful about every step regarding your own safety. Put your anchor perfectly, focus on tightening the fabric using the straps and keep the living space flat as much as possible to avoid sloping. Adjust the straps, cause the longer the straps, the more you get space for you. Remember, ‘Flat and stiff’ that you can call a good portaledge
• Then comes the rainfly of a portaledge to save you from natural hazards. Want to know what a rainfly is? Let me simplify that! Rainfly is a flysheet of tents that you can use to protect yourself from wind, rain, or storms. Again, you can use that for privacy as it protects you from your surroundings. A fun fact is you can make a rainfly by yourself if you follow the DIY methods correctly. 

Using a Portaledge- Safe or Risky!

Using a portaledge may be a threat for the climbers. Rolling off from the portaledge is a common issue while using it. But once you become an expert in portaledge, it is the safest way to enjoy your vertical climbing. The harness connected to the main anchor will help you from falling. Although the harness is there, ensure sufficient space in your portaledge to be safe.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

For all those travel lovers still thinking about mountain climbing, pack your portaledge and other safety stuff for a safe journey.