Metolius Bosun's Chair
The Metolius Bosun's Chair is a budget-friendly, lightweight suspension seat built for short-duration rests and on-wall work; its simplicity and low cost make it best-in-class for climbers who need a compact resting solution without the weight or price of a full portaledge. Compared with haul-focused gear like the Black Diamond bag or the Petzl Wallhauler pulley system, the Bosun's Chair sacrifices hauling capacity and mechanical advantage in exchange for faster setup, lower weight, and a significantly lower price point.
Nap-ready comfort
Tough webbing
Nap-ready comfort
Tough webbing
Review Summary
"A simple, durable bosun's chair that users find reliable for hauling and short rests; well-made webbing and hardware hold up, but it lacks padding and comfort for extended overnight hangs."
Compact stowage
Simple webbing seat designed for long hangs and positioning on wall
Compact stowage
Simple webbing seat designed for long hangs and positioning on wall
Increased Safety & Security
Time-Saving Convenience
The Metolius Bosun's Chair is a budget-friendly, lightweight suspension seat built for short-duration rests and on-wall work; its simplicity and low cost make it best-in-class for climbers who need a compact resting solution without the weight or price of a full portaledge. Compared with haul-focused gear like the Black Diamond bag or the Petzl Wallhauler pulley system, the Bosun's Chair sacrifices hauling capacity and mechanical advantage in exchange for faster setup, lower weight, and a significantly lower price point.
Nap-ready comfort
Tough webbing
Compact stowage
Simple webbing seat designed for long hangs and positioning on wall
Reinforced stitching and durable materials for frequent use
Nap-ready comfort
Tough webbing
Compact stowage
Simple webbing seat designed for long hangs and positioning on wall
Reinforced stitching and durable materials for frequent use
Black Diamond Big Wall Haul Bag
The Black Diamond Big Wall Haul Bag is the dependable, high-volume hauler favored by aid and big-wall climbers for its abrasion-resistant fabrics and reinforced construction, offering a strong cost-to-durability ratio for repeated heavy use. While it does not provide a sleeping platform like the Yates or Grivel ledges, its economical replacement cost and organization features make it a financially sensible backbone of any hanging suspension kit and pair naturally with hauling systems such as the Petzl Wallhauler.
Massive capacity
Abrasion-proof shell
Massive capacity
Abrasion-proof shell
Review Summary
"Spacious, rugged haul bag favored for big-wall hauling — reviewers praise its capacity and durability, though it's bulky and heavy and some report zipper or wear issues after heavy use."
Haul-friendly straps
High-capacity roll-top bag with reinforced base for heavy loads
Haul-friendly straps
High-capacity roll-top bag with reinforced base for heavy loads
Time-Saving Convenience
Increased Safety & Security
The Black Diamond Big Wall Haul Bag is the dependable, high-volume hauler favored by aid and big-wall climbers for its abrasion-resistant fabrics and reinforced construction, offering a strong cost-to-durability ratio for repeated heavy use. While it does not provide a sleeping platform like the Yates or Grivel ledges, its economical replacement cost and organization features make it a financially sensible backbone of any hanging suspension kit and pair naturally with hauling systems such as the Petzl Wallhauler.
Massive capacity
Abrasion-proof shell
Haul-friendly straps
High-capacity roll-top bag with reinforced base for heavy loads
Multiple haul points and daisy chains for secure rigging to ledges
Massive capacity
Abrasion-proof shell
Haul-friendly straps
High-capacity roll-top bag with reinforced base for heavy loads
Multiple haul points and daisy chains for secure rigging to ledges
$220-350 CAD
Petzl Wallhauler Pulley System
The Petzl Wallhauler Pulley System is a market-leading mechanical-advantage kit engineered to speed up hauling and reduce climber fatigue; its efficient block-and-tackle design and rugged components give a clear technical advantage over improvised or single-pulley setups. Though it carries a premium relative to do-it-yourself systems, it measurably improves safety and hauling efficiency on big walls and complements haul bags like Black Diamond's and resting platforms from Yates or Grivel.
Butter-smooth hauling
Low-friction bearings
Butter-smooth hauling
Low-friction bearings
Review Summary
"Efficient, low-friction pulley system that users find reliable for big-wall hauling; praised for smooth operation and durability, with the trade-offs of added weight and higher cost."
Lightweight kit
Purpose-built pulley set optimized for hauling systems on big walls
Lightweight kit
Purpose-built pulley set optimized for hauling systems on big walls
Time-Saving Convenience
Increased Safety & Security
Skill Development & Mastery
The Petzl Wallhauler Pulley System is a market-leading mechanical-advantage kit engineered to speed up hauling and reduce climber fatigue; its efficient block-and-tackle design and rugged components give a clear technical advantage over improvised or single-pulley setups. Though it carries a premium relative to do-it-yourself systems, it measurably improves safety and hauling efficiency on big walls and complements haul bags like Black Diamond's and resting platforms from Yates or Grivel.
Butter-smooth hauling
Low-friction bearings
Lightweight kit
Purpose-built pulley set optimized for hauling systems on big walls
Low-friction sheaves and strong attachment points for efficient raises
Butter-smooth hauling
Low-friction bearings
Lightweight kit
Purpose-built pulley set optimized for hauling systems on big walls
Low-friction sheaves and strong attachment points for efficient raises
Yates Big Wall Ledge
The Yates Big Wall Ledge is a midweight, purpose-built ledge that balances portability, ease of setup, and comfort for short rests—positioning it as a cost-effective alternative to full portaledges for climbers who prioritize packability. Technically, it offers faster deployment and lower weight than premium portaledges like the Grivel Plume K3, making it attractive for single-pitch hangs or short overnight use where the full weatherproofing and stability of a high-end portaledge aren't required.
Stable sleeping platform
Generous floor space
Stable sleeping platform
Generous floor space
Review Summary
"An affordable, lightweight single-person ledge noted for quick setup and reasonable stability for short rests or aid work, but reviewers say it's less comfortable and weather-protective than premium portaledges."
Quick deploy
Foldable platform that creates a small ledge for rests and short naps
Quick deploy
Foldable platform that creates a small ledge for rests and short naps
Recreational Enjoyment
Increased Safety & Security
The Yates Big Wall Ledge is a midweight, purpose-built ledge that balances portability, ease of setup, and comfort for short rests—positioning it as a cost-effective alternative to full portaledges for climbers who prioritize packability. Technically, it offers faster deployment and lower weight than premium portaledges like the Grivel Plume K3, making it attractive for single-pitch hangs or short overnight use where the full weatherproofing and stability of a high-end portaledge aren't required.
Stable sleeping platform
Generous floor space
Quick deploy
Foldable platform that creates a small ledge for rests and short naps
Lightweight aluminum frame paired with weather-resistant bed fabric
Stable sleeping platform
Generous floor space
Quick deploy
Foldable platform that creates a small ledge for rests and short naps
Lightweight aluminum frame paired with weather-resistant bed fabric
$300-500 CAD
Grivel Plume K3 Portaledge
The Grivel Plume K3 Portaledge is a premium portaledge designed for multi-night bivouacs, offering superior stability, weather protection, and sleeping comfort that justify its higher purchase price for serious big-wall expeditions. Compared with lighter, cheaper solutions such as the Metolius bosun's chair or the Yates ledge, the Plume K3's advanced materials and build quality make it the market leader for full-rest solutions despite greater weight and cost.
Feather-light frame
Plush sleeping surface
Feather-light frame
Plush sleeping surface
Review Summary
"High-end, ultralight portaledge admired for its strong construction, compact packability, and comfortable sleeping platform; users appreciate performance but often cite the high price and limited accessory options."
Stormproof stability
Full-size portaledge with reinforced aluminum frame for overnight use
Stormproof stability
Full-size portaledge with reinforced aluminum frame for overnight use
Increased Safety & Security
Recreational Enjoyment
Skill Development & Mastery
The Grivel Plume K3 Portaledge is a premium portaledge designed for multi-night bivouacs, offering superior stability, weather protection, and sleeping comfort that justify its higher purchase price for serious big-wall expeditions. Compared with lighter, cheaper solutions such as the Metolius bosun's chair or the Yates ledge, the Plume K3's advanced materials and build quality make it the market leader for full-rest solutions despite greater weight and cost.
Feather-light frame
Plush sleeping surface
Stormproof stability
Full-size portaledge with reinforced aluminum frame for overnight use
Heavy-duty ripstop fabric and optional storm fly for multi-day exposure
Feather-light frame
Plush sleeping surface
Stormproof stability
Full-size portaledge with reinforced aluminum frame for overnight use
Heavy-duty ripstop fabric and optional storm fly for multi-day exposure
$1200-2000 CAD