As a climber, finding ways to stay fit and maintain strength while on the go can be challenging, especially when you're in remote locations without access to a climbing gym. Backpacking trips, in particular, offer the perfect opportunity to disconnect from the daily grind and immerse yourself in nature, but they also pose a challenge for keeping up with training.
The good news is that you can build a portable hangboard system that allows you to continue training your fingers, grip strength, and climbing muscles while out on the trail. With a bit of ingenuity and the right materials, you can craft a lightweight and functional system that fits into your backpack and helps you stay sharp.
In this guide, we'll walk you through the steps to build a portable hangboard system that's perfect for remote training while backpacking.
Why Train While Backpacking?
Climbers often face long breaks between outdoor trips, especially if they live far from crags or don't have access to climbing gyms. However, the key to improving your climbing ability is consistency. Training on a hangboard helps maintain and improve finger strength, which is vital for bouldering and sport climbing.
When backpacking, you may have limited access to climbing walls or even trees with ideal branches. A portable hangboard system solves this problem by providing you with a climbing-specific training tool that you can take anywhere. It's lightweight, easy to set up, and can help you stay strong even while you're deep in nature.
Materials You'll Need
Building a portable hangboard system for backpacking requires only a few key materials. Here's a list of what you'll need:
1. Compact Hangboard:
Look for a hangboard that is lightweight and small enough to fit into your backpack. Popular models for portability include:
- Wooden hangboards (often made from birch plywood or other lightweight woods)
- Plastic hangboards (some plastic options are extremely light and durable)
If you're trying to save weight, consider a smaller, more minimalist hangboard with a few essential holds (jugs, slopers, and edges) rather than a full-size model.
2. Climbing Rope or Webbing:
You'll need rope or webbing to hang your hangboard from a tree or other sturdy anchor point. Paracord or lightweight climbing rope works best for this purpose.
- Paracord is durable, lightweight, and packs down small, making it a good choice for backpacking.
- Webbing can also be a great option, and it allows for easy adjustments to the length of your hangboard setup.
3. Carabiners:
Two lightweight locking or non-locking carabiners are essential for securing the hangboard to your rope/webbing.
4. Tree Strap or Adjustable Sling:
This is useful for securing the system to a tree or similar anchor. If you don't have access to suitable branches, a tree strap or adjustable sling can help with setup flexibility.
5. Protective Pad or Small Mat:
It's important to have a small mat or foam pad for added comfort and safety when using your hangboard. If you're using an especially hard surface to hang from (like rock), this will help cushion your hands and joints.
Building the Portable Hangboard System
1. Prepare the Hangboard
First, ensure your hangboard is in good condition. If you're using a wooden hangboard, give it a quick check for any splinters or damage. Most hangboards will have multiple edges, slopers, pinches, and pockets, but if you're using a DIY board, make sure you have a range of holds to challenge yourself.
2. Cut and Attach the Webbing/Rope
Now, take your webbing or rope and cut it to an appropriate length. This length will depend on the height of the trees or anchor points in the area you're backpacking.
- For trees, aim for around 10 to 12 feet (3-4 meters) of webbing or rope, depending on the distance from the ground to a sturdy branch.
- For setting up near cliffs or other fixed anchors, you may need more rope.
Fold the rope or webbing into a loop and secure it with a knot, or use a figure-eight knot to create a fixed loop. If you're using paracord, you can also use Prusik knots for better tension adjustment.
3. Attach the Hangboard to the Rope
Once the rope or webbing is ready, attach your hangboard to the system using your carabiners. Simply loop the carabiner through the top of the hangboard (if it has mounting holes) or tie the webbing around the hangboard. The carabiner will allow you to adjust the length and ensure the hangboard is secured tightly.
Make sure the system is stable and that the hangboard is hanging at a comfortable height for you to use. It should be high enough for your fingers to comfortably reach when you hang from the holds but not too high to cause strain.
4. Secure the System to a Sturdy Anchor
Find a solid tree branch, rock, or fixed anchor point to attach your rope/webbing system. Use your second carabiner to securely anchor the system in place.
- If you're using a tree, look for a strong, horizontal branch that can handle your body weight.
- Always check the stability of the branch and make sure there are no sharp or unstable points that could damage the rope or webbing.
5. Test the Setup
Before you begin your training session, test the system. Gently pull on the hangboard to ensure that it's secure and doesn't wobble. You should feel confident that it will hold up under your weight. If it feels unstable, double-check the knots and carabiners and adjust as needed.
6. Add a Mat for Comfort
Finally, place your foam pad or small mat beneath the hangboard to ensure that you have a comfortable surface to fall on if you lose your grip or need to drop from the board. This step adds safety, especially when hanging for extended periods of time.
Tips for Effective Hangboard Training on the Go
- Focus on Finger Strength : Use the portable hangboard to target your finger strength and endurance. Start with easier holds and progress to more challenging grips as your strength improves.
- Use Rest Periods : Hangboard training can be intense, so be sure to rest between sessions. Consider doing 10--15 seconds of hanging followed by 30--60 seconds of rest to prevent overuse injuries.
- Progress Gradually : If you're new to hangboard training, start with basic holds and gradually increase the intensity by using smaller holds or adding weight (e.g., a weight vest or backpack).
- Safety First : Always ensure that your hangboard system is properly secured and that you're training in an area where it's safe to do so. Don't train too close to a cliff edge or any unstable surface.
Conclusion
Building a portable hangboard system for remote training while backpacking is an excellent way to stay in shape and continue improving your climbing strength while enjoying the outdoors. With the right materials and a little creativity, you can set up a lightweight, effective training tool that fits into your backpack and allows you to train on the go.
This system is perfect for maintaining your climbing fitness during extended trips or while exploring remote locations, and it offers the flexibility to train anywhere. Whether you're bouldering, sport climbing, or training for your next big project, a portable hangboard can be a game-changer for climbers looking to stay strong and prepared, no matter where their adventures take them.