The Original: D4 Full Size Portaledge
The D4 Full-Size Portaledge sets new standards in stormproof, compact, light, and easy-to-deploy
portaledges systems.
In 2017, John Middendorf produced the first expedition D4 portaledge for Marek Raganowicz, who then used it for an extreme expedition in Baffin Island where he lived in it for 30 nights on two new big wall routes. Next, in partnership with Barry Ward, a successful Kickstarter for the first 40 production D4 portaledge sold out in a couple days. Since then, the D4 has gotten incredible acclaim, proven with over 1000 nights on the vertical, and widely acknowledged as one of the biggest innovations in big wall gear since the first A5 stormproof portaledge.
The full-size (82" x 47.5") open-source D4 Design portaledge is produced by Durango Sewing Solutions, in Durango Colorado, web: d4portaledge.com.
Note: Barry's business is his own; we share ideas, materials and often help each other out, but he is a separate "D4 Design" portaledge maker.
Key information on the development of the D4 portaledge and the collaborative design process fostered by many top climbers :
First BigWall test by designer John Middendorf
Business Insider article on the D4 Portaledge
First Review by John Verb (2017):
Kickstarter Video:
