One cannot overstate the importance of finger and grip strength when it comes to rock climbing. Beginners usually start their climbing and bouldering careers by climbing rock faces that are marked or by training at indoor climbing gyms where trainers are there to constantly guide them.
However, as their skill and experience increase, they move on from marked rock faces to unexplored rock faces where they end up climbing the thinnest cracks and edges. The only way to keep up with the steep ascent is by developing phenomenal finger, grip, and wrist strength. At this point, it is imperative to understand that these gains are not something you can achieve overnight. Rather, it takes months and years to develop ample forearm strength that allows a climber to climb steep rock faces without any guidance.
In addition to this, climbing requires a great mind-body connection. When we talk about climbing, many people only focus on the physical aspects including strength, endurance, and agility. However, mental focus is just as important and the level of mental focus required can only be attained by training consistently.
It is important that you create the right environment to develop a strong mind-body connection. However, the main question that arises here is how can that be done? For starters, start training to conquer the toughest of rock faces out there. When you know you have the physical strength to climb efficiently, you will automatically start developing mental focus.
One of the best ways to keep up with your gains is by investing in a good portable hangboard. This way, even if you don’t have access to a climbing gym or if you are traveling, you can squeeze in a quick workout. Although portable hangboards don’t provide as many edges and pockets as mountable hangboards, they still serve as a great option to keep up with your training.
In this article, we have detailed a carefully curated list of portable hangboards that you can invest in. The products listed have been reviewed based on their texture, installation, value for money, and durability.
If you are looking for an all-rounder portable hangboard. The Two Stones Portable Fingerboard is a great option. It comes with a variety of edges and pockets to help you train your muscles and ligaments.
Comparison Table
| Features | Two Stones Portable Fingerboard | BG Climbing Portable Hangboard | Letsgood Climbing Pull Up Ball Grips | Letsgood Pullup Grips | Talon Pull-up straps |
| Construction Material | Wood | Rubberwood | Solid plastic (Balls), Nylon (Straps) | Beech Wood | Nylon |
| Number Of Holds | Rectangular | Six | Spherical | Cylindrical | N/A |
| Dimensions | 19.5 x 4 x 1.2 inches | 10.7 x 7.5 x 2.3 inches (Combined) | 7.2 cm diameter | 5.9 x 1.77 inches | 8.5 x 4.17 x 1.69 inches |
| Weight | 1.65 pounds | 2.29 pounds | 1.4 pounds | 2.6 pounds | 0.2 pounds |
| Check Price | Check Price | Check Price | Check Price | Check Price |
How To Choose The Best Portable Hangboard?
Portable hangboards are an emerging trend in the climbing industry mainly because of their versatility. They can be set up at home within seconds for training or used as a part of a quick warm-up routine right before a climbing session.
However, since you will be using your portable hangboard to perform various bodyweight exercises, it is crucial to ensure that the hangboard is manufactured using the right material. In addition to this, the hangboard should also come with edges and pockets that cater to your level of expertise.
We have curated this blog to help you make an informed and educated guess. Some of the factors you should consider while choosing a portable hangboard are:
Material Used
Hangboards are usually manufactured using wood, polyester resin, or polyurethane. Relatively older hangboard models were made of polyester resin. These hangboards are robust but are heavier which is why polyester resin is not the best choice for portable hangboards.
If you want a durable and skin-friendly portable hangboard, wood is the best option. Wooden hangboards are not harsh on the skin, they are lightweight and have less friction. However, if you are on a budget, go for a polyurethane portable hangboard, just keep it safe from elements of nature such as harsh sunlight and rain.
Hold Size
After the material of the hangboard, its hold size is what determines the quality of your workout. As mentioned, the hold size should be according to your skill level. The size and shape of the pockets determine the intensity of a workout.
If you are new to climbing, go for a portable hangboard with deeper edges and pockets. The rule of thumb is that as the level of expertise increases the shallowness and size of pockets decreases.
Slopers
Slopers are usually used as a warm-up for hangboard training. Some portable hangboards come with slopers while others do not. Hence, if you are buying a portable hangboard for training purposes, it is best to purchase one with slopers.
For experienced climbers, the slopers are steep. For beginners, the slopers are not very steep and are usually rated between 15 degrees to 30 degrees.
Our Recommendations
Two Stones Portable Fingerboard – Top Choice
The Two Stones Portable Fingerboard, unlike many portable hangboards, comes with a number of edges and pockets designed to help beginner and intermediate climbers train their fingers. It is made of a single piece of wood which means there will be no rough edges even after months of use.
The hangboard has a very smooth texture which ensures a comfortable training or warm-up session. It weighs only 1.65 pounds yet provides training opportunities akin to many mountable hangboards.
It comes with a total of 11 pockets including two pairs of four finger pockets, two pairs of two-finger pockets, a pair of one finger pockets, and a single four-finger pocket.
Pros
- It is manufactured using natural rail woodblock.
- It has a multifunctional design with versatile pockets.
- Thanks to the higher number of edges and pockets, it can be used to perform several exercises.
Cons
- The installation instructions are not good.
For a detailed review, read this blog.
BG Climbing – The only double-sided hangboard
The BG climbing double-sided hangboard has been designed for beginners, intermediate, and advanced-level climbers. It is the only double-sided portable hangboard on the market.
This bipartite portable hangboard is constructed using 100 percent recycled Rubberwood and has a total of six holds on each part. Since the number of holds on this hangboard is more than typical portable hangboards, it is slightly heavier and thicker, but the variety of exercises that you can perform makes it all worth it.
Both parts of the hangboard come with a double braided rope using which you can hang it on a bar or with a tree branch. Moreover, it has pre-drilled holes for the rope which makes the installation process very easy.
Pros
- It offers more pockets while keeping a small footprint.
- It is made of recycled Rubberwood which makes it eco-friendly.
- The holds are designed to cater to all types of climbers.
Cons
- It is slightly heavier than other portable hangboards on the market.
For a detailed review, read this blog.
Talon Pull-Up Straps – Best Budget Choice
If you don’t want to invest in a portable hangboard and want a budget-friendly tool that will help you train your fingers at home, in the gym, or while traveling, the Talon Pull-up Straps are the best option. It costs a fraction of portable or mountable hangboards yet provides the means for performing several finger and wrist exercises.
The straps can be used to exercise all four fingers or isolate a set of fingers depending on your level of expertise. They are constructed using nylon with heavy-duty sewing on all edges to prevent any tearing. However, the texture of the straps is not exactly the best. The nylon can end up scratching your fingers a little.
As far as the mounting is concerned, all u need is a rod and you are good to go. It can be a pull-up bar, a beam in the park or a sturdy tree branch.
Pros
- The straps can even fit in the pockets of your pants.
- The installation process is fairly straightforward.
- You can use this simple tool to perform a u need is a rod and you are good to go.
Cons
- The material used is slightly rough and might hurt your fingers.
For a detailed review, read this blog.
Letsgood Climbing Pull Up Power Ball Hold Grips
Designed to help climbers improve their grip and wrist strength, the Letsgood Climbing Pull Up Power Ball Hold Grips are an ideal training tool to travel with. They are available in two different textures, can be mounted on any pull-up rod.
The ball hold grips are manufactured using solid plastic and have a 2.8-inch diameter. Since they don’t have any edges and pockets, you cannot isolate a group of fingers to train them. However, the balls have an open-hand design. Hence, you can use them to train all your fingers together as well as your wrist and grip strength
Pros
- The construction is quiet durable and sturdy.
- The balls can support up to 330 pounds of weight.
- The value for money is high as compared to other cannonball grips.
Cons
- The coating on the balls starts peeling off after extended usage.
For a detailed review, read this blog.
Letsgood Pullup Grips
Last but not least are the Letsgood Pullup Grips that basically double as a pull-up bar and a grip training tool for when you are traveling. Like the Talon Grips and Letsgood ball hold grips, you can mount them on any rod or a sturdy branch.
The grips are constructed using Beechwood. The material has a high density and is non-porous which means it can easily withstand high pressure, chipping, and gouging. Nevertheless, long exposure to moisture can affect its structural integrity.
You can use this tool to perform several grip training and finger training exercises. Since it is like a pull-up rod, you can also use it to isolate a group of fingers.
Pros
- The grips can be used to perform various finger and wrist exercises.
- They are impact-resistant.
- They are constructed using beech wood that is durable and sturdy.
Cons
- They might be slightly difficult to use for beginners.
For a detailed review, read this blog.
Conclusion
When it comes to portable hangboards and finger or wrist training tools, there are several options that you can choose from. However, it is important that you consider all the factors mentioned in the buying guide before choosing a portable hangboard.
If you are looking for a portable hangboard that will be useful throughout your climbing journey, the Two Stones Portable Fingerboard is a great choice. However, if you don’t want to spend a lot of money look into the Talon Strap.
In addition to this, if you are looking for something versatile, unique, and functional, the BG Climbing double-sided portable hangboard will perform well.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do hangboards cost?
This depends on the type of hangboard you want to purchase. They can cost up to $250.
How is a hangboard mounted?
A hangboard is mounted on a mounting board. You can also use a pull-up bar to mount it.
Who made the first hangboard?
John Bachar made the first hangboard in 1980.
