How it works, what it fits, and why climbers keep choosing it over traditional ledges.
Some of the best climbs are far away from the car. Traditional 20 lb portaledges turn those approaches into a slog. The Taco Portaledge changes that equation, giving you real sleep for daypack-weight approaches.
What the Taco Portaledge Is (and Isn’t)
The Taco is a flexible, anchor-suspended sleep system that supports your pad and body across fixed points. It’s not a framed cot. Think wall efficiency meets ultralight bivy comfort.
- SuperTaco → Optimized for a 20" × 72" Therm-a-Rest XLite. UL missions, tiny pack size. Feet are expected to hang slightly off the end.
- Taco Wall → Best with a 25" × 76" horizontal-baffle pad (e.g., Nemo Quazar) for maximum flatness and comfort.
- Horizontal (sideways) baffles resist “banana” curl and create a flatter sleep surface.
Choose Your Version
| Feature | Taco Wall | SuperTaco |
|---|---|---|
| Weight | 2 lbs | 1 lb 6 oz |
| Best Use | Big wall stances, overnight routes, maximum stability | Alpine/fast missions, minimalist overnights, tiny pack volume |
| Ideal Pad | ~25" × 76" horizontal-baffle pad (e.g., Nemo Quazar) | 20" × 72" Therm-a-Rest XLite (feet can extend past end) |
| Pad Compatibility | Works with many 76" inflatables; horizontal baffles preferred | Can accept 76" pads in a pinch, but not designed for bulky pads |
| Packed Vibe | Light and comfy for walls | UL, “go-far” alpine style |
| Storm Protection | Compatible with the Gordito Storm Fly (both models) | |
Custom-built to order. Typical production time: 3–5 weeks.
How It Works — Fast Visual
- Prep on the ground: Inflate your pad to size the straps correctly. Then deflate the pad, leave it inside the Taco, and pack everything into the supplied stuff sack.
- Clip safely: At the stance, clip the Taco to a suitable, safe anchor. You must remain clipped in via your rope to the anchor at all times.
- Deploy: Re-inflate the pad, adjust side height so the bed is level, and get in.
In the Field — Videos
If you’re this far, you’ll likely watch all of these. They show the Taco in real use: setup, packing, fly compatibility, and alpine/wall context.
Bliss Climbing / Yann Camus
“My new favorite ledge!” Overview and use-cases.
Side-by-side comparison with other ledges: POD & Forrest.
AMGA Guide — Ryan Tilley
HowNot2 x HMG
Shorts
Reviews & Community
Independent voices and shop-floor demos that helped popularize the Taco system.
- Bliss Climbing — “Taco portaledge, my new favorite ledge!”
- Bliss Climbing — Full review: POD vs Taco vs Forrest
- Ryan Tilley (AMGA) — Unboxing & first impressions
- HowNot2 — Cascades wall field use + Gordito fly
- HowNot2 — Shop walkthrough: how the Wall Taco works
Best sleep I’ve got off the ground. I love this portaledge; it’s very comfortable and cheap. I see no reason to buy any other portaledge.
The Taco portaledge is the lightest option available! At just ~600 g, it was so negligible I barely noticed it during our climb of the Nose in June 2024 (my 4th time on the route). The Taco made all the difference in making this trip not just possible, but enjoyable. It shines in situations where you have at least a stance to stand on and need a comfy place to sleep.
If you’re heading up big walls with stances but want the best sleep for tricky spots, the Taco is worth it. Highly recommended!
Watch Yann’s YouTube playlist →
Options matter! I never would have considered a hammock for a hanging bivouac unless it had some lateral support for the hips and shoulders. Now that we have modern pads for something like this, it makes all the difference and justifies spending 1–2 nights in a hammock. If your pad is good enough, you probably don’t need a spreader bar.
Great alternative to a portaledge. I like that it can turn into a hanging chair — super comfortable and functional.
FAQ & Pro Tips
Which pad is best?
SuperTaco: Therm-a-Rest XLite, 20" × 72" (UL, compact). Feet hanging a bit off the end is expected.
Taco Wall: ~25" × 76" pad with horizontal baffles (e.g., Nemo Quazar) for a flatter sleep surface.
Fly compatibility?
Both versions are compatible with the Gordito Storm Fly for weather and sun protection.
What about weight and production?
Taco Wall is ~2 lbs; SuperTaco is ~1 lb 6 oz. Typical lead time is 3–5 weeks, custom-built to order.
Can I use the Taco on approaches or as shade?
Yes. The Taco can double as a lightweight rest sling or shade tarp in a pinch (see the El Cap short). Always prioritize safe anchor management.
Ready to Go Light?
Shop Taco Portaledge System Shop Gordito Storm Fly
Want the backstory? Read our Zion field test.