Hi there, my name is Jeffrey Barrie and I am a Product Design Engineering student at the Glasgow School of Art in Scotland. I am currently researching portaledges for my 4th year project and found your forum very useful. I would like to ask what you think about current double portaledges in the market, advantages and disadvantages, problems and how they could be solved (my job really but could use some brainstorming ideas). I hope to improve on existing designs by making the portaledge more roomy and enhancing insulating and waterproof properties using advanced materials/ techniques. I have set out a list of criteria below and would like to know the importance of each ( a rating system 1-10 would be good) feel free to add comments or email me above for more info on my project. Please tell me if I've missed anything:

1. Dimensions when packed (how it affects other equipment carrying, decision making) 2. Wieght of portaledge/fly (hauling, same as above) 3. Dimensions inside (length,breadth,hieght, space between partner) 4. Ease of assembly/manouverability 5. Time taken to assemble/disassemble (on wall) 6. Product life (no. of walls) 7. Durability (against wall/elements) 8. Heat insulation 9. Water resistance 10. Wind resistance 11. Snow resistance? (wieght on fly) 12. Limitation of condensation (air flow) 13. Means of adjustment 14. Suitability of product other than sleeping i.e resting,sitting, belaying,eating 15. Gear storage 16. Comfort (with/without partner, support of bed, sleeping position etc.) 17. Aesthetics/Brand image 18. Versitility (e.g some portaledge flys double as light ground tents) 19. Suitability of location (i.e only certain places ledge can be set up, effects time, effort?) 20. Ability to check outside conditions (without getting soaked) Also, I need a reliable industrial contact who I can get in touch with in the UK, if anyone knows anybody please email me. Thank you very, very much for your time.

-- Jeffrey Barrie (0005690b@gla.ac.uk), September 16, 2003