Ever wish you could train your fingers and pull strength whenever you please, even when you’re on the road traveling and away from a rock climbing gym? Well, look no further. Whether you are an avid rock climber, boulderer, or gym go-er, portable hangboards are the perfect tool for on-the-go training to keep up your rock climber form and physique. Though not as well-rounded as traditional hangboards, fingerboards, and pull-up bars, a portable hangboard or fingerboard can still serve as a great option to keep up the rock climbing training while on the move, regardless of the season or country you are in.
What is a Portable Hangboard or Fingerboard?
A hangboard is a training tool designed to improve finger strength and grip endurance. Typically, a hangboard consists of a board with various-sized edges, pockets, and slopers for hanging from. Sometimes, these boards are also called fingerboards, since they help strengthen your fingers, too. To use a hangboard, you hang from the edges and pockets with your fingers, gradually increasing the weight and duration of your hangs over time.
What is the Best Portable Hangboard?
To decide on the absolute best portable hangboard, we have examined dozens of hangboards that are portable and reviews left by real users and climbers who bought and used them. Based on what they experienced and shared, we have shortlisted the top 15 portable hangboards for you to consider, including their most important features and suitability in different setups to help you make an informed decision.
To make it easier for you, we’ve also compiled a list of key considerations and frequently asked questions (FAQs) to consider before buying hangboards that are portable. You can find it further down in the article. So without further ado, here’s introducing the best portable hangboard and portable fingerboards for you to make an informed purchase.
1. Beastmaker 2000
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| Price: 💲💲💲💲 (fewer 💲 = cheaper) Weight: 3.55 pounds (1.61 kg) Material: Wood, plastic Portability: Yes Size: 24.02 x 2.36 x 6.3 inches |
Perhaps one of the best hangboard pull-up bars on the market, the Beastmaker 2000 is an excellent training tool for any climber, from beginners to experts. This high-quality hangboard’s range of hold lets you train pull-ups, crimps, slopers, and 3-finger, 2-finger, and 1-finger pockets as well. Though it is on the pricier side, this is a hangboard that you will be able to use for a lifetime.
What makes it so unique is that there isn’t another board out there that gives such precise training for every single finger type. Also, the variation of depths (deep, medium, and small pockets) makes it a real gem when you want to get very technical in building your finger strength.
Pros
- Extremely versatile
- Fit for any level of climber
- Allows you to train a wide range of hand positions
- No assembly required
Cons
- Somewhat expensive
- Cannot be mounted without drilling
2. Zlagboard Pro
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| Price: 💲💲💲💲💲 (fewer 💲 = cheaper) Size: 25x8x70.5 cm Material: Alder wood, steel Number of Holds: 28 (Handle, hanger (10/30°), strips/holes (10-45mm)) |
Don’t be deceived. This Zlagboard might look like any other fingerboard at first glance, but it is actually recently re-designed with solid feedback/ input by world-class climbing coaches. One thing we really love about the Zlagboard Pro and Zlagboard Evo is that the brand is environmentally conscious as the board was made from wood and paper products from sustainably managed forests.
Lastly, apart from its optimal holds and sizes, it also comes with a free set of training plans to get stronger. You can use the Zlagboard app to keep track of your training and improvement over time.
Pros
- Made of skin-friendly lime wood
- Versatile training options
- Has an app you can pair with it
Cons
- More expensive than others
- Holds on bottom not rounded off
- Limited portability due to greater weight
3. FITactic Cannonball Bomb Pull Up Power Ball
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| Price: 💲 (fewer 💲 = cheaper) Weight: 1 pounds (0.45 kg) Size: 6.69 x 4.09 x 3.15 inches Material: Nylon |
The FITactic Cannonball Bomb Pull-Up Power Ball is ideal for experienced climbers training pinch strength, a key element in climbing. Taking on a weight capacity of up to 250 pounds, they’re a great tool for training your wrists and forearms. These hand grips also come in various sizes, allowing you to customize them according to your hand size.
These ball-hold grips are portable and can be easily hung in a variety of places, especially if you have a pull-up bar available. You can use them for dead hangs to focus on forearm endurance or work on grip and pull-up strength, making them a great training tool for even the strongest climbers out there without a hangboard at home.
The grooved and ungrooved models come in 3 different sizes – 3 inches, 3.5 inches, and 4 inches depending on your preferences.
Pros
- Extremely affordable
- Targeting wrist and forearm strength
- Come in a variety of sizes for different preferences
- Suitable for pull-ups, chin-ups, and dead hangs
- Easily hung/mounted on any pull-up bar for easy portability
Cons
- Abit heavy for traveling
- Not suitable for beginners
- Slippery, some sanding may be required
4. UCraft Climbing Evo Rings 3D – Best Climbing Rings
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| Price: 💲💲💲 (fewer 💲 = cheaper) Weight: 0.77 pounds (0.35 kg) Material: Wood Portability: Yes Size: 13.78 x 7.87 x 11.81 inches |
Perfect for beginners and experts alike, the UCraft Climbing Evo Rings 3D are a durable fingerboard option that you’ll be able to keep and enjoy for a long time. Evo Rings 3D can be used for a variety of exercises, including pull-ups, muscle-ups, dips, and push-ups. This versatility allows climbers to target different muscle groups and work on a variety of climbing-specific movements. The 3D design of the Evo Rings allows for more natural and comfortable grip positions. This design helps to reduce the strain on your wrists and forearms, allowing you to train for longer periods without experiencing discomfort or pain. These rings can be hung from a variety of positions, are lightweight and portable, and offer a variety of grip and training positions. They’re quite pricy, but you’ll be able to hold on to them for years.
Pros
- Offer various mounting options
- Provide a variety of training positions
- Lightweight for easy transport
- Comfortable wooden grips
Cons
- Expensive
- Can be confusing to mount
5. IronMind Eagle Loops – Best Climbing Loops
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| Price: 💲💲 (fewer 💲 = cheaper) Material: Nylon Portability: Yes Size: 7 x 3.9 x 1 inches |
These super-light finger trainers are a great option for frequent travelers. At less than 2 ounces, you could easily put the IronMind Eagle Loops in your backpack or suitcase to take them on the go. The Eagle Loops have a comfortable grip that allows climbers to train for longer periods without experiencing discomfort or pain in their hands. They can also be used for a variety of exercises including pull-ups, campusing, and dead hangs. They’re a great option for training finger, grip, and pull strength, but you’ll need to have a pull-up bar to attach them to.
Pros
- Easy installation and mounting
- Great for travelling
- Good for training finger strength and pull-ups
- Lightweight
- Incredibly portable
Cons
- Requires a pull-up bar to set them up
- Can potentially cause blisters on your skin
- Limiting in the types of exercises that you can do
- Not as specifically targeted for basic pull-ups
- Can be dangerous for beginners to use
6. Trango Rock Prodigy – Most Ergonomic Hangboard
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| Price: 💲💲💲💲💲 (fewer 💲 = cheaper) Size: 20 x 16 x 5 inches Material: Polyurethane Number of Holds: 20 (2, 3, and 4-finger holds, crimp grips, pinch grips) |
Another one that has gotten quite a bit of attention recently is this Trango Rock Prodigy. Unlike the others, these ergonomic design hangboards come in 2 pieces with a Training Manual created by Mark & Mike Anderson. Along with this kit is the RPTC Pulley Kit, so it’s a really nice set to give as a gift to your closest climbing partner.
This ergonomic hangboard has a neutral texture made of beechwood, two variable depth rails, and limits friction on your fingers, so your muscles are always actively engaged. It can also be removed from the wall easily for cleaning or when you’re not using it.
Pros
- Comes in two pieces
- Includes the RPTC Pulley Kit
Cons
- More expensive than others
- Not a lot of mounting instructions
7. Metolius Portable Power Grips – Most Versatile Grips
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| Price: 💲 (fewer 💲 = cheaper) |
The Metolius Portable Power Grips are at the top of our list for being a lightweight, portable hangboard option that allows you to train a variety of grip strengths. Made of wood and easy to hang on a pull-up bar or with a similar setup, this portable hangboard is especially useful for people looking to train sloper strength.
These Power Grips also come with adjustable resistance bands that allow climbers to increase or decrease the difficulty of their workouts. This feature makes the Power Grips suitable for climbers of all levels, from beginners to advanced. Moreover, the Power Grips have a comfortable grip that allows climbers to train for longer periods without experiencing discomfort or pain in their hands. Compared to other climbing training tools, the Portable Power Grips are relatively inexpensive, making them a great option for climbers who want to improve their training without breaking the bank.
Pros
- Lightweight and portable
- Affordable
Cons
- Can only support bodyweight, so not suitable for weighted hangs or pull-ups
- Not suitable for beginners
8. Metolius Rock Rings 3D – Best Rings for Experienced Climbers
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| Price: 💲 (fewer 💲 = cheaper) Weight: 4 pounds (1.81 kg) Material: Polyurethane Portability: Yes Size: 6.34 x 4.96 x 1.61 inches |
The Metolius Rock Rings are an excellent option for those looking for a portable pull-up training tool that also lets you target a bit of finger strength. The rock rings come with convenient straps that allow you to hang them in a variety of places, they are extremely portable, and they require no assembly. However, because they are not fixed like a traditional hangboard would be, they offer minimal stability and might present difficulties for beginner climbers. Experienced climbers may have an easier time with these fingerboards.
The rock rings are a dynamic exercise tool that can serve a multitude of purposes. They offer three distinct finger ledges plus offer the ability to do pull-ups. They can be a great option to hang in a space that doesn’t provide enough room for a proper hangboard.
Pros
- Easy to mount
- Portable
- Suitable for training a variety of finger positions
- Can train both pull-ups and chin-ups
Cons
- May be difficult for beginners Little stability
- A bit on the pricier end
- Bulky/ heavy for traveling purposes
9. Maxgrip Hybrid – Best Hybrid Hangboard
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| Price: 💲💲💲 (fewer 💲 = cheaper) Weight: 2.54 pounds (1.15 kg) Material: Rubberwood Number of Holds: 6 |
If you’re looking for a multi-functional hangboard or fingerboard that is both portable for travel and training finger strength, this Max Climbing Maxgrip Hybrid is for you. You can use it to warm up at the climbing wall or for personal antagonist training.
It comes with 6 different positions including slopers, jugs, pinches, and crimps. If you are looking at mainly full ups and dips, the top hold is a lovely jug just for that, and you do not even need to drill in fixed bars and fingerboard.
The deepest jug segment can even serve as a pull-up bar, though be mindful that you may want to invest in a pair of hand grips and gloves to prevent calluses.
Pros
- Targeting wrist and forearm strength
- Suitable for pull-ups, chin-ups, and dead hangs
- Easily hung/mounted on any pull-up bar
Cons
- A bit pricey
- Doesn’t include mounting kit
10. The Pull Pack – Best Hangboard Training System
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| Price: 💲💲💲💲 (fewer 💲 = cheaper) Size: 8 x 10 x 3/4 inches Material: Polyurethane |
The Pull Pack is a compact, customizable portable hangboard training system that offers you to train a variety of hand positions. From dips to leg raises, the Pull Pack can help you do it all.
This Pull Pack has one of the easiest installations of those on the list, as it can easily be added to a doorframe or other sturdy surface. This is extremely convenient for traveling trainers who want to work out away from home. This hangboard training system comes with the option to train slopers and crimps, and you also have the option to mount your own climbing holds in your home gym, allowing you to completely customize your training experience. Additionally, the resin material is the same as climbing holds, so they offer some of the best grips around.
Plus, it comes at an affordable price considering all the features it has.
Pros
- Great grip
- Extremely customizable
Cons
- Limited in hanging options
11. Core Prodigy New Talon Grip – Best Lifetime Warranty
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| Price: 💲 (fewer 💲 = cheaper) Weight: 2.01 pounds (0.91 kg) Size: 9.33 x 5.31 x 1.54 inches Material: Nylon Number of Holds: 10 loops |
This super-strong nylon device designed for finger and thumb loops is great at strengthening your hands and arms. It is perfect not just for rock climbers, but also for other athletes that would like to increase their hand, wrist, forearm, and finger strength for sports like ninja training, MMA, bodybuilding, tennis, shooting, and even golf.
It is available in black and luminous yellow in color, and the best part about it is that it comes with a lifetime warranty. How awesome is that?
Pros
- Extremely affordable
- Versatile mounting
- Good choice for beginners
Cons
- Rough material
- Some reviewers say the loops are too tight on their fingers
12. Metolius Wooden Rock Rings – Best Wooden Climbing Rings
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| Price: 💲 (fewer 💲 = cheaper) Weight: 0.99 pounds (0.45 kg) Material: Wood Portability: Yes Size: 7 x 8 x 4 inches |
Very similar to their other model, Metolius also makes a set of wood rock rings. They offer a smoother surface than the resin of the original rock rings and are perhaps even better for those looking to train crimp strength.
They come with labeled 38, 20, and 15mm ledges. However, as with the original rock rings, their lack of stability might pose difficulties for beginner climbers.
If you are looking for something sleek looking in your house and still a very reputable brand, then this light brown and creme color pair here is your best bet for a portable wooden hangboard.
Pros
- Great option for when you have limited space
- Labeled edges for finger training
- Easy to hang and mount
- Lightweight for portability
Cons
- Can’t train slopers or finger pockets
- Can present the risk of injury for beginner climbers
13. Max Climbing Spinchboard – Best Customizable Spinchboard
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| Price: 💲💲💲💲 (fewer 💲 = cheaper) Material: Polyurethane Number of Holds: 12 |
This two-piece spinchboard uses a one-bolt mounting that gives you the flexibility to spin the holds around between the different modes you change it to. This provides you heaps more options and degrees of difficulty per hold than the average fixed fingerboard.
In fact, the board can rotate a full 360 degrees, unlike many of the other boards on this list! Even though it spins easily, it is made of durable materials so it won’t break easily even with lots of heavy use.
It’s super versatile and suitable for all levels of competency, as long as your goal is to train a variety of pulling directions apart from the normal vertical type.
Pros
- Turn around to choose easy or hard mode
- Easy mounting
- Easy customization
Cons
- Does not include basewood needed to fully use the spinchboard
14. Solo Hybrid Spinchboard – Best Hangboard for Beginners
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| Price: 💲💲💲 (fewer 💲 = cheaper) Weight: 4.19 pounds (1.9 kg) Material: Resin, wood Number of Holds: 18 |
This solo piece spinchboard offers a wide range of different grips, pockets, and slopers with varying textures, making it perfect to build your strength and endurance.
Just like the Max Climbing Spinchboard, it has a special mounting system so that you can tweak the board direction to switch between beginner to advance climber mode. However, its installation is also a bit more complex than other boards, so you’ll have to make sure you install it correctly.
This board is also special because it comes with an interactive app that lets you track your progress, set goals, and get personalized training recommendations. It’s not just a hangboard, but a full workout routine!
Pros
- Skin-friendly wooden texture
- Environmentally-conscious brand
- Wood is made from a sustainable and renewable source
- Comes with an app to track training progress
Cons
- Slightly more complex installation
15. Metolius Project Hangboard – Best Resin Hangboard
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| Price: 💲💲 (fewer 💲 = cheaper) Material: Polyurethane Portability: Yes Size: 26 x 9 x 7 inches |
The Metolious Project is a multipurpose wall-mounted pull-up bar that will fulfill all of your climbing training needs. This rock-climbing pull-up board is simple to mount and requires no assembly. Additionally, aside from training pull-ups, you will be able to work on your finger strength thanks to the variety of finger ledges that the board offers.
This is one of the most popular hangboards you will see at many gyms around the world. Besides its pretty swirly blue colors and the versatility of its use, it also comes with a clear set of instructions on how to set it up without injuring yourself or breaking something in the house.
Pros
- No assembly required
- Excellent for training a wide variety of climbing strength exercises
- Offers both crimp and finger pocket options
- Durable polyurethane build
- Can fit on a variety of doorways
Cons
- May not come in the color displayed
- You must attach it to a 2×4 plank of wood
- A bit heavier than other boards
Verdict
Based on all of our experience with travel hangboards, we found that Beastmaker 2000 is the best portable hangboard available today.
Our Premium Option is Zlagboard Pro with all the best features and high-quality materials, but that’s only if you have more money to spend.
However, if you are on a slightly tighter budget, you can also consider the FITactic Cannonball Bomb Pull Up Power Ball as an affordable alternative.
Our other reviews you may find useful in your research:
- Best Grip Strengtheners for Climbers
- Best Finger Strengthener and Trainer
- Best Hand Strengthener for Beginners
What You Should Know Before Buying portable hangboards
How to Choose the Best Portable Hangboard
To know what type of hangboard you should choose as a rock climber or boulderer, you must first know where and why you will be using it. Different types of hangboards offer different types of grips and training, along with varying ways to hang them. The type of grip that each hangboard offer will be key in deciding on which portable hangboard to purchase.
Another good question to ask if you are looking for a travel hangboard to bring it along for your rock climbing excursions and outdoor expeditions, or more just for your home workout use during the COVID-19 lockdown. When that is a condition, size matters!
Choosing the Right Hangboard Hold Size
Not all hangboards are made the same. You’ll have to find the right hold size for your hands and your experience level. The primary sizes are small, medium, and large. Small Holds
Small holds are typically less than 10mm in depth and are designed to train your fingers’ strength and endurance. These holds are more challenging to grip than larger holds and require greater finger strength and control.
Medium Holds
Medium holds are usually between 10mm and 20mm in depth and are designed to train a combination of finger strength and endurance. These holds are more comfortable to grip than small holds and are a good option for climbers who are transitioning to harder workouts.
Large Holds
Large holds are typically more than 20mm in depth and are designed to train grip strength and endurance. These holds are the easiest to grip and are a good option for climbers who are new to hangboarding or want to focus on grip strength.
Advantages and Benefits of Using a Hangboard or Fingerboard
There are many advantages to having a portable hangboard, the most obvious of which is that it’s portable and easy to bring along! Especially if you choose a lightweight option, portable hangboards can be packed into your suitcase or Arcteryx backpack and go with you when you travel to places! This also makes a perfect climbing present or gift amidst a whole suite of other climbing gifts to buy.
Additionally, if you don’t want to mount a permanent hangboard in your home (especially if you suddenly have important guests coming and you don’t want hangboards to be visible to the average person), they can be a great temporary option for at-home rock climbing training.
Ways to Differentiate Handboards, Fingerboards, and Finger Trainers
Portable hang boards come in many shapes, sizes, and styles, so there are a few things to pay special attention to when making your decision. First, you should focus on the type of hold. Do you want to work on your finger strengthening? Look for crimps. Pinch strength? Look for balls or pinches.
You should also pay attention to how the hangboard can be mounted. Know where you plan on using your portable hangboard before purchasing, as different hangboards require different mounting setups. Some require prior equipment, so make sure anything you get can be used with tools you already have at home.
Best Material for Portable Hangboards and Fingerboards
There are lots of options out there in terms of material for your portable hangboard. The right choice for you will depend on your own needs and preferences. Below is some more information about the most common materials used to build portable fingerboards.
Wood
Wood boards are some of the most common and affordable hangboards out there. They’re extremely common to find and are known for their durability and natural feel compared to other materials. They’re also lightweight and easy to transport for climbers on the go. Resin
Resin is another popular choice of material for hangboards. Resin is known for its durability and is often even lighter than wooden hangboards. It also has a different texture on your palms and fingers than wood or metal, so some climbers prefer resin to other materials. Because resin boards are made with molds, there may be more options available in terms of customization. Plus, they’re still quite affordable compared to more expensive materials such as metal. Metal
Though less common, some hangboards and fingerboards are made of metal. Of all the materials on this list, metal makes the most durable and long-lasting hangboard. They also come in lots of different customizations, similar to resin hangboards. However, you should note that this durability comes at a higher price than other materials. Metal hangboards are also heavier than wooden or resin hangboards, which can make it more difficult to transport. If you want a challenge, though, metal hangboards are the way to go as their smooth texture often requires you to have a stronger grip to hang on them.
Choosing a Hangboard by Number of Holds
The number of holds in a hangboard can impact the variety and intensity of the workout it provides.
Hangboards with fewer holds are often designed to focus on specific types of grip strength or to provide a more basic and straightforward workout. They may have fewer options for hand placement, which can limit the exercises that can be performed. However, they can be useful for climbers who are just starting with hangboard training or for those who want to focus on improving a specific type of grip strength.
Hangboards with more holds offer greater variety and flexibility in the types of exercises that can be performed. They can be more challenging and offer a more comprehensive workout for climbers looking to improve their overall grip strength and climbing performance. Ultimately, the number of holds in a hangboard is a personal preference and should be chosen based on the individual climber’s needs and goals.
Mobile Hangboard Setup & Usage
The best part about a portable mobile hangboard is that you can use and hang it practically anywhere. Though some are certainly smaller and lighter than others, virtually all portable hangboards can fit in a suitcase, meaning that they can go with you on your travels and be set up on a nice ledge in your AirBnb or Guest house.
The best way to use them is to mount them safely to a secure setup, which will vary depending on the hangboard or fingerboard you purchased. After that, the training is on! Use them to do pull-ups, weighted pull-ups, finger strength training, and a number of other climbing related exercises.
Hangboard Precautions to Note
It’s important to note that not all hang boards can be mounted on all setups, so your ability to mount and use any given hang board will depend on the setup that you have access to. Some need to hang off of a pull up bar or pull up handles,, while some can be tied to a variety of objects, even a tree branch! Just be aware that you might not be able to set up your hang board everywhere that you go.
Additionally, you shouldn’t be starting to do hangboard finger training until you have been climbing for at least six months, preferably a year, so no need to rush this purchase if you’ve just started climbing!
Questions and Answers About portable hangboards
What are the benefits of training on a hangboard?
Training on a hangboard can improve finger strength, grip endurance, and overall upper body strength. It can also help prevent finger injuries by strengthening the tendons and muscles in your fingers and hands. Training with a fingerboard over long periods can help you develop solid technique and body awareness for climbing on steep and overhanging terrain.
How can I use a hangboard for a finger warm-up?
Using a hangboard can be an effective way to warm up your fingers before climbing. When using a hangboard for a finger warm-up, it’s important to follow a few steps to ensure you’re using the tool correctly and safely. First, start with easy holds that are comfortable to grip, such as larger holds on the hangboard. This will allow you to get your fingers moving and your blood flowing without putting too much stress on your tendons and ligaments. Use both hands on the hangboard and perform exercises like dead hangs or hanging with your fingertips to activate the muscles in your fingers, hands, and forearms. Gradually increase the intensity of your hangboard workout by moving to smaller holds or adding weight to your hangs. Throughout your warmup, focus on proper form, engaging your shoulders and core, and avoiding swinging your feet. After your hangboard warm-up, stretch your fingers and forearms to prevent injury and help your muscles recover.
Are hangboards safe to use?
When used properly and with appropriate caution, hangboards can be a safe and effective training tool. However, it’s important to gradually build up your strength and avoid overtraining to prevent injury to your fingers, hands, or arms. Additionally, it’s important to use proper form and avoid hanging from small or painful holds.
What should I look for when buying a hangboard?
When buying a hangboard, several factors should be considered to ensure that it fits your training needs and goals. One of the first things to consider is the size and shape of the edges on the hangboard. Smaller edges are more challenging and suitable for advanced climbers, while larger edges are better for beginners. Different hangboards also offer various hold types including slopers, pockets, pinches, and edges. The edge should provide friction to keep you from slipping without being too abrasive on your skin. Make sure you consider the material the hangboard is made of, as hangboards and fingerboards can be made of wood, resin, or plastic. You should feel each of these options and choose one that suits your preference for texture and durability. You should also consider the type of mounting required, as this can impact the type of hangboard that you get. Finally, always check the brand and reviews of any hangboard to see how well it worked for others. Products with many good reviews are likely better than those with few or poor reviews.
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