A5 climbing gear. A5 Adventures was literally the place where necessity bred innovation, an open forum shop specializing in design and fabrication of high performance climbing gear using the latest technologies and materials. Aid Climbing: pulling or standing on gear or hardware attached to the rock (like bolts, pitons, cams, nuts, etc. to meet the needs for a growing new breed of climbers whose nucleus centered in Yosemite California. Thickness: 5mm Feb 12, 2025 · John Middendorf: Big Wall Gear Pioneer John Middendorf is a pioneering climber and gear designer best known for revolutionizing big wall climbing with the invention of the Durable Single Point Hammock, or the modern portaledge, in the 1980s. Jan 9, 2025 · Recommended climbing rack and gear: El Capitan - Reticent Wall A5 5. Originator of A5 climbing gear (founded in 1987, sold in 1997). ) YDS, or Yosemite Decimal System (3rd Class, 5. When this pulley tears, it can severely impact a climber’s ability to perform. International Grade Comparison Chart International rock climbing classification systems are shown in the chart at the right, and below is a comparison of Alpine, Ice, Snow, Aid, and Commitment grading systems. With A5 Summits, transform your outdoor activities into a rigorous fitness regime and see how far you can go when nature challenges you. Shop a great selection of climbing gear at DICK'S Sporting Goods today. Mar 30, 2020 · Find rock climbing routes, photos, and guides for every state, along with experiences and advice from fellow climbers. We asked Colorado climber Paul Gagner—who has done more than 50 wall routes around the world, including first ascents on Baffin Island and in Utah’s Fisher Towers—to detail his packing list and the experience Dec 1, 2020 · Looing into aid climbing? Look no further! In this incredibly awesome guide we explain exactly what is aid climbing and how to get started! Equip yourself with the Piton A5 and experience the confidence that comes with using top-notch climbing gear. A5's first product was a forged well designed hammer that set the standard for high quality climbing gear. We have a great online selection at the lowest prices with Fast & Free shipping on many items! Aug 29, 2022 · Introduction Our Selection of the Best Portaledges Our Criteria/How We've Compiled Our List Our Selection of the Best Portaledges for Big Wall Climbing Comparison Table 1. A5Gear Bigwalls Forum A5 revolutionised the tools for Big Wall climbing in the 80's and 90's Jun 3, 2016 · There is already the question Please Explain Rock Climbing Grades however I would like to know about aiding grades. The age of pitons was over, and there would never be a market for that kind of big wall climbing gear ever again. First, here’s a note on the overall grading system of a particular big-wall climb. With the trusted brand of The North Face, climbers can rely on the durability and performance of this harness. Aid climbing is still used on large big wall climbing and alpine climbing routes to overcome sections of extreme difficulty that are beyond the difficulties of the rest of the route. While aid climbing may take more time compared to free climbing, this is at times the only option, especially when a portion of the climb does not offer any natural holds so the climber hangs on device after device in this gear aided technical approach to conquering big rocks. Encouraged by you I asked the Polish excellent aid climber Michał Momatiuk for some hints. ) for upward progress. This ICON A5 review is based off of two days flying the new light sport amphibious aircraft. There is a sea of grading styles worldwide for climbing, view a scale comparison, courtesy of the American Alpine Club. Many factors like skill/experience, having the right equipment, height, free climbing ability, cleanlines of the cracks, or the condition of fixed gear like bolts, pitons and copperheads can easily make a pitch easier or more difficult than what the rating suggests. We're climbers who design products to improve the climbing experience. Aug 30, 2008 · A5 BIRD BEAK : SummitPost. It is not untypical for a new A5-graded aid-climbing route, to migrate to an A3-graded route over time. For our review update, we purchased each model and hauled them on over 110 big wall climbs around the world. Our mission is to feed the stoke for climbing by offering the most comprehensive range of equipment to climbers in Australia. Keynote Speaker for 1994 annual American Alpine Club meeting in Salt Lake City. This is because every climber protects pitches slightly differently. 1 AIRPLANE INTRODUCTION The ICON A5 650 Edition (or “A5”) is a two-seat, single-engine, amphibious Light Sport Aircraft. Trust SINGING ROCK to deliver performance and reliability for your outdoor pursuits. Shop our wide selection of footwear, hiking and camping equipment, men's and women's active clothing, rock climbing gear, and more! Check back often for the arrival of new gear! Sep 5, 2021 · Free Climbing: using only one’s hands and feet, and the natural features of the rock, for upward progress. Well published in many worldwide climbing magazines, including major features. Big Walls take a lot of gear and we've designed ours to be as light and durable as possible. 7 - Yosemite Valley, California USA. The A5 Portaledge A portaledge is a deployable hanging tent system designed for rock climbers who need to spend multiple days and nights on a climbing route suspended from a sheer rock face while big wall climbing. May 6, 2025 · Welcome to the Holy Grail of climbing gear lists! Here you will find our top picks: the gear our climber-testers would recommend to their best friends. The SINGING ROCK Piton A5 5 Cm is an essential piece of climbing gear designed for reliability and performance. for 7cm PitonMaterial: Co-Mo hardened steelLength: 3cm / 5cm/ 7cm ; 1. Big Wall and Aid Climbing Post a Reply to "A5 Adventures Pricesheets 1987/8" Find rock climbing routes, photos, and guides for every state, along with experiences and advice from fellow climbers. Jun 9, 2022 · Mechanical Advantage Series by John MiddendorfI wrote to the great alpinist Wojciech Kurtyka from Poland, and received the following: Hello John You asked about the birdbeaks piton in Polish climbing tradition. Shop our selection of Vintage today! Discover what credible industry experts have to say about PITON A5 KNIFEBLADE PITON FOR FIRST ASCENTS/MOUNTAINEERING/AID CLIMBING. Click to read Mechanical Advantage: Tools for the Wild Vertical, by John Middendorf, a Substack publication with thousands of subscribers. Please visit them on the web at www. 5, 5. Not sure of date this was made but A5 made cutting edge climbing gear in Flagstaff, AZ during the 80s and 90s. First a note on the overall grading system of a particular big-wall climb. Charles Cole had just set up 5. My first big foray into commercial climbing gear design was a big wall hammer, and a new nut based on a sphere and grooved wedge, which later manifested in the "ball-nuts" and "monkey paws". This was Steve’s original inspiration for A5. They have a time-tested design and come in a variety of sizes. / 2. Mountain Tools delivers climbing equipment world-wide for rock climbing, ice climbing, alpinism, backpacking, mountain, gear, rescue. The A5 has a conventional high wing, tail-aft configuration with ailerons, flaps, elevator, rudder and water rudder control surfaces. Two Versions The exact same ledge comes with two frame designs: For $695 Feb 13, 2025 · This episode is for the gear nerds out there. company making hammers, but I also set up wholesale accounts with every possible climbing gear manufacturer to offer via mail-order the best and most specialised tools for efficient big wall climbing. Its a shame - Until recently their ledges were the simplest (fully commercial) rigs out there. (Looking for D4 portaledges? See bigwalls. Co-author of How to Rock Climb: Big Walls, by John Long and John Middendorf. Shop rock climbing gear & equipment from Black Diamond. Whether you can drive to it or your approach is 30 miles, our gear will get the job done. Because of this, climbers have no choice but to spend the night cliffside, and they need specialized gear to stay safe while sleeping. (logical really, given the name) I can't explain why people would want to buy logo-ed hats off them though. The North Face A5 Double Gear Sling Bigwall Harness is a high-quality product designed specifically for aid climbing. com. Cam Resling Service - available. 125" Outside Diameter, and 0. Home Brands History Firsts Classics Logos Links Books News Action About Profile Images 1986 A5 Adventures founded, in Flagstaff, Arizona, by Stanford-trained mechanical engineer and big wall climber,John Middendorf company established using some inheritance money The name is taken from the highest rating in Aid climbing of the day First product was a big wall climbing hammer, of which 550 were Jun 21, 2024 · Our rock climbing gear list covers everything you need as a beginner and additional kit for more adventurous climbs. I then went on to form A5 Adventures, which became a global melting pot of new ideas and products in the Everyone thought I was nuts. Totem Cams […] Dec 16, 2013 · Depending on the type of pulling down you’re doing, climbing can vary from minimalist to “everything but the kitchen sink,” and big wall climbing is very much the latter. Barry swiftly honed his While at University, I made my own rock climbing "chocks", and the bug to create better gear began. May 6, 2025 · A5 Innovations Double Gear Sling- Vintage Rock Climbing Gear. They are In 1986 John Middendorf founded the climbing company A5 Adventures Inc. This article will help you find the best climbing rope bag for your needs. A Shop climbing gear, helmets, mountain equipment, and boots at Backcountry. Sep 20, 2022 · It won’t be long until the innovative and ultralight G7 Haul Pack is a standard part of everyone's El Cap climbing kit. net). Alpine Climbing: climbing in remote terrain, typically requiring long hikes and long, complex, and/or dangerous Jan 15, 2025 · John Middendorf revolutionized portaledge technology, allowing climbers to survive terrible storms on big walls. The problem was, was that none of the current climbing knots provided a simple, and elegant solution. The wings are manually foldable with the flight controls (ailerons and flaps) connecting automatically. What are the various aids used to aid climb? Apr 14, 2010 · The Black Diamond Peckers are designed for thin cracks on big wall and aid climbs. The Breathable Expedition Storm Feb 22, 2013 · This is our new favorite portaledge for most big wall applications. Makes it easier to organize your gear and carry more of it. We work to share our vertical inspiration with everyone, helping climbers test their strength, challenge their limits, and live in the ascent. Whether you're trekking through dense forests, scaling rugged mountains, or training in harsh weather, our gear ensures you remain comfortable and focused. A fall risks serious injury or death. americanalpineclub. com: climbing gearCarbonfree Certified by ClimeCo certifies consumer products based on a cradle-to-grave assessment to determine the carbon footprint of the product and associated carbon emission reductions. CAUTION CHANGE A1 ICON A5 / PILOT’S OPERATING HANDBOOK Not sure what A5's UK branding n marketing plans are, but in North America then the name is well known for making good aid climbing stuff - haulbags, portaledges n the like. We create innovative products climbers trust. A5 Fly The Standard Alpine Double Portaledge Fly is made with 300D Ripstop and Ballistic scuff material. Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for Vintage A5 Adventures Bird Beak 1980's Rare Yosemite rock climbing gear at the best online prices at eBay! Free shipping for many products! Nov 19, 2024 · The A5 pulley, in particular, is critical for maintaining finger strength and dexterity during climbing activities. He is a precious informer for his father Czesław Momatiuk was the pioneer of Polish aid Jun 25, 2025 · Aid climbing grades worldwide follow a single standard system—A1 to A5 (Australia uses an M0-M8 system. Aid climbing, though more cumbersome and complex than free climbing, is an essential technique for a climber's ability to climb, to ascend the vertical and overhanging. We We connect people who want to buy climbing gear with people who have gear to sell. The climbing world loves to reminisce on some of climbing’s great inventions of the past, but what’s happening in gear innovation right now? We put together some brief interviews with innovators past and present, to dive into tinkering in the climbing wo Jun 29, 2018 · The HandBuilt Alliance is a collective of outdoor equipment designers working together on new ideas and hand-crafting products in-house. A5-B aircrafts pdf manual download. Aid climbing is a form of rock climbing that uses mechanical devices and equipment, such as aiders (or ladders), for upward momentum. The most prominent grade systems are: French Numerical System (6b+, 8a, etc. Learn more about it! Get the best deals for Used Climbing Gear at eBay. Also for: A5. Our mountain climbing equipment is relentlessly tested and built by climbers for climbers. Jul 5, 2022 · A great rope bag will protect the cord that protects your life. Before North Face, Before Patagonia, and even before Black Diamond there was A5 Adventures the original climbing equipment manufacture. Save up to 80% or more on Climbing Gear at Geartrade. A5 gets downgraded to A4 due to lack of proof. Aid Climbing: pulling or standing on gear attached to the rock for upward progress. G7 Pod: The Most Practical, Convenient Ultra-Lightweight Ledge on the Market Today Important Specs 2. 11b, etc. I think John sold the A5 name (In a moment of weakness - what ever that means) to TNF who slowly dropped everything other than the logo and turned it into a fashion statement. Apr 25, 2013 · 1996 Catalog (24p) - Big Wall Climbing and John Middendorf Mar 1, 2010 · A5 Adventures was a shop producing some great gear. / 2 in. Installed equipment provides for flight in day and night VFR conditions. 2 in. This model comes with a double zipper opening and a cinch bottom High Mountain Gears make reliable equipment that works for the guides, skiers, & climbers. The carbon emissions associated with the product are reduced where possible, and remaining carbon emissions are offset with third-party verified carbon reduction projects in The A5 is equipped with a Rotax 912iS Sport, 4-cylinder, horizontally-opposed, reciprocating engine of 100 horsepower. The double gear sling design allows for easy access and organization of gear while tackling challenging routes. A3 gets upgraded to A4 due to fear. org. +1 (760) 873-7505 Monday-Tursday / 9-5pm Shipping We typically process orders Monday through Thursday. Find climbing packs, harnesses and apparel at low prices with our Best Price Guarantee. Aid Ratings explained: The rating of any aid pitch is incredibly arbitrary. Has loops on the side to allow two units to be tied together for even more capacity. The above appears courtesy of the American Alpine Journal. From cams to haul bags, gear up with Black Diamond. Sep 7, 2024 · Aid climbing, though more cumbersome and complex than free climbing, is an essential technique for a climber’s ability to climb, to ascend the vertical and overhanging. Grades are used in rock climbing gyms and outdoors. Apr 24, 2009 · Needed a knot that would allow for a set up that would protect both the climber, and his/her belayer at the the same time during lead climbing training. Weight: 103 g / 3. Sep 13, 2022 · I started A5 Adventures, Inc. This drove us to start customizing our equipment to tackle… The A5 Alpine Double design used 6061-T6 tubing, with a 1. A fully assembled portaledge is a fabric-covered platform surrounded by a metal frame that hangs from a single anchor point via carabiners and has adjustable suspension straps. ICON A5 / PILOT’S OPERATING HANDBOOK CHANGE A1 Page 139 Nose gear retraction bellcrank and drag link • Nose gear leg pivot, forward door pivot, and spring • Main gear axle and brake caliper : Do not apply oil to the brake disk or pads. Standard Alpine Double Portaledge Fly, made with 300D Ripstop and Ballistic scuff material. Oct 30, 2024 · For the last 11 years, we've put 8 of the best haul bags to the test. A5 Adventures was ran by John Middendorf out of Flagstaff, Arizona from 1986 to 1997. Crafted from high-quality materials, this piton ensures optimal strength and durability, making it a trusted choice for climbers navigating challenging terrains. Feb 19, 2021 · Rock climbing grades are used to describe the difficulty of climbing routes. We also are offering factory seam sealing as an option for your convenience! 4 lbs total with tent pole, non seam sealed weight. We're here to make equipment that moves the sport forward and we're dedicated to A rare to find A5 Adventures, Nose-In-A-Day, Double Loop Climbing Gear Sling. 058" wall thickness, and was engineered for a compact 40" x 75" two-person portaledge frame (the ledge Xaver and I used on Great Trango for 18 days and nights was this size). Apr 4, 2025 · We tested 15 climbing harnesses from Petzl, Black Diamond, Blue Ice, and more to find the top options for all climbing styles. I and II: Half a day or less for the technical (5th class) portion of… Read More »Climbing Grade The A5 is equipped with a Rotax 912iS Sport, 4-cylinder, horizontally-opposed, reciprocating engine of 100 horsepower. Intended for aid climbing, first ascents, mountaineering and rock climbing. It is the responsibility of the user to properly evaluate and understand an item’s limitations and potential prior to in-field use, and to assume all risk and liability in connection therewith. 8 in. Whether you’re looking for technical climbing gear or friendly, expert advice, we’ll have what you need. A5 Adventures founded, in Flagstaff, Arizona, by Stanford-trained mechanical engineer and big wall climber, John Middendorf company established using some inheritance money The gear sold by A5 is designed to create a safer, more efficient climbing system. Some climbers place more gear, equalize pieces and add shock-absorbing slings. Aid climbing, though more cumbersome and complex than free climbing, is an essential technique for a climber’s ability to climb, to ascend the vertical and overhanging. Oct 20, 2008 · Jeremy’s in the French alps, trying to prove the rapid versatility of the hot Audi by betting two speed climbers he can do 60 miles before they can climb 1,200 feet. Everything you Need for your Outdoors Practice is in our Online Store! FREE Shipping Options! Wild Country® USA. The tricycle landing gear is Apr 23, 2022 · Have you ever wondered how rock climbers sleep when on a big wall climb? Like El Cap in Yosemite National Park, many big walls require multi-day excursions. We've designed aid equipment, portaledges and haul bags to go anywhere you want to go without weighing you down. Founded in collaboration with John Middendorf, Barry Ward, and Luke Malatesta, the Handbuilt Alliance builds on decades of experience and innovation in big wall gear design. The ICON A5 is a blast to fly, so get ready to get wet! Aug 30, 2021 · Free Soloing: climbing alone, with no ropes or protection. This chart is designed to be used with the American Alpine Journal to help decipher the difficulty ratings given to climbs. Here at A5 Adventures, we are passionate about our adventures. View and Download ICON A5-B pilot operating handbook online. Was North Face selling A5 climbing gear back then? How long did that last? Wesley McCain 2025 Polygon TAMBORA A5 A carbon frame gravel bike with high-end components and shimano grx 600 hydraulic disc brakes. Find rock climbing routes, photos, and guides for every state, along with experiences and advice from fellow climbers. StrongBad's answer to an aid/trad question mentions A0 and C1 grades. 6oz. . Hardened steel piton for medium-width cracks up to 5mm. Made in Tacoma, Washington. M stands for mechanical, meaning mechanical protection). The scope of this article is to define the A1 to A5 system of grading individual aid pitches. Black Diamond Cliff Cabana: The Best Bigger Ledge, Spacious and Sturdy, for Longer Projects Important Specs 3. Also, view the explanation of climbing grades below (very useful for climbers new and experienced). Find the latest clothing and bouldering essentials from top climbing brands. Other climbers back-clean, don't bring enough gear or miss out key placements in the pursuit of moving faster. I remember those expedition tents; they were top of the line. Most other portaledges weigh 15+ pounds and the Runout Customs (in the two-pole model we recommend) is under 10. Compare the full range Shop the essential gear you need for big wall climbing, from leaders in climbing gear. org Outdoor Gear : Climbing, hiking, mountaineering and camping gear Jan 25, 2020 · Find rock climbing routes, photos, and guides for every state, along with experiences and advice from fellow climbers. National Climbing Classification System (USA): NCCS grades, often called “commitment grades,” indicate the time investment in a route for an “average” climbing team. Vertical camping is camping on the edge of a cliff using a piece of equipment called a portaledge Get inspired for your next climb with REI Adventures and tips from the experts, make your ascent in top-brand climbing footwear, gear, and clothing. The history of engineered tools for climbing and alpinism (and some environmental rambles). Amazon. 10, named after the classic free climbing grade, so I decided to call my business, A5 Adventures, named for the reputed top-of-the-scale aid grade. Well padded with double the capacity of a standard gear sling. In 1987 Barry joined up with John Middendorf, founder of A5 Adventures based in Flagstaff, Arizona to design and build the world's best rock climbing gear. Aid climbing is contrasted with free climbing (in both its traditional or sport free climbing formats), which only uses mechanical equipment for protection, but not to assist in upward momentum. Wether it be on sand, rock, water, or snow we live for the ability to play. The main reasons: it's light, easy to set up, and based on the design of the most popular and time-tested ledge of all time: the A5 double. Aug 18, 2022 · This page will be updated (draft, jumping ahead a bit in my timeline…) Key concept: Starting in the late 1920s, American piton production began a steady evolution, piggybacking on new developments in the USA steel industry, leading to the high alloy steel pitons of the 1950s which in turn led to opening the doors of Yosemite’s big walls, and to visionary big wall climbing elsewhere on the 1. This model comes with a double zipper opening and a cinch bottom. ) Get the Best Rock Climbing Gear. Thank god BD woke up. Dec 8, 2008 · Andy Kirkpatrick is a world-famous climber and award-winning writer and film maker. Led by our Founder and Editor-in-Chief Chris McNamara, who has climbed El Capitan over 70 times and holds nine big wall speed climbing records, these bags have made their home in Yosemite — the birthplace of modern Searching for North Face A5 Climbing Gear Grey Men’s T Shirt L? We’ve got Vintage Men's Tops starting at $10 and plenty of other Men's Tops. He and author of 9 books and viewed as an expert in big walling, soloing, and climbing techniques, having climbed El Cap over 40 times and climbed on all seven continents. xhdzxrvadxarkjvfwxkmplwbmslajmzgppytddxgalvrepvat