A5 climbing gear review. 8lbs—the lightest double ledge on the market.

A5 climbing gear review. 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". Jun 18, 2025 · With the new A5 replacing the A4 sedan and A5 Sportback, Audi has tweaked and streamlined its compact offering. 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. Here are our favorites for craggers, alpinists, and office-to-gym rats. Jul 9, 2025 · Helly Hansen Loke 2. Mar 30, 2020 · Got my vacation time off but cant climb! A5/D4 Alpine Double is basically the standard though they may be a little tricky to find at the moment. If you get in a storm you will be happy you are in one of these. 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 Nov 9, 2011 · There are six guides to date with two more to come. There is a big central clip-in point at the top, lots of pouches for stashing gear, daisy chains, dividers, and more. Her essentials include lightweight rock climbing shoes, durable pants A5 appreciation thread - SuperTopo's climbing discussion forum is the world's most popular community discussion forum for people who actively climb outdoors. Jul 16, 2025 · This is your one stop shop for the best of climbing gear lists. 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 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. I then went on to form A5 Adventures, which became a global melting pot of new ideas and products in the A punchy engine, an agile suspension, and fine steering make the A5 easy to drive, while fetching lines and plenty of cargo room make it a compelling coupe. 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 While at University, I made my own rock climbing "chocks", and the bug to create better gear began. Feb 22, 2013 · 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. Qualified orders eligible for FREE S&H and FREE RETURNS. The ledge is easy to tighten so it will not sag much. The ICON A5 is a blast to fly, so get ready to get wet! Originator of A5 climbing gear (founded in 1987, sold in 1997). GearLab provides the world's best reviews of outdoors gear based on in-depth side-by-side comparison and written by outdoor professionals. Learn more about it! Mar 1, 2010 · A5 Adventures was a shop producing some great gear. Top Gear reviews the Audi A5. Also, view the explanation of climbing grades below (very useful for climbers new and experienced). Jan 22, 2025 · A lightweight, supple hoodie, warm but highly breathable, and versatile across climates—equally great for a damp spring climbing day or a cool summer evening. Co-author of How to Rock Climb: Big Walls, by John Long and John Middendorf. We also are offering factory seam sealing as an option for your convenience! 4 lbs total with tent pole, non seam sealed weight. Standard Alpine Double Portaledge Fly, made with 300D Ripstop and Ballistic scuff material. 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. For our review update, we purchased each model and hauled them on over 110 big wall climbs around the world. See our top climbing gear picks in any product category below. Aid Ratings explained: The rating of any aid pitch is incredibly arbitrary. org Outdoor Gear : Climbing, hiking, mountaineering and camping gear 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. 0 Jacket Review: Your Lightweight, Waterproof Companion for Summer Adventures. 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. See our rock climbing gear reviews for 2023, with reviews and buyer’s guides on top climbing men’s and women’s shoes, helmets, harnesses and more. This was Steve’s original inspiration for A5. The spreader bar keeps it from bowing out and it is sturdy enough for three people to hang out in without worry of crippling it. This is intended to work with the Black Diamond Cliff Cabana Double Portaledge. Everyone thought I was nuts. 1 day ago · A travel writer, who has been rock climbing for over 10 years, shares the 15 climbing gear picks she trusts with her life. You’ll find our top recommendations for a variety of categories here. Mar 30, 2020 · Got my vacation time off but cant climb! A5/D4 Alpine Double is basically the standard though they may be a little tricky to find at the moment. . Charles Cole had just set up 5. Find rock climbing routes, photos, and guides for every state, along with experiences and advice from fellow climbers. Once Aug 30, 2008 · A5 BIRD BEAK : SummitPost. Aug 30, 2008 · Designed by John Middendorf and Barry Ward in the late 80's (A5/HURRICANE) to compliment the RURP in thin marginal seam and BAT HOOK placements for both granite and sandstone bold aid routes. Whether you're climbing, camping, or hiking, this line of high-quality, functional, and stylish outdoor apparel ensures comfort and durability. Totem Cams […] The Best in Climbing Our experts review a wide array of climbing gear, including gear used in trad climbing, sport climbing, and mountaineering. Oct 30, 2024 · For the last 11 years, we've put 8 of the best haul bags to the test. Before diving into this review, I should confess: I’m a huge Vapour V fan. Jul 9, 2025 · Independent reviews of climbing, mountaineering and adventure equipment. First, here’s a note on the overall grading system of a particular big-wall climb. 5” x 15” x 8” oval that fits nicely in a haulbag and weighs only 18. Feb 19, 2013 · Likes This Black Diamond Cliff Cabana Double Portaledge has a ton of tricked out features. May 15, 2019 · After designing the iconic A5 ledge 30 years ago, John Middendorf has crafted a welcome upgrade. This ICON A5 review is based off of two days flying the new light sport amphibious aircraft. Jul 19, 2023 · Icon A5 Review Look, I’m not a pilot or aircraft expert, but I do review gear for a li ving and get to play with some pretty awesome and expensive toys — like $300,000 wakeboats and $500,000 SUVs. No one tests climbing gear as extensively and thoughtfully as we do, and our review ratings make it easy for you to make smarter Jun 3, 2016 · There is already the question Please Explain Rock Climbing Grades however I would like to know about aiding grades. Looking for climbing gear? Whether your goal is the gym, the crag, the mountains, or a big wall, we've got your covered. Head on over to our list of top climbing review picks for the best items in the biz. This model comes with a double zipper opening and a cinch bottom. Sep 13, 2022 · I started A5 Adventures, Inc. 8lbs—the lightest double ledge on the market. The first difference you will notice is the size, the Fellranger format is just about A5 and they pack in the information, so I wasn’t about to pack this in my rucksack. See full list on outdoorgearlab. Thank god BD woke up. 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 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. Jul 2, 2025 · Helly Hansen Loke 2. Sep 24, 2019 · We gather and analyze outdoor gear reviews and field test gear so you buy right the first time. Jan 9, 2025 · Recommended Gear Below is listed some of the gear the SuperTopo team would take when climbing this route. Editor's Note: We updated our rope bag review on July 30, 2024 to include two new rope bags from Petzl and Edelrid. Grades are used in rock climbing gyms and outdoors. 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. We have more in depth climbing gear reviews linked in each section, so if you want to get down to the nuts and bolts you’re free to go ahead and nerd out. Things have likely changed in the last ten years, but at that time the Fish seemed to be the easiest to set up. Each product is extensively tested head-to-head against comparable products and rated on objective criteria by a qualified expert. Made of 6061-T6 aircraft aluminum, the D4 packs into a 31. May 23, 2025 · Discover the top climbing gear for 2025, featuring must-have selections from Janja, La Sportiva, Petzl, Mammut, and more. Or browse thousands of independent equipment reviews and ratings by real rock and ice climbers, alpinists, and mountaineers, to select appropriate, dependable, field-tested gear. At the back end of last season, I reviewed the Helly Hansen Odin Nine Worlds 3. 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! Nov 14, 2019 · Check great and honest reviews! BUY Singing Rock Piton A5. First a note on the overall grading system of a particular big-wall climb. Most other portaledges weigh 15+ pounds and the Runout Customs (in the two-pole model we recommend) is under 10. Single ledges are great for soloing. They’re my go-to shoes that I use consistently … 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. A5 Fly The Standard Alpine Double Portaledge Fly is made with 300D Ripstop and Ballistic scuff material. StrongBad's answer to an aid/trad question mentions A0 and C1 grades. A carbon frame gravel bike with high-end components and shimano grx 600 hydraulic disc brakes. 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. Dec 2, 2024 · Tested and reviewed climbing gear guides for gym, bouldering, alpine and mountaineering. Well published in many worldwide climbing magazines, including major features. Otherwise, we’ve highlighted the top product we’ve found. We were sent to two latest guides to review: The Western and North Western Fells. It's yet another stunning Audi cabin, with hushed performance, and supreme tech. PROS Lightweight Comfortable Medium is well sized CONS Dropping the back straps tricky We first featured an Ar… Apr 4, 2025 · We tested 13 climbing ropes from Sterling, Petzl, Edelrid, Mammut, and others to find the best options for you. Sep 3, 2024 · The all new, super light harness from Arc’teryx fills a neat gap in the harness range. The Breathable Expedition Storm 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. Her essentials include lightweight rock climbing shoes, durable pants Jul 9, 2025 · Helly Hansen Loke 2. The age of pitons was over, and there would never be a market for that kind of big wall climbing gear ever again. This chart is designed to be used with the American Alpine Journal to help decipher the difficulty ratings given to climbs. Jul 30, 2024 · From the top-rated climbing shoes to belay device, we can help you find the right product for your needs. In-Depth Video Climbing is About A5 Adventures A5 Adventures Bio: Before North Face, Before Patagonia, and even before Black Diamond there was A5 Adventures the original climbing equipment manufacture. Happy climbing! Apr 21, 2025 · Minor tweaks make a great all-round climbing shoe even better. Then Steve discovered the Icon A5 amphibious aircraft and fell in love with it. Jun 6, 2025 · The best climbing backpacks come in many shapes and sizes. Read the full TG review inside. Aug 6, 2024 · From rope tarps to crag bags and climbing packs, we test the best climbing rope bags for carrying your climbing rope and keeping it clean and unknotted. com 1 day ago · A travel writer, who has been rock climbing for over 10 years, shares the 15 climbing gear picks she trusts with her life. +1 (760) 873-7505 Monday-Tursday / 9-5pm Shipping We typically process orders Monday through Thursday. Feb 19, 2021 · Rock climbing grades are used to describe the difficulty of climbing routes. We bring objectivity and transparency to gear buying advice. Let our team of climbing experts help you find the best climbing shoes, top climbing harnesses, and climbing ropes for your needs and budget. Embrace your spirit of adventure with the 'Wear Whatever Moves You' collection by A5 Summits, crafted to enhance every outdoor endeavor. Details A5 Portaledge Middendorf's original design! HowNOT2 stocks the variation made with Challenge EPX 200 fabric and comes with Zinc Cam buckles. Keynote Speaker for 1994 annual American Alpine Club meeting in Salt Lake City. 0 Shell Jacket. There is a sea of grading styles worldwide for climbing, view a scale comparison, courtesy of the American Alpine Club. Its a shame - Until recently their ledges were the simplest (fully commercial) rigs out there. The scope of this article is to define the A1 to A5 system of grading individual aid pitches. A5 appreciation thread - SuperTopo's climbing discussion forum is the world's most popular community discussion forum for people who actively climb outdoors. Feb 13, 2025 · This episode is for the gear nerds out there. Jan 25, 2020 · Find rock climbing routes, photos, and guides for every state, along with experiences and advice from fellow climbers. Feb 5, 2010 · This is one of the best rain flys I have used. 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. It is loaded with features that are not only convenient but really keep you dry. Attention to detail is apparent throughout the design, from the clip-in point to the doors and windows. vmaqg kkm pqlkz aapnybd elnhm tkxnkbn ayzgjz nhou bonnvu icfzn