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A5 Innovation A5 Cliff TentsThe A5 Portaledge is the hanging tent of

choice on extreme big wall ascents worldwide.Our strong and light one-, two-, and three-person portaledges have been used on diffi-cult multi-day vertical ascents in Alaska,Antarctica, Africa, Baffin Island, IndianHimalaya, Pakistan Karakoram, Patagonia,and many other areas, including Zion,Yosemite, the Wind Rivers, the Black Canyonof the Gunnison, and the Chamonix Alps.From Catherine Destivelle’s solo first ascenton the Dru in 1990 to John Middendorf andXaver Bongard’s standard pushing ascent ofThe Grand Voyage on the Great Trango Towerin 1992 to Brad Jarret, Chris Breemer, andChristian Santalices’ 1995 ascent of TheDream on Escudo, A5 portaledges have beentested in the most extreme conditions theworld over. Ascents which were once impos-sible due to extreme conditions are now com-fortably survivable with A5 hanging bivouacshelter technology.

Our patent pending Expedition Stormfly™features a completely enclosed system forwarmth and protection in the most extremeconditions. Triple urethane coated waterproofmaterial, two doors which act as vents, andcorner tie-downs are part of this revolution-ary system for complete protection in eventhe fiercest storms on big walls in the highaltitude and remote ranges of the world.

A5 Adventures designs and manufac-tures equipment with adventure inmind. Our portaledges have been di-

rectly responsible for most of the successfulextreme big wall ascents around the world inrecent years, and our packs, haulbags, andweb products are regarded by the experts ofthe field as the best for strength, durability,and optimal function. We are proud of ourcontribution to climber’s needs, and intendto continue to be the innovative leaders inbig-wall gear designs.

The same over-built construction requiredfor our big-wall equipment is built into everyproduct we make, which are all designed andmanufactured with highly active pursuits inmind, and are handcrafted by threadworkersin Flagstaff, Arizona. Our designs and con-struction are the result of years of producttesting and feedback from many experts inthe climbing and outdoor fields. Our longlist of original concepts and ideas includesthe first hanging rope bag (The RopeBucket™), the first hooking piton ( the A5Birdbeak™), the first completely ready tohaul pack (the Astropack™), as well as a slewof innovative features for big wall hangingtents and haulable packs. At A5 Adventures,our aim is to innovate advanced systems andproducts. We are dedicated to quality.

--John Middendorf, Proprietor

A5 Alpine Double LedgeThe A5 Alpine Double Ledge is the

ledge of choice for remote alpine adven-tures where every pound must be care-fully considered without sacrificing se-curity. It features a six-point adjustablesuspension, and two Sharkfin™ dividerswhich are angled to maximize room fortwo people. The Sharkfins are detach-able for bivouacs with cozy partners orfor use as a super roomy one-personledge. It comes with its own haulbagand your choice of fly. For most con-ditions, the patent pending single seamstandard fly is adequate. For high alti-tude and extremely windy conditions,the patent pending ExpeditionStormFly™ (shown here) is choice. TheA5 Alpine Double Portaledge is the ul-timate expeditionary two-person big-wall shelter, proven on hundreds of ex-peditions worldwide since 1988.Size: 43" x 75" Weights: Ledge 9 lbs.Standard fly: 3 1/2 lbs.Expedition Stormfly: 5 lbs.

Engineered QualityA5 portaledge frames are constructed of

6061-T6 aircraft aluminum tubing andprecision machined corners. Close toler-ances ensure fast setup and disassembly.Lightweight and strong, the A5 frames areexceptionally rigid, and are designed toeliminate twisting and hourglassing. A5portaledges are “bomber” in situations thatwould crumple any other design.

Above: John Middendorf on the summit rim ofGreat Trango Tower after climbing the strenuousand overhanging Wormhole pitch (5.9 A2) at20,000’. Photo by Xaver Bongard.

Machined corners Double butted tubes

A5 Cliff CabañaThe A5 Cliff Cabaña™ is a larger ledge for

situations where the comfort of a roomy tentis worth the extra pounds. This ledge isROOMY! The interior of this ledge feels likethe proverbial cabaña. And this ledge isSTRONG! We’ve designed the frame (the sameledge frame that we use for our 3-person Dia-mond ledge) to be rock solid even with threepeople hanging out on it during dinner or thesocial hour. Features include a three pointdivider, strong and easy-to-adjust cam bucklesuspension system, reinforced drain holes inthe bed, and for ease in set-up, our Fold-OverBed Tensioning System™. It comes with ourpatent pending Cliff Cabaña ExpeditionStormfly™ for withstanding any conditionsmother nature may throw at you.Size: 51” wide by 86” long.Weight: Ledge 13 1/2 lbs. (equivalent to 6 1/2

quarts of water) Fly: 6 lbs. (3 quarts)

“Don’t bedropping thatrack!”

SteveGerberdingabout to sendover somepitons duringthe first ascentof Kaos, El Cap.

Photo by DaveBengston.

Compact to pack and fast to set- up.All A5 portaledges fit compactly in their own haulbag and can be set up

anywhere, requiring only a single anchor point. Set-up takes just a fewminutes and is a breeze thanks to A5’s original Fold-over Bed TensioningSystem™, in which the frame is assembled first, followed by tensioning ofeach end of the bed. The beds are constructed of tough nylon packcloth withballistics scuffguards at wear points, and our suspensions feature strong andquickly adjustable cam-buckles. Comfort and strength is unsurpassed in A5portaledges, the ultimate in vertical shelters.

A5 Diamond Ledge

Above: A5 now offers 3 sizes of ledgeplatforms to choose from. On the left isthe Cliff Cabana/Diamond Ledge frame,the Alpine Double frame is in the center,and Single Ledge frame is on the right.

The A5 Diamond Ledge™ is a fully en-closed, top and optionally bottom sus-pended two or three person ledge system.The Diamond Ledge features a patentpending single seam, enclosed fly designwhich was originally prototyped and de-signed by John Middendorf in 1993 foran attempt on a new route on the EastFace of Cerro Torre. The bottom suspen-sion anchors the ledge down in highwinds, while the aerodynamic diamondshape prevents the wind from catchingon any large flat surfaces during a storm.The Diamond ledge comes with a super-comfortable hammock that can be sus-pended underneath the ledge frame for athird person. Haulbags and equipmentcan also be stored underneath with ac-cess through a lower door. The A5 Dia-mond Ledge is built to exacting standardsfor the most extreme conditions.

Right: The Diamond Ledge in actionduring the pioneering first ascent of the4000 foot East Face of Escudo in theChilean Patagonia, a major nailing routewhich was climbed alpine style withoutfixed ropes in a 19 day push.Photo by Chris Breemer.

The A5 single ledge is a roomy one per-son platform and features a stable four-point suspension system which allows fora super comfortable hang while sitting onthe center of the ledge with legs kickedout in space--great for those extendedbelays and enjoyable evenings after along day.

Comes complete with hauling sack andstandard rainfly. Packed with features, theA5 single ledge is undoubtedly the finestone person portaledge in the world!

Size: 29.5" x 84" Weight with fly: 10.5 lbs.

A5 Single Ledge

Simply StormproofOur standard flys feature our patent-

pending single vertical seam design formaximum waterproofness and are con-structed of urethane coated oxford nylonand a full length ballistics nylonscuffguard. An integrated stuffsack sys-tem allows for ultimate preparedness dur-ing times of mixed weather, because thefly can be clipped into the suspensionready to deploy at any time. A doubledrawstring closure and two tensioningstraps below the ledge secure the flytightly to the frame.

Above: the North and South towers of Mt.Asgard, Baffin Island. Photo by Steve Quinlan.

Breathable Flys available.For most big-wall conditions, ourstock triple-urethane coatedcompletely waterproof mate-rial is the best choice becauseof the extraordinary wetconditions found duringmany big wall storms. Forcertain specialized conditionswhere it will be exclusively coldand dry, breathable portaledge flys are aviable choice. Call A5 for more information.

Pole KitsWe now offer customlength poles for allour portaledgemodels. Our polesystem creates moreinterior room byextending out the fly.

From the Nose route in 1983 to the first as-cent of the Reticent Wall in 1995, SteveGerberding has climbed El Cap over 70 times.The list includes the Salathé, Lurking Fear,Zodiac, Tangerine Trip, Horse Chute, MuirWall, North American Wall, New Dawn, Au-rora, Mescalito, Shield, Tribal Rite, New Jer-sey Turnpike (now we’re up to 1986), ZenyattaMondatta, Wall of the Early Morning Light,Never-Never Land, Lunar Eclipse, Native Son,West Face, Space, Eagle’s Way, Sea of Dreams,Lost in America, Atlantic Ocean Wall, TripleDirect, The Shortest Straw, Grape Race, TheReal Nose, Octopussy, Gulf Stream, Flight ofthe Albatross, False Shield, Tempest, Wyo-ming Sheep Ranch, and the Bad Seed. Stevehas climbed El Cap 29 separate times in a sin-gle push since 1990, with times ranging from11 hours on the Nose, to 24 hours on the NorthAmerican Wall, to 36 hours on the PacificOcean Wall. Steve has also climbed first-as-cents on big walls in remote regions, includ-ing Back-to-the-Front and Badlands inPatagonia’s Cerro Torre group.

Photo right: Sue McDevitt racking upon a winter ascent of Mescalito.Photo by Dan McDevitt.

Below: Steve Gerberding on the westface of Middle Triple during a 10 daystorm. Photo by Jay Smith.

Steve Gerberding

Sue McDevittSue is representative of a new generation

of all-around climbers. Sue is a veteran ofover 25 El Cap and Half Dome routes,including the first all-woman ascent of theNose-in-a-day with Nancy Feagin (in 18hours). Sue placed 4th in the Survival ofthe Fittest contest and has been featured inClimbing Magazine. Sue is a guide for theYosemite Mountaineering School, specializ-ing in guided big wall climbs, and of course,uses the best in big-wall gear: A5!

A5 Gear proven in the field by experts!

A5 Deluxe Haulbag

Photo Right: “And only to find it is timeto carry all that stuff back down!” SilviaVidal on top of El Capitan.

Photo left: A5 Haulbags in the BlackCanyon of the Gunnison.Photo by Jeff Burton.

Our deluxe haulbag extends theboundaries of innovative haulbagdesign. We start with all the origi-nal A5 concepts which define themodern haulbag (see our Grade VIdescription), then add some amaz-ing features. The top riverbag-style closure keeps out badweather and allows for effectiveoverpacking with our over-the-topcam buckle strap. Our triple pad-ded and anatomically curvedshoulder and waist straps maxi-mize carrying comfort. The sus-pension straps have a top and bot-tom scuff, and inside you will finddaisy chains and a pocket. We of-fer our deluxe haulbag in twomodels: the slightly more durable(but more expensive) 33 ounceurethane coated material, and theproven white 28 ounce vinylcoated nylon. Our haulbags areuniquely designed from extensiveexperience in the vertical field.

Another exclusive A5 haulbagfeature: the riverbag style closure.

Left: The A5belay seat fitsinto the tuck-away pocketon all ourhaulbags forbackpackcarryingsupport.

Grade VI HaulbagA5 Haulbags are the proven standard all over the world for

extreme big-wall ascents. Constructed of the tough vinyl coatednylon fabric which is famous for its durability, frictionlesshauling, and waterproofness, A5 Haulbags feature an offsetfour-point suspension which runs full-length down the sides(unlike some competitor’s models) and around the bottomfor maximum security when your life depends on it. All seamsare protected from abrasion including the shoulder straps andbottom seam which have their own scuffguards. A full strengthclip-in loop for securing the haulbag at belays is integratedinto the suspension. A packcloth skirt and external drawstringclosure seal the bag tight and give it a streamlined bullet shapefor hauling. An inside zippered pocket keeps small items ac-cessible. Carrying loads to the base is no problem with ourfully padded and original A5 suspension system: the paddedwaist belt is removable, and the integral padded shoulder strapspack inside the original A5 Tuck-Away™ pocket quickly foreasy access and snag-free hauling. Our haulbags are the tough-est on the market and have been known to survive unharmedafter 2000 foot plummets from the top of a wall, fully packedand tossed. Volume: 10,000 cubic inches. Weight: 5 pounds.

The A5 Offset clip-insystem allows better

hanging access.

The mighty Barrille. Photo by Paul Turecki.

A5 Belay SeatOur sturdy Bosun’s Chair features an

adjustable back rest strap and a foampadded seat for a good hang in any ver-tical situation. Fits into the Tuck-Away™shoulder strap pocket on A5 haulbagsfor additional backpack support.

A5 HaulpackThe A5 Haulpack is a medium sized haulbag for

Grade V’s, or a second haulbag for longer multi-dayroutes. For Grade VIroutes where a sizablerack, water, food, bivy andrain gear must all becarried, the A5 Haulpackis the tool. For extreme bigwall ascents where hugeracks must be organized,the A5 Haulpack is anexcellent gear bag actingas a protective sheath forthe racks, with separateslings of pitons, cammingdevices, mashheads, hooksand Birdbeaks suspendedfrom the hauling pointwhile still allowing easyaccess to other itemsinside of the pack.

The A5 Haulpack features fully padded A5 Tuck-Away™ shoulder straps and removable waist belt,internal clip-in points for securing gear, removabletop lid with pocket, and tough vinyl coated nylonfabric construction.Volume: 4000 in3. Weight: 3 1/2 lbs.

Eivind Kallevik on Moby Dick, Ulamertorssuaq. Ulamertorssuaq In Greenland.Photos by Hans-Jørgen Oppi Christiansen

The A5 H20 Chalkbag

John Swenson ArtworkA5 is proud to offer cards from our esteemed

cover artist. A set of 12 assorted Swensoncards with envelopes go for $20 postpaid.

A limited edition (of 750) 12” x 18” signedand numbered fine art print of our cover isavailable from the artist. For details, call JohnSwenson at 907-766-2097 in Haines, Alaska.

Here’s another innova-tive A5 solution to theage-old problem of howto keep your chalk dry ona multi-day climb duringwhich a few storms maybe encountered. Thischalkbag features an pile-lined inner waterproofbladder with a separateddrawstring closure and atop-zippered flap systemthat will keep the ele-ments out. Holds about ablock and a half of chalk(3 oz.), enough for manypitches way up off the deck.If you use chalk and aren’tafraid of cutting loose fromthe the aid slings 20 pitchesup on a 5.11 A5 wall, this chalkbag is for you!

THE A5 WARRANTYGenuine A5 Adventures, Inc. products are

fully warranted against defects in workman-ship and materials. Should any flaw appeardue to defective craftsmanship and materi-als, even after extended use, A5 Adventureswill repair or replace, at our option, theproduct at no cost to the original purchaser.

REPAIRSIf your A5 equipment needs repair due to

normal wear and tear, or if you drop yourpacked A5 ledge 2000 feet (we’ve had a few ofthese), we will provide the necessary servicefor a reasonable charge plus shipping and han-dling. Please clean the item, along with a de-scription of what needs attention, and we willrespond with a quote and an estimation of therepair time. Call A5, Attn: Jason

For further information,Call 520-779-5084,FAX 520-779-1040,

email A5info@aol.com,or write: A5 Adventures,1109 S. Plaza Way #296,

Flagstaff, Arizona 86001

INDEX (front cover is page #1)Portaledges 2-6Haulbags 8-10Information (this Page) 11Price List 12Dealer List 13Tools 14-15Packs and Bags 16-19Web products 20-21Hammock & Duffel 22

This catalog and all of its images weredigitally processed on a Macintosh.

Layout and Design by John Middendorf.Copyright© A5 Adventures, Inc. 1996

Big Wall Web Page

THE FINE PRINTDISCLAIMER: Climbing is a dangerous activity.

The gear sold by A5 is designed to create a safer, moreefficient climbing system. It is the responsibility ofthe user to properly evaluate and understand anitem’s limitations and potential prior to in-field use,and to assume all risk and liability in connectiontherewith. A5 Adventures, Inc. shall not be liable forconsequential damages, injury, or death arising fromany use of the products sold by A5 Adventures, Inc.

Don’t miss the Big Wall WebPage on the Internet, a collec-tion of big wall tales and pic-

tures, with links to an online A5Catalog, other climbing pages,

the weather, and more. Find it at:http://www.primenet.com/~midds/

A5 Adventures Price ListHaulbagsVinyl Grade VI Haulbag $155.00Deluxe Vinyl Haulbag $185.00Deluxe Urethane Haulbag $245.00Haul Pack $132.50PacksAstropack™ $128.50Lechuguilla Pack™ $125.00Alpine Pack $132.50Buddy Bag™ (Ballistics/Cordura) $25.00More Sewn GoodsTraveler’s Duffel $84.50H2O Chalk Bag™ $26.50Bolt Bag $26.50Rope Bucket™ $30.00Webbing Products4-Step Aider (each) $23.505-Step Aider (each) $26.50Alpine Aiders (each) $18.00Daisy Chain-Regular $18.00Daisy Chain-Long $20.00Double Gear Sling $75.00Small Double Gear Sling $60.00Nose-in-a-day Gear Sling $26.50HardwareA5 Birdbeak $8.00Mash-head™ #1 $2.00Mash-head #2 $2.00Mash-head #3 $2.50Mash-head #4 $2.50Mash-head #5 $3.00Rivet Hanger (3/32”) $2.00Stuff BagsStuff Bag--small $7.50Stuff Bag--medium $8.50Stuff Bag--large $10.50Stuff Bag--extra large $12.50MiscellaneousA5 Belay Seat $30.00Gardner Hook $20.00Big Wall Book $10.00Wilderness Rock Drill $85.009/32” Collet for above $15.00

Hanging Bivouac Systems PriceSingle Portaledge with fly $585.00--Single fly only $225.00Alpine Double Portaledge--with standard fly $655.00--with Expedition StormFly™ $750.00--Expedition Stormfly only $350.00Cliff Cabaña™ with EXP fly $875.00Three-person Diamond Ledge™ $1000.00Pole Kit (specify ledge model) $20.00A5 Silk-screened Logo CallBreathable Fabric Flys CallTee-Bone Hammock™ $180.00

A5 Adventures, Inc.1109 S. Plaza Way #296

Flagstaff, AZ 86001520-779-5084

We strongly recommend seeing your dealerfirst, but we realize many climbers don’t livenear an A5 retail shop, so we offer our prod-ucts by mail. We accept check, money order,Visa and MasterCard. Shipping for USA: $5.00for orders up to $200, and $8.00 for orders morethan $200. Arizona residents add 6.5% salestax. Foreign orders will charged at actual ship-ping cost plus $3.00 handling.Call 602-779-5084, or FAX 520-779-1040.

A5 Tee-shirts with our famous “Overhanging Man”illustration. 100% cotton Haynes Beefy-t’s.Medium, large, and extra-large. $18.00

Our products are available fromexcellent climbing stores around theworld. After reviewing our catalogue,we suggest that you take it along whilevisiting your local shop. If they are notyet one of our valued dealers, we offer amail order service but please under-stand that immediate delivery may notbe possible since all our products areindividually handcrafted by qualitythreadworkers in Flagstaff, Arizona in aquality process that cannot be rushed.For more information on the latest A5dealers, call 520-779-5084.

A5 Dealers

ALASKAAlaska Mountaineering and HikingARIZONAThe Edge (Flagstaff)Mountain Sports (Flagstaff)Desert Mountain SportsSummit Hut (Tucson)CALIFORNIACalifornia Outfitters (Fresno)Marmot Mountain Works (Berkeley)Marmot Mountain Works (Kentfield)Mountain Tools (Monterey)Mountain High (Ridgecrest)Nomad Ventures (Escondido)Nomad Ventures (Carlsbad)Nomad Ventures (Idyllwild)Nomad Ventures (Joshua Tree)Northern Mountain Supply (Eureka)ProLithic Sports (Los Angeles)Sierra Nevada Adventure CompanySunrise Mountaineering (Livermore)Sunrise Mountaineering (Walnut Creek)Western Mountaineering (San Jose)The Yosemite Mountain ShopCOLORADOBackcountry ExperienceBoulder MountaineerGrand West OutfittersMountain Shop of Fort CollinsNaked Edge MountaineeringNeptune MountaineeringSummit Canyon MountaineeringThe Telluride MountaineerTelluride SportsIDAHOScott’s Ski And Sports (Pocatello)MONTANABarrel Mountaineering (Bozeman)Rocky Mountain Outfitter (Kalispell)NEVADAReno Mountain SportsDesert Rock SportsNEW MEXICOSnowy River OutfittersOREGONOregon Mountain CommunityClimber’s Choice InternationalTEXASMountain Sports (Arlington)

UTAHInternational Mountain EquipmentBlack Diamond Retail ShopOutdoor Outlet (Saint George)Moab Rock Shop

WASHINGTONMountain Gear (Spokane)Marmot Mountain Works (Bellevue)Swallow’s Nest (Seattle)Feathered Friends

SOUTHEAST STATESBlack Dome Mountain SportsHigh Country Outfitters (GA)Mountain Ventures (GA)Hills and Trails (Winston Salem, NC)Sherrill (Greensboro, NC)Mountain Trails (Winchester, VA)Virginia Beach Rock Gym

EAST COASTClimb High (Shelburne, VT)IME (North Conway, NH)Campmor (Paramus, NJ)The Mountaineer (Keene Valley, NY)

CANADAMountain Equipment Co-op

INTERNATIONALAustralia: Trango Mountain ProductsJapan: Lost Arrow LTDUnited Kingdom: Outside (Sheffield)United Kingdom: High Sports ICSpain: Barrabes (Huesca)France: Snell Sports (Chamonix)France: Patagonia (Chamonix)France: Expé (Pont-en-Royans)Germany: Outdoor Unlimited(Gunnigen)Germany: Sport ScheckSwitzerland: Bugaboo Sport (Fribourg)Sweden: Naturens Rop (Stockholm)Norway: Skandinavisk Hoyfjellsutstyr AS

photo by Cameron Lawson

More Essentials...

Big Wall Tools and Techniques.For the complete reference on big wall

tips and techniques, check out How to RockClimb: Big Walls! by John Middendorf andJohn Long, published by Chockstone Press,Evergreen, Colorado.

Seam Grip for sealing A5 Rainflys:Sealing with thin liquid seam sealer is a

joke for conditions found on big walls, as isdepending on taped seams. The only viablesolution for big wall conditions is McNettCorporation’s Seamgrip™, a specially formu-lated urethane product that lays down adurable 100% waterproof seal that bondspermanently to nylon. McNett’s order desk isat 1-800-221-7325 (Bellingham, WA).

UNITED STATES PLASTIC CORP.Lima, Ohio. 1-800-537-9724

US Plastics Corporations inexpensiveselection of 8, 15, and 30 gallon “Open HeadShipping Containers with cover lock” (bar-rels) are excellent gear and water carryingcontainers for expeditionary climbs.

Cheat to win!ForrestGardner’shandcraftedhooks are forgetting heinouson the steepedges.

200 DA (Double Angle) Col-lets for the Hurricane Moun-tain Works Drill. Availablefrom J&L Industrial Supply(Livonia, MI) 1-800-521-9520.The 9/32" collet is popular asit fits most drills made for theRawl #14 taper system.

Rechargeable AA systemfor expeditions with newNickel Metal Hydride batterytechnology (environmentallyfriendly rechargeable batter-ies). Available from the RealGoods Catalog 1-800-762-7325.

Mashheads are speciality big-wall items for mashinginto shallow grooves and pockets for aid placements.A5 Mashheads are made fromsteel aircraft cable and genuinecopper and aluminiumNicopress sleeves.

Size Min.Diam. Mash Mat’l. Cable Strength

#1 0.180"Copper 480 lbs.#2 0.250"Copper 920 lbs.#3 0.350"Alum. 1700 lbs.#4 0.380"Alum. 2600 lbs.#5 0.475"Alum. 2600 lbs.

The ultimate bolt bag,with two internal pock-ets for organizing boltsand hangers, and fourslot pockets for extradrill bits. Tough nylonballistics constructionwith drawstring clo-sure, full strength clip-in loop and side ham-mer holsters.

ToolsTHE ORIGINAL

HOOKING PITON.The 4130 chrome-molysteel A5 Birdbeak™ hasrevolutionized difficultaid climbing. Used forthe thinnest of thinvertical cracks. Swaged3/32" cable. Most mod-ern big wall routes re-quire at least 3-5 beaks.

Photo: Todd Scarboro and RickPhillips on Hogs and Horses A4+,“somewhere in North Carolina”.Photo by Will Van De Berg.

Hurricane Mountain WorksWilderness Hand Drill

The Hurricane Mountain Works hand drill is a com-pact rock drilling system which secures a drill in theholder and allows for quick change of bits in the field.An interchangeable collet system allows use of any sizedrills. Standard collet (included) accepts SDS carbidetipped bits. Other features include a hardened stainlesssteel body with anti-mushrooming steel insert on thestriking surface, a rubber grip with flange for hand pro-tection, and a spinning wrist loop. Comes with instruc-tional brochure complete with drilling tips.

A5 Mashheads™

A5 Bolt Bag

A5 BirdBeak™

A5 AstropackThe Astropack™ is for the climber who wants

both a comfortable pack to carry on long ap-proaches and a haulable pack for multi-pitchroutes. Imagine you’re heading upthe West Face of El Cap, poised tocruise 1500 feet of vertical stone.All your gear is loaded in theAstropack. At the base, simply tuckin the shoulder straps, pack awaythe waist belt, and you’ve got your-self a streamlined haulbag ready tohaul. At the summit, pull out theshoulder straps and attach the waistbelt for a comfortable descent.Whether you’re climbing ElCapitan, Astroman, the Diamond,or any other long day route, this pack is foryou. The Astropack features ballistics nylonconstruction, an inside pocket which doublesas a lid in the carrying mode, and protectivescuff guards for the shoulder straps and bot-tom seam. Volume: 2350 in3. Weight: 2 lbs.

Sue McDevitt on Zenyatta Mondatta. Photo Dan McDevitt.

A5 Lechuguilla Pack

What began as a pack specifically de-signed for multi-day trips into the wondrousLechuguilla cave has become the new stand-ard for all adventures which involve stealthand energy-efficient movement over ruggedterrain. This is the pack ofchoice for situations wherethe pack is frequently takenoff in order to haul or, for ex-ample, to be passed over toa partner during an ap-proach to a climb whichinvolves short sections of5th class. Made of tough vi-nyl coated nylon, the Lech-uguilla pack features a fullypadded suspension with theA5 original Tuck-away™shoulder straps, a river-bagstyle closure with top cam-buckle tensioning strap, aninside key and small itemspocket, front and back haulstraps, scuffguards on allseams, and top, bottom,and side handlesfor the ultimate incarrying comfortand maneuverability.Volume 2350 in3.Weight: 3 lbs.

Above: Donald Davis and Steve Maynard in Lechuguilla Cave.Photo by Dave Jones.

Above: Torre de Paine. Photo by John Middendorf.

The original Rope Bucket™. The A5 RopeBucket is a rock climbing tool for multi-pitch routes. Packcloth construction anddrawstring closure protects your rope fromdirt and UV rays. On the rock, the ropebucket hangs from a two point suspension.The main compartment unzips and theexpandible bellows folds open to form abucket. Forget about rope nightmares athanging stances: just stack the rope in thebucket for an easy feed and organizedbelay. Holds two 9mm ropes or one 11mmrope comfortably. Assorted colors.

A5 Buddy Bag

Good hanging stuff sacks are essential forkeeping organized on a big wall. Our toughpackcloth stuff bags will be your constantcompanions on all your big wall climbs.

A5 Rope Bucket

Nose-in-a-day Gear Sling

The A5 Buddy Bag™ is a great waistpocket which rides unobtrusively on thesmall of your back. Features an expand-ible baffle pouch with two clip-in loopson the wings, and fully taped seams.Cordura and ballistics nylon constructionmake this a sturdy bag that will be yourpocket of choice for small accoutrementsduring active endeavors.

The Nose-in-a-day™ gear sling is anotherunique product from A5. We have added in-credible functionality to the standard, over-the-shoulder gear sling by adding a secondgear loop. The two different length loops of-fer twice the sling space to organize the rackand biners, and each sling can be brought for-ward independently for quick and easy gearidentification and selection on hard climbs.Designed for routes which require a doubleset of cams, this gear sling is set up for ad-venture. Two Nose-in-a-day gear slings can beconnected for a lightweight double gear sling.Regular and large sizes.

Big Wall Stuff Sacks

A5 Alpine PackThe A5 Alpine Pack is the best of its

class of small and light packs which carrythe maximum load possible withoutcompromising mobility while hikingand climbing. The slim profile andteardrop shape allows for full freedomof movement of the upper body andcenters the load for optimum bal-ance, while the A5 wing systemsuspension cradles and equalizes thepack. The A5 Alpine Pack featuresanatomically curved and paddedshoulder straps, full side compress-ibility, inside zippered pocket,tough ballistics construction, fullytaped seams, ice-axe loops, andremovable gear slings for rackinggear. This phenomenally designedand durable pack is ideal for fullday alpine climbs and summit bids.Tri-color design.Volume: 1900 in3. Weight: 21 oz.

Trango Tower southeast and north faces. TheKurtyka-Loretan route is on the sunlit face on theleft, and the North Face route goes up the centerof the shaded wall on the right.

In the Great Amphitheater on the firstascent of the North Face of Trango Tower.Photos by Eric Brand.

Our big-wall double gear sling is made for the“big jobs”. The full-strength chest harness stabi-lizes the system while the foam and pile pad-ded, breathable mesh shoulder straps maximizecomfort. Our regular model fits everyone asthe entire set-up is adjustable for the perfect fit.Also available is a smaller version with fixedgear loops for folks up to 5’6”. All the expertsagree: this is the gear sling of choice for carry-ing the big racks.

Above: Charlie Fowler on the Shieldheadwall during the first clean ascent.Photo by Beth Wald.

Gear SlingA

5 D

oubl

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Daisy Chains A5 AidersA5 four and five step aiders

are designed by experts andincorporate the best featuresfor serious aid. Sturdy 1" webconstruction, alternatingand reinforced main stepswith sub-steps, and full-strength grab loops are defi-nitions of the modern aider.Aider pairs are color coded.

Alpine aiders (not pic-tured) are 3/4" web 4-stepaiders for climbs with mod-erate aid sections or for useas sub-aiders with a pair ofour five-step aiders.

Daisy chains are the es-sential safety extensionsfor aid climbing and foruse with ascenders. A5daisy chains are madefrom strong 11/16"supertape webbing withtriple bartacks at eachpocket. All pockets rundown the same side forlow stretch when testingand moving onto place-ments. Overall strengthexceeds 3800 lbs.

Photo right: Full strength grabloop and sub-top and secondsteps are original A5 features.ACCEPT NO SUBSTITUTES!

Below: “The Big Stone next to the road.”Below left: “The Smaller Stone back in the woods.”Both photos by Chris Falkenstein.

2 lengths:Regular: 48", 14 pockets.Long: 57", 18 pockets.

Tee-Bone HammockThe Tee-Bone Hammock™ is yet another innovative A5 solution to the longstanding problem

of a viable lightweight hangingbivouac system. Hammockshave traditionally been torturedevices because they cramp theshoulders and crush the useragainst the rock. Our soon tobe patented upper frame de-sign hangs from a single pointand holds the ham-mock away from therock, keeping it openand ensuring plentyof room for the shoul-ders and hips. TheTee-Bone Hammocktransforms immedi-ately into an excel-lent belay chair with an inte-grated head rest and an adjust-able system which allows the user to sit up and drop the legs with a simple pull of a strap. TheTee-bone hammock is a revolutionary tool, guaranteed to make possible a new standard ofovernight climbs where fast and light is the key. Weight: 3 lbs.

A5 Traveller’s DuffelOur Traveller’s Duffel is the perfect compan-

ion for extended weekend trips, and is de-signed to fit on airplanes as carry-on luggage.The main compartment has a large half-moonzip opening for full access and suitcase con-venience. Two separate end pockets keepitems organized when travelling. Tough bal-listics nylon and bomber A5 construction toensure your Traveller’s Duffel will last a life-time. Volume: 2800 in3 Weight: 2 lbs. Climbers on El Cap. Photo by Chris Falkenstein.

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Photo Gallery

Life on the InsideAbove: Andre VanCampenhoud peeking outafter a storm on Tangerine Trip. Cam Lawson.Upper Left: Kevin Gheen sitting out a storm onthe East Face of Barrille. Photo by Doug Scott.Left: The Todd Skinner apartments at 18,000 feetduring his 60 day ascent of the Kurtyka-Loretanroute on Trango Tower. Photo by Bill Hatcher.Below: Escudo! Brad Jarret in the DiamondLedge ( “The Patagonian Palace”).Chris Breemer.

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Back Cover Imageby Travis Stratford