A5 Adventure was founded in 1986. The A5 portaledges were the first that could withstand the severe weather conditions in remote areas such as the Himalayas and the Karakoram, enabling climbers to expand their horizons to the largest rock faces in the world. The North Face (TNF) acquired the assets of A5 Adventures, including the A5 portaledge design, in 1998 The A5 portaledge designs were subsequently transferred to Black Diamond who continue to produce the A5 designs with many added features.