Reviews You Can Rely On

Kinetik Newton 4.0 Review

Great for carrying all of your gear over long distances, this pad excels at big days in the alpine
gearlab tested logo
Kinetik Newton 4.0 Review (The Kinetik Newton 4.0 is jam paced full of useful features.)
The Kinetik Newton 4.0 is jam paced full of useful features.
Credit: Buck Yedor
Price:  $220 List
  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5
Manufacturer:   Kinetik
By Buck Yedor ⋅ Review Editor  ⋅  Dec 19, 2023
75
OVERALL
SCORE


RANKED
#6 of 11
  • High Falls - 30% 6.0
  • Low Falls - 30% 8.0
  • Durability - 20% 8.0
  • Packing Gear - 10% 9.0
  • Features - 10% 8.0

Our Verdict

The Kinetik Newton 4.0 offers a great design that improves the quality of life for folks who like to carry their pads far and wide. With an adjustable yoke and padded shoulder straps, this pad is one of the most pleasant to carry long distances. The Omni Flap closure system also lets you cram in plenty of gear and keeps it from falling out along the way. The foam density isn't as stiff as we'd like, but it won't be a major issue for most users. Coming from a Colorado company known for designing pads for the rigors of alpine bouldering, it's no surprise that the Newton 4.0 is built tough. See how it stands up against the competition in our review of the best bouldering crash pads.
REASONS TO BUY
Excellent carry system
Holds gear well
Thoughtful design
REASONS TO AVOID
Soft foam
More complex than necessary
Editor's Note: We updated this review on December 19, 2023, to update this pad's award status and offer additional information from our latest round of testing.

Compare to Similar Products

 
kinetik newton 4.0
This Product
Kinetik Newton 4.0
Awards Top Pick Award Editors' Choice Award Top Pick Award Best Buy Award  
Price $220 List$269 List$199 List$189 List$219 List
$218.95 at Backcountry
Overall Score Sort Icon
75
82
80
78
72
Star Rating
  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5
  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5
  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5
  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5
  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5
Bottom Line This pad has an innovative design that lets you load it up with gear but leaves something to be desired with foam densityA unique strap system, useful features, and thick foam make this model a fantastic all-around padThis high-quality pad is one of the best mid-sized options in the gameThe combination of high-quality construction, excellent fall protection, and low cost easily make this pad the best deal aroundA no-frills, medium-sized pad at a reasonable price point that comes with an additional carpet square
Rating Categories Kinetik Newton 4.0 Mad Rock Duo Organic Full Pad Organic Simple Mad Rock Mad Pad
High Falls (30%)
6.0
9.0
8.0
8.0
7.0
Low Falls (30%)
8.0
6.5
8.0
8.0
8.0
Durability (20%)
8.0
8.0
8.5
9.0
7.0
Packing Gear (10%)
9.0
9.0
8.0
6.0
6.0
Features (10%)
8.0
10.0
7.0
6.0
7.0
Specs Kinetik Newton 4.0 Mad Rock Duo Organic Full Pad Organic Simple Mad Rock Mad Pad
Surface Size (inches) 48" x 36" 56" x 42" 48" x 36" 48' x 36' 48' x 36'
Thickness (inches) 4" 5" 4" 4' 5'
Weight (lbs) 13.6 lbs 17 lbs 12 lbs 12 lbs 14 lbs
Hinge/Taco Hybrid Hinge Hinge Hinge Hinge Hinge
Closing Flap Yes Yes Yes No No
Warranty None, but they do repairs 1 Year None, but they do repairs None, but they do repairs Limited lifetime

Our Analysis and Test Results

More often than not, new pads coming to market look like carbon copies of pads from decades past. These days it seems like most companies are more interested in slapping a big logo on a piece of foam rather than focusing on innovation or improving the bouldering experience. Unlike other new pads hitting the scene, The Kinetik Newton 4.0 seeks to do more.

Performance Comparison


kinetik newton 4.0 - the kinetik newton 4.0 has the perfect amount of give for protecting...
The Kinetik Newton 4.0 has the perfect amount of give for protecting falls close to the ground.
Credit: Buck Yedor

Padding Falls


When it comes to protecting yourself from high falls with bigger impacts, it's really important for a pad to have a certain level of stiffness. If a pad is too soft, it won't keep you from feeling the hard ground when you land. Even though the Newton 4.0 boasts four inches of foam, it was, unfortunately, a little too soft for our testers to want to rely on it for repeated big falls.


Foam that starts out on the soft side will only get softer with time, making the Newton less than ideal for protecting big consequential falls as a standalone pad. It does, however, make a great top layer in a big stack of foam. The hybrid-hinge design incorporates a continuous layer of foam to keep you from feeling the seam in the middle of the landing zone. This is a much safer design for your ankles and one that helps protect a bit better from uneven ground or rocks and roots.


While the little bit of extra give in the foam of the Newton is a detriment to high falls, it makes mid-to-low falls all that much more pleasant. Falling onto your butt or back, even from just a few feet off the ground onto an ultra-stiff pad, isn't something you want to do over and over again. The Newton's foam is just right for sit starts and steep cave problems.

kinetik newton 4.0 - the kinetik newton isn't as stiff as we'd like for big falls but...
The Kinetik Newton isn't as stiff as we'd like for big falls but will do the trick for just about everything else.
Credit: Buck Yedor

Durability


Based out of Colorado, Kinetik designs its pads to meet the rigors of the high alpine bouldering Colorado is known for. Bouldering in the alpine means long approaches, inclement weather, and talus-strewn landing pads.


The Newton's outer shell is made from 1680d ballistic nylon, and the landing zone is made from 1000d nylon. These are ultra-tough materials that should easily withstand the usual abuse pads receive. Whether you're dragging this pad across granite slabs or using it to cover sharp talus, you don't need to pay too much mind to how you treat the Newton.

kinetik newton 4.0 - the 1680d ballistic nylon outer shell is incredibly durable.
The 1680d ballistic nylon outer shell is incredibly durable.
Credit: Buck Yedor

Packing Gear


While carrying a small day pack on your chest is fine for short approaches, it's not comfortable for putting in serious miles. The Newton handles long approaches and extra gear far better than the rest of the pads in our review. The Omni Flap closure system gives you a ton of options to expand the interior space of the closed pad, and all but ensures your gear won't fall out of the bottom or sides while walking through rough terrain.


The Newton 4.0 also has padded shoulder straps and an adjustable shoulder yoke, which lets you dial in the carry system for your specific size. The waist belt is the standard two-inch webbing used by most pad companies. However, Kinetic does sell an after-market padded waist belt for those truly looking to wander the backcountry in search of new problems.

The Kinetik Newton has an adjustable shoulder yoke that gives the...
The Kinetik Newton has an adjustable shoulder yoke that gives the user the ability to customize the fit of the carrying system.
The Kinetik Newton has a velcro flap that can entirely cover its...
The Kinetik Newton has a velcro flap that can entirely cover its carrying system.

Features


One of our favorite features about this pad is the Omni Flap closure system mentioned above. When the pad is fully open, the flap closure system can completely cover the carry system and create a flush surface. This prevents the pad from catching on rocks and roots when you need to drag it quickly to slide under a moving climber. You can also cover the carry system without covering the seam, making this pad one of the best options for draping over rocks.


The Newton 4.0 is flush with thoughtful features and high-quality materials. The metal closure buckles are ergonomic and easy to use, and the two drag handles make moving the pad short distances easy.

kinetik newton 4.0 - the omni flap closure system lets you hide away the closure system...
The Omni Flap closure system lets you hide away the closure system, giving you even more options to get creative while protecting a landing zone.
Credit: Buck Yedor

Should You Buy the Kinetik Newton 4.0?


If you want to log some serious miles with your pad or simply need more space for extra gear, the Kinetik Newton 4.0 is a wonderful choice. But if you require a stiff pad to keep you safe on mega-high balls, you might consider other options. Either way, this pad is well-constructed, durable, and laden with useful features. At 14 pounds, it's a little on the heavy side, but not overly so when compared to other pads with similarly sized landing zones.

What Other Bouldering Crash Pads Should You Consider?


If planning how to carry your extra gear isn't a major part of your logistical process, you might consider the Organic Simple Pad. It doesn't have many extra features, but it is highly durable and cost-effective. If you need a bigger landing zone, the Metolious Magnum is a fantastic option.

kinetik newton 4.0 - with so many different pads available we hope this review helps you...
With so many different pads available we hope this review helps you find the perfect pad for you.
Credit: Buck Yedor

Buck Yedor