Organic 5" Thick Big Pad Review

The 5" Thick Big Pad quickly became the clear favorite of our testing team thanks to high-performing thick foam that provides security above the deck along with a large landing zone thanks to its 46 inch x 58 inch dimensions. The pad features easily adjustable shoulder straps along with a 2 inch thick waist belt that easily absorbs the weight of your kit when approaching your favorite boulders. The durable materials along with the option to replace the proprietary foam make this pad a great investment.

Performance Comparison

Padded Falls

The most important testing metric is whether or not a crash pad can provide ample protection in order to inspire confidence to push yourself on improbable moves above the deck. The 5" Thick Big Pad does just that thanks to 46 inches x 58 inches of landing zone along with 5 inches of foam, some might say the best on the market today. The hybrid hinge design creates a uniform landing zone and the stiff foam will prevent you from bottoming out, even on those high ball problems in the Buttermilks.

During our summer testing period in Yosemite Valley, the 5" Thick Big Pad was the clear fan favorite of the team, often chosen for the thick foam that protects your ankles from falls high above the ground. The thickness and stiffness give you the catch you need, with the security to go for it even if you may not stick the move.

While perhaps a little overkill for low-to-the-ground falls, our testers can't complain. The huge landing zone and thick foam prevent any contact with the ground or rocks below the pad, although the stiffness isn't the most comfortable when you “dry fire” close to the pad. Overall, this pad was the number one choice of our testing team when it came to padded falls high or low to the ground.

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Durability

Organic is known for their durable, long-lasting designs, and the 5" Thick Big Pad is no exception. This is the pad for those seeking maximum return on their investment, thanks to 1,050-denier ballistic nylon for high durability on the side of the pad that contacts the groun,d along with recycled Cordura that protects the top of the pad from consistent falls and impacts from above. Organic also included a C0 durable water repellent (DWR) coating to protect that proprietary foam during winter bouldering sessions. The metal buckles, webbing handles, perforated shoulder straps, and thick waist belt also provide exceptional performance for many seasons.

While the plastic buckles are susceptible to failure if they happen to be on top of a rock during a big fall, or accidentally stepped on while rigging your landing zone, this is the case with all crash pad attachments. The good news is that Organic Climbing offers replacement parts as well as replacement foam when your well-loved pad eventually packs out. The 5" Thick Big Pad features one of the most durable and lasting constructions of all the pads that we've tested and will provide excellent return on your investment.

Packing Gear

While the 5" Thick Big Pad doesn't have a ton of extra features to enhance packability and ease of carry, the simple details perform well. The large pad provides four secure metal buckle closures on the sides and bottom of the pad that allow you to easily stuff a day's worth of layers, water, food, and even a blubber pad without the necessity of another pack on the front.

Although the 5" Thick Big Pad provides a ton of space along with metal buckles to secure your gear, the overall size of the pad requires thoughtful packing in order to prevent the pad from feeling top-heavy. We recommend packing it similar to a backpacking pack with heavier gear centered on the bottom in order to prevent that topsy-turvy feeling. Overall, the sheer size of the pad along with a simple buckle system to secure your items inside, make this pad easy to pad your gear for a long approach or from one boulder to another.

Features

Although a streamlined and simple design, the 5" Thick Big Pad includes thoughtful features such as well-balanced and adjustable shoulder straps to improve comfort, along with a 2-inch thick waist belt to help spread out the weight of your kit. Four metal buckles effectively secure your items inside the pad, while three carrying handles help you move the pad from one problem to another without having to pack up for short distances.

If you find yourself in love with a problem that requires a long approach, the 5" Thick Big Pad is compatible with Organic's deluxe hip belt that can be purchased separately and if you find yourself needing more than one pad for your landing zone, you can also purchase Organic's load flap to help easily transport multiple pads to your project. Overall, the 5" Thick Big Pad provides simple features that make it easy to pack, transport, and effectively pad even the biggest falls.

Should You Buy the Organic 5" Thick Big Pad?

The Organic 5" Thick Big Pad features one of the most durable and high-quality designs of all the crash pads that we tested. Although a bit of an investment up front, the pad provides a large landing zone combined with 5 inches of stiff foam that will keep you off the deck, along with durable materials and DWR treatment to perform during all times of year. Replacement parts along with an option to replace the proprietary foam will keep this long-lasting pad as an essential part of your kit for many seasons to come.

What Other Bouldering Crash Pads Should You Consider?

While the Organic 5" Thick Big Pad is the clear favorite of our testing team, the large size and thick foam may not be suited for everyone. If you find yourself hiking big loads into the backcountry, lightweight options like the Black Diamond Erratic may be worth considering. The Erratic pads are more expensive but much lighter in weight and even attach to each other for the problems that require more than one pad. If you're on a budget, we highly recommend the Organic Simple for its durability and stiff foam that prevents you from “bottoming out.” If you want an even bigger landing zone, check out our favorite large pad, the Metolius Magnum.