Best Bouldering Crash Pad of 2025

Our Picks of Bouldering Crash Pads

Best Overall Bouldering Crash Pad

Organic 5" Thick Big Pad

Surface Size (inches)	46"x57"
Thickness (inches)	5"
Weight (lbs)	20 lbs
Hinge/Taco	Hinge
Closing Flap	No

The Organic 5" Thick Big Pad quickly became a favorite of our testing team thanks to its large, 46 inches x 58 inch landing zone that provides 5 inches of thickness between you and the ground. The perforated shoulder straps are easily adjustable to accommodate a variety of torso shapes and sizes while the 2-inch thick waist belt helps distribute the weight of your kit for increased comfort during long approaches. “The material is by far the most durable that I tested,” says one tester commenting on the 1,050-denier ballistic nylon along with recycled Cordura that protects the high-performing interior foam. The durability is also enhanced with C0 durable water repellent (DWR) coating, that is key for those who plan to take advantage of the crisp temperatures and excellent friction found in the winter and fall seasons. The 5 inch thick foam remained stiff and supportive during our testing period and broke in nicely, providing confidence to perform technical and powerful moves whether you're close to the ground or questing to the top. Four metal buckles along with a large surface area easily pack all your daily essentials, while handles on each side of the pad help you relocate it between problems close together. If you like the design but think the large dimensions and foam thickness are overkill, check out the Organic Simple pad that features a similar design with smaller dimensions.

There is no doubt about it, the Organic 5" Thick Big Pad is one of the heavier and bulkier crash pads that we tested. Weighing a total of 20 pounds, it is nearly the heaviest pad that we tested. That being said, this extra weight includes one of the largest landing zones along with the most durable design, and our testers didn't mind the extra weight in exchange for more protection from the inevitable ground falls. The pad also measures 46 inches by 58 inches which requires more storage space and perhaps doesn't fit into your compact hybrid vehicle. And while the Big Thick Pad does easily pack the essentials such as layers, food, water, guidebooks, and even a blubber pad, “I found it necessary to pack heavier items towards the bottom of the pad to prevent a top heavy feeling during longer approaches,” says one tester. If you like the sounds of the Big Thick pad but are after an even larger landing zone, check out the time-tester Metolius Magnum, our favorite of the larger models available.

Read more: Organic 5" Thick Big Pad review

Best Bang for your Buck

Organic Simple

Surface Size (inches)	48" x 36"
Thickness (inches)	4'
Weight (lbs)	12 lbs
Hinge/Taco	Hinge
Closing Flap	No

Our testers all enjoy bouldering with the Organic Simple. It features a hybrid suitcase-style closure that combines the traditional suitcase design's packability with the benefits of protection from a taco-style closure. When folded, the Simple has handles on both sides of the pad, giving you multiple carrying options while moving between boulders. “Out of all the pads that I tested, this pad provides the most durability and features my favorite metal buckle closures,” says one tester. Next to the Petzl Alto, the backpack system is among the most comfortable of all the models we tested, thanks to adjustable shoulder straps, a 2-inch thick adjustable waist belt, along with perforated fabric in the shoulders to enhance breathability during longer approaches. The proprietary foam measures 4 inches thick and is much firmer than other similar-sized pads, inspiring confidence to try problems both high and low to the ground.

Better options are available for those seeking a crash pad loaded with features. Compared to the Mad Rock Duo, the Simple lacks features, but this isn't necessarily bad. One tester said, “I could carry the essentials, no problem.” However, if you plan on packing a ton of gear, know that this pad doesn't hold much more than a small daypack. The surface area is also smaller, which might be problematic for some folks. If you can look beyond these caveats, then the Simple Pad could be the durable daily driver you've been searching for. And if you like the Simple design but want more of a landing zone with more space to carry extra layers, water, and food for the day, check out the Organic 5" Thick Big Pad which provides even more thickness for your landing zone along with more confidence to try those improbable moves above the ground.

Read more: Organic Simple review

Best Large Crash Pad

Metolius Magnum

Surface Size (inches)	70" x 47"
Thickness (inches)	4"
Weight (lbs)	18.7 lbs
Hinge/Taco	Hinge
Closing Flap	Yes

It's easy for us to sing the praises of the versatile, well-designed Metolius Magnum. This pad is giant, and a few clever design features make it easy to manage this behemoth on longer approaches. “Despite its size, I still find it manageable for carrying on longer approaches,” our lead tester stated. Our testers strongly consider large pads necessary for fun and some degree of protection in modern bouldering, but no one really wants to carry them. The Magnum's trifold design allows for a narrower profile than many smaller, taco-style models, making the 18.7-pound pad feel more balanced on your back as you hike up hills or weave and squeeze between trees and boulders. And if you like the idea of the trifold but don't need such a large landing zone, the Black Diamond Circuit Z is worth checking out. It features three panels but a much smaller landing zone and a thinner layer of foam separating you from the ground. A large storage pocket stows the essentials, and you can easily secure a small backpack on the top of the pad under the closure flap. When it's time to get down to business, three layers of foam spread the impact from violent, unexpected diggers, and there are plenty of handles for your friends to grab so they can optimize pad placement quickly as you get higher off the deck.

Some folks will miss the convenience of a taco-style model that lets you throw all your gear in the center and carry it like a suitcase to the next boulder problem. Fortunately, our testers learned to adjust and became less of a sprawling junk show in the process. Many highball pads are 5" thick, but the Magnum is only 4" thick, though the large area makes it an excellent base for stacking pads when you've got a big fall. If you're flying solo, this pad is almost perfect, giving you the coverage of two small pads while being much easier to carry than a Black Diamond Mondo Pad, or other similar-sized models. Everything considered, the Metolius Magnum should be at the very top of the wish list for anyone wanting a larger pad.

Read more: Metolius Magnum review

Most Feature-Rich Bouldering Crash Pad

Mad Rock Duo

Surface Size (inches)	56" x 42"
Thickness (inches)	5"
Weight (lbs)	17 lbs
Hinge/Taco	Hinge
Closing Flap	Yes

The Mad Rock Duo is our favorite feature-rich design thanks to an innovative strap system that lets you carry a second pad easily (and even a third, with some difficulty), along with “couch” straps and a pad to wipe your shoes before you try hard. If you need to carry an extra pad, the Duo makes this a non-issue. It also boasts an impressively thick foam. The list of thoughtful features continues with an excellent suspension system with a sternum strap, convenient handles, and strap keeper pockets. Our lead tester said, “I found it's large enough to be used as a standalone pad, but it combines well with an extra pad for even more coverage, especially with other Mad Rock pads that include the Velcro closure strips to keep them together.” If you boulder solo or want to maximize ground coverage, this pad is an excellent option. Its price is also very reasonable compared to many of the higher-priced models available, increasing the appeal of the Duo to a larger audience. If you don't mind a higher price and extra features are your thing, we recommend checking out the new Black Diamond Erratic which is designed with burly exterior fabric, 4 inches of foam, a removable suspension system, the ability to carry multiple pads, and even features a holster for your water bottle.

Like other pads with Mad Rock's 5-inch foam, the Duo is quite stiff for low falls and doesn't absorb those awkward landings very well. Slightly softer foam, or blended foams like the Metolius Magnum or the Black Diamond Circuit Z feature, tend to provide a gentler impact. While the thick Duo foam definitely softens over time, we found it relatively firm throughout the break-in process. Feature-laden products can sometimes seem like a gimmick, but our testers were surprised by just how much they came to love the useful additions on this pad. If features aren't your thing and you're after something more simple that supplies performance without a higher price tag, check out the Organic Simple Pad.

Read more: Mad Rock Duo review

Best Medium-Sized Crash Pad

Organic Full Pad

Surface Size (inches)	48" x 36"
Thickness (inches)	4"
Weight (lbs)	12 lbs
Hinge/Taco	Hinge
Closing Flap	Yes

The Organic Full Pad checks almost all the boxes one would expect from a high-end bouldering crash pad. The high-quality combination of open and closed cell foam makes falls from any height as comfortable as hitting the ground will ever be. While it doesn't offer many fancy features like the Mad Rock Duo, it does include a handy pocket closure flap. We found this flap pretty nifty during testing for several reasons. First, it lets you load up your pad with more gear and makes it easy to attach another medium-sized pad for carrying. “My favorite thing about the flap is the ability to use it as a ground cloth beneath the pad after I unfold it, which protects the backpack straps and hip belt from getting wet and muddy during winter bouldering sessions,” says one tester. It also sports comfortable backpack straps, a wide hip belt, and a sternum strap, making this pad a terrific choice for longer approaches.

While it's not a dealbreaker, the Full Pad lacks a way to attach itself to other pads in a landing zone. Luckily, it features nice square edges, so this usually isn't an issue. Comparing its price to fully-featured pads we tested like the Petzl Alto, we'd take the improved fall protection this more affordable pad offers. Unless you're shopping for a larger pad or one with a few more features, the Full Pad is the best mid-sized crash pad available.

Read more: Organic Full review

Best Crash Pad for Carrying Gear

Kinetik Newton 4.0

Surface Size (inches)	48" x 36"
Thickness (inches)	4"
Weight (lbs)	13.6 lbs
Hinge/Taco	Hybrid Hinge
Closing Flap	Yes

The Kinetik Newton 4.0 is the ideal pick for climbers who like to wander farther away from the crowds. With an adjustable and comfortable carry system and the ability to stow away extra gear, this crash pad shines on long approaches and alpine adventures alike. The outer shell is made from highly durable ballistic nylon and should hold up to season after season of hard use. The closure buckles are built from thick metal but have rounded edges and a highly ergonomic shape. “Kinetik got all the little details right with this one, and I appreciate how they add to the overall performance,” our lead tester remarked. And for those interested in another lightweight and durable pad that's perfect for longer approaches, check out the Black Diamond Erratic that also features a fully removable suspension system for an improved landing zone.

We think the foam on the Newton 4.0 could be a bit stiffer, but it makes for a comfy catch on falls low to the ground. Even though it is loaded with thoughtful features designed to improve gear storage and adjustability, those wanting a no-frills pad will likely find all of the extra straps overly complex – if that sounds like you, we recommend the aptly named Organic Simple instead. But for its purposes, the Newton is a well-designed pad that excels at hauling gear out to your distant project.

Read more: Kinetik Newton 4.0 review

How We Tested

We began this review by researching the best bouldering crash pads currently available on the market and spoke with diehard pebble wrestlers about their favorite and least favorite crash pads used. Next, the chosen pads were purchased at full price, and then we put them through months of regular, real-world use during bouldering sessions. We took falls from high and low and carried all of the crash pads to remote bouldering destinations. Field testing's culmination was an intensive three days where we performed side-by-side controlled experiments on the pads, such as taking a fall repeatedly onto the same “hidden” rock. Throughout, we paid particular attention to how well they padded falls and packed gear, as well as noting durability and useful features.

Our testing of bouldering crash pads is divided into five different metrics:

• High Falls (30% of total score weighting)

• Low Fall (30% weighting)

• Durability (20% weighting)

• Packing Gear (10% weighting)

• Features (10% weighting)

Why Trust GearLab

Bringing you this review is the dream team of Chris Summit, Chris McNamara, Steven Tata, Matt Bento, Buck Yedor, and Trish Matheny.

Chris Summit is the author of seven climbing and bouldering guidebooks and many first ascents all over northern California. Pulling down on rock since '89, he continues finding first ascents in out-of-the-way places.

We also have our OutdoorGearLab Founder and Editor-in-Chief, Chris McNamara, on board. Chris is also the founder and head author of the rock guide publisher SuperTopo, founder of the American Safe Climbing Association. He has over 70 ascents of El Capitan and holds nine big wall speed climbing records.

Our Senior Review Analyst Steven Tata. Steven holds a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from UMass Amherst, and, after a stint working in marine propulsion, joined OutdoorGearLab. An avid climber, he recently hit destinations from Massachusetts to Alaska on the same trip.

Matt Bento and Buck Yedor YOSAR veterans who've spent plenty of summers finding and climbing across the world, have traveled far and wide, scaling as many boulders as possible. Whether it be scaling blocks in Tuolumne Meadows to the stunning quartzite of Rocklands, South Africa, they have done it with their handy crash pad sidekicks.

And our final contributor, Trish Matheny is a current member of the Yosemite Search and Rescue Team who considers herself lucky to live a short walk or bike ride from the most inspiring and historic boulder problems around. Wintering on the eastern side of the Sierras, she is also familiar with the insecure high balls found in world-class locations like the Buttermilks and the powerful moves between pockets found at the Happys. She enlisted her YOSAR teammates to help her not only hone her beta but also include their expert opinions on each crash pad's performance.

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Analysis and Test Results

After side-by-side tests, we compiled our notes, evaluated differences between each pad, and scored them all across five scoring metrics.

What's the Best Value?

The pads in our review have a broad range of list prices, which generally correlate with the area and thickness of the pad. On the lower end, pads like the Metolius Session II cover medium areas and have simple features. In contrast, the high-end Black Diamond Mondo covers a massive area, features some of the thickest foam of any pad in the review, and costs a pretty penny. Pads in the middle range incorporate various features that make them easier to use and carry around.

The Mad Rock Duo is one of our top recommendations for its combination of thick foam, large area, and useful, unique features at a reasonable price. While not as feature-laden as the Duo, the Organic Simple is another pad that offers consumers tremendous value. Made with some of the best foam on the market and a highly durable outer material, this pad should keep your ankles happy for years. And when the pad finally packs out, Organic offers replacement foam to extend the life of the highly durable design.

Padding Falls

To judge how well a bouldering crash pad cushions a fall, we simply fell a lot – and most of the time on purpose. We break down this metric into high and low falls, with a component assessing how well pads cushion a fall over an uneven landing zone.

High Fall Test

For big drops, our favorite foam to fall on was the 5-inch thick foam of the Organic 5" Thick Big Pad. The sturdy and supportive foam combined with a large landing zone gave our testers confidence to push themselves, even when questing higher off the deck. Options like the Black Diamond Mondo also features 5 inches of foam along with an even larger landing zone to encourage difficult moves high above the ground.

The Metolious Magnum was another one of our favorites for when falls started to get bigger and bigger, and mental fortitude was required to complete the problems. While a collection of small pads can certainly create the same size landing zone, however, having a big pad with no gaps is our preferred surface to land on from higher up. Both the Organic Full and Organic Simple pads have smaller landing zones, but their stiff foam is excellent for stopping big falls.

Low Fall Test

When working moves on significantly overhanging problems, you may find yourself repeatedly falling on your butt or flat onto your back. For falls lower to the ground, it can be nice if your landing zone has a little extra cushion to it. In terms of foam, open-cell foam feels softer but must be balanced with closed-cell foam for longer falls from higher up.

The Kinetik Newton 4.0, Mad Rock Mad Pad, and both the Organic Full and Organic Simple models were among our favorite choices when performing repeated falls low to the ground during our comprehensive testing period. While the foam in these pads might be a tad too soft to effectively cushion a high fall, they are perfectly suited to protect our bums and backs while working on challenging sit starts.

A unique and highly appreciated aspect of the Organic 5" Thick Big Pad, the Organic Full and the Organic Simple pads is that they all perform very well on both high and low falls. Of all the pads we tested, the foam used in these durable and high-performing pads hits that sweet spot the best. Organic fans rave about the foam this company utilizes; after testing, we understand why.

The huge Metolius Magnum uses a 3-layer foam system, with a thick layer of compressible open-cell foam sandwiched between two thinner layers of firmer foam. This creates a great balance for low-ball action while allowing for durability and foam longevity, even though the Magnum is only 4" thick. When brand new, the Mad Rock Duo was stiffer than we liked for low, jarring, on-your-back type falls.

Black Diamond recently introduced new crash pads to their lineup which both feature a softer catch and thinner foam. The Black Diamond Circuit Z features a large 60" x 39" landing zone along with almost 4 inches of thickness within a unique and lightweight trifold design, however, the foam was so soft that we don't recommend this pad for problems high above the ground. Comparatively, the Black Diamond Erratic provides a much smaller landing zone that measures only 47" x 39" inches but inspires more confidence off the deck.

Uneven Terrain Test

For this testing, we used the pads on treacherous, uneven terrain to see how well they managed. The Metolius Magnum and the Kinetic Newton have velcro flaps to seal up the hinge, mitigating a problem other hinged pads have. If you fall in the middle of most hinged pads, the pad may fold in half around you like a Venus Flytrap. The real need for the unhinged foam of a taco-style design is only evident on very sharp, uneven, rocky landing zones. We highly recommend this style if you boulder a lot in talus fields or other extremely rocky spots. Otherwise, a hinged pad will treat you just fine.

Draping hinged pads over rocks lets you pad the tops and sides of potential hazards. Tri-fold pads like the Metolius Magnum and Black Diamond Circuit Z have three hinge points, making them an excellent choice for padding larger rocks when used in the face-down configuration.

The exception to the rule that you need a taco-style closure for rocky landings was the hybrid hinge design on the Organic 5" Thick Big Pad, the Organic Simple, the Organic Full, and the Kinetik Newton pads. The top layer of foam on all of these pads is one continuous piece of foam that prevents you from bottoming out through the seam.

Durability

For our assessment, we break down the durability of a bouldering crash pad into multiple sub-categories, which combine to determine a pad's overall longevity.

Materials and Craftsmanship

All of the Organic pads stand out in overall craftsmanship and durability. They use a bombproof 1050-denier nylon shell and 1000d Cordura / 1200d Recycled Cordura to protect their exceptional landing zones. These pads will hold up for many seasons, even for the most abusive user groups. The Kinetik Newton 4.0 is another pad that uses ultra-strong outer materials that should hold up for years to come.

The rubberized “Batman Suit” coating on the Black Diamond Mondo is not only waterproof but sticks to angled, slanted, and tilted landing zones better than any other pad we tested. The coating is also very resilient and long-lasting. The Metolius Magnum employs an ultra-tough 900-denier nylon shell fabric. We've seen this model withstand years of being dragged across bouldering areas.

The Black Diamond Erratic is among the more durable outer shells that we tested thanks to Dynex grid fabric combined with a water-resistant TPU coating to protect the interior foam even during inclement weather. The corners of the pad are also substantially reinforced to prevent any wear and tear during falls in areas with sharper rock beneath the landing zone or snags during more technical approaches. While the shell is durable, it is also slippery and we found it difficult to keep the pad in place while protecting slanting boulders in the landing zone.

It's important to note that all the pads in our test have foam that can be removed and replaced. Each manufacturer uses velcro or beefy zippers to enclose the foam within a protective fabric along the outer shell, so if your foam is old and causing you to “bottom out,” yet the outer shell remains functional and intact, you can recycle the old foam after purchasing the replacement foam.

Foam Durability

Most pads on the market today have the softer, open-cell PU (polyurethane) foam and the more dense and firm closed-cell PE (polyethylene) foam combined in separate layers. The layering makes the pads firm on one side for tall, high-impact falls on your feet and softer on the other side for short, hard, jarring falls on your backside. This method allows the pads to simply be flipped over for either application. On most pads, the firm side is up for the most common falling scenario, a medium to high fall onto your feet.

Of all the pads that we tested, our team believes the Organic 5" Thick Big Pad features the best foam combination of all. Featuring a triple layer closed and open cell foam sandwich, there's no chance of bottoming out with this pad, even when pushing your limits high off the deck. This foam performs well season after season thanks to a durable protective outer shell.

The Metolius Magnum also features three layers of foam, with a 1" layer of closed-cell foam on top, 2.5" of softer open-cell foam in the middle, and an additional ½" of closed-cell foam on the bottom. The result is that the bottom of the pad is noticeably softer than the top, without being too squishy, while adding overall rigidity to the pad.

The Petzl Alto padding is a thick layer of PU foam that's slightly too soft. Fortunately, the thinner layer is a 50/50 mix of different density high-quality closed-cell PE foam that makes for a long-lasting pad suitable for low to high bouldering until the PU wears out. At this point, it will be relegated to low to medium bouldering with long-lasting quality foam.

Overall Durability

For the most part, all of the pads that we tested are well-built and can be expected to last for several seasons of heavy use. The most durable foam design we saw was Mad Rock's 5-inch, 3-layer foam used on the Mad Rock Duo. It was also the stiffest and provided some hard landings for short falls. All of the Organic pads are extremely durable in both foam construction and the protective outer shell. These pads are worthy of your investment and are known to last for years of heavy use.

Packing Gear

While you generally only need to bring shoes, chalk, and some water to go bouldering, if you're going to be hanging out for a while, it can be nice to pack some additional creature comforts. The pad that hauled the bulkiest, heaviest loads best is the Kinetik Newton 4.0. Its unique flap closure system lets you stuff it to the brim without anything falling out. The Organic Full also has a useful but less robust flap closure system. For midsized pads, they both let you bring a small drag pad, a bulky fan, and a day pack with no issue.

Packing Large Items

The Metolius Session II did particularly well with large items. The Session II's flap closure has only one hook buckle strap to secure it, which wasn't ideal for keeping many small items inside. The Metolius Magnum has a somewhat limited carrying capacity compared to some of the pads that fold in half, but it has a large pocket in its closure strap, and there is space to strap down a small backpack to the top for hands-free hiking.

The Organic 5" Thick Big Pad and the Organic Simple pads feature 4 sleek metal buckles that easily enclose your daily kit. The 5" Thick Big provides a much larger surface area, allowing for everything from snacks to a blubber pad to stow inside.

The Petzl Alto has the most secure zip-up flap closure, but it is not adjustable. It fits an above-average size load pretty well, but it's not suited for large bulky loads. Our testers also found the Velcro suspension system not as tightly adjustable as an old-school buckle style, and it has no center lifting handle to aid with heavy loads. The Mad Rock Duo isn't the best option for stuffing lots of large items inside. Still, we appreciated the daisy chains on the outside of the pad, which are useful for clipping items like shoes or water bottles, freeing up a little more space inside for anything else you might want to bring along. Models like the Metolius Recon could not handle carrying anything more than a few essentials. Also, we didn't find a significant difference in the comfort of carrying big loads in our tests.

Packing Small Items

With its secure zipper flap closure system, the Petzl Alto is hands down the best pad we've tested for carrying small to medium loads of gear. The zip-up flap closes the bag so tight it is sealed like a backpack, and not even spare change, or more importantly, car keys, can escape the burly YKK zipper seal. The Metolius Session II has flap closures that help keep small- to medium-sized loads of gear in place very well. The Kinetik Newton 4.0 has both top and bottom flaps as well as a big side flap that ensures almost nothing will fall out when they are all securely buckled closed.

Some of the pads we tested had small storage pockets that some of our testers found useful for holding keys, wallets, phones, etc. These features get mixed reviews from our testers, as many prefer to carry a small pack to organize their supplies and don't bother with the pockets on the crash pads. It's also important to note that if you put anything breakable in a crash pad pocket, chances are you'll forget that it's in there and then fall on it. Still, certain bouldering amenities like nail clippers, files, and brushes are low profile, and you'll always have them on hand if they are stored in the pocket.

The tri-fold Black Diamond Circuit Z really ruffled the feathers of one tester who had to find a piece of webbing in order to secure his belongings on the interior of the pad. Since the pad doesn't feature any buckles on the side, you'll have to get creative, unless you don't mind carrying an extra pack on the front of your body. Carlo Traversi designed the Black Diamond Erratic with packability in mind, including an integrated multi-pad carry system that allows you to combine the multiple lightweight Erratic pads for a larger, more confidence-inspiring landing zone.

Features

While there are non-negotiable features on a bouldering crash pad – like a carrying system, for instance – uncovering the nuanced design features that set the top pads apart takes time getting intimate with these crash pads.

Buckles

The Kinetiek Newton's hook buckles were the best we tested. They are well-finished, large, and smooth, all things that make them very easy to operate. Our testers also love the simple yet functional metal buckles included in each Organic design that we tested. The Mad Rock buckles were a bit hard to pull tight or loose. All are much better than the old plastic buckles that had a tendency to break or the old Velcro closures that would eventually wear out. With the exception of the Petzl Alto's unique all-Velcro waist and shoulder strap suspension system, all the pads still use similar plastic buckles for the waist belts. With a little practice, the tough aluminum Metolius buckles make great bottle openers.

Straps

The straps were about the same on all the pads, with generic nylon webbing. All the pads had padded shoulder straps. The most comfortable backpack straps we tested were on the Organic 5" Thick Big Pad, the Organic Simple and the Organic Full, thanks to easily adjustable dimensions along with perforated, yet slightly padded straps for increased comfort and breathability.

The Petzl Alto had the first Velcro fastening shoulder and waist straps. Without the buckles, you would have to undo and redo the closure to adjust it on the fly, which was occasionally annoying but not a significant problem. The Alto also had an adjustable bandolier strap that helped to transport the pad between boulders.

The Black Diamond Mondo has two huge handled straps on either end of the pad, so you can shoulder the whole thing like a giant purse when you fold it in half, making it easier to carry, and situating it higher off the ground. The Metolius Magnum has suitcase-style handles on either end of the pad and on the folding hinges, so it's easy to pick up and carry from either side. Little touches like these make your day of dragging pads around much easier.

Comfort Hanging Out

The Mad Rock Duo, Mad Pad, and the Petzl Alto, both have straps that can turn the pads into couches when you aren't climbing. When present, the couch option is one of our favorite features for a pad to have and makes them especially useful around camp.

The Black Diamond Mondo and the Metolius Magnum are large enough for two people to sleep on, though the Mondo is very stiff out of the box, and our testers found the Magnum more comfortable if they slept on the softer side. The bottom (strap side) of all the bouldering crash pads in our review is softer than the top. Don't forget that you can always flip it over if the top feels too rigid for napping on (or for low falls onto your back).

How to Choose the Best Bouldering Crash Pad

When every fall results in a ground fall, its important to carefully consider the best crash pad design to suit your needs when it comes to falling, packability, durability, and key features that enhance ease of use. Our brief article below will help you consider these details and select the best crash pad for you.

Pad Size

Our review includes pads that range somewhere in the ballpark of 3 to 4 feet wide and 4 to 6 feet long. If you primarily boulder alone we suggest pads that provide a larger landing zone as you won't have your buddy around to relocate the pad as you flow through your project. Conversely, smaller landing zones more easily fit into tight corridors, are typically easier to transport, and often can beef up a landing zone by combining more than one smaller pad together. While the larger pad can provide a more stream-lined landing zone, there may potentially be a gap when combining two smaller pads. Depending on your budget, how many people are in your bouldering crew as well as your objectives; a larger or smaller pad may be the better choice for you.

Type of Foam

The array of crash pads within our comprehensive review includes many different configurations of foam that measures anywhere from 3.5 inches to 5 inches of thickness depending on the pad. From multiple layering to combining open or closed cell foam, there are a lot of options. To simplify, closed cell foam is typically stiffer than the softer, more absorbing closed-cell foam. The best pads typically provide a great combination of both, not being too stiff to lack comfort and support high above the ground and not so soft that you're terrified to try that last move high off the deck.

Packability and Features

We tested pads that range from 8 to 22 pounds. While some of the heavier designs will also include more bulk and require more storage space, they often provide a larger landing zone and more durable features. Lightweight pads are perfect for those who typically hike farther away from the car to pursue their bouldering objectives. Most designs in the review include adjustable shoulder straps, while the ones that also provide thicker waist belts help customize the fit as well as distribute the weight of your kit. Some pads provide better packability than others, even including the ability to attach two pads together via extended webbing or an exterior flap. And last but not least some designs include features such as the ability to transform the pad into a couch or a bed while traveling on the road, extra mats to wipe your feet, as well as water bottle holders so you stay hydrated during the approach.

Conclusion

Crash pads are an integral part of modern bouldering. Not only do they protect a falling climber from impact with the ground, but they can also add confidence to push for more challenging moves. Advanced climbers will likely benefit by training on one of the top hangboards to continue progressing grades and developing strength. These pads aren't cheap, so it's best to make the right purchase based on your individual needs, climbing style, and common landing surfaces (uneven, flat, etc.). If you want to go a little higher than a boulder will allow, you'll likely need more gear. We've reviewed climbing ropes for sport and trad climbing, as well as climbing harnesses for men and women's climbing harnesses. Whatever your climbing pursuits, we hope our comprehensive reviews help you zero in on your options and guide you toward an informed decision for your future rock endeavors.