Whenever you plan to boulder outside, a crash pad is mandatory. More important than anything, this piece of equipment will play a vital part in protecting your life. Therefore, investing in the best crash pads for bouldering is definitely a wise decision. But since there are lots of options available out there, determining which one is right for you can be a little challenging. For this reason, we’ve curated a comprehensive list of some of the best deals and offerings available. And that includes the best bouldering crash pads for beginners! We know that you guys are excited already. So, without much further ado, let’s go straight into the topic!
How to Choose The Best Crash Pads for Bouldering
Just like any other outdoor equipment, the best crash pads for bouldering differ in size, type, and features. Determining which one is the most appropriate can be a crucial step in your outdoor adventure. Therefore, you need to think carefully before making any decisions.
Luckily for you, we have come out with a solution. After hours of research and investment, we manage to summarize some of the most important aspects of the best bouldering crash pads for beginners or other crash pads in general. To that end, here are three tips on choosing the best crash pad for you.
Style
Those familiar with rock climbing should know that the best crash pads for bouldering come in different closure styles. However, you need to understand that no style is superior to another. It all comes down to personal preference. For example, if you want to have your crash pad as a solid piece of foam, pick the taco style. On the other hand, if you want separate tubes filled with foam, then burrito-style crash pads are the one for you.
Foam
Next, you need to remember that each crash pad is designed for a different project. For example, if you plan to tackle high boulders, then you’ll need crash pads with thick foam. This is important to protect yourself from high falls. On the other hand, those dealing with easier conditions should be fine with the best bouldering crash pads for beginners. They mostly come with thinner foam and are easier to carry around.
Durability
As we said before, the best crash pads for bouldering can save your life. So, you definitely don’t want to invest in some lousy stuff. Look for one that’s guaranteed to last and is well-built. Avoid risking your safety just to save a couple of bucks. If the situation permits, you can ask for recommendations from more experienced climbers.
What Is a Rock Climbing Crash Pad?
A crash pad, or as some call it a bouldering mat, is basically a base made of foam. It was specifically designed to minimize the impact of falling from a height, which is something boulders regularly do. Crash pads are available in a wide variety of sizes and styles, depending on your needs.
Do You Need a Crash Pad to Boulder?
Absolutely. But only if you plan on bouldering outside. You see, a crash pad is vital for dampening your falls and keeping you safe. But if you choose to boulder at the gym, a pair of climbing shoes is basically all you need.
How Many Crash Pads Do I Need for Bouldering?
Well, it depends. The higher the boulder, the harder you fall. For a more demanding boulder, we recommend using two to three crash pads. However, you need to make sure that there’s no massive gap between them. Otherwise, you’ll have a greater impact, which can result in serious injury.
Black Diamond Mondo
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When it comes to protection, there’s no name you can trust more than Black Diamond Mondo. This massive crash pad, measured at 44 x 65 inches, comes with five-inch thick foam. This officially makes it one of the thickest crash pads around!
Anyone planning to beat high boulders will find Mondo to be one of the best crash pads for bouldering. It’s huge, allowing you to get more guaranteed protection. The only downside is that it’s pretty hard to move around. But that’s kind of to be expected, especially considering the fact that the Mondo weighs around 20 pounds. So, if you need a big pad, then this beast is for you.
What We Love
A massive pad that would be great for climbing high boulders
Pros:
- Durable
- Massive
- 5-inch thick foam
- More protection
Cons:
- Pretty hard to carry around
Black Diamond Impact
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Don’t blame us if you see too many Black Diamond products here. It’s because they’re one of the best in the industry! And that’s why we have absolutely no qualms about including Black Diamond Impact in this list.
Widely recognized as one of the best bouldering crash pads for beginners, Impact comes in a good size. It’s slightly wider than most other similar entry-level gears. You’ll have no trouble putting this in the trunk of your car. Furthermore, there’s a four-inch-thick foam, which makes the pad ideal for up to medium-sized boulders. Apart from that, we also love the fact that it has a powerful hinge system.
And by the way, if you’re new to bouldering, we’ve got some great recommendations here. For starters, you can check out our list of the 13 best climbing shoes for beginners. Not only are they comfortable, but these shoes are also durable and designed to provide top performance. Definitely check them out if you can!
What We Love
Comes in a good size, fits almost any kind of car trunk
Pros:
- Sturdy hinge system
- Elegant strip
- Great for beginners
- Easy to carry around
Cons:
- It’s a little too stiff
Mad Rock Mad Pad
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While bouldering isn’t exactly a low-cost sport, you can actually find some decent, reasonably priced equipment out there. And when it comes to the best crash pads for bouldering, we couldn’t recommend the Mad Rock Mad Pad enough. This is a really solid budget pad. Coming in four by four-inch dimensions, this thing has a seriously thick foam. It should be more than enough to protect you from the high falls, allowing you to focus on the challenges that lie ahead.
But wait, there’s more! With a few simple folding, you can convert the Mad Pad into a chair. It’ll really come in handy when you pitch your tent around a boulder site. Plus, there are velcro flaps on both sides, so you can combine two Mad Pads to form one bigger crash pad!
What We Love
A multifunctional crash pad, convertible into a chair
Pros:
- Five-inch thick foam
- EZ attachment straps
- Aluminum buckle closure
- Portable
Cons:
- Not recommended for younger climbers
Mad Rock R3
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Here’s another excellent alternative from Mad Rock. The Mad Rock M3 is universally recognized for its innovative design, allowing you to explore even the most demanding boulder. Furthermore, this thing is of the perfect thickness and size, making it one of the best crash pads for bouldering around. In the case of falls from short to medium height, this pad should do the job.
Another thing to love about M3 is its price. Compared to other similar products, which will cost you 50 bucks more, this pad can cover more area. Coupled with the quality and innovation it offers, this is one of the best investments you won’t want to miss. So, make sure to check out the M3 if you can.
What We Love
Has the perfect thickness and size, plus wrapped with innovative designs
Pros:
- Innovative fill system
- Rugged 1860 denier nylon
- Fold easily
- Using recycled EVA / PU foam
Cons:
- It’s quite heavy
Metolius Session II
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Offered for around 160 bucks, the Metolius Session II is one of the most affordable, best crash pads for bouldering. Coming with a 900-denier polyester outer fabric, this thing offers quite decent protection. Of course, the 900D isn’t the toughest material around. But for the price, it’s kind of to be expected.
And thanks to its large flap enclosure system, Metolius Session II is also qualified as one of the best bouldering crash pads for beginners. With just a couple of fast-folding, you can transform the pad into a convenient backpack. This makes transporting much easier, something novice climbers will appreciate immensely. So, if you happen to see Session II in the wild, don’t hesitate to grab it!
What We Love
One of the most recommended budget pads. Packed with tons of features and a nice size
Pros:
- Flap closure system
- Drag handles
- Tough exterior fabric
- Lightweight
Cons:
- It doesn’t use the strongest fabric
Petzl Alto
8
Petzl Alto is nothing new at all. This thing has been around for a couple of years. Nevertheless, that doesn’t seem to stop it from becoming one of the best crash pads for bouldering to date. Most love its innovative design, which is completely buckle-free. Instead, you get a multi-functional zipper for an easier transition to cargo mode.
Apart from that, this taco-style pad offers a massive amount of space. This will be very useful when you use it in hiking mode. And thanks to the zipper system, there’s no need to worry about the possibility of your belongings being slipped away. But on the downside, this kind of pad won’t lie flat when opened. With that being said, the Petzl Alto is still a great option to consider. Especially for those who love to have plenty of technical features on their pads.
What We Love
A pad with an innovative design, making it stand out among other similar products
Pros:
- Hingeless design
- Zippered flap closure
- Easy to use
- Waterproof
Cons:
- It won’t lie flat after heavy use
So Ill Eco Camo
7
Since it was first released, So Ill Eco Camo has immediately become a byword among the community. This $270 crash pad is made using recycled materials, which makes it even more appealing to environmentalists. Apart from that, it also has a striking design, with cool camo patterns all over the surface. As for durability, this thing incorporates a strong 1680-denier polyester and multiple layers of density foam. It’s no wonder many have praised it as one of the best crash pads for bouldering.
Another thing that makes the Eco Camo rather unique is a sternum strap. This is something you won’t find on most pads. And as a result, when the situation demands a heavier load, this pad should be doing just fine. Overall, this is absolutely impressive gear. If you love recycled products with gorgeous designs, this one is sure not to disappoint.
Speaking of outdoor adventures, did you know that climbing can be a great activity for kids? It’s great for practicing motor skills, as well as increasing their self-confidence. Just make sure they’re wearing the proper equipment. And for that, you might want to check out our fantastic list of the 13 best climbing shoes for kids.
What We Love
It comes with a striking design, is made from recycled materials, and offers great durability
Pros:
- Closed cell foam padding
- 1000D cordura
- Aluminum buckles
- Webbing waist belt
Cons:
- Not great for beginners
Metolius Recon
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Massive pad fans, you definitely won’t want to miss Metolius Recon. With dimensions of 60 by 42 inches, this thing can cover any broad area with ease. It also features a genius tri-fold hinge design, allowing for easy-breezy transport. For storing smartphones, cards, and other essentials, Recon provides a small exterior pocket and a large interior pocket.
When the pads are laid down, you’ll find that the hinges stick together. This will result in a nice, flat surface. However, the story will be much different when you face uneven ground. Apart from that, the Ballistic Nylon Bottom used in this product isn’t the strongest. With that being said, Recon still deserves a spot on our list of best crash pads for bouldering. It’s easy to transport and has an innovative design.
What We Love
With dimensions of 60 by 42 inches, these pads cover a broad area with ease
Pros:
- Provides a larger landing area
- 900D body fabric
- Sandwich foam design
- Tri-fold design
Cons:
- It’s kind of expensive
Petzl Cirro
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If you prefer something more convenient, consider getting Petzl Cirro. At 46 by 39 inches, this pad is often dubbed as one of the most portables around. It also has a zippered sheath to make sure all your things remain in place. But wait, because the best part is yet to come. With its ultra-light construction, the entire pad only weighs about 12.5 pounds! This thing truly deserves to be called Cirro, a beautiful and light cloud!
The only thing that might stop you from getting Petzl Cirro is the price. With all the good things it has to offer, this thing doesn’t come cheap. However, you’re definitely paying for quality. There’s a reason why Cirro is often ranked high on the list of best crash pads for bouldering. And that’s because it’s extremely durable and reliable. Trust us, you buy this pad now, and it’ll serve you well for many years to come.
What We Love
A convenient pad with an overall weight of only 12.5 pounds
Pros:
- Closed-cell foam
- 3 years warranty
- One-piece hingeless design
- Multiple handles
Cons:
- This will probably cost you some fortune
Metolius Magnum
4
Metolius Magnum is one of the most affordable offers you can get these days. Coming in a substantial size, this pad features an extra-long tightening strap. In case you need a massive flat surface, simply strap another pad onto its back. Apart from that, there is a four-inch-thick foam with better compression than other equivalent products.
Another thing that makes Magnum worth checking out is its trifold design. It really helps when you have to deal with uncomfortable shapes. Whether it’s roots, rocks, or tree trunks. Furthermore, there is an embossed logo in the middle, which comes in handy when you want to wipe your shoes. So, if you’re looking for the best crash pads for bouldering, but aren’t planning on spending a lot, this one will be awesome.
What We Love
One of the greatest affordable options you can get at the moment
Pros:
- Burly fabrics
- Closed-cell base layer
- Angle cut hinges
- Sandwich foam design
Cons:
- It’s a bit on the firm side
Edelrid Mantle
3
For those with a massive obsession with bouldering, but also have some spare time for hiking, the Edelrid Mantle will be a remarkable choice. Despite coming up with substantial dimensions (43 by 46 inches), this pad only weighs around 11.4lbs in total. This means it’s super easy to transport. And before you argue about thickness, this thing has 4-layer PE and EVA foam. The combination of the two should be more than enough to provide a landing pad with good impact absorption.
Another thing to celebrate from the Edelrid Mantle is its carry system. Yes, you can transport this thing as a convenient backpack. And if that’s not enough, there are three carrying handles on the side of the mat. So, if you haven’t found the best crash pads for bouldering you’re looking for, this one might work great for you.
And since we’re talking climbing, why don’t you check out some of our other great recommendations? We have deep coverage on the 13 best climbing shoes for men. Find some great solutions that’ll keep you safe and improve your climbing game.
What We Love
Super light, easy to transport, and has a handy carry system
Pros:
- Includes Sit Start Pad
- Padded shoulder straps
- 4 layers of foam
- Water-repellent shell
Cons:
- No storage pockets
Black Diamond Drop Zone
2
Black Diamond is a name that’s often associated with class, excellence, and quality. And as expected, those three aspects stand out in the Black Diamond Drop Zone. While some have complained about its girth, this pad has impressive foam layering. Apart from that, you won’t find it difficult to carry this thing around. But of course, what matters most is the main construction. Turns out, it really deserves tons of praise. Absolutely strong and guaranteed for a long usage time.
Those looking for the best crash pads for bouldering with significant thickness will surely be disappointed with Drop Zone. But putting that aside, you’ll get a pad that is well-built and easy to transport. So, make sure to check it out. Especially if you need a pad with heavyweight performance.
What We Love
A quality pad from one of the most notable names in the industry
Pros:
- Lightweight
- Mesh flap for shoe storage
- Drag handles
- Foam layering
Cons:
- It’s a little bit expensive
Asana Hero
1
Interested in the idea of bouldering in style? Then you need to try Asana Hero, a sleek pad with flair! However, that doesn’t mean this thing just about looks. With a combination of 100 denier nylon and bottom flaps, Hero will give you optimal performance for years to come. In addition, Asana embeds what they call the Deluxe Suspension System. That includes padded shoulder straps, a sternum strap, and a padded waist belt.
At around 4 inches thick, Asana Hero isn’t something you can really rely on for projects over three meters tall. A beginner boulder will definitely feel uncomfortable, knowing that there’s only a thin pad waiting underneath. But with that being said, it’s still one of the best crash pads for bouldering. Just make sure you’re not too ambitious with your adventures.
What We Love
A stylish pad with a decent amount of protection
Pros:
- Great suspension system
- Three carry handles
- Lightweight
- Closed-cell foam
Cons:
- Some may find it’s too thin
