Crash Pads for Climbing and Bouldering

Crash pads are used with the style of climbing called bouldering. Many climbers prefer bouldering for many reasons. Crash pads are like gymnastics mats but used outdoors for while bouldering. Crash pads help prevent injuries when falling. Climbing is inherently dangerous but if you use a crash pad you will lessen your chance of injury.

A crash pad has layered foam on the inside covered with a durable nylon outer cover. Many crash pads have straps to let you clip your shoes and chalk while hiking in, and pockets to put your keys and wallet. You will carry the crash pad to the crag, so it's important to get one that folds in half and has handles or straps for carrying on your back. Many companies offer removable pockets. Some crash pads come with launch pads for sitting starts.

The upper layer is usually about 4 cm thick and is usually a more dense type of foam. The dense upper layer distributes the impact across the pad. The lower layer of foam is softer. It molds to the shape of the rocks below it. Thicker padding and the number and density of the layers within the crash pad correspond to increased protection.

Crash pads protect you while bouldering and give you a sense of security and help you push the limits of your ability. Be sure you climb with a buddy who can act as a spotter while you climb. Although you're relatively close to the ground, the risk of injury is still present.

Spot Pad Crash Pad. This is a very versatile bouldering pad. The Revolution Spot works as a starting pad, circuit pad, or belay station. The Spot holds 2000 cubic inches of gear as a carrying bag. It has two inches of closed cell foam to help break the fall. Metolius Boss Hog Crash Pad. This crash pad uses a unique combination of open- and closed-cell foam for the optimal padding. It has an inch of closed-cell foam on the top and a half inch at the bottom, while the middle has 1 and 1/2 inches of open-cell. Black Diamond Mondo Crash Pad. This bouldering crash pad is made of a full inch of closed-cell foam caps and 4" of open-cell foam. It is large in surface area providing 44" width and 66" length. Black Diamond Drop Zone Crash Pad. This climbing crash pad eliminates gaps in the padding by using the one-piece, taco-style folding pad. The landing area is a medium sized pad at 41" x 48" with 3.5" of padding. Black Diamond Satellite Crash Pad. The BD Satellite is compact with 3" of foam padding. It has a closed cell foam layer on the top, with open cell body. It folds nicely into a compact size of only 20.5" x 33" x 6", so this bouldering crash pad will fit into the trunk of a car. Black Diamond Butler Crash Pad. The Butler Crash Pad has 1" of closed cell foam and uses a zip closure. This crash pad is a good choice for sport climbing and bouldering. It has backpack straps to make it easy to get in to the climbing location. Black Diamond Impact Crash Pad. The Impact is thick, at 3.5". It is made with a dual density pad. It is a version of the Drop Zone BD crash pad for bouldering. It has no pockets, with a hinge free folding design and shoulder straps. It is a large bouldering crash pad, great for climbing protection. Metolius Sketch Crash Pad is is a smaller size and sleek with no add ons to weigh you down. This crash pad gives good climbing protection when you don't need a lot of extras. It is a good starter pad for new climbers and gives a nice landing area with 2" of open-cell foam and an inch of closed-cell foam on top.