Crash Pad Reviews
In my previous crash pad article, I shared about the different style of crash pads with the descriptions along with the pros and cons of each style. In this review, I would like to compliment that article with the different folding style crash pad reviews to help you decide what works best for you.
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Metolius Session Crash Pad
The Metolius Session Crashpad comes in one size with orange and black. This is an excellent starter pad. I bought this for my son’s birthday and he loves it. It is great for spotting him when he fell off while bouldering. It is light and easy to carry on his back as a backpack. The only complaint he has is that the shoulder strap is a little low so the pad is high on his back. It sticks above his head.
We also use it as a pad for the floor of our minivan when we go on a road trip. It works well as his sleeping pad.
Average Customer Rank: 4.8/5
- 4 inch thick angled hinge (eliminate gutter), sandwich design
- built-in logo rug for cleaning shoes
- Flap closure with deep pockets to hold your gear secure
- Comes with padded shoulder straps, waist belt, and suitcase-style carry handles for easy carrying
- Durable aluminum buckles
- 900d Poly outer fabric which protects the pad from abrasion
- Weight: 9lbs
- Dimensions: 36in x 48in x 4in when open & 36in x 26in x 8in when closed
- Made in the USA
Where to Buy: Amazon.com
Mad Rock R3 Crash Pad
This particular crash pad folds up is called the burrito. Mad Rock utilizes a fill system that enables the pad to lay flat on top of obstacles or features. It dampens the impact of the fall. With the baffles contains recycled EVA foam, it molds itself very well to rocky and uneven ground. This is also great as a top layer on top of other crash pads.
The rugged nylon shell is durable and tough against abrasion. It also has a back strap and chest strap to help with the carrying on your back. Many complaints that it is heavy especially for a long hike to destination. It is fine for a short distance hike.
Average Customer Rank: 4.5/5
Specs:
- Burrito style fold
- Baffles contain recycled EVA/PU foam
- Conform to rugged, rocky, or uneven terrain
- Rugged 1680 denier nylon shell – durable pad
- Has a closure flap to stow away your gear.
- Weight: may vary from 17 to 20 pounds due to foam variance
- Dimensions: 55in x 35in x 4in
Where to Buy: Amazon.com
Black Diamond Drop Zone Crash Pad
The fold-up style for this crash pad is a taco for a continuous landing surface. It has improved closed-cell PE foam layup on top and high-compression PU foam on the bottom to support the impact of your fall.
This mid-sized ultra blue crash pad features an elastic flap for storing your shoes and climbing accessories. The rubber-coated bottom fabric is for a better grip on slippery surfaces. One major complaint was the pack up. Folding and packing up was cumbersome.
Average Customer Rank: 4.7/5
Specs:
- Taco Style fold for a continuous landing surface
- Elastic mesh flap closure with buckles for storing gear inside the pad.
- Built-in shoulder straps, waist belt, and two side grab handles for easy carrying
- Improved closed-cell PE foam layup on top and high-compression PU foam on the bottom
- Water-resistance PU coated 1000d Nylon on top and up the sides to protect against abrasion
- Rubber coated bottom fabric for better grip on a slippery surface
- Weight: 9 pounds 8 oz
- Dimensions: 41in x 48in x 3.5in
Where to Buy: Amazon.com
Mad Rock Triple Mad Pad
This crash pad is a triple hinged style pad. It is the biggest on the market at this current time. It definitely covers the ground more than the other crash pads. It is 5-inch thick foam cushion to dampen your fall. The only complaint is that it is big and cumbersome to carry. However, it is not as heavy as the other crash pads.
Average Customer Rank: 4.8/5
Specs:
- 5-inch thick cell foam
- triple folded hinge pad
- Backpack straps with hep and chest straps for easy carrying
- Can also serve as a full mattress to stargaze at night when you are camping
- Weight: 24 pounds
- Dimensions: 24in x 44in x 15in when close and 72in x 44in x 5x when open
Where to Buy: Amazon.com
My Conclusion on Crash Pads
If you like to boulder and would like to practice on real rocks outdoor, I would totally recommend investing in a crash pad or two. You can also partner up with another climber to share the cost. The outdoor terrain is much more rugged than the indoor gym. The ground is hard and unforgiving. It is worthwhile to feel safe and enjoy your outdoor climbing experience.
From my experience, certain campgrounds will rent out hinge fold up style crash pads if you don’t have one yet. When available take advantage of the rentals and find out what works best for you.
Love to hear your thoughts about your favorite crash pad. Please leave comments or questions below.
