The first commercial pads, designed by John Sherman and others, appeared in the early 1990s. When boulderers climb outside, the ground is often uneven and with rocks and boulders protruding from the surface. The idea of bringing a crash pad out to an area where you were climbing was a precaution to take in protecting the climber.

 

 

 

Boulderers commonly carry a mattress-like object called a crash pad. These are generally 50" x 40" x 3" foam pads with a heavy-duty fabric shell. Crash pads are made to be either rolled or folded in half and worn like a backpack. They are opened and placed at the based of a boulder to cover irregularities in the landing and provide some cushion if the climber falls.

 

Crash pads are great because they are easy to maintain, clean, vacuum, etc. If you are bouldering in a gym on a uniform surface, it’s often better not to have crash pads if you have a landing surface that’s built right into the floor. Crash pads are small enough that they are easily transported to climbing areas – even on airplanes when going on a climbing destination vacation.

Crash pads are normally made out of cordura or a similar strong fabric material on one side and often have a softer, carpet like material on the inside. When in use, the cordura is placed in contact with the ground and the carpet side faces up toward the boulderer. When not in use or when being carried out of the climbing area, most crash pads fold in half or in thirds with the carpet side to the inside and buckle down for easy transport.

 

 

Crash pads are not that forgiving under your feet. They are meant to cushion your fall but the foam is dense enough that not all of your energy is absorbed into the pad itself. Keep in mind that if you are climbing on a flooring system that is a padded landing surface already, it’s often better to do so without the use of crash pads. Injuries can occur when crash pads are not placed correctly so be sure to move the pad to where you will be landing so you don’t roll an ankle while falling off the side of the pad.

 

 

The construction of most crash pads consists of one to several foam layers with a cordura and carpet combination of materials on the outside to hold it together. Some crashpads actually have a zipper opening so the foam can be changed out or replaced without having to purchase a new “shell”. The outside of crash pads have shoulder straps and a waist harness for easy transport and there is normally some sort of buckle system which holds the pad closed and allows you to carry your gear within the pad.

 

 

The features, size, colors, and brand are going to dictate the price of the crash pad but most standard sized crash pads (approximately 3’ x 4’ unfolded) range from $140 to $250. There are other larger crash pads available as well.

 

 

What does Nicros carry?
Nicros typically carries the Misty Mountain Highlander Bouldering pad. The Highlander is the benchmark for a standard boulder pad, with its 3' by 4' landing zone, 3.4" thick dual density foam padding, comfortable shoulder straps and wide waist belt. Custom aluminum hook buckles provide easy, secure closure while carrying. Bombproof construction, bar tack reinforced at stress points and double stitched throughout with triple stitched corners, the Highlander withstands repeated falls without losing its stiffness.  Highlander Pad Wt. 9 lbs./4.1 kg. $179.95 retail Size: 3ft x 4ft x 3.5in