Buying your first bouldering pad and not sure what to know before purchasing? You’re not alone. Not every climber needs the same crash pad. Some of us want more cushion for taller problems, and some of us just want something light we can grab after work and haul out to the crag. So which bouldering crash pad is actually best for you?
The Mad Rock Mad Pad Crash Pad is, overall, the best crash pad for most climbers. How often you boulder and how high you climb matter too, and those can change which pad you should get.
So what makes the Mad Rock Mad Pad so good? We’ll get into that, plus the top 5 crash pad alternatives sorted by the kind of boulderer you are. I’ve also thrown in the questions and features to keep in mind so you can figure out which one’s right for you. If you’re brand new to the sport, our bouldering for beginners guide is a good place to start before you spend money on a pad.
Table of Contents
- The Mad Rock Mad Pad
- Top 5 Bouldering Pad Alternatives
- For the gym climber that sometimes boulders outdoors
- For the Beginner Boulderer
- For the Solo Boulderer
- For the Avid Boulderer Who Climbs With Friends
- For the Every-Day Boulderer
- Questions To Ask Before Purchasing Your First Bouldering Crash Pad
- Bouldering Pad Thickness
- Pad Materials
- Pad Size
- Pad Portability
- Pad Weight
- Pad Price
- Pockets and Extras
- Patches and Repairs
My Top Recommendation: Mad Rock Mad Pad Crash Pad
If you want a bouldering pad that’ll work for just about anyone and won’t wreck your budget (see current pricing from Outdoor Gear Exchange here), this is the crash pad for you.
I actually bought the Mad Rock Triple Mad Pad (see details on Backcountry here), which is basically the same pad but longer. It’s a great pad, but it’s huge folded up, so it’s a pain to store and a pain to transport.
The Mad Rock Mad Pad Crash Pad is 48 x 36in, so it’s big enough to cover your whole fall zone. You’ll need a friend to move it if that fall zone shifts while you climb (think a problem that traverses sideways a lot), but it’s 5 inches thick, so you’ll feel good making big moves knowing 5 inches of foam is there to catch you if you come off, no matter how high you are.
Plenty of climbers say the strap system is great for hiking the pad in to the problem, and it even folds into a seat you can use for a snack break or just to hang out.
My Top 5 Picks
For the top 5 bouldering crash pads, I split them into categories based on who gets the most out of them. Depending on the kind of boulderer you are, a different pad is going to be the right call.
- For the gym climber that sometimes boulders outdoors, the Black Diamond Circuit Crash Pad (check the price from Backcountry here) is perfect. It’s lightweight and firm, so it’ll last a long time.
- For the Beginner Boulderer, the Metolius Session II Crash Pad (check the price from REI here) is inexpensive and has enough support that you can fall on it comfortably.
- For the Solo Boulderer, the Metolius Magnum Crash Pad (check the price from REI here) is big enough that you won’t need someone to move the pad, which makes solo sessions way easier.
- For the Avid Boulderer Who Climbs With Friends, the Mad Rock Mad Pad Crash Pad (check the price from Outdoor Gear Exchange here) is thick and makes falling a lot more comfortable. Most pads this thick run well over $200, and this one comes in well under that, so it’s a great deal.
- For the Every-Day Boulderer, the Metolius Recon Crash Pad (check out the price from REI here) has the thickness, size, and weight that make it easy to love.
For the gym climber that sometimes climbs outdoors:
Black Diamond Circuit Crash Pad
Price: See the current price from BackCountry here.
Dimensions: 35 x 47.2in
Thickness: 3in
Weight: 8lb 5oz
It’s perfect for the climber who doesn’t boulder outdoors very often and, when they do, wants the most portable pad out there.
Pros:
- It’s one of the cheapest crash pads out there for the size and thickness
- The firm foam gives you the most support you’re going to get out of only 3 inches
- It’s super light and easy to hike with
- It stores really small and fits in most car trunks
- It comes in two colors, pink or yellow, and both look cute
Cons:
- It’s only 3 inches thick, so high falls will hurt
- It doesn’t cover much space, so you’ll need someone to move it as you climb
For the Beginner Boulderer
Metolius Session II Crash Pad
It’s perfect for the beginner who doesn’t want to drop a lot of money but still wants to feel comfortable falling while bouldering outdoors. If you’re still figuring out what else to bring, our roundup of the minimal gear needed for bouldering pairs nicely with a first pad.
Pros:
- You’re unlikely to find a better price for the size and thickness
- It’s relatively light and easy to carry
- You can fall from most bouldering heights and feel comfortable when you land
- The flap closure makes the pad easier to load into your trunk, and it reverses to cover the shoulder straps while you’re bouldering
Cons:
- You’ll probably want more than one, or someone who can move it for you while you climb
For the Solo Boulderer
Metolius Magnum Crash Pad
The Metolius Magnum Crash Pad is perfect for the climber who likes to boulder alone and doesn’t always have someone around to move the pad. If that’s your usual setup, it’s worth reading up on how to boulder alone safely before you head out.
Pros:
- It’s giant, so you don’t have to move it on a lot of routes (you’ll still need to on some)
- It’s thick enough that most falls feel comfortable
- It folds into thirds, so it still fits in most car trunks
- It has a stash pocket and a large interior pocket to hold shoes, chalk bags, and other essentials while you hike in
Cons:
- It’s heavy. At 19 lbs, any hike is going to feel like a long hike
- It’s expensive, and you can get two Metolius Session II Crash Pads (see above) that add up to 72 x 96in and 18 lbs for a cheaper price (though two pads are harder to carry than one unless you strap them together)
For the Avid Boulderer Who Climbs With Friends (Top Pick)
Mad Rock Mad Pad Crash Pad
Price: See the current price from Outdoor Gear Exchange here.
Dimensions: 48 x 36in
Thickness: 5in
Weight: 14lbs
This is the perfect pad for a climber who boulders often and has a few friends around to move the mat through the route.
Pros:
- It’s 5 inches thick, so it’s one of the most comfortable pads to fall on that you’ll find under $200
- It fits in most car trunks and is easy to store
- It has a waist and chest strap that make it easy to hike with
- It has straps that turn it into a decent chair while you take a break
- It comes in multiple colors (including red, green, and blue)
- It comes with velcro, so you can join it with other pads for extra coverage
Cons:
- You’ll need someone to move the mat, or a few pads, to cover most bouldering routes
- It’s heavy
- The backpack straps aren’t removable, so they’ll get dirty while you boulder
For the Every-Day Boulderer
Metolius Recon Crash Pad
Price: See the current price from REI here.
Dimensions: 60 x 42in
Thickness: 4in
Weight: 14lbs. 5.1 oz
This is the perfect crash pad for most climbers, since it has all the features you want in a bouldering pad for the price.
Pros:
- Folds into thirds, so it fits in most car trunks and stores easily
- The center layer of foam is soft, so falling into it feels comfortable
- It has a small exterior stash pocket for your keys and phone while you hike
- It also has a large interior pocket for shoes, chalk bags, and other essentials (great for hiking your gear in, and for storing it when you’re not climbing)
- The closure flap covers the shoulder straps to protect them from wear while you boulder
- It’s big enough that you don’t have to move it very often while bouldering
Cons:
- It has exposed velcro on the outside, so dirt gets caught in it easily
- It’s heavy, so it takes a bit more work to hike to the crag for some people
Your First Bouldering Pad: What To Know Before Purchasing
Before you hit add to cart at REI or BackCountry, run through a few questions. They’ll help you figure out if it’s really the right crash pad for you.
How Often Do You Boulder?
The first question is how often you’re actually going to boulder outdoors. If you only plan on getting out a couple times a year, you don’t need a pad that’s extra thick and built to survive a hundred falls. A thinner or cheaper pad will probably be fine.
On the other hand, if you plan to boulder every day, it’s worth investing in something that’ll last a couple of seasons.
Do You Have To Hike With The Pad?
If you’re hiking to your bouldering spot, you have to carry the pad with you. Crash pads come in different sizes and weights, so some are a lot harder to hike with than others.
On top of that, different pads carry differently. For example, a taco folding pad slings over one shoulder, which is harder to hike long distances with than the backpack carrying system you get on most hinge folding pads.
And if the boulder you’re climbing needs more square footage covered, you may need to carry more than one pad. If that’s the case, look for a pad that makes it easier to carry a few at once.
How High Is The Climb?
The higher you climb, the more padding and more solid foam you’ll want to stay safe.
If most of your problems are low or you plan on landing on your feet, you may not need as thick of a pad. That’s handy, because a thinner pad is usually cheaper.
If you sometimes get on long overhangs or high problems, you’ll want a pad that can catch you if a fall happens. Once you’re climbing higher off the deck, it’s also worth thinking about whether you want a helmet for bouldering.
Thickness Guidelines:
- For sitting starts and fall zones under 3 feet tall, you can usually get away with 2 to 3 inches.
- For fall zones 3 feet and higher, you usually want a pad that’s at least 4 inches thick.
- For fall zones over 6 feet, it’s ideal to use a pad that’s at least 5 inches thick.
Foam Stiffness Guidelines:
- 2 to 3 inch pads should be stiffer. Since there isn’t much padding, you want foam firm enough to keep you off the ground.
- 4 to 5 inch pads can be a little softer, but the base should still be solid enough that even a high fall won’t put you on the ground.
Where Will You Store The Pad?
I get so caught up in the climbing side of gear that I sometimes forget where I’m going to put it.
For example, I live in an apartment with almost no storage. We do have a 1-car garage, so any gear that can live outdoors (shoes need to be stored indoors) goes in the garage. Right now I store our bouldering pad on the side of the car, and there’s room for a slightly bigger one, but it’d have to stand on its side. So for me, I have to think about that space before I buy a new pad.
How Big Is Your Fall Zone?
Some routes have a small fall zone, and one 3×4 mat works fine. But most routes have a bigger fall zone, or a swing-out area, where you need a lot more coverage. For those, you’ll want a bigger mat or a couple of smaller ones. That’s especially true if you boulder alone and there’s nobody around to move the pad as you go.
Bouldering Pad Thickness
When it comes to your safety, pad thickness makes a big difference. Most pads land around 4 inches thick, and any pad over 4 inches is probably safe to use.
The Mad Rock Mad Pad, my top recommendation, is 5 inches thick.
Pad Thickness Overview
Most pads sit between 3″ and 4″ thick, and that’s usually plenty. Still, a lot of boulderers prefer pads that are at least 4″ thick.
The main reason is that the extra 1″ of padding makes a fall a lot more comfortable. And when you’re more comfortable falling, you’re more likely to push yourself and try big moves than you would if landing felt rough.
Thin Crash Pads
Thin crash pads run 1 to 2″ thick, and they aren’t safe as your only pad for bouldering.
They’re not really meant to cover your fall zone. They’re good to sit on for a sit start, or to throw over a pointy rock at the edge of the fall zone, just in case.
Fat/Thick Crash Pads
Fat pads, also called thick pads, are usually 5″ or thicker. They tend to feel softer to fall into and they handle higher falls. They’re also usually a lot more expensive and heavier, so they aren’t the most common pad in the bouldering world.
Pros of Bouldering Pads Under 4 Inches
If you want to save some money, you’re probably wondering about the pros and cons of different thicknesses.
- They’re usually cheaper, which is probably the biggest pro of a thinner mat
- They’re usually built firmer to make up for the thickness, so you can still fall a decent height with enough support
- They’re lighter (like, way lighter), so hiking with them is easier
- They store much smaller, so you don’t need as much space
Cons of Bouldering Pads Under 4 Inches
- They’re thinner, so they don’t cushion you as well if you fall on them
Pros of Bouldering Pads Over 4 Inches
- They handle bigger falls
- They’re usually softer, so they feel more comfortable to fall on
- You can often sleep on them comfortably (not sure why you’d need this though, I know my crash pad is dusty and chalky and I really don’t want to sleep on it…)
Cons of Bouldering Pads Over 4 Inches
- They’re usually more expensive
- They’re usually heavier and harder to carry to the problem
- They take up more space and are harder to store
Materials
Most bouldering pads are made from similar materials, but look a little closer and try a few out, and you’ll notice they feel different. Those small differences add up to a big difference in how long the pad lasts.
The Mad Rock Mad Pad, my top recommendation, is built with a 1″ layer of hard foam on top, a 3″ layer of soft foam, then a 1″ layer of hard foam, so it’s comfortable to fall on no matter how high you come off.
Foam Type
- Hard/Closed: This foam is less comfortable to fall on, but because it’s firmer, you’re less likely to hit anything underneath. For example, with soft foam that’s only 2 inches thick, you’ll probably feel the rocks under the pad. With hard foam that’s only 2 inches thick, you probably won’t.
- Soft/Open: Soft foam is usually only used as a top or middle layer, so you mostly see it on thicker pads. It’s really comfortable to fall into, and boulderers sometimes even sleep on it on an overnight trip. The catch is soft foam breaks down faster than hard foam.
- Recycled: This foam is more for the environmentally minded boulderer (which is a big chunk of the community). You’d think it’d be cheaper, but it’s usually harder to make, and people will pay extra for an eco-friendly product, so it’s priced to match.
Cover Material
The cover material is your main defense against weather and damage, so it matters a lot.
A lot of pad ads brag about scratch-resistant and water-resistant covers. The truth is that most name-brand bouldering pads already use scratch- and water-resistant cover material.
With that in mind, if you’re nervous about the material tearing on a rock, grab a $5 tarp and put it under the pad while you climb.
Bouldering Pad Size
Pad size is how much of the fall zone the pad covers. Ideally, one pad covers the whole thing. But for most of us, falling can mean swinging out or coming off in an uncontrolled way, so one pad often isn’t enough.
The Mad Rock Mad Pad, my top recommendation, is 48 x 36in (4’x3′).
3’x4′ Bouldering Pads
The most common pad size is 3×4 feet. It works great if you’re climbing with a friend who can move the pad while you go. They’re also usually cheaper and lighter, so they’re a common pick for beginners or gym climbers moving to outdoor bouldering.
4’x5′ Bouldering Pads
Since this is a full foot bigger than the average pad (avg size is 3×4′), it’s a common pick for avid outdoor boulderers and climbers who often boulder alone.
The extra coverage means you don’t have to move the pad as much, and even if you swing out on a fall, you’re more likely to land on it.
They’re usually a good bit more expensive and they weigh more, so if you plan on hiking with it, keep that in mind.
Bouldering Pad Portability
Portability is one of the most common deciding factors for a pad, since you usually have to pack it in your trunk and then hike it to the crag.
When it comes to stashing it in your trunk and hiking it in, the way it folds makes a huge difference.
The two most common folding types are hinge and taco. Hinge is when the pad folds in half seamlessly and stores flat. Taco is when you fold it in the middle without a seam, so it makes a taco shape.
The Mad Rock Mad Pad, my top recommendation, uses a hinge fold and fits in most car trunks.
Hinge Pros
- They store flat, which makes them easy to store
- They usually have backpack shoulder straps, so they’re easy to hike with
Hinge Cons
- The hinge needs a gap in the pad, which is a weak spot a rock can stab you through
Taco Pros
- There aren’t any weak spots or seams
- They’re usually softer (which can be a con too, depending on how far you’re falling)
Taco Cons
- They don’t lay flat, so storing them can be a pain
- They usually don’t have a backpack strap system, just a one-shoulder strap, so they aren’t ideal for hiking
Bouldering Pad Weight
Weight often gets used as a reason to buy or skip a pad, but it’s more useful as a rough sign of how much support you’ll get when you fall on it.
That said, different foams weigh different amounts by density, so it isn’t always a clean read on support.
For example, the Black Diamond Circuit is light compared to most pads, but the support you get out of 3 inches is incredible. So the next things to check are how thick the pad is and how wide it is.
On the other hand, you can get the Evolv Iceman Crash Pad that’s 5 oz lighter and 2″ bigger, but it’s also 3″ x 5.2″ smaller.
The Mad Rock Mad Pad, my top recommendation, is 14lbs, which is on the higher end, but it’s also 5″ thick and 48″ x 36″, and it’s still easy to hike to the crag.
Popular Crash Pads By Weight
| Evolv Iceman Crash Pad | 32 x 42in | 5in | 8lbs |
| Black Diamond Circuit Crash Pad | 35 x 47.2in | 3in | 8lb 5oz |
| Metolius Session II Crash Pad | 36 x 48in | 4in | 9lbs |
| Black Diamond Drop Zone Crash Pad | 41 x 48in | 3.5in | 9lb 8oz |
| Mad Rock Mad Pad Crash Pad | 48 x 36in | 5in | 14lbs |
| Metolius Recon Crash Pad | 60 x 42in | 4in | 14lbs. 5.1 oz |
| Metolius Magnum Crash Pad | 48 x 72in | 4in | 19 lbs |
Bouldering Pad Price
One of the first things I check before buying any climbing gear is the price. Like a lot of climbers, climbing is my hobby, so spending rent money on a crash pad isn’t realistic. If you’re weighing the whole setup, our breakdown of how much rock climbing costs puts pad prices in context.
That said, when it comes to crash pads, you get what you pay for.
With a lot of products, even in the climbing world, you’re often paying for the brand stitched into it.
But when I compared pad prices against size and thickness, it came out pretty even across the board.
The Mad Rock Mad Pad, my top recommendation, is $179, which is a great price (like, amazing) for the size and thickness.
Bouldering Pad by Size and Price
| Evolv Iceman Crash Pad | 32 x 42in | 5in | 8lbs | $150 |
| Black Diamond Circuit Crash Pad | 35 x 47.2in | 3in | 8lb 5oz | $150 |
| Metolius Session II Crash Pad | 36 x 48in | 4in | 9lbs | $159 |
| Mad Rock Mad Pad Crash Pad | 48 x 36in | 5in | 14lbs | $179 |
| Black Diamond Drop Zone Crash Pad | 41 x 48in | 3.5in | 9lb 8oz | $250 |
| Metolius Recon Crash Pad | 60 x 42in | 4in | 14lbs. 5.1 oz | $280 |
| Metolius Magnum Crash Pad | 48 x 72in | 4in | 19 lbs | $340 |
Pockets and Extras
Some pads have pockets you can slip towels or mats into, and some have straps or loops for gear. You pay more for the extras, but they’re nice when you’ve got a long walk before your bouldering spot.
The Mad Rock Mad Pad, my top recommendation, has a neat feature that turns the pad into a comfy seat (perfect for snack breaks). It also has velcro strips for joining multiple pads together, padded straps with a waist and chest strap for an easy, comfortable hike to the boulder, and a velcro strap system that helps you carry a few pads at once.
Common Extras:
- Gear loops: use a carabiner to clip your shoes to your pad so you don’t have to carry them separately while hiking.
- Pockets: keep small things like your keys and phone safe while you hike (though you should probably pull that stuff out before you climb. Landing on keys would not feel good).
- Welcome mats: it’s better to clean your shoes on the mat, not the pad. A welcome mat comes with some crash pads (often sold separately).
- Velcro strips: often used as closures, but a lot of pads also have velcro strips to hold multiple pads together so you don’t get gaps between them.
- Multi-pad straps: some pads have straps that let you attach and carry multiple pads at once, which is a huge help if you’re bouldering alone with nobody to carry the second pad.
Patches and Repairs
It’s inevitable that your pad picks up a tear or a hole after a few seasons. You could replace the whole mat, or you could just patch it up.
Most nylon is repairable with a gear patch, similar to the ones you’d use on tents and sleeping pads. Some pads are easier to repair than others though, depending on where the tear is and how big it is.
Common Repair Material
- Duct tape: it’s probably the cheapest and easiest to use. Some climbers think it looks cool, a badge of hard use and hard sends. Others prefer something a little nicer. (Here’s a portable roll of duct tape from REI that fits perfectly in your gear bag and can go with you wherever and whenever.)
- Gear Repair Patches: you can get basic repair patches in circle or square shapes, like these ones from Patagonia or these ones from REI.
- Classic Patches: if you know how to sew, a classic patch is a fun, custom way to fix holes or tears (assuming you can find one big enough).
Once your pad situation is sorted, the thing that actually makes every outdoor session count is better movement, and that part’s mostly free. If you want a simple way to keep improving, grab our free newsletter for one climbing drill a week, about 15 minutes each. It’s the easiest way to make the sessions on your new pad add up.
Frequently asked questions
How thick should my first bouldering pad be?
For most people, 4 inches is the sweet spot. It’s comfortable to fall on and it handles most fall zones. If you mostly do sit starts and low problems under 3 feet, you can usually get away with a 2 to 3 inch pad. If your fall zone is over 6 feet, go for at least 5 inches, like the Mad Rock Mad Pad.
Do I need more than one crash pad?
It depends on your fall zone. A single 3×4 mat works for small fall zones, especially if you have a friend who can move it while you climb. But most routes have a bigger fall zone or a swing-out area, so you’ll want a larger pad or a couple of smaller ones. If you boulder alone, plan for more coverage since there’s nobody to shift the pad for you.
What’s the difference between hinge and taco folding pads?
A hinge pad folds in half seamlessly and stores flat, and usually comes with backpack straps that make it easy to hike with. The tradeoff is the hinge gap, which is a weak spot a rock can poke through. A taco pad folds without a seam, so there are no weak spots and it’s often softer, but it doesn’t lay flat and usually only has a one-shoulder strap, so it’s less comfortable on longer hikes.
How much should a first bouldering pad cost?
Prices change, so check the current listing before you buy, but a solid first pad generally runs somewhere in the $150 to $340 range depending on size and thickness. The Mad Rock Mad Pad sits near $179, which is a great price for a 5 inch pad. In general, you get what you pay for with crash pads, so it’s worth buying a little more pad than you think you need.
Can I repair a torn crash pad?
Yes. Most crash pad covers are nylon, which patches up with the same gear patches you’d use on a tent or sleeping pad. Duct tape is the cheapest quick fix, gear repair patches from brands like Patagonia or REI hold up better, and if you can sew, a classic patch works for bigger tears.
More About Bouldering:
- What Is The Minimal Gear Needed For Bouldering?
- Can You Boulder Alone? The 8 Benefits Of Climbing Alone
- The Complete Guide For Bouldering Grades – What You Should Know
- Should You Wear A Helmet For Bouldering?
- Can You Boulder In The Rain Or When The Rock Is Wet?
- First Time At The Bouldering Gym – What You Should Know
- Pros And Cons Of Indoor Bouldering
- Indoor Bouldering: Do’s And Don’ts For Beginners
- Bouldering For Beginners: What You Need To Know
- A Guide For Climbers: Bouldering Drills 101
- Is Climbing and Bouldering Good For Cardio?
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- Diy Hangboard With Jugs And Edges For Less Than $15
- 6 Of The Best Belay Devices For Beginner Climbers
- The Best 11 Climbing Shoes Under $100
- Climbing Chalk: Chunky Vs. Fine
- The Best Chalk For Climbing And Bouldering
- Rock Climbing Starter Kits For Beginners Compared
- Liquid Chalk Vs. Dry Chalk For Bouldering (Hint: Dry Chalk Is Better)
- Top 5 Gear You Need In Your Climbing Pack For The Best Experience
- What To Wear While Bouldering
- Should You Upgrade To An Assisted-Braking Belay Device?
- Everything You Need To Know About Climbing Chalk
- 37 Things Serious Climbers Bring With Them To The Mountains
- Clothing For Climbing In The Gym – What Should You Wear?
- Can You Climb Without Chalk?
- How Tight Climbing Shoes Should Fit For The Best Performance
- Harnesses For Rappeling
- My Favorite Harness For Climbing
- What You Should Wear While Climbing
- What Affects How Climbing Shoes Fit?
- How To Clean Your Grigri
- How To Care For Your Climbing Rope
