How to Buy a Crash Pad for Bouldering

Crash pads are like gym mats for boulderers - they help prevent injuries if you fall off the rock. If you're serious about bouldering and value your safety, you should own one.

Things You'll Need

  • Athletic Tapes
  • Climbing Helmets
  • Climbing Ropes
  • Climbing Shoes
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Instructions

    • 1

      Plan on spending between $100 and $195 for a new pad. Used pads cost significantly less. Prices depend mostly on size and durability.

    • 2

      Read the crash pad reviews on the Bouldering Domain Web site (bouldering.com). Other Web pages and climbing magazines like "Climbing" and "Rock & Ice" occasionally feature pads.

    • 3

      Look for a pad that can be folded in half for easy carrying. Good ones often include sewn-on handles and padded shoulder straps that allow you to schlepp the pad like a backpack and use it to carry gear like shoes and a chalk bag.

    • 4

      Make sure the pad is durable and can hold up to repeated falls and abrasive rocks. The inside should consist of layered foam and the outer shell should be rip-proof.

    • 5

      Buy a pad that makes sense for you. Pads come in many sizes, widths, weights, and shapes. Which one is best depends on where you like to boulder, how high you tend to get off the ground and other personal traits.

    • 6

      Wait to spend money on a crash pad until you're sure bouldering is your sport.