The 11 Best boulder pads (2023 reviews)
There are several advantages of having a boulder pad.
Let’s take you step by step, type by type, and find the best boulder pad for you.
Our review process:
Our Top Picks:
Milliard boulder Pad Buy: READ REVIEWMad rock boulder Pad Buy: READ REVIEWMad rock awesome Pad Buy: READ REVIEWMetolius Crash Pad Buy: READ REVIEWMetolius boulder Pad Buy: READ REVIEWOCUN boulder Pad Buy: READ REVIEWBlack Diamond boulder Pad Buy: READ REVIEWBlack Diamond boulder Pad Buy: READ REVIEWPetzl back Pad Buy: READ REVIEWPetzl boulder Pad Buy: READ REVIEWTrango boulder Pad Buy: READ REVIEWMilliard boulder Pad
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Next on the list, we've got yet another pad that manages to win our hearts. It's the milliard boulder pad and it's widely considered as pad that has the most suitable features. It’s really fun for kids and lets them get used to the in-the-air portions of those techniques before they're ready to do it on less pillowy surfaces. It’s really perfect for jumping and playing around, and you can lounge in it as well. It comes with a washable cover, lockable zipper, and a skid pad, for placing underneath it and keeping it from sliding across the floor. It is great for sensory seekers + no chemical smell.
The box it comes in is very heavy. It’s in a plastic bag and does take about an hour to inflate itself. It is great for kiddos needing that extra sensory input and the cover is so soft.Why We Like This:
- Holds up well to all of the jumping
- Color is easy on the eyes
- Fantastic pillow for jumping into from a higher step
- Looks good and has no tears
Mad rock boulder Pad
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The mad rock boulder pad's superior materials makes sure that it ages well with use. These particular pads are exceptionally firm and thick compared to others on the market, as such, falls can be a little stiffer at larger heights. It helps to soften the impact to the body when one is. It provides some solid cushioning to add to that fits very nicely next to the r3 pad. It's firm and solid, and carries easily. It's good for falling on.
These are great, heavy duty and Velcro together. It's real firm and great to fall on too. It's easy to carry even on longer hikes.Why We Like This:
- You can flip it upside on roots or rocky areas
- Light, 'convenient' to carry, good protection for the rock climber son
- Fits very nicely next to the r3 pad
- Easily transported and provides some solid cushioning
Mad rock awesome Pad
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We would, of course, be remiss if we didn't mention mad rock awesome pad for daily purpose. It's great for lugging gear around in backpack mode. It'll hold your gear well on long treks out and the support straps are very solid. The individual baffles allow the pad to comfortably go over whatever is on the ground. It's impressive how much shock is dissipated upon landing from moderate heights and above.
This is a great pad for shorter approaches and can be used on its own for low falls or as the perfect supplement to other pads to cover up rocks by your landing. The straps are for the most part comfortable, and the storage in it is vast and great to have.Why We Like This:
- Shapes to any kind of terrain and its durable
- Ample storage space for gear when carrying the crash pad as a backpack
- Stays flat on the most uneven ground
Metolius Crash Pad
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The metolius crash pad is suitable and reliable and fits well with your daily purpose. The Metolius session ii crash pad has several updates to the previous version and still weighs only 9 lbs. They shed most dirt just fine and so far no holes or tears. The Redesigned flap closure system makes the pad easier to load. It folds nicely for transport in a car and fits comfortably on your back for the approach. They don't skimp on quality and make a very nice product with this. The shoulder and waist straps are comfortable and it's very lightweight. They are affordable and extremely easy to use and carry.Why We Like This:
- Has good padding for landings and the fold is protected to avoid ankle injuries
- Lightweight, updated crash pad for boulder projects
- 4 new drag handles make it easier to position the pad while it's unfolded
Metolius boulder Pad
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The Mad Rock stash pad is the same size with an inch of padding. While it feels firm and a potential hard landing, it is PERFECT. The crash pad is about half the size of a twin size mattress when folded, and though light. It does have shoulder backpack straps. The Redesigned flap closure system makes the pad easier to load.
The crash pad has several updates to the previous version and still weighs only 9 lbs. The crash pad is about half the size of a twin size mattress when folded, and though light-weight, would be very cumbersome to carry on the back. It is meant to be carried on your back.Why We Like This:
- Weight, would be very cumbersome to carry on the back
- Lightweight, updated crash pad for boulder projects
- One of the new comers and featured product
OCUN boulder Pad
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The Unique design of the FTS Absorption Block 110mm (PE+PU) ensures perfectly efficient absorption, even at the edges of the pad enabling adjustment of the absorption effect. It is designed to absorb falls when bouldering. It is filled with the thickest fts absorption block (145 mm) and equipped with carrying handles, a padded waist belt and shoulder straps to easily transport.
The two-piece, dual opening crash pad with YKK zippers on the long and short sides of the pad allow for both classic and long layout. The design of the absorption block ensures perfectly efficient absorption, even on the edges of the pad enabling adjustment of the absorption effect.Why We Like This:
- Good investment for long term
- Lot of satisfied buyers
Black Diamond boulder Pad
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If you often find yourself scrambling for appropriate and satisfactory pad, black diamond boulder pad is your end point. Why We Like This:
- Clean, three-strap closure with improved buckles
- Hinge-style fold for compact and easy transport
- New suspension system for better transport
- Four corner grab handles and two shoulder webbings for easy pad shuffling
Black Diamond boulder Pad
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Not everyone likes to purchase pad for their daily usage, but the black diamond boulder pad would be an anomoly. Why We Like This:
- Taco-style fold for a continuous landing surface
- Improved buckles on quick-closure elastic mesh flap, which stores gear inside the pad
- Coated 1000d nylon on top, sides and bottom for abrasion and water resistance
Petzl back Pad
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It is designed with convenience in mind. It is a back-up slider pad for bouldering sit-starts and for protecting a space between two crashpads. It can cover gaps between pads if climbing with a group too. It is easy to move around the boulder field. It is a back-up pad with firm foam for better cushioning. It can be used as a back up pad to fill in soft spots and also provides.
The NIMBO spare pad is also a convenient way to lounge out at the crag. It protects the crashpad during use and transport.Why We Like This:
- Practical to use and to carry with its handle
- Excellent for sit-starts and protecting a space between two crashpads
- Lower seams in contact with ground are protected
- Waterproof, ultra-durable cordura ballistic fabric is reinforced in exposed areas
Petzl boulder Pad
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Best part: petzl boulder pad costs comparatively low and it is available to ship in 24 hours. It comes with a one-piece hingeless design, the alto crashpad offers excellent protection for bouldering falls, thanks to triple-layer foam assembly specifically developed by petzl for better cushioning. Its patented folding system lengthens the life of the foam and provides a storage space when the crashpad is closed. It has a design for uniform cushioning over the entire surface. It is highly comfortable with chest and waist adjustments and wide shoulder straps.
It comes with multiple handles for easy handling of the open crash pad. It has a handle for carrying the crash pad by hand when it is closed.Why We Like This:
- Waterproof, ultra-durable fabric is reinforced in exposed areas
- Adjustable bandolier for quick transport between boulders
- One-piece hingeless design for uniform cushioning over the entire surface
- Lower seams in contact with ground are protected
Trango boulder Pad
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The stratus crash pad was designed to combine protection, comfort, and ease of use to make it your go-to pad. It provides maximum impact protection and a consistent top surface without soft spots. It is easy to access essentials like shoes, guide books, and snacks without having to dig through the inside of a folded pad.
The External Velcro sealed ‘kangaroo’ pouch keeps essentials quickly accessible without having to dig through pad interiors. The back panel supports the attachment of a second pad, letting you efficiently carry even more protection. It is 3 layers of foam to provide protection against even the roughest terrain and when combined with the 45 degree fold line minimizes soft spots in the pad face. No matter what problem is next on your tick-list, the stratus is the perfect choice to form a protective base under your next project.Why We Like This:
- Rip-stop nylon landing surface, reinforced corners
- Good investment for long term
