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.

Difficulty:

Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need

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

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.

Tips & Warnings

• Some boulderers design and build their own crash pads to save money. Old mattresses, couch cushions and gym mats all work well in a pinch.

• Crash pads aren't exactly big sellers, so unless you live near a bouldering hot spot it's unlikely that your local outdoor store will have them in stock. In that case, take your shopping to the Internet.

• Bouldering is a physically demanding sport that could result in serious injury. We recommend that you seek the proper training and equipment before undertaking this activity.