Choosing the Right Pad for You
Real advice. Not marketing.
Crash pads are safety equipment. Your choice should reflect where you climb, how you climb and what risk you are willing to take. Make those decisions first, and the right pad becomes obvious.
If you are new to outdoor landings, start with Pad Placement 101 for practical landing setups.
Know Your Terrain First
Your local rock dictates your needs.
Low, flat landings.
Short blocs. Flat bases. Light and compact pads shine here.
Tall lines and real falls.
Bigger footprint. Better durability. More foam depth. Simple rule: the higher you go, the more pad you want (both in terms of surface area, and depth).
Blocky, ankle-trapping bases
Firm top sheet and good edge stability prevent folded ankles. Smaller booster pads help fill the voids. This is where you want the most coverage !
Set Your Key Priorities
Everything is a trade-off. Pick what matters most for your climbing life.
Weight: Long walk-ins or solo missions
Generally, climbers go lighter. Saving energy for the climbing. Less weight means an easier walk in, and less fatigue (but make sure the crag isn't full of highballs - or it will become worth slogging more foam up the hill side).
Protection: Aggressive and uneven terrain, and highballs
Prioritise thickness, structure and foam quality. Carrying more weight is worth more commitment, tries and fewer injuries.
Budget: Climbing occasionally or just starting out
Affordable pads can still be a smart entry point. Just expect less durable pads with lighter foam that's more likely to break down faster and offer less support over time.
Choose based on what you do most often, not the once-a-year trip.
Know Your Risk Tolerance
Ask yourself:
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How high do you like climbing (or need to based on your access to rock)?
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How confident are you when falling? How much risk are you willing to take?
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Are you pushing grades or cruising easy classics?
- Do you climb along, or are you always with a crew with more pads?
Ask Climbers Who Actually Land Outdoors
Good advice:
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Same crags
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Similar style
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Honest experience with wear
Choose feedback from the people who fall on rock every weekend, not those who only carry pads outside once a year.
The Bottom Line
The right pad supports progression, not just protection. Match your landing needs, priorities and confidence level, then build a setup that grows with you.
If your pads can’t handle the landing, fix that first.
Shop Slaphappy Bouldering Pads
Whilst risk management, experience, and good practice can improve safety, bouldering pads do not guarantee safety.
Read our Safety and Liability Disclaimer for more information.
