Crash Pads & Bouldering Gear
Land safely with Crash Pads & Bouldering Gear
Crash pads are essential for outdoor bouldering, providing cushioning and protection during falls. At The Outdoor Warehouse, we stock durable bouldering mats, landing pads, and portable crash pads designed to maximize safety, portability, and performance. Whether you’re projecting a hard problem or just starting your bouldering journey, the right pad gives you confidence on the wall.
Also known as bouldering crash pads, climbing pads, outdoor bouldering pads, and bouldering equipment.
Why Crash Pads Matter in Bouldering
- Safety: Cushions impact and reduces fall risk during outdoor bouldering.
- Durability: Multi-layer foam construction handles repeated falls.
- Portability: Folding designs with backpack straps make transport easy.
- Coverage: Larger pads or linking multiple pads create safer fall zones.
Types of Crash Pads
- Taco Pads: One continuous foam piece, no hinge gaps, great for uneven landings.
- Hinge Pads: Fold in half for portability, easier to transport and store.
- Supplementary Pads: Small pads (slider pads, sit-start pads) for sit starts and gap coverage.
Foam & Construction Guide
Crash pad performance comes down to foam quality. Higher-quality pads balance cushioning with stability:
- Multi-Density Foam: A firm base layer with a soft top absorbs impact while staying supportive.
- Single-Density Foam: Simpler design, lighter weight, but may compress faster over time.
- Hybrid Designs: Combine multiple foam types for the best balance of comfort, durability, and shock absorption.
Crash Pads at a Glance
| Type | Best For | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| Taco Crash Pad | Uneven terrain, highball problems | Seamless landing surface, bulkier carry |
| Hinge Crash Pad | Easy transport, general bouldering | Folds flat, slight hinge gap when open |
| Supplementary Pad | Sit starts, covering gaps | Lightweight, compact, adds coverage |
Bouldering Lifestyle Snapshot
Bouldering is about movement, strength, and community. Crash pads bring the safety of the gym to outdoor climbing areas, making it possible to try hard problems with confidence. Whether you’re in the forest, desert, or alpine boulders, a solid crash pad setup lets you focus on climbing and connecting with others, not worrying about the landing.
Travel & Portability
Crash pads are designed to be carried easily between boulders and areas:
- Hinge Pads: Fold flat, making them easy to pack in cars or store at home.
- Taco Pads: Bulkier but eliminate hinge gaps for safer landings.
- Travel-Friendly Pads: Compact and lightweight designs for road trips or flights.
- Backpack Straps: Allow you to carry chalk, shoes, and water along with your pad.
Buying Guide Snapshot
Gym Bouldering? No pad needed — focus on chalk and shoes.
Outdoor Bouldering? Bring a hinge or taco crash pad for reliable fall protection.
Highball Problems? Multiple pads + spotters are essential.
Traveling? Compact hinge pads make transport easier.
Seasonal Reminder
Before the season starts, inspect crash pads for foam breakdown, clean dirt from covers, and check straps for wear. Rotating pads between sessions extends lifespan and keeps them protective.
Highball & Spotting Reminder
Crash pads are essential for protection, but they don’t replace a good spotter. On highball problems, use multiple pads to create a landing zone and always climb with trusted partners who can help guide falls safely.
Pro Tip
Always position crash pads to cover uneven ground and potential fall zones. For sit starts, use a slider pad to protect your back and to fill gaps between larger pads.
Why Buy Crash Pads from The Outdoor Warehouse?
- Wide selection of taco, hinge, and supplementary crash pads.
- All gear built with multi-layer foam and durable covers for safety.
- Trusted brands like Black Diamond, Metolius, Mad Rock, and Organic.
- The Outdoor Warehouse provides expert-curated climbing gear with fast delivery.
Shop crash pads & bouldering gear today at The Outdoor Warehouse — built for safety, durability, and your next bouldering session.
