Crash pads soften falls when bouldering outdoors. A full-size pad around 3 by 4 feet and 4 inches thick is a good first pad; smaller pads fill gaps and bigger highball pads cover more ground. Layered foam, a firm closed-cell top over softer open-cell foam, spreads impact. Hinge, taco and hybrid folds trade gaps against flatness. For high problems, use several pads and a spotter.
Pads make outdoor bouldering possible. Placement and spotting make it safer.
Sizes
| Pad | Approx size | Use |
|---|---|---|
| Sit-start or slider pad | Small | Filling gaps, sit starts |
| Full-size | About 3 × 4 ft | First pad, most problems |
| Highball | Larger and thicker | Tall problems, bad landings |
Fold styles
| Style | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Hinge | Lies flat | Seam gap |
| Taco | No seam | Slight curve |
| Hybrid | Best of both | More cost |
Foam
Firm closed-cell foam on top spreads impact; softer open-cell foam underneath absorbs it. Foam softens over years; replace or re-foam pads that feel flat.
Carrying
Shoulder straps, a hip belt and a flap to hold shoes and chalk make approaches easier.
Safety
Use multiple pads for high problems, keep landings clear and spot each other. Chalk and brushes are covered in our training gear section.
Pair pads with the right climbing shoes. Browse bouldering and training.
Common questions
What size crash pad should I get?
A full-size pad around 3 × 4 feet is a common first pad. Add smaller pads to cover gaps later.
Taco or hinge crash pad?
Taco pads have no seam gap but do not lie quite flat; hinge pads lie flat but have a seam. Hybrids combine both.
How thick should a crash pad be?
Around 4 inches is common for main pads; thicker highball pads absorb bigger falls.
Do I need a spotter when bouldering?
Spotters guide your fall toward pads and protect your head. Use one on anything high or awkward.