True to form, Petzl designed an innovative crash pad with the utmost attention to detail. The Alto answers just about every gripe boulderers have about their pads: “my gear falls out the bottom,” “the hinge creates a weak spot,” “the shoulder straps catch when I’m trying to drag my pad.” Not so on the Alto. The unique zipper design allows you to securely carry your gear and compresses the taco fold better than most. Once at the boulders, a flap zips around the suspension system to create a sleek, gutterless pad that can be flipped over and used on either side. The inner foam is contained by an outer layer of nylon fabric that is tasked with facing the stress of constant wear and abrasion. For this reason, look for a pad with a durable cover. Pads with a landing area of less than 20 square feet can be considered regular-sized pads. This category varies quite a bit in size, and it’s usually a good place to start for those looking to buy their first pad.

For hiking, the suspension system is made to handle heavy loads. And at 20 pounds, you’ll appreciate the padded shoulder straps and hip belt. Compared to other climbing disciplines, bouldering is approachable and easy to understand. All you need to get started is a pair of climbing shoes, chalk, and a good crash pad. Finally, a few pads combine a classic hinge with a taco fold in an attempt to get the best of both worlds. These hybrid pads include a cut hinge that is covered by a surface layer of foam. With hybrid hinges, the gutter is hidden beneath foam and tends to be less of a hazard. Outer Materials and Durability An assortment of crash pads reporting for duty; (photo/Seiji Ishi)

None of the crash pads on this list have been explicitly listed by their manufacturers as being vegan or cruelty-free. However, they are all manufactured with fully synthetic materials, so it’s safe to assume that they are vegan. 1. Metolius Magnum Crash Pad: Best Overall

We also loved the suspension system on the Circuit. With sturdy shoulder straps and an adjustable waist belt, the lightweight Circuit feels incredibly easy to carry, even on longer treks. Using 4″ foam, the Circuit feels most supportive for shorter falls, though we found it acceptable for high falls, too. Because of their large landing zones, bouldering pads have to be folded to become small enough to easily transport. A few different folding methods exist, and each comes with its own pros and cons. Crash pads with classic hinges are the most common. A classic hinge is found on a pad that simply folds in half along a crease made of nylon or other fabric. Each side of the pad is a separate compartment of layered foam, and the two sides fold perfectly together without creating any space in between.When it comes to padding, there are two main elements at play: the types of foam used and the way in which they’re layered. Starting with types, foam can be broken down into two categories: open- and closed-cell. As the name states, each “cell” of closed-cell foam is sealed off to the air, making it rigid, firm, and unable to compress much under impact. Open-cell foam, on the other hand, is soft and springy, with cells that allow air to enter and exit. In the absence of pressure, open-cell foam fills with air. When force is applied, these cells release air and provide cushion. Organic's pads layer open-cell foam, closed-cell foam, and memory foam Sullivan, David (Nov 25, 2008). "2009 AVN Awards Nominees Announced". AVN Awards . Retrieved November 30, 2011. A large pad isn’t for everyone, but if you are looking for one the Mondo is the best large crash pad available. It is expensive, though, so one of the few cons is its price. When foam wears out, which it inevitably will with heavy use, companies like Organic Climbing offer replacement foam to give the pad new life.