Metolius Stomp Crash Pad - 2008 BCS

I actually really like this pad...it's a bit small, but other than that, it's fantastic. It's fairly light weight, so it's not bad at all to hike with, and it gives you plenty of cushion when you fall on it. It's also great to rest on while you're up there as well.

The best, cheapest pad around! These pads last, carry well and are light weight, so you don't get worked luggin it around. It packs up fast and the dual density foam absorbs impact time and time again! Don't be fooled by other manufacturers with "cheaper" hinged pads - the foam is not good (to stiff!) and the angled hing on the Metolius pads is far better than the standard hing design, that you will most likley poke your foot through (the gutter) onto the ground.

have taken the pad out about a half dozen times. taken falls ranging from awkward 5 footers to 15 ft. straight landings. What i like about this pad is there is enough closed cell foam that it allows you to take bigger falls without bottoming out. Feels really stiff but thats what you want for the bigger falls that could actually injure you. A great pad for the value without a doubt. it doesnt have any extra pockets to hold gear but I always sandwich two pairs of shoes, chalk bag, water, jacket, and a guide book in it and have never had anything fall out. great product from metolius.

Quick review: Like others have said, this bouldering pad is a great value. Beveled fold makes a nice, flat landing with no dead spot. Also makes a good camp couch if you lean it against something. Add other pads if climbing problems taller than 15-18ft

This pad, as is, is oversized for check baggage on AA, (above 62in combined girth) and they will charge you $150 to check it each way. I discovered this on a recent bouldering trip to Virgin Gorda in the BVI, where no pads were available for purchase and bringing my own was the only option. $150 is obviously more than the pad is worth, and completely ridiculous since it doesn't even weigh 10lbs, but airline bureaucracy has strict rules, and there I was.

The method around this is to take the foam out of the shell, fold the two rectangles into taco shapes, and then tape them closed in this shape. From there, you can JUST fit the pieces side by side in a 18"x18"x24" cardboard box, which you can buy from any box seller. This makes a package just within AA's allowable check size. This setup will also leave enough space on top to fit the fabric shell in the box as well - albeit tightly.

A pretty simple concept, but I thought you should know that it works.

Hope that was helpful

-Simon

Great small pad. This is a great addition for anyone who has multiple pads. I carry this and a Black Diamond Mondo. I would be weary climbing anything above 15' with just this pad. It's very stiff at first but breaks in quite well. The angular design with the velcro is very nice so you don't bottom out in the middle of the pad. This pad is super light and very easy to maneuver on rough approaches. The only thing I personally find irritating about the pad is the hip belt is too high on me.
You can't beat this pad for the price.

It's a crash pad. They all work the same way. You fall on them and hope not to injure yourself. This one is cheap and works well.

durable. thick. the shoulder straps make it easy to carry

This is a great pad, and a bit less expensive than the outgoing Cheap Bastard it replaces in the Metolius line. It shares great padding, tough cover material, a good harness and the angled hinge design of the old Cheap Bastard. What it is missing, and I'm not really missing it much yet, is the hypalon-reinforced corners (for now it loses a star). but like I said I'm not missing them yet, and I've been putting it through its paces. The angled hinge design really makes the pad, helping to prevent ankle-breaking bottom-outs if you land on the hinge. From overhangs to highballs, it is really hard to beat this pad for the money.

This is a alright pad for the money; it does what it is suppose to do, it is ligh enough to pack around for longer distances, it has a chest strap and somewhat comfortable shoulder straps. I found the pad to be a bit hard padding wise, so I am not sure how it will be on highball falls, but I have taken hits on it from 15ft and have been fine. I am not really sure about the durability of the pad though as the ripstop nylon got a hole it in the first time I used it, but at least the ripstop has stopped it from becoming larger. Another downside is that you are not able to use the closure straps to turn the pad into a chair like on some other pads.

This pad is everything you need when you head out for the day. It's very thick compared to other models on the market but that really makes it a more viable option. This pad is a great choice if your landings a little sketchy or you have some rocks buried in your landing. The hooks work well and haven't worn much. The pad still feels useful after many falls and is a pretty comfortable carry to your local spot. The only downside to this model is it doesn't have the "fold in half" seat option, but for a little less cash then competitors, it gets the job done and protects your ankles.

I've only used it a couple times now, but it has treated me great thus far. I have taken a couple falls from around 15 ft. the foam seems pretty stiff, i haven't bottomed it out yet. It is easy to carry and move around and the fabric seams plenty durable. Good pad for the price.

Taken a few falls on this pad now from 15ish feet, other than the adrenaline rush I was fine. It's nice and light, the backpack straps are comfortable. The waist support strap works great too. It's gotten a little dirty but no tears as yet. As Pat Goodman said, the angled hinge is the way to go, you can fall elbow first onto it and feel nothing but pad. At around $140, you can't go wrong.

This pad is great if you are looking for a cost efffective pad. But the down side is it doesn't have a place for your gear. Another downside was it was not a durable as i would have hoped from Metolius. The Falling surface is durable it is just the outer meterial that touches the ground that is not durable.

this pad has done me well, it takes big falls without compressing, doubles as belayers couch, and has withstood terrifying amounts of sharp rock, saturating downpours, and gritty sand. always cleans up back to orange. enjoy

Lightweight, well built, and the price is right. Holds up to the hard landings and it has three hooks to close the pad so none of your goods will fall out en route to the next project.

I wasn't expecting too much for $100 but I am very pleased.

Pros: Comfortable straps, compact, solid construction

Potential Cons: compact and relatively stiff padding