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Black Diamond Drop Zone Crash Pad
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4 Reviews
Details
Your go-to, everyday crash pad.
Black Diamond designed its Drop Zone Crash Pad to go anywhere every day of the week. This mid-sized pad has an extremely durable nylon exterior that prevents tearing from tree branches and scuffing from the rocky ground. Black Diamond added a PU coating to the top for water-resistance and protection from abrasion, and an EPO treatment gives the bottom waterproof protection that also prevents the pad from slipping underneath your feet when you land. The pad's interior has a layer of closed-cell PE foam that dissipates the force of your fall, and another layer of high-compression PU foam keeps the pad sturdy and ready to catch you for many years.
The Drop Zone also features shoulder straps and a waist belt to help you get to your projects with ease, and two handles help your buddies move the pad underneath you while you climb. Its taco-style fold eliminates any dead spaces in order to prevent your ankles from rolling when you land, and the quick-closure elastic mesh flap lets you load the pad up (once it's folded) with your chalk bag, shoes, and maybe some drinks to celebrate your sending successes.
- 1000D nylon exterior with PU coating and EPO treatment
- Closed-cell PE foam (1in) top interior
- High-compression PU foam (2.5in) bottom interior
- Shoulder straps, waist belt, two handles
- Taco-style fold
- Elastic mesh flap goes over the pad's ends when it's folded
- Item #BLD000Z
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Great pad in every way
- Familiarity: I've used it once or twice and have initial impressions
I'll preface by saying this is the first crash pad I have owned but Ive used many others. Packing it in is no problem once you figure out how to fold the pad. Being a taco style pad I kinda have to put a knee on one side to get the edges together. Once folded I was able to fit a 35L Patagonia bag with trad gear (for after bouldering ;)) into the the pad. It carried everything surprisingly well even though it may sit kind of funny on your back. The pad does a great job maintaining its shape over rocks and roots and doesn't deform over these objects when catching a fall making the landing surface more even. The underside of the pad has a nice grippy, water-repellent, and abrasion resistant surface. I am definitely happy with this pad and I think the extra money is well spent.
Does the job
- Familiarity: I've used it several times
This was my first crash pad ever, so I don't have much to compare it to. I'm a fan though. It's a good size, and the taco style is quite practical for holding my essentials.
The right size
- Familiarity: I've put it through the wringer
What I love about my pad is it's the perfect size for daily bouldering. The single piece of foam of the Drop Zone compared to those that have a hinge in the middle prevent that dangerous middle crease. When closed it has ample room inside for shoes, chalk bucket, jacket, water bottle, basically all the essentials. It is also great as a campfire couch leaned up against a tree or the wheel of my van. The location of the straps and waist belt make it comfortable to carry and packs small enough to be manageable on the trail. This is an excellent addition to any climbers arsenal.
Here's a photo of Eliza climbing in the Alpine Wilderness of Washington State.
A truly everyday pad
- Familiarity: I've put it through the wringer
Performance: This pad takes falls like it's nothing. The way it's constructed makes the pad feel softer the higher you fall from. The taco style directs you to the centre every time. I use it solo for lowballs or problems with good landings. When I'm with friends and have more pads it works getting with other pads for stacking or arranging.
Durability: After a year of use I can't see any rips or tears. If I gets dirty it's easy to wash it off. Soap and water will do it.
Carrying: The shoulder straps are incredibly comfortable and make the pad feel lighter. The waist strap really secures the pad and stops it from bouncing around. I like putting my shoes in the top, taco style makes it easy to do that. There is a small zippered pocket that I use occasionally for small things, I find it useful.
I would definitely recommend buying this pad.
