Great for Uneven Landings

Familiarity:

I've put it through the wringer

Although this pad is smaller than other options on the market, its ribbed design makes it great for molding to uneven terrain and protecting against rolled ankles and broken legs. If you've got a larger trifold pad or large bifold organic pad, this would make a great addition to your setup.

Kevin R

great pad

Familiarity:

I've put it through the wringer

wouldn't use it for super high balls but other than that is a good pad

john l humphries

Outdoor Gear Lab - 2018 Top Pick

Our Verdict - Outdoor Gear Lab - 2018 The R3 is the best pad we tested for conforming to lumpy landings and for packing gear. It is also one of the best pads for steep low-ball falls on your backside. It is very well made and durable; with strap hooks that are some of the smoothest and most secure. The foam is recycled and shredded into small bits that make a nice and soft feel. At 18 pounds it is one of the heaviest pads we tested, weighing in roughly twice as much as our Best Buy Award-winning Mad Rock Mad Pad. Except for being heavy, all the other attributes combined with our love of the eco-conscious aspect, earn this pad our Top Pick award. Unless you are doing extreme highballs this pad will work best for most people's needs, especially if you frequent areas with uneven landings.

ramesh E.

Awkward Closure and Tendency to Rip

Familiarity:

I've put it through the wringer

The first thing I don't love about this pad is how weird it is to close it up. I always end up with a gap at the bottom of the pad and have had things like water bottles slip out before if I'm not careful to put something large at the bottom. Also after a year, the pad developed one rip that started leaking foam out (I repaired it), but one of the shoulder straps feels like it is about ready to come undone as well. I'll give it three stars for the thickness and for using recycled materials, but I'll be getting something else next time. This pad is also sometimes very awkward to carry and feels off balance unless you get it on just right.

Daniel

Too Heavy

Familiarity:

I've put it through the wringer

This crash pad works well for covering uneven landing, but the pad is far to heavy to make it worth carrying on any moderate-long approach. Lighter to carry two small crash pads.

Trent W

killer for a pad!!

not many pads conform or fold over uneven ground. and you can throw everying in and it retains its burrito shape, great for a first crash pad. not the best foam for highballing but still is a much needed addition to my safety outside!!

Ryan

Awesome Pad

Familiarity:

I've put it through the wringer

The cushion and versatility of this pad beats nearly all other pads I've climbed with. The standard pad is quite stiff and folds in half, making it difficult to position over natural terrain. The R3 easily contours over uneven or rocky ground. We've even slung it up against tree trunks that were in the way. The point of a crash pad is to provide protection when falling during bouldering, and this crash pad excels in this. As other reviews have said, this thing is HEAVY. I've never bouldered in an area further than ~1-1.5 miles from a parking lot, and haven't had to much fuss carrying it uphill, or in the heat. It's a pain sure, but for me, the sheer awesomness of this pad outweighs the only downside - it's weight.

Ellese

First Crash Pad

Familiarity:

I've used it several times

Straight to the point, this is an amazing crash pad. I initially purchased this without having any knowledge of crash pads (I've only climbed indoors) and went with the highest rated. I'm seriously glad I did! The rolls help to hug rocks that may be underneath you and considering I've only taken a couple of falls on it so far, I didn't feel any of those rocks. I've focused my climbing in central Arizona, so far, where the desert foliage reigns mighty and stabby. I try to keep it away from as many stabby things as possible to prolong it's life, but sometimes you just can't and this pad has withstood all kinds of rocks and roots. I really, really, really want to give this five stars, but I have to give it four ONLY due to it's weight. I didn't see anything about how heavy it was when initially purchasing it, so taking it out of the box was a surprise. I have a little bit of trouble trying to get the flaps to velcro like they're supposed to, but I haven't lost anything out of the bottom yet. The farthest I've had to travel with this on my back is roughly 20 minutes in and 20 minutes out on flat ground. I don't know how this will be when having to hike and scramble into a climbing area, but when I get there, I'll use that as practice for backpacking the PCT and AT. Have to get used to it somehow, amiright?

Sam L.

Hits the middle ground

Familiarity:

I've put it through the wringer

I've had this pad for some time now and have a very mixed feeling about it as a result. I had originally bought this pad for times I go out bouldering by myself. I felt the need to have something hefty for the most optimal protection for times I do my solo trips. For the sheer heft of the pad, it score a solid A+ for ground coverage and its ability to mold to uneven terrain. And as a added bonus, manages to double as a haul bag too. Landing on this pad isn't too bad, but its not soft ether. I've taken some hellish back first falls on it, and managed to walk away uninjured. However you can certainly feel the impact more so then most other traditional crash pads (it has very dense form). Where this pad losses, is its sheer weight and bulk. This thing is extremely heavy and clumsy (Think fully loaded 60LT hiking backpack but larger). Walking up or down rocky terrain can be quite the experience. Its also piratically impossible to strap additional crash-pad to it..

George K.

Love the foam!

Familiarity:

I've used it once or twice and have initial impressions

Great pad for bouldering and to chill on if sport climbing! Easy to carry, perfect dimension to add to your school of crashpads. The foam is great! Love that it's not too thick but still very dense to comfortably fall on. Would recommend for the price!

Zaliqa R.

Mad Rock= Crap

Familiarity:

I've used it several times

I'm going to buck the trend here. This pad is downright unsafe. The pad uses a terrible baffle system that causes a very uneven landing surface. It's great that the pad can move around objects in landings, but a crash pad should make a landing more even and not reinforce the danger of a stepped landing by just molding around the obstacle. The baffles can very easily roll your ankle if you land on them incorrectly, and I took a larger fall on to my butt and landed with a tailbone between a baffle, which would have seriously injured me if I didn't know how to roll out from a fall. When I see this pad under my landing, I politely request to move it to a place where I won't fall. One star is reserved for products that straight up suck. I acknowledge that Mad Rock is trying to use recycled foam, but that doesn't make the pad any more usable or less dangerous. To add to all this, the pad must weigh 30 lbs with nothing in it. They pack foam in so densely, the foam doesn't compact the way it should in case of a hard fall. Please don't buy this pad; Petzl and BD make great comparable options, and Organic and Asana make the best crash pads (which we don't sell, but I'd rather you just buy the best thing rather than always buy it through us.)

Zane Dordai

Value Pad

Familiarity:

I've used it several times

Great pad thickness, surface area. like the rolls so it can hug rocks and roots. also nice to lay on!

Eric L.

An awesome pad for the right situation.

Familiarity:

I've put it through the wringer

I think Mad Rock kills it with their pads, and the R3 is no exception. The recycled foam filling is very thick and soft, making even the wildest of landings soft. That isn't unheard of in pads though, in fact it should be standard. What sets this pad apart is the design. The circular foam pillars make this awesome for laying over that poorly placed boulder right in the middle of your landing zone. Unlike other pads which stick up in the air after being placed over a rock, this pad rolls smoothly over any obstacle providing 100% coverage and no odd landings. Despite the advantage for strange landings, this pad isn't perfect. It is very heavy. Dragging this up any hill to a boulder isn't idea. It's worth it if the landing calls for it, but if you have a good flat landing, then I would use the Mad Pad and leave the R3 in the car for later. All-in-all, this a phenomenal pad, but pick your battles wisely with this one.

Alex Le Blanc

Mad Rock does it again

Familiarity:

I've used it several times

Bringing exceptional product to climbers at a low end cost. I have nothing bad to say about this product. It is extremely versatile, does great at all higths, it's ability to pack in large items is number one thing about this crash pad. For a crash pad I highly recommend this product.

Travis B.

Great pad!

Familiarity:

I've put it through the wringer

Great pad. The baffles make it a really bendable pad which is perfect for uneven surfaces - which tend to be quite prevalent in the great outdoors! The bottom flap also makes this pad a great pack for carrying all the necessities for a day of bouldering.

NickMartino

MadRock hits one out of the park

Familiarity:

I've put it through the wringer

This is my favorite pad to have with me on a trip. Covers up bad landings better than anything else out there. Also carries things well in backpack form. Best when paired up other pads, using this for the sketchy parts and other pads filling in the rest of the landing. It is a little heavy, and doesn't pack as easily in a car as most taco pads, but it's worth it.

Jared

Great Crash Pad

Familiarity:

I've used it several times

I've used the R3 on two bouldering trips now, and it is awesome for creating soft landings and protecting awkward obstacles on the ground. It's also great for carrying stuff with the 'burrito' style backpack wrap without anything falling out the bottom as you hike. The flexible roll-up design also helps when you are trying to fit one last crash pad into your car - the R3 squishes into weird spaces quite nicely! Overall a great pad and great value for the price.

Victoria

Wonderful pad!

Familiarity:

I've used it several times

Love the pad! I'm a fan of the design. Great for protection. But I wanted to also point out some nice thoughtful perks. The backpack mode is very useful for hauling gear. Just one huge bucket to carry gear. It's also got a cover that protects your backpack straps from mud and dust when you roll the pad out for protection. The pad worked great as a sleeping pad for camping too. The only downside is the weight. It's noticeably heavier than other pads like the metolius session pad.

Nathan

Very rad mad pad

This pad is incredible. It's just firm enough to protect you on those darn highball problems but is still soft enough to keep you comfortable on low falls. It's shape is great in areas with uneven landing for landing zones with large rocks/roots in the way. This pad also carries an insane amount of gear

Owen Hergel

Perfect pad to compliment..

Familiarity:

I've put it through the wringer

the usual taco and flat pads. I got this because all of my friends had the usual taco and flat pads, and i thought it would be a nice addition. Boy was i right! Fits perfectly over rocks that are in the landing zone and oblong feeling with other pads on it. I was a little skepticle about the bevel system and how deep each crease was and the possibility of rolling an ankle from a high fall, until i got the pad and properly broke it in, a I have tested and tried to purposely roll my ankle and have not thus far. I have rode freestyle BMX for 17 years and know how to take a fall, and falling on this is a treat to say the least!

Anthony Manina

Will this be back in stock soon? Is there shipping to Ontario? Thanks!

Emily

When are you all stocking this again? Is there any kind of system set up where I can be notified so I can jump in and buy one once they do become available? thanks!

Kristen R.

need more in stock so i can use the summer coupon!!!

a

I have had this pad for a couple of years...

I have had this pad for a couple of years and I just moved into an apartment with limited space. Does anyone have a good idea on how to store this? I have a closet that it could fit into, but that's about it. I feel like it's just too heavy to hang, that's my biggest problem. Thanks!

luke.orlando

How long before the mad rock r3 pad will...

How long before the mad rock r3 pad will be back in stock?

Nate Bordonada

Is this the new 18lb Version?

Is this the new 18lb Version?

Gabriel B.

PLEASE, WHEN ARE WE GETTING THIS BACK IN...

PLEASE, WHEN ARE WE GETTING THIS BACK IN THE STORE AGAIN???? HOPEFULLY REAL REAL SOON....

Julio P.

I got the pad today. Apparently, they have...

I got the pad today. Apparently, they have been switching foam manufacturers and materials from time to time. The one I got is VERY HEAVY. I haven't had a chance to weight it -- my guess -- 45 + lb. It does have what looks to be an especially well designed harness for a crash pad. I guess you need a good harness to haul something SO heavy. Can someone recommend a good pad that is lighter than this? I

heart

Does this pad have the back pack straps...

Does this pad have the back pack straps like other pads? Also, from the one pic that is up it looks as if the vertical stitching lines would create a location where no cushion is. Is that the case or does the picture not do the pad justice?

Evan H.

are there separate tubes of foam inside...

are there separate tubes of foam inside the pad or just one big piece of foam? I guess i am trying to figure out how easy it is to take the foam out, pack it and check it in on the plane.

John M.

Props to Mad Rock for being all green and...

Props to Mad Rock for being all green and what not (R3 = reduce, reuse, recycle) My question is to anyone who has used this much, how is the landing? it looks cushy all right, but the deck looks less than flat. Do you think it's easier to roll an ankle on it?

Thomas Ogasawara

Thats a great point Bryan. Anyone know...

Thats a great point Bryan. Anyone know the weight of the R3 pad? I've been finding it difficult to find information on it.

Paul Kummer

How is the landing, high and low balls,...

How is the landing, high and low balls, on this compared to the typical dual density pads? I'm esentially trying to figure out if I want to go for this newer pad or the older standard Mad Pads.

Paul Kummer