Climbing manufacturers are restricted in creating bouldering crash pads. On the finish of the day, all bouldering pads are, at their core, fabric-covered foam with backpack straps.
Though Black Diamond’s Erratic Crash Pad is devoid of radical designs, it pushes the envelope of crash pad design. It’s lighter than others, but sturdy, and has an outstanding carrying system. The Erratic challenges different manufacturers to degree up their bouldering pad lineup.
I examined the Black Diamond Erratic over three bouldering periods in Iowa (sure, there are crags in Iowa) that have been every a number of hours lengthy.
In brief: The Black Diamond Erratic bouldering crash pad is a good alternative for climbers who routinely sort out lengthy, steep, and arduous approaches. The comparatively gentle weight and wonderful carrying system saves power that can be utilized to ship, and the pad proved sturdy and proof against the weather.
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Closed dimensions
24″ x 40″ -
Open dimensions
48″ x 40″ -
Thickness
4.3″ -
Weight
12 lbs.
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Light-weight -
Customizable match when carrying; nice for small frames -
Sturdy
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Arduous to hold a number of pads -
Worth
Erratic Bouldering Pad Spec Sheet
This crash pad is roofed with Dynex ripstop grid material with a water resistant TPU coating. Black Diamond added strengthened corners for additional sturdiness. It has an adjustable and detachable padded backpack carry system, in addition to a water bottle pocket.
Its building consists of open-cell foam sandwiched between two layers of cross-linked closed-cell foam. The Erratic retails for $380.
The touchdown zone measures 48×40, and the pad folds to half the width. When open, the Erratic is 4.3 inches thick, which is correct round business requirements. Most comparable pads have a thickness of 4 inches.
Carrying the Black Diamond Erratic
The Erratic succeeded in areas the place each different crash pad I’ve tried has failed. As somebody who is barely 5’6”, the carrying system on different crash pads by no means fairly match me proper. I may by no means cinch down the shoulder straps and/or waist belt to suit me tightly sufficient.
This triggered the pad to thud towards the again of my head or tilt backwards and forwards. On approaches longer than 10 minutes, this was fairly uncomfortable and made it tough to hike on steep terrain.
The Black Diamond Erratic was the best-fitting crash pad for my smaller body. The shoulder straps have been adjustable sufficient that I may match the pad tightly and intently to my physique. It felt like I used to be carrying a giant backpack relatively than a mattress that completely dwarfed me. On the similar time, the Erratic carrying system additionally comfortably match my 6’2” good friend.
The straps have been padded sufficient that even with gear stuffed contained in the Erratic, they don’t dig into the shoulders. I volunteered to hike with the Erratic every time I used to be in a gaggle that divided up pads.
The Erratic additionally has an important size-to-weight ratio. Its fall zone of 48×40 inches is kind of substantial for it solely weighing 12 kilos. For comparability, Natural’s Easy Pad has a fall zone of 48×36 and clocks in on the similar weight. Petzl’s Alto Pad has a floor of 46×39 and weighs 12.5 kilos.
There was one vital draw back to the Erratic crash pad. A staff of a number of climbers couldn’t determine strap the Erratic along with different pads. We tried to connect the Erratic to different manufacturers of pads, however have been unsuccessful.
I’ve linked or folded different pads of various manufacturers collectively earlier than. However that didn’t seem doable with this crash pad. This was a possible deal-breaker for a solo climber needing to schlep a number of completely different pads to the crag.
Falling on the Black Diamond Erratic
Falling on a crash pad is essentially the most primary but most decisive check. I took a number of falls of varied heights onto the Erratic; the pad felt relatively agency and durable. I’ve undoubtedly fallen on softer pads, like Natural’s Full pad. The Erratic appeared to be in the course of the highway when it got here to foam density. It was not exceptionally soft, but it surely was not overly stiff.
Due to this relative stiffness in comparison with pads like these from Natural, some climbers repositioned our melange of pads to keep away from falling on the Erratic on sure boulders.
Sturdiness and Different Options
The Erratic obtained main factors for its sturdy building. Regardless of being dragged and scraped throughout limestone and sandstone, the ripstop Dynex material confirmed little put on and tear. And the strengthened corners meant that this pad would doubtless stand the check of time.
The TPU water resistant coating meant that in damp situations or close to water options, the pad was much less more likely to soak up water. This saved the pad from rising heavier. It is a relatively distinctive characteristic throughout crash pads; only a few different manufacturers’ pads are as proof against water.
A Be aware on Worth
At $379, the Black Diamond Erratic is on the upper finish of pricing for crash pads on this dimension vary. Mad Rock’s Mad Pad (fall zone of 48x36x5) prices $219 and Natural’s Thick Large Pad retails for $339 (fall zone of 46x58x5).
Conclusions on the Black Diamond Erratic Bouldering Crash Pad
In the event you are inclined to boulder in locations with lengthy or tough approaches, the Black Diamond Erratic is a good alternative. Its carrying system was brilliantly snug for individuals of all sizes and heights. It wasn’t the cushiest pad available on the market to fall on, but it surely completely obtained the job carried out.
You’re definitely paying a premium for the Erratic. Nevertheless it proved light-weight, carried supremely nicely, and may have a protracted life underneath the boulders.
