This July boulderers may finally find the excuse they need to invest in a new crash pad when Petzl introduces their new, first-ever line. You get what you’d expect: three layers of varying-density closed-cell foam surrounded in waterproof fabrics, with a hingeless design that should extend the life of the pad. But they’ve also added a zipper flap closure that lets you stuff a bunch of gear inside the folded pad, shoulder it on the carrying straps, and wander from boulder to crag to car without worrying about leaving a trail of your best stuff behind. Overthought? Perhaps, but know as well that the pad can be easily converted into a camp bench—or couch, should you need to find space for it inside. It arrives this summer in three sizes, with prices starting around $280.
—Nathan Borchelt
