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Big pads and load hauling (Read 11127 times)

Danny

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Big pads and load hauling
May 01, 2019, 11:43:51 am
Since I do a lot of bouldering on my own, and a fair bit of development, I often haul multiple pads (3-4) and kit to the crag.

My biggest pad is an Ocun Dominator, which is a decent size, weight and thickness, but the carrying system is toss. In fact, build quality for these pads is quite poor I think: the carrying straps, which are already shit, have started to tear through the pad fabric. I've stitched it, but I don't think it'll last.* Part of the issue is of course that it isn't designed to have multiple pads strapped to it, but it could deffo be better.

Anyway, after losing a stashed pad to massive waves in a storm, I bought an Organic full pad, which is pretty decent, having a good carry system, and I can use the big flap thing to strap my trashed Ocun to the back of it, but the whole setup is slightly faffy. Now I'm thinking I should get a nice big pad with a really good carry system that will stand up to the abuse I dish out week to week and provide more room to shove kit inside, strap more pads to, etc.

Organic do a backcountry pad, which looks spot on, but is eyewateringly expensive:

https://www.bananafingers.co.uk/boulder-pads/organic-climbing/backcountry-pad

Still, I might treat myself. OTOH, Alpkit have a new big pad at half the price with a half decent looking carry system (albeit not as good as the Organic):

https://www.alpkit.com/products/project#features

If anyone has or has used either of these I'd be interested to hear feedback.




*second quibble: anything with metal zips is going to be shit for coastal bouldering.

Danny

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#1 Re: Big pads and load hauling
May 01, 2019, 11:45:52 am
Secondarily, a discussion on general kit hauling strategies might be useful for those of us who do this type of thing.

SA Chris

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#2 Re: Big pads and load hauling
May 01, 2019, 12:09:25 pm
Anyway, after losing a stashed pad to massive waves in a storm,

Somewhere in the mid Atlantic is a bouldering pad island. I've lost 2, and know of at least 2 others lost locally.

teestub

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#3 Re: Big pads and load hauling
May 01, 2019, 12:39:50 pm
As much as I’ve been tempted to save up my pennies for a backcountry pad, the back system on the big pad (which is the same as the full pad) has always been sufficiently comfortable and stable for me.

I’ve walked >30 min approaches with two big pads strapped together, this is pretty hard work weight wise (think they weigh 8kg each) but gives you a very respectable landing area. I’ve done some shorter approaches with 3 big pads strapped together, I wouldn’t recommend this unless you’re training to be a porter in the Himalayas!

Rather than stashing shoes etc in the pads when I’m carrying a few, I carry it in a bag on my chest, which helps counterbalance the pad weight.

No experience of the new Alpkit ones so can’t help out there.

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#4 Re: Big pads and load hauling
May 01, 2019, 01:00:24 pm
I've only had the new Alpkit pad for a couple of weeks, but so far the carry system is proving comfortable, albeit with a limited experience of long approaches - the longest being 10-15min at Anston Stones with an extra Ocun Dominator strapped to the back.

With this amount of weight, the harness was straining a little at the main covering, so we'll have to wait and see if this is a weak point.

In addition to the good recommendation to carry shoes/chalk/food on your chest, also consider strapping the extra pad inline with the carrying pad using extra straps, as this reduces wobble and leverage compared to just using the shoulder strap of the other pad.

Pope B

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#5 Re: Big pads and load hauling
May 01, 2019, 01:02:39 pm
UKGearAdverts did a review on the new alpkit pads,

https://www.ukclimbing.com/gear/climbing/bouldering_mats/alpkit_bouldering_mats_-_origin_mujo_and_project-11658

don't know how helpful it'll be, but hopefully will provide some insight.

Danny

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#6 Re: Big pads and load hauling
May 01, 2019, 01:29:48 pm
Anyway, after losing a stashed pad to massive waves in a storm,

Somewhere in the mid Atlantic is a bouldering pad island. I've lost 2, and know of at least 2 others lost locally.

The great Atlantic lost pad patch.

Danny

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#7 Re: Big pads and load hauling
May 01, 2019, 01:41:12 pm
Good feedback all.

Regarding the Organic full pad carry system: I think it's good, and might go big pad rather than backcountry if it's the same deal.

On load balancing, something about front carrying annoys me—and it's deffo a hindrance moving over steep ground—but perhaps I just need a different bag. On compression straps, I agree and almost always use them. The full pad has what are effectively compression straps that give quite a neat carry with the Ocun. I believe Organic also do some bespoke webbing to strap pads together.

I was thinking the other day that someone needs to design a pad stuffable boulder bag, i.e. essentially a thin drybag type thing with a big zip or something and a super minimal carry system for hauling it about outside a pad. I currently use a large bag for life type bag for my kit. Low bulk for the capacity offered, is easy to stuff into a pad, and gives quick access to all your kit.

bigironhorse

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#8 Re: Big pads and load hauling
May 01, 2019, 01:59:07 pm
I've had a moon warrior for a few months now and have found the carry system to be really good, can fit one small pad and a rope inside it and another small pad held on by the flap. I'm a bit worried about the stitching though as it doesn't look that strong. I think you are right that pads aren't designed to have multiple other pads strapped to them, but I think this is a bit bollocks as they really should be!

Rucksack on the front definitely makes things easier.

dunnyg

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#9 Re: Big pads and load hauling
May 01, 2019, 02:04:15 pm
How does the alpkit foam compare with the organic stuff (for the massive alpkit pad)? Might upgrade next bouldering season but the organic prices are large for a poor phd student etc. etc.. (im too tight)

yetix

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#10 Re: Big pads and load hauling
May 01, 2019, 02:11:30 pm
Can't comment on the newer or larger models but I have an old alpkit and 2 organic full pads which are all the same size and about the same weight. I've found that the straps on the organics can be a little frustrating when you are trying to tighten from full extension. I've found that the alpkits stitching and fabric doesn't seem to be of the same quality and some of the straps have fallen off (fortunately the organics straps have made it easy for me to slot the alpkit between the 2 organics when carrying the 3).

I also rate my moon saturn pad, but find location of the straps on the back to be frustrating compared to older saturn models when approaching on rocky terrain (older models had the straps lower down so this meant the pad was higher on my back)

Bradders

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#11 Re: Big pads and load hauling
May 01, 2019, 03:04:00 pm
Have posted about this a few times recently but I also rate the Moon Saturn and I almost never go bouldering without strapping at least two other pads (usually a Warrior or Grivel plus a sitter or Organic Blubber) to the outside and stuffing rope, shoes, chalk, camera, tarp, food, water, etc. inside. I've always found the carry system very comfortable and have used it on 5km+ approaches (Flaystones, Harter Gold, etc.) several times.

That said, if the Organic Big Pad or back country were the same price I'd find it very hard to choose, as the foam is brilliant on those.

Having had my Saturn for two years of very intensive (at least one session a week, every week, often two or three), it's now starting to show signs of wear; the foam is softening up (not alarmingly, but noticeably), some of the stitching is coming out and one of the closure loops ripped off (admittedly this was due to falling on it from height and then sliding on it whilst it was staked to the ground through the loop  ::)).

I've been considering one of the big Alpkits but haven't bitten the bullet because my previous experience with their foam is that it was complete toss. I think they've changed it now, and offer a 3 year guarantee, but it still puts me off. That and the thing is almost too big!! I drive a big estate car and would still be worried about fitting it in.

tomtom

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#12 Re: Big pads and load hauling
May 01, 2019, 03:17:58 pm
I’ve at the moment:
Snap Grand Wrap
Snap Wrap
Snap calzone (old)
Organic standard (but with the extra strap thing)
Pod crisp packet.


I’m a huge fan of the snap wrap pads (the ones with the air cushioning) as think none of the others I’ve tried match their cushioning. They have good shoulder straps and waist belts (better than organic). BUT - they are bloody heavy AND because they are soft (relying on the air release for cushioning) if you try and strap another pad across the top they bend and sag on your back wand the whole load wallows around a bit. So I tend to use these on their own or with short walk ins.

For longer walk ins I use the organic as a base then strap one of the others to the back inside the organic flap thing which works well.

A general point - I’ve found over the years that you generally get what you pay for - and if the mat is cheap - it’s likely the foam is cheap and won’t last long.

Ps - I had an ocun dominator which was great but the strap ripped off the back too.

Pps- amazed no one does a ‘replacement foam’ service for mats.. you resole shoes why not refoam mats...

cheque

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#13 Re: Big pads and load hauling
May 01, 2019, 03:35:01 pm
I think this place refoam mats.

Bradders

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#14 Re: Big pads and load hauling
May 01, 2019, 03:39:38 pm
Teestub has bought replacement foam from Alpkit as well and having used it the foam did feel very good, and lighter than the standard Organic stuff. Whether it lasts as long though....

teestub

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#15 Re: Big pads and load hauling
May 01, 2019, 04:05:21 pm
Time will tell on that replacement foam, but as it was only £40 (I think) for the open cell (don’t need to replace closed cell in Organic, it’s what you’re paying a premium for a think), I won’t be too unhappy if it only lasts a couple of years.

andy popp

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#16 Re: Big pads and load hauling
May 01, 2019, 04:14:16 pm
closed cell in Organic, it’s what you’re paying a premium for a think

Where do other companies manufacture their pads? There may be some premium for the fact Organic manufacture in the US.

teestub

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#17 Re: Big pads and load hauling
May 01, 2019, 04:34:51 pm
Sorry, yes I agree entirely that some of the additional cost for Organic will be due to them being made in the US by people paid a living wage. The two main differentiations in terms of use (IMO) are the quality of the closed cell foam and quality of the construction (stitching etc.)

andy popp

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#18 Re: Big pads and load hauling
May 01, 2019, 04:45:34 pm
Yes, I meant in addition to quality materials (which are also sourced in the US). I assume they pay a living wage - minimum wage in PA is $7.25 an hour.

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#19 Re: Big pads and load hauling
May 01, 2019, 05:33:18 pm
I prefer the 2 medium sized Franklin pads maximum approach. Sometimes if it’s to high, rather than approach from the ground multiples of times, I like to descend on a rope and try the tricky move(s) first. In this way I don’t need a telescopic scrubbing brush and find there’s overall less wear to the holds. Unfortunately to do it this way does mean you are ethically inferior to eventually doing the ‘climb’ after a thousand goes from the deck.

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#20 Re: Big pads and load hauling
May 01, 2019, 08:26:30 pm
I recently took a Backcountry to Rum, stuffed with a half pad and supplies in the back and was pretty impressed by the support system. It still weighs a ton of course but I was getting up there (solid 90 minute bog-trotting up to 400m) without the usual ache in the shoulders as the weight seems very well distributed. And for shorter walk ins I've just slung another pad over the back of it without it being an issue.

This looks pretty innovative as a "pad stuffable boulder bag" -  if it's of decent quality. https://www.instagram.com/p/BwuV3LjDiTS/

teestub

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#21 Re: Big pads and load hauling
May 01, 2019, 09:56:53 pm
Sometimes if it’s to high, rather than approach from the ground multiples of times, I like to descend on a rope and try the tricky move(s) first.

I rarely try anything high enough for a rope to be required but on steeper stuff you end up covering a lot of ground.

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#22 Re: Big pads and load hauling
May 01, 2019, 10:11:04 pm
Coverage is an issue when it comes to us lads eh Tim

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#23 Re: Big pads and load hauling
May 01, 2019, 10:34:05 pm
I use dmm highballs that have a strap system to join two or more pads. I regularly walk in more than an hour,  and it even copes with a scooter wedged in with the kit. (hour in, 15mins out)

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#24 Re: Big pads and load hauling
May 01, 2019, 11:43:57 pm
Whats the best way you've found to join two highballs?

Have 2 and not found anything thats really successful.

Be interested to hear!

Cheers

 

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