The next category comprises the extra large pads. Meant for highballs, maximum coverage, or frequent solo bouldering adventures, these monsters usually measure 50″ by 60″ but often times can get much larger. The Revolution 12-Gauge is an excellent example of this type of crash pad.

Finally, you have the small, extra mobile crash pad. Usually less than three feet by four feet, these smaller crash pads have a lot more functionality than you would expect.

Recently I purchased one of these mobile pads. I already owned two crash pads – the venerable Metolius Large crash pad and a recently purchased Revolution 12-Gauge. Despite the flexibility of these two, I still felt like I needed a smaller pad.

Why was I interested in one of these? Two main reasons. First, there are some bouldering areas I frequent where the hike is longer than I’d prefer. With a regular pad, I have to hike normally to reach the boulder. With a mobile pad, I can do some trail running to the bouldering without worrying about having a giant sail on my back. The same rationale for my second reason – riding to areas on my mountain bike. This is not as much of a factor now, but some of the areas I’m considering moving to in Colorado I could easily ride my bike to the trailhead from home.

While on my trip to Colorado in March, I picked up the Revolution Uzi Pad from Neptune Mountaineering. I immediately used it on the relatively steep hike up to the bouldering on Mt. Sanitas. This pad is so small and light, I really did not feel encumbered at all.

Additionally, the full shoulder strap and belt buckle combo usually only found on much larger and more expensive pads was phenomenal. Most of the smaller pads only have the shoulder straps and lack the waist belt. But if you’re going to be using a smaller pad while trail running or biking, you need to have a solid fit so the pad will not shift around too much. The Uzi really excels on this count.

Pros

Just like its older siblings, the Uzi has large flaps with velcro on the bottom and sides making it easy to stuff all your gear inside and not worry about it falling out on the hike.

Inexpensive. The retail price of the Revolution Uzi is only $99.

The Uzi is lightweight at only 7 lbs.

Great for traveling, especially on a plane. I had no issues bringing this baby back from Colorado on multiple connecting flights.

Cons

Honestly, I haven’t found any yet. This pad does what it is supposed to at a reasonable price. The Uzi is not meant to be a primary, all-around crash pad though. If you purchase it for that purpose, you will likely be disappointed.

The Specs

• Manufacturer: Revolution Climbing
• Model: Uzi Pad
• Size: 40″ x 30″ x 2.5″
• Taco fold
• Bar-tacked stitching on stress points
• 4″ wide Velcro strips on side and bottom flaps
• Shoulder straps and 2″ adjustable hip belt
• Ballistic nylon shell
• Velcro-closing pocket on side flap
• Weight: 7 lbs

The Competition

Metolius Sketch Pad $109, 42″ x 32″ x 3″, 6 lbs

Black Diamond Satellite Pad $180, 41″ x 33″ x 3″, 6 lbs 10 oz

Organic Half Pad $80, 24� x 36� x 3�

Organic Briefcase Pad $95, 24″ x 36″ x 3″

Revolution Commando Pad $99, 41″ x 30″ x 3″, 6.5 lbs

Summary

Buy this pad if you’re looking for a smaller version of your existing setup. For its purpose, the Uzi provides a great fit with a reasonable price and all the bells and whistles you would expect from a quality crash pad.

NOTE: One of the best overall crash pad reviews available online is by Dave Pegg on Climbing.com from August 2002.

The post Gear Review: Revolution Uzi Crash Pad first appeared on All Climbing.

one thing that will strike you about this movie is the emphasized pairing of music with climbing problems. at times you feel like you are watching segmented 4 minute music videos. the pairings work mostly. there were times however when i wished i could just hear the ocean and nothing else. someone should compile a cd of the movieâ??s tracks though. the songs would make for a great climbing road trip album.

my one criticism of the film is that i wish it had taken more risks with its story lines. i also wanted lindner and especially kinder to be complex characters. at one point lindner starts talking about how his father broke his back trad climbing and how that influenced chrisâ??s decision to focus on sport climbing. i was intrigued by the possibility of this narrative but was a bit disappointed by its cursory treatment. similarly, i wish joe had been a bit more vulnerable and raw in his conversations. he gets close to this point when talking about how chris sharma inspired him by climbing surf safari (5.14) at age 14 but the exposure is brief. i guess i was hoping for a little less spray.

I haven’t seen the film yet. Anyone else have thoughts on Spray?

The post Review of the climbing film Spray first appeared on All Climbing.