Many times I’ve gone to do a sit start on a boulder problem but noticed the medium or large pad at the base got in the way; the foam was too thick so it blocked the foot holds, or it made so I couldn’t get in the right position on the holds. Without a pad, I’d risk bruising my rear but with a pad the problem wasn’t as fun.
These days I carry two auxiliary – otherwise known as minimalist — pads, the evolv Ringer ($39.00, 28” X 21” X 2”) and Metolius Shield ($89.00, 36” X 23” X 2”). Both are thin, weigh less than 5 pounds, and work great for sit starts, a quick buildering problem, or protecting the falling climber from obstacles like trees and bad landings. They make great seats for the peanut gallery, can be paired up and used as a comfy sleeping mat, or stacked and covered with a blanket for use as a deluxe dog bed. Both pads fit inside a folded medium or large pad.
Several elements set these pads apart.
The Ringer has firmer (closed cell) foam, a semi-coarse (ballistic) covering and is slightly smaller than the Shield. The Ringer has two handles: one on the top (or bottom depending how you orient it) and one on the side of the pad. Comes in orange, lime and purple.
The Shield is equipped with handles in the middle of it so a spotter can position it to deflect a flying foot to the face. I’ve never used it this way but it’s nice to know if I need to I can. The foam is softer on the Shield (I don’t know what it’s made of, but it’s simply softer) than on the Ringer. It has suede covering on the up side of it and durable 600-denier material on the back. Does not have side or top handles.
Regardless if you choose the Ringer or Shield (or both), you’ll find it to be indispensable for a variety of uses. And you’ll find everyone at the boulders will be grabbing for it; to either to use it for sitting on when slipping on their climbing shoes, to keeping their shoes clean before stepping on the problem, or for the ultra-low bouldering start.
