Organic Simple Review

Since its debut, the Organic Simple Pad hasn't changed much over the years. But as they say, "Don't fix it if it ain't broke." Organic got it right the first time with the design of this pad. Sporting four inches of high-quality foam, a premium Cordura outer shell, and a simple hybrid hinge closure, this pad does exactly what you need it to without the need for any frills. It will keep you off the ground and maintain that margin of safety for many seasons, all without breaking the bank.

Performance Comparison

Padding Falls

A crash pad's primary function is to make falling off a boulder safer than landing on hard, unforgiving ground. That being said, not all pads are created equal. The type of foam used and the design of the pad closure system all dictate how well each pad will perform when cushioning a landing. The Simple Pad has three layers of open-cell foam and one layer of closed-cell foam and is designed with a hybrid-hinge closure system. The hybrid-hinge system includes a continuous top layer of foam that folds over on itself when the pad is closed. This continuous layer of foam prevents any dead space in the center of the landing zone, where the two sides of the pad are hinged together.

Typically speaking, the higher you are falling from, the stiffer the pad you want to be falling onto. If a pad is made of super soft foam, it might be comfortable to lay on but will result in you "bottoming out" if you take a big fall. Organic's blend of open and closed cell foam hits the sweet spot both for protecting bigger falls. Our testers never bottomed out the Simple Pad when falling from six feet or higher in any of our test falls.

While it's not uncommon for boulderers to find themselves way off the deck, our experience is that the majority of falls while bouldering aren't too far from the ground. An ultra-stiff pad might make huge falls a bit safer, but that same pad certainly won't be comfortable to land on from a lower height, especially if the fall is onto your butt or back. Organic's blend of foam perfectly treads that line: it's neither too stiff nor too soft. Our testers found that while an unexpected back flop might knock the wind out of you, the Simple Pad is generally pretty comfortable to take short falls onto.

Durability

Although no bouldering pad will last you a lifetime, all but the heaviest climbers should get at least a few good seasons out of any high-quality pad. While the various outer materials different companies use are important, the most crucial component of a pad's durability is how long the inner foam will last before developing soft spots or getting so squishy you almost always bottom out. Organic has long been known in the industry for using some of the highest-quality foams available. Their pads seem to withstand fall after fall and take most people years to "blow out."

Foam durability is undoubtedly the most important thing to consider, but having a tough outer shell will only add longevity to your pad. The bottom of the Simple Pad is made from super sturdy, 1050d ballistic nylon, while the landing zone is made from 1200d recycled Cordura. This bombproof combo will keep the insides of your pad right where they belong: on the inside! The only weak spot on this pad – an issue with nearly every pad on the market – is the plastic buckles used for the chest and waist straps. Over the years, we've witnessed many of them stepped on and cracked.

Packing Gear

Perhaps the biggest issue when going out for a long day in the boulders is the eternal conundrum of how to pack all of your things. Sitting on your back, where you should have your day pack full of layers, water, and snacks, lives a big ol' bulky crash pad.

Boulderers make the best of it by sandwiching as much as possible into the pads themselves. While it's not impossible to stuff a thin supplemental drag pad and a small day pack into a Simple Pad, that is really all you will manage without wearing a pack on your chest, as we often find ourselves doing with this pad.

Features

The Simple Pad is, well, simple. It's a barebones setup offered at one of the best price points on the market. While it's missing some of the bells and whistles included in some of the more premium pads, you probably won't miss or need those things unless you spend a ton of time hiking with your pads.

You can secure the Simple Pad closed with four metal buckles, with a carry system comprised of adjustable shoulder straps and a two-inch waist belt. Despite its lack of padding, the waist belt is much more comfortable than you might imagine, especially given how awkward of a load pads can be.

Should You Buy the Organic Simple Pad?

The Organic Simple Pad is an exceptional value. It has the lowest price point of any of the pads in our review. Although it doesn't have many extra features, it is incredibly durable and excels at fall protection. Those last two points are really all most people need to consider when buying a new pad. The Simple Pad is an affordable, no-frills option that will more than meet the needs of most climbers.

What Other Crash Pads Should You Consider?