Moon Warrior Bouldering Pad Review: A Mid-Sized Classic for Serious Boulderers

A Trusted Name in Bouldering Protection

The Moon Warrior Bouldering Pad is a mid-sized, taco-style crash pad designed for climbers who want a balance of durability, foam performance, and portability. Positioned between Moon’s smaller Pluto and larger Saturn pads, the Warrior is built for serious boulderers who need reliable protection without the bulk of a super-sized mat.

With a reputation for premium foam construction, rugged materials, and a comfortable carry system, the Warrior has become a go-to choice for climbers across the UK and beyond. But how does it hold up in the field? We tested the Warrior across gritstone circuits, highballs, and muddy woodland landings to find out.

Key Specifications

Design and Build Quality

The Warrior is a taco-style crash pad, meaning it folds in half without a hinge. This design eliminates the weak spot found in hinged pads and provides a continuous landing surface, which is especially important for uneven or rocky landings.

The outer shell is made from 600D ripstop polyester, a highly durable fabric that resists abrasion, moisture, and UV degradation. The buckles are aluminium, not plastic, and the webbing is thick and securely stitched—a clear sign of Moon’s attention to detail.

The pad’s foam is encased in a plastic liner, which serves two purposes:

1. It keeps the foam dry and protected from moisture.
2. It makes the foam easier to insert and remove during manufacturing or replacement.

While this plastic layer adds a slight crinkle underfoot, it doesn’t affect performance and may extend the pad’s lifespan.

Foam Performance and Impact Absorption

The Warrior uses a dual-layer foam system:

• 25mm of closed-cell foam on top to disperse impact
• 95mm of open-cell foam underneath to absorb force

This combination provides a firm but forgiving landing, ideal for repeated falls and highball problems. The closed-cell layer prevents bottoming out, while the open-cell layer cushions the blow.

In testing, the Warrior handled:

• Low crux falls with minimal bounce
• Highball top-outs with confidence-inspiring absorption
• Uneven landings without folding or collapsing

The foam density strikes a “Goldilocks” balance—not too soft, not too stiff. It’s suitable for climbers up to 90–100 kg without noticeable bottoming out.

Carry System and Portability

One of the Warrior’s standout features is its comfortable and practical carry system. It includes:

• Padded shoulder straps with breathable mesh
• Adjustable chest strap for load stability
• Minimalist waist belt for short walk-ins
• Multiple grab handles for repositioning at the crag

The taco fold creates a natural cavity between the foam layers, allowing you to stash a rucksack, shoes, or jacket inside the pad during transport. This is especially useful for longer walk-ins or when carrying multiple pads.

A clever addition is the felt overlay flap, which:

• Covers the back system when the pad is folded
• Doubles as a foot mat for cleaning shoes before climbing
• Keeps shoulder straps dry and clean in muddy conditions

This thoughtful design makes the Warrior one of the most user-friendly pads for UK conditions, where wet ground and long walk-ins are common.

Closure System and Usability

The Warrior uses a three-strap buckle system to keep the pad closed during transport. The aluminium buckles are durable and easy to operate, even with gloves. The straps are long enough to accommodate extra gear inside the folded pad, and they stay tight without slipping.

Because it’s a taco pad, there’s no hinge to worry about, and the pad lays flat quickly after unfolding. There may be a slight curve when first opened, but this settles within minutes or can be flattened manually.

Durability and Longevity

After months of use, the Warrior shows minimal signs of wear. The outer fabric resists scuffs and tears, and the foam retains its rebound even after repeated falls. The buckles and webbing remain secure, and the felt foot mat is surprisingly resilient to mud and grit.

Moon’s pads are known for their long-term durability, and the Warrior is no exception. With proper care (drying after wet sessions, storing flat), it should last several seasons of regular use.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Excellent foam performance for mid-sized pad
• Durable 600D ripstop outer shell
• Comfortable carry system with padded straps
• Taco design eliminates hinge weak spots
• Felt flap protects straps and doubles as foot mat
• Aluminium buckles and strong webbing
• Made by a trusted UK climbing brand

Cons:

• Slightly heavier than some competitors (6 kg)
• Plastic-encased foam makes a crinkly sound underfoot
• No integrated backpack straps for gear (though gear fits inside)
• Not as compact as hinged pads for transport

Comparison: Moon Warrior vs Organic Simple Pad

The Warrior offers better foam depth and strap protection, while the Organic pad is lighter and more compact. Both are excellent, but the Warrior is better suited to UK conditions and longer sessions.

Final Verdict: Is the Moon Warrior Worth It?

The Moon Warrior Bouldering Pad is a top-tier mid-sized crash pad that delivers on all fronts: impact protection, durability, comfort, and usability. It’s ideal for climbers who want a reliable, all-rounder pad that can handle everything from gritstone circuits to alpine blocs.

Its taco design, premium foam, and thoughtful carry system make it one of the best pads in its class—especially for UK climbers dealing with wet ground and long walk-ins.

If you’re looking for a pad that balances performance and practicality, the Warrior is a smart investment that will serve you well for years.

Rating: 9.3/10 Best for: Dedicated boulderers, UK climbers, and those needing a durable mid-sized pad Avoid if: You want an ultralight or compact pad for travel