Best Value MAD ROCK MAD PAD (medium)

This pad has been around for several years, and it remains a favorite because of its value and durability. After owning his for four years, one tester has managed to only lose one buckle. He said he “feels much more confident falling from palm-sweating distances” onto this pad, thanks to a cushy five inches of foam (1-inch closed, 3-inch open, 1-inch closed). Landings are soft on your feet and ankles without running the risk of bottoming out, and despite the generous foam allotment, the Mad Pad is inexpensive at $140. One annoyance is the lack of drag handles, but backpack straps kept it comfy on hikes of two miles or less.