Team Geared Up

NORTH WALES (Team Geared Up) - While checking up on all the current climbing news on the web i came across this innovation. We all thought of it, but now someone has finally gone and made it! The AirPad!

“HGB (in Sweden) in cooperation with www.8a.nu (Awesome website - check it out if you havn’t before!) has developed a gigantic inflatable Air Pad, 205X120X20 cm. Without air it fits in a rucksack and weighs about 8 kg. It takes four minutes to inflate the pad with a foot pump (although using a Kitesurf pump has already been suggested!). The Air Pad is INT.PAT.PEND and will probably change the bouldering scene in the future. With this new pad, high balls will be safe and it will be possible to work problems that used to be too dangerous. Consumer price is estimated to Euro 465. Distribution will start December 10th with a promotion price of 365 Euro for the first 20, including freight within Europe (maximum 4 per country)!”

8a.nu has during the last three months being testing different versions of inflatable Airpads. They soon realised the advantages of a larger pad since they don´t take too long to inflate. The reason for the pad´s stability is the structure, which comprise 20cm-long polyester threads. The surface is also very thick and durable, and the pad is impossible to puncture during normal bouldering. However, we recommend not to use it in extreme conditions, like on top of a big pointy sharp rock. The name of the Air Pad is 8A which will be printed on the cover.

The producer is HGB in Göteborg, Sweden, who is also the owner of the patent. They have 40 years experience in delivering gymnastic and wrestling mattresses, including to 5 Olympic Games. They started producing indoor bouldering mattresses three years ago.

Main advantages of the 8A AIR PAD: 210 * 125 * 20 cm

Performance - Better chances of sending hard boulders since you´re less afraid
Safety - Reduced risk for injuries when landing
Transportation - Reduced package volume (in your car, public transportation or airplane)
Storage - Under your bed instead of in the hallway
Cleaning - Put it in a bag in your apartment or car
Sleeping - You can use it in your tent or as a extra bed at home
Play - use it for fun in the ocean, sliding on snow,or high jumping in your backyard
Adjustable - Air pressure can be adjusted based on weight and height
Jump - You can bounce to reach high starting holds !
No bounce - High pressure valves release air on high impact

AIR Facts

Empty 20 % of the air and fold it together like a ordinary crash pad. Then it takes 30 - 40 seconds inflate.
Adjustable air pressure (bar)
High pressure valves will release air on high falls
Holds 5 bar, which is double the pressure of an ordinary car tire

INCLUDED

Two valves - 30 seconds to empty. (Standard size valves)
Two high pressure valves - Adjustable
One foot pump - 4 minutes to inflate.
Repair kit - As easy as for a bike (unlikely to be used)
Numbers - To avoid robbery
Handles - For moving the pad while inflated
Rucksack-strap on - For carrying longer distances
Bag - For clean storage
Guarantee - Two years

NOT INCLUDED

Velcro cover (to increase the friction)*
*8a does not recommend you to buy this as a softly pumped Airpad creates friction by itself

-Dave Ayton-

(Image Credit: All pictures from www.8a.nu)