I will start off by saying i have the predecessor to the pad picture. The only real difference i can ascertain is the new pad has a carpeted panel on the strap covers, whereas the old one does not and the corners are slightly more angular now!

This pad near-as lives in my car. As i am on the road a lot with my work I am always trying to sneak a quick lunch break bouldering here and there and this has been my go to pad for two years. For a taco pad it does still fold relatively small when you ratchet the straps down but can still be opened enough to fill it with all the bouldering bits you need for the walk in.

One of the best features of the pad however is the way it folds (I know it folds down the middle!). By folding backwards, i.e. the side you stand on is on the outside of the fold, when you come to lay it out, simply standing on it normally will flatten the foam pad out. You are not left with two wings sticking up either side which you have to do some yoga on to flatten at the same time. Moon were the first brand i noticed to fold the pads that way, there may have been others but Moon seemed to be the first ones to put it out there.

The foam itself is two layers like many pads and having spent so much time folded in my car I would have expected more foam distortion than there is down the middle. I still fall on it regularly (including tonight - shhh!) and haven't noticed an appreciable drop in performance.

I can see why they have now put the carpeted backer to the strap cover, good idea, saves you having to carry one!

All in all a good quality pad, arguably expensive but all quality pads are now!

I got these a couple of years ago when i noticed them in a shop sale and couldn't resist. The fit is nice, snug enough so you do not have excess material but not as tight as some of the southern Euro brands! I would have liked a built in belt to tweek the waist but it isn't exactly hard to use a belt so not too much a complaint there as the belt loops are good quality and not faffy like some of the competition.

They are a heavy duty softshell material that i have yet to feel any wind through. They were severely tested in Norway last winter and performed brilliantly, even after sitting on the snow for a prolonged period of time very little damp was felt through the seat . Having the small in-built gaiter was also really useful. Not as extensive inside the pant as some of the competition but just enough to keep out the weather/snow without added additional weight.

The only additions required are kick patches on the inside of the legs for crampon protection. Mine have been fixed up many times around the ankles after slightly clumsy crampon placement but they are still going strong and will certainly see another winter seasons use!

Like many climbers i know, I don't seem to be a normal size according to many harness manufacturers! If you follow most brands sizing I require a medium waist but large leg loops, otherwise the harness doesn't safely fit! After 6 months of infuriated searching for a new harness I can across this one, perfect!

When you first put it on there is definitely enough adjustability for my supposed funny shape, yet not too much excess webbing when fastened snugly. With the waist being symmetrical the belay loop will stay centralised not matter how large or small you have the waist.

The buckles are something quite special. This harness basically works as a double-back and zip lock harness at the same time. When done up the harness is effectively a standard zip lock harness, brilliant for rock and indoor climbing. However, when winter comes around the buckles can relatively easily be opened up more akin to a old-school buckle, making it much easier to put on when in full winter kit.

The harness is comfy enough. I have worn harnesses that have been a little comfier to hang in but the Quartz CR is comfy enough unless you aim to be hanging for long periods. I am yet to have any issues with fitting enough kit on the gear loops and the harness has a full strength haul loop at the rear when required.

The only downside to the harness is its availability in the UK. Not many shops hold a strong selection from CAMP, however, if you come across one, try and it on while you have the chance, well worth it!