Thrutching for a hold 15 feet above a “classic,” rocky Flagstaff Mountain landing, I gave thanks for my ample MOON CLIMBING WARRIOR ($200, moonclimbing.com). One of this pad’s notable innovations is its reverse burrito-style design, which positions the landing surface on the outside when closed, keeping battlefield debris (mud and water) off your back while you boulder-hop. (When open, this reverse fold creates a raised bend that contours over rocks in your LZ.) The Warrior specs out at 51”x40”x4”, weighs 12lbs, and is built with heavy-duty Ballistics nylon (1680D outer/ 1000D foot surface).

—Dave Sheldon