Lets talk knee pads!

[DeauxJoe]

Fellatio jokes in 3...2...1...

Serious though. I need a set of good knee pads. Obviously the name of the game is that they stay in place, be comfortable, and provide flexibility and protection.

 

[delfuego]

I have used closed cell foam from the hobby store cut to fit in BDU's that have an inner knee pocket. I also have a pair of Sitka pant that have removable pads. Much better when shooting off rocks, cactus, etc out west.

 

[oinco]

^delfuego gets after it, he isn't afraid to slide into a shooting position!

OP- Arcteryx knee pads are remarkable- originally aimed at the telemark skier- IIRC they do a version in their LEAF line too?

 

[adamjma]

The Arc'teryx LEAF pads are called Knee Caps and are very good external ones, but I am also looking for internal ones that would be more comfortable in hotter weather.

Any particular recommendations of models of pants with kneepad pockets that are durable and comfortable in hot and humid conditions?

 

[sirhrmechanic]

The difference between good knee pads and bad knee pads is... there are no bad knee pads. They are pretty simple.

Don't even know the brand I have. I got them Army Surplus Store cheap.... Lasted for 9 years on SRT... still perfectly good.

Unless you are going to be on deployment and wearing for hours a day... or days at a time... I'd not sweat it. Just get something with velcro straps and some hard faces.

My knees are so beat that I don't do anything without them... so definitely worth having. But don't overthink. Knee pads aren't really that technical.

Cheers,

Sirhr

 

[DeauxJoe]

The difference between good knee pads and bad knee pads is... there are no bad knee pads. They are pretty simple.

Don't even know the brand I have. I got them Army Surplus Store cheap.... Lasted for 9 years on SRT... still perfectly good.

Unless you are going to be on deployment and wearing for hours a day... or days at a time... I'd not sweat it. Just get something with velcro straps and some hard faces.

My knees are so beat that I don't do anything without them... so definitely worth having. But don't overthink. Knee pads aren't really that technical.

Cheers,

Sirhr

I had a pair of blackhawk knee pad. They had like a tough rubber exterior. The rubber ended up drying out, cracking and falling apart. Also the straps were very uncomfortable and didn't stay in place.

 

[Kopfjager1]

I have a set Arc'Teryx knee pads, and theyre the only external knee pad Ill wear, if I have too. Had them for about 6 years now, with a year or 2 of heavy use then started drifting away from using kneepads and sucking it up....
Otherwise if you dont want to spend 200+ on Crye, Triple Aught Design Force 10 AC Cargo pants are a good option, with the 3L+ knee pads. Also theres quite a few European companies that offer pants with internal knee pads. Helikon-Tex OTP Versastretch pant is an option Im looking at right now. Its all about the material, try to stay away from cotton.

 

[RELOOP]

I've been happy with the Hatch XTAK pads ($20)

 

[Qazwsx]

get some crye field pants or combat pants and use their knee pads. They are comfortable for long days

 

[MTFalconer]

I have a good friend in the tile and flooring business. He is on his knees nearly all day....(snicker). ANYWAY..he uses a gel filled knee pad he got from Home Depot. So I told you that to tell you this, they have replacement gel inserts. You can pick them up there for about 20 bucks and install them into any of the tactical pants that have the sewn patches. I can tell you from experience they are awesome, cheap and worth every single penny. Take it from someone with horrible knees. They are a lifesaver.

 

[Keel Haul]

I've had a bunch for the day job and I was pretty happy with Alta knee pads. There are two types of straps, Velcro and "button" type. I preferred the Velcro when used with pants and the button type with shorts. If you didn't line up the Velcro exactly right, it usually lead to chafing when I had shorts on.

 

[usafa77]

Ditto Crye, work great for me.

 

[High Desert duck]

Try UF pro. More affordable than crye and the need pads are always in the right place. I use the p-40 all terrain. I hunt in them too. Super durable and comfortable

UF PRO

edited to add link

 

[Fig]

I will wear the insert ones that kinda work, but the real ones that do work...I fucking HATE them. I will wear them for short periods while doing floors, and that’s it. If I have to walk around I’ll take them off. Anything rubbing the backs of my knees irritates the hell out of me. No thanks.

 

[Hairball]

I have UF Pro Striker HT pants that have an external knee pad but most of the time, I wear Duluth Fire Hose pants. Another option if you want to wear jeans is to look at something like Alpinestars or ScorpionExo that are jeans with internal knee pads. No cartilage in my left knee so knee pads help.

 

[elwarpo]

Different route is the agilite knee pads, bulkier than others but provide more protection. From someone with infantry knees, I like all the protection I can get. https://agilitegear.com/products/axis-knee-pads