Curious if anyone is using knee pads and if so what kind? I've looked at military surplus which seem look good but hopefully someone has already been down this road. Suggestions?
Knee pads
- Thread starter Terry
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For my macro photography I use gardening knee (high density foam) pads, these may not be what you are looking for though!
Available at a local hardware store, 400 long X 185 wide X 17mm thick, 118 grams, I think the last ones I bought were about A$5.00.
I can also say they are very good when they are out in the wilds for over a year, found this one on return to a local orchid location, not expected but nice to find what was thought lost.
I have used separate knee pads (tradesman style) that are tied to the leg/s covering the knee/s but they do not provide me with enough movement to walk far with them on my legs as they tend to be made from hard material which catches my shins when I walk any distance.
Available at a local hardware store, 400 long X 185 wide X 17mm thick, 118 grams, I think the last ones I bought were about A$5.00.
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I can also say they are very good when they are out in the wilds for over a year, found this one on return to a local orchid location, not expected but nice to find what was thought lost.
I have used separate knee pads (tradesman style) that are tied to the leg/s covering the knee/s but they do not provide me with enough movement to walk far with them on my legs as they tend to be made from hard material which catches my shins when I walk any distance.
I've owned knee pads for years but have yet to use them. No specific reason, other than being one more thing to carry in the field. On the other hand, they would have been handy to have on many occasions to avoid knobby knees from kneeling in gravel
. But, I will say, my Home Depot pads have held up quite well over the years! 
Get the ones that have the gel where your knees go, your knees will thank you.
joe43
Well-known member
I have had two sets. Get the ones designed for folks that install tile foors. These knee pads have a hard outer shell--highly recommended--and may have soft gel to cushion the knee. The set to avoid is the one with just foam padding. They provide minimal support.
If you ever go to the Galapagos islands you will need knee pads for the volcanic rock you will be kneeling on a lot.
If you ever go to the Galapagos islands you will need knee pads for the volcanic rock you will be kneeling on a lot.
I like to use knee pads when in rocky areas, as it makes it easier on the knees to kneel down to shoot from a lower angle. I prefer ones you wear to a knee pad you carry and put down on the ground. I have two pairs. One is neoprene — comfortable, a bit harder to put on and take off and not quite as protective in rocks. The second pair is made by Arcteryx and has a semi-hard shell and attaches with straps. More protective and easier to put on and take off. They have become my favorite. Their outer shell is not as hard as the ones made for tile installers and that makes them a bit more comfortable to wear and walk in. I have I used them in a number of places, but found them especially useful in rocky terrain in the Galápagos Islands and on a trip to the Antarctic Peninsula.
GG1
Member
I'm catholic and don't need knee pads.
Depends on how much you think you'll use them and on what type of terrain.
If you just want a pair to carry "just in case" you can minimize weight and cost by getting a cheap pair of closed cell foam pads at a building supply store. They weigh next to nothing, take up very little space in your bag, and are easy to put on/off. They can even be used as extra padding between equipment in your bag. Downside is that they don't work very well for more than a minute or two on gravel/rough rocks and will wear out quickly with continual use. They also don't stay in place very well with extended walking.
If you actually plan on using them extensively then as recommended above a good pair of hard shell type with either closed cell foam or gel padding. Also available for reasonable cost at building supply. If you plan to use them a lot I'd try on several pairs and walk around with them a bit. Some can be very uncomfortable for walking and/or chaff the back of your legs.
Viseguy
Well-known member
Those would be perfect for kneeling on the floor of a safari vehicle. Will had a set of those to my packing list.....
as everyone has indicated, which pads to buy will be decided primarily by what you are shooting. I shot a lot of sideline sports and kneeling is a must when using the 400/2.8 on a stick. For that matter, dropping down to my knees was my default for pretty much every lens I used. The difference between a sports image taken standing up at 6’1” vs kneeling to get the action is significant. I have used probably 20 different sets of pads and strongly recommend pads with hard outer poly shell, lots of foam padding and gel material where you knee touches the back of the pad. And double, adjustable straps so they don’t bunch up in the crease of the knee bend.
these are the ones closest to what I preferred.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01N0O7CT0/?tag=backcogaller-20
Yes, they are sort of bulky, but if you spend 3-4 hrs a day on your knees, you learn to live with the size. These days, my knees and the rest of my body pretty much excludes sideline shooting, but when I shoot macro’s I will still break them out. Also do so if I am shooting “action” shots of my 3 yr old and 6 yr old grandkids under the same theory that getting low results in far superior pics. But if you are only on your knees occasionally or for short periods of time, they are overkill. I have used a squishy type small boogie board like the one someone posted above for occasional use, or even a balled up jacket. As I said - depends on what you’ll be doing and for how long.
additionally added comment - when I’m out shooting critters and expect the luxury of being stationary for long periods of time, I reach for my small, foldable 3 legged stool. Way more comfortable to sit rather than kneel while waiting for animals. Stool won’t work for sports since you are always moving with the flow of the game and pads work best for that. But for longer periods down low, I prefer the easily portable stool. Buy from BH or AMZ
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I used these for several years. Found them to be very comfortable while shooting soccer and for wildlife. The only caveat, is that when worn for several days in salt water while shooting from tidal pools, the glue holding the hard shell to the pads disintigrated. However, I liked them enough to replace them with the same thing - I just don't wear them in salt water anymore.
Black Diamond knee pads
Black Diamond knee pads
That looks good for something you can pull out quickly when you need it. Can it roll up to make it fairly small?
I sure do. I use the same ones I use during weapons training. They are made by 5.11.
Palouse
Well-known member
I used an earlier version of these; very comfortable.
www.duluthtrading.com
They also make a hnged version with 2 straps.
Hardshell Deluxe Knee Pad | Duluth Trading Company
Bring the roughest, grittiest job to its knees with abrasion-resisting Hardshell Deluxe Knee Pads with an interior gel donut that prevents joint stress.
www.duluthtrading.com
They also make a hnged version with 2 straps.
A check on Wallmart for kneeling pads produces quite a few hits, as does a search for knee protector .
Oosty
Well-known member
Getting down isn't the problem - it's getting up again!
Thank you! Lots of good info in 24 hrs. Lots to think about for such a simple item. I appreciate all for taking time to reply.
Absolutely true!
This!!!!!!!
I use a pool noodle that I use on my tripod legs to cushion the legs on my shoulder.
Same with me. Getting down is ok, up....not so much!
Same with me. Getting down is ok, up....not so much!
Some pants have double material over the knees (examples: Carhartt logger jeans & military pants) a cheap foam pad can be inserted there or use motorcycle knee armor or other knee pads. Advantage is that you have nothing extra to carry and the thick pants provide more protection.
RickW: I ordered one of those seats! Thanks for the review.
Thank you for the stool! I ordered one as well!