knee pads for photographers

[michael_]

anyone else plagued by bad knees (inflamed knee caps from playing tennis to much when i was young) and need knee pads when kneeling? if so what are you using, I've been looking through some industrial work site type knee pads but they seem a little bulky, something which is strapless and can fit under my pants which i slip on would be the best option, i have done the obligatory google search found a few things just wanted to see if anyone here had some first hand experience.

Cheers
Michael

[txduggan]

Any particular reason they need to be _under_ the pants?

Look at it this way...you have some nice gear hanging from your shoulders, the external knee pads just finishes the "look"!!! :D

Maybe look into MX/enduro/racing type sites?

Also, I would think you mike be able to create your own...get a couple of those elastic knee supports and either sew/tape some closed-cell foam to them?

Just a thought...

Best,

Tom D <-- fellow knee and back sufferer..

[cdifoto]

Something like this may work (I have nothing to do with the site, it just came up in Google):

http://www.karatedepot.com/pr-ke-22.html

Some nice loose fitting khakis or dress slacks would probably cover them up quite well.

[Ronald S. Jr.]

If I think I'm gonna be kneeling outdoors, I just wedge a little towel in the strap of my bag and if I need to kneel, I fold it a few times and kneel on that.

[xft.y]

look @ some sites which sell "tactical" gear...they have kneepads specifically for dropping to one knee at speed (not the same kind of "shooting" but ya know..)

[sprinkles]

how about those that people use when they rollerblade/skate?

[hemuni]

Consider something like this:

http://www.madsens1.com/softknees.htm
(this is the first page showing up from a google search, I'm sure there are plenty more like this and maybe some more fashionable.)

I don't recommend any kind of strap on knee cups as the elastics tend to make the pant legs crawl up. Also the cups will make you sweat more as they are pressed against your skin, not allowing any airflow.

[ssim]

When I head out to do alot of shooting or when I know for sure that I am going to be kneeling, I will pack along a little pad that is made out of the same material that those pool noodle things are. I can snap them onto by bag, they weight next to nothing and only cost me a couple of dollars so if I lose them or forget them no big deal.

I am hampered by bad knees and am always looking for something new and comfortable that will help.

[crn3371]

I have bad knees, and work in construction, so knee pads are a way of life for me. The external type are a little bulky for what you're after, and probably wouldn't make the best fashion statement either. Go to your local sporting goods outlet, get the soft athletic knee pads, basically ace bandage type material with a soft pad on the front. They will adequately cushion your knees, and can comfortably be worn under your pants.

[eenorton]

These folks make a pair of work pants with removable knee pads... a bit pricey though.

http://www.duluthtrading.com/search/searchresults/85322.aspx?feature=Product_12

[condyk]

I have good knee's but I usually carry a towelling face cloth in my walkaround bag in case I want to kneel but not get my pants dirty. Fold it in four. Also good for wiping hands and face if it is a hot day. Light and small.

[rklepper]

I have a pair of construction kneepads I have used on occassion. They are very good and inexpensive. I bought them here in the states at Walmart. I think they were under $10 USD.

[michael_]

thx all, the tactical ones seem the best, i went and had a look at a few today very pleased with the range available.

[NetDep]

Not sure if it was covered but if you want kneepads that go under the pants there is a tactical pant called the 5.11 series. Their tactical pant has a built in pouch for kneepads that can be purchased seperately. The link for a company that has a great inventory (http://www.511tactical.com/index.asp?dlrID=511) can be checked out. They also have vests and lots of cargo pants/shorts and very comfortable shoes. The stuff is priced a little higher than some - but it is very durable and would be handy for photogs as well. It is all we wear (other than regular uniforms) in the tactical environment and I can speak to its quality and long wear. The pants, shorts, shoes and shirts are all first rate. I have no ties to the company - just my two cents from a loyal customer. Snap Safe!! Tim

[primoz]

I don't need them since I can kneel normaly without them... for now :) But in case if I would need them, I would go to store which is selling equipment for construction workers. Those pads which people who are laying parquet and bathroom tiles have don't look nice, but they do their job great (I tried that once and was really surprised how easy it feels). And they cost almost nothing.

[Az2Africa]

How about one of these. http://www.floriantools.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=florian&Product_Code=GWJK&Category_Code=

[HoRnYTuRbO]

i have paintball knee pads made by Dye and they are really comfy and thin and you can wear them under your jeans and nobody will every know or see them

[steved110]

Here in the UK you can get a rubber type mat for gardening, about 1 foot by 2 feet, very light weight, used to kneel on while doing gardening type chores. that would probably do nicely. It is very light, and could easily be tied to a belt or a gear bag.

also worth secreting a bin bag with your gear ( black plastic refuse sack for those from the USA ) to protect clothes when kneeling on wet ground.

[Billginthekeys]

i have paintball knee pads made by Dye and they are really comfy and thin and you can wear them under your jeans and nobody will every know or see them
I saw a photographer wearing a pair of them at the UM game yesterday. at first i was like, why is he wearing paintball kneepads, but then i guess they are a lot more comfortable and thin like you said. im considering ordering a paid after kneeling in the grass for a few hours