Essential Knee Support for Hikers: An Ultimate Guide

Hello, fellow hiking enthusiasts! We all know that hiking is a fantastic way to connect with nature and stay active. However, the uneven terrain and repetitive movements can take a toll on our knees, making proper knee support essential for hikers.

As lifelong hikers, we’ve experienced our fair share of knee pain, which has only increased since moving to New Mexico, where the trails are rough and uneven. Two pieces of gear that have significantly reduced our knee discomfort are the right knee support and trekking poles.

In this article, we’ll explore the best knee braces for hiking, drawing from scientific research, expert opinions, our personal experiences, and user reviews. We’ll cover why knee support is crucial, the different types available, and share our top product recommendations. Let’s dive in and find out how you can protect and support your knees on your next hiking adventure!

TLDR:

Here are our recommendations for the two best overall knee braces for hikers. The first is our choice for the best overall knee brace, Pro-Tec Athletics Gel-Force Knee Support. The second is the Pro-Tec Athletics X-Trac Knee Support which we believe is the best lightweight knee brace. Both are great choices and we have used them both.

Pro-Tec Gel-Force Knee Support. Medial and lateral sprial stays provide knee joint stability

Pro-Tec Athletics X-Trac Knee Support - Dual Strap The X-Trac is designed to be worn while you are walking or running to alleviate pain while being active.

Key Takeaways:

• Speak with your doctor about any knee pain you are having, this post is not medical advice.
• Knee support is crucial for hikers to ensure comfort and stability while on the trail.
• Proper knee support helps prevent knee injuries and alleviates knee pain caused by hiking on uneven terrain.
• There are different types of knee braces available, each offering a different level of support and benefits.
• The Pro-Tec Athletics Gel-Force Knee Support is our pick for the best overall knee brace.
• The Pro-Tec Athletics X-Trac Knee Support is our pick for the best lightweight knee brace.
• The CEP Max Support Knee Sleeve is our pick for the best compression knee sleeve.

Best Knee Supports

Best Hiking Knee Brace Overall

The Pro-Tec Athletics Gel-Force Knee Support stands out as the best overall option. It offers a near-perfect combination of compression, breathability, and soft material, making it ideal for hiking, mountaineering, and other outdoor activities. We highly recommend this knee brace for its exceptional support and ability to reduce knee pain.

Pro-Tec Gel-Force Knee Support. Medial and lateral sprial stays provide knee joint stability. Medial (inside) and lateral (outside) spiral stays offer overall knee joint stability. Breathable, soft fabric offers multi-directional stretch applying even, comfortable compression throughout brace.

Best Lightweight Knee Brace for Hiking

We found the Pro-Tec Athletics X-Trac Knee Support to be the best lightweight knee brace for hikers. It stabilizes the patella and provides support above and below the knee. It’s lightweight and comfortable, making it the perfect choice for hikers without sacrificing mobility and comfort. Featuring a sleek and minimal design it offers targeted compression to alleviate discomfort and stabilize the knee joint during hiking expeditions. Its lightweight construction allows for unrestricted movement, ensuring hikers can navigate challenging terrains with ease.

Pro-Tec Athletics X-Trac Knee Support - Dual Strap The X-Trac is designed to be worn while you are walking or running to alleviate pain while being active. The X-Trac Knee Support provides compression directly on the patellar and quadriceps tendon. EVA Compression pads helps stabilize patella (knee cap), by improving tracking.

Best Knee Sleeve For Hiking

When it comes to finding the best knee sleeve for hiking, look no further than the CEP Max Support Knee Sleeve. With its medically-inspired anatomical design, this knee sleeve offers a comfortable and versatile fit for all your outdoor activities. Designed with hikers in mind, it’s made from high-quality materials that deliver a perfect blend of durability and comfort. It’s built to withstand the demands of the trail while keeping your knee well-supported throughout your hiking adventures.

CEP Max Support Knee Sleeve, Black/White, Unisex, M. CEP’s Max Support Compression Knee Sleeve is designed to support and stabilize the knee joint for optimal relief and protection. Great for running, hiking, skiing, soccer, and other activities. Our lateral reinforcements on inner and outer ligaments give the knee joint maximum support and relief while our ergonimically shaped silicone pads and medi compression increase stability and thus safety.

Additional Options

There are a lot of options for knee support for hikers and sometimes what works best for us, wont be best for you. So here are a few more recommendations that you should look into. They are all very good, and one of them might be perfect for you.

The Importance of Knee Support for Hikers

Hiking puts a lot of strain on the knees due to the repetitive motions and the uneven terrain. Without proper knee support, hikers are at risk of developing knee injuries and experiencing knee pain.

A good knee brace or sleeve helps to stabilize the knee joint, provide compression for pain relief, and reduce the risk of further damage(1). It’s important for hikers to prioritize knee protection to ensure a safe and comfortable hiking experience.

When hiking, the knees act as shock absorbers, absorbing the impact and stress of each step. Over time, this continuous impact can lead to knee injuries such as sprains, strains, and even ligament tears. Additionally, hiking on uneven terrain can cause the knees to twist or turn, further increasing the risk of injuries.

Wearing a good knee brace while hiking provides many benefits. Not only does it stabilize the knee joint, but it also helps distribute the forces evenly, reducing the strain on the knees. It also provides compression, which helps reduce pain and swelling. Choosing the right product can make a significant difference in preventing knee pain and maintaining a pain-free hiking experience.

Next, we’ll explore the different types of knee braces available for hikers and discuss their benefits and features.

Types of Knee Braces for Hiking

When it comes to picking out the right knee support for hiking, there are several options to choose from. Each offering unique benefits and levels of support. It’s important to choose one based on your particular needs. Speaking with your doctor, physical therapist, or medical professional is highly recommended.

Sleeves

Sleeves are a popular choice among hikers and athletes. They are lightweight, comfortable, and allow for a full range of motion, making them suitable for both short hikes and long treks. Sleeves are especially useful for osteoarthritic knees or if your knee has been recently injured(2). We have found that they are the best knee brace for hiking shorter or easier trails, but for longer or more difficult hikes they aren’t always enough.

Wraparound Braces

Wraparound braces, as the name suggests, wrap around the knee and offer adjustable compression. They often have straps or Velcro closures, allowing you to customize the fit according to your comfort level. These braces are versatile and are used for various knee conditions or injuries.

Patellar Straps

These straps target the patellar tendon. This provides focused compression for hikers with conditions like patellar tendonitis. They are worn below the kneecap and help to reduce pain by adjusting patellar alignment. They are small, lightweight, and effective for reducing stress on the tendon during hikes. This is what Bill prefers when hiking on uneven ground.

Hinged Braces

Hinged braces offer a higher level of support and stability at the cost of mobility and weight(3). They have metal or plastic hinges on the sides of the knee. This restricts excessive side-to-side movement and protects against hyperextension. Hinged braces are recommended for hikers with chronic knee issues or are recovering from recent knee injuries. Work with a medical professional to make sure you get the correct brace for you.

Before You Go …

Now that you have a good idea of which knee brace is best for you while hiking I would like to suggest checking out our post on picking the best hiking poles. If you are having knee pain than you should always use these. They can reduce the strain on your knees and legs by 20%-30%. Once you try them we are sure you won’t ever go without them.

Thanks for reading, we hope that you found what you were looking for. If you have any comments or suggestions please don’t hesitate to reach out. If you found this post helpful please share it with your friends. We are new and it really helps us grow. Stay safe and we will see you on the trails!

Reference List

1. Moyer, R. F., et al. “Biomechanical effects of valgus knee bracing: a systematic review and meta-analysis.” Osteoarthritis Cartilage, vol. 23, no. 2, 1 Feb. 2015, pp. 178-88, doi:10.1016/j.joca.2014.11.018.
2. Mohd Sharif, Nahdatul Aishah, et al. “Biomechanical and functional efficacy of knee sleeves: A literature review.” Physical Therapy in Sport, vol. 28, 1 Nov. 2017, pp. 44-52, doi:10.1016/j.ptsp.2017.05.001.
3. Brooks, Kelly S. “Osteoarthritic Knee Braces on the Market: A Literature Review.” JPO: Journal of Prosthetics and Orthotics, vol. 26, no. 1, Jan. 2014, p. 2, doi:10.1097/JPO.0000000000000013.

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By Summer and Bill

Summer and Bill are the dynamic duo behind Adventureite.com, a blog dedicated to inspiring others to explore the great outdoors. With a combined lifetime of experience traveling and adventuring across America, they have a wealth of knowledge to share. From hiking to camping, kayaking to travel, Summer and Bill are passionate about helping others discover the beauty of the natural world.