To protect yourself in the harshest of environments, you need to be equipped with the right gear.
If you are in the field, your knees can take a beating if you do not take measures to protect them.
Tactical knee pads will offer additional protection against impacts to keep you in the fight and keep you mobile.
They are essential pieces of equipment in any field environment ranging from hunting to combat operations.
Table of Contents
What To Look for in a Tactical Knee Pad
Tactical knee pads have several features that you should consider when deciding to purchase a pair.
The main thing that you should be considering is how well does the tactical knee pads protect you from getting hurt.
When purchasing a pair of tactical knee pads, you need to consider their durability, design, and features.
Design
Articulated and ergonomic designs help your knee move naturally to offer you excellent mobility, protection, and comfort.
Size is also important, check out the table below to help you choose the appropriate size:
Durability
You need to be able to count on your gear because, in certain situations, it could mean the difference between life and death.
It is essential to pick tactical knee pads crafted with high-quality materials and pick brands with a reputation for durability.
Features
If you need to be able to put on your tactical knee pads quickly, you may want to decide on knee pads with quick-release technology.
With materials such as high-density foam, thermoplastic polyurethane, and military-grade nylon, the tactical knee pads in the following list are the 10 best tactical knee pads.
#1. Arc’teryx LEAF Combat Knee Pads
- Lightweight
- Low profile
- Material: 100% Thermoplastic Polyurethane, EV50 10mm Foam
- Colors Available: Black, Crocodile
- Price: $70
Arc’teryx’s LEAF Combat Knee Pads are designed to provide excellent protection while giving you a low-profile look.
The tactical knee pads can be worn by themselves or paired with the LEAF Assault Pant or coveralls.
With an anatomically shaped cap, it gives you a natural feel that provides excellent mobility.
Being constructed out of 100% thermoplastic polyurethane and EV50 10mm foam, you get superior shock protection.
You can quickly adjust your tactical knee pads by accessing the low-profile T-locks.
If you are looking for a low-profile tactical knee pad that offers an anatomical design for superior mobility, Arc’teryx’s LEAF Combat Knee Pads are an excellent choice.
The knee pads are available in black or crocodile.
They are available at Optics Planet, check them out here: www.OpticsPlanet.com
#2. EXO.K Gel Knee Pads
- Articulated Design
- EVA Gel Core
- Molded Cap
- Material: Nylon, EVA Foam, Polypropylene
- Colors Available: Ranger Green, Black, Kangaroo
- Price: $39.99
5.11 Tactical’s EXO.K Gel Knee Pads bring all the features that you will desire in one package.
The tactical knee pads integrate seamlessly with all 5.11 pants to provide superior protection.
With an articulated design, you can move naturally while staying protected.
An excellent feature of the EXO.K Gel Knee Pads is the molded dual-density cap.
It is textured to provide you both stability and grip on any surface.
The tactical knee pads will stay firmly secured to your body with non-slip buckles and silent straps.
The best part of the EXO.K Gel Knee Pad design is the superior shock absorption offered by the EVA foam cushioned with a gel core.
The knee pads are available in ranger green, black, or kangaroo.
5.11 Tactical’s EXO.K Gel Knee Pads are great for anyone who wants the superior quality and performance of 5.11 Tactical.
They are available from 5.11 Tactical, check them out here: www.511Tactical.com
#3. Hatch XTAK Knee Pads
- Lightweight
- Moisture Wicking
- Rapid Deployment
- Material: Thermoplastic Urethane, Cordura Nylon, EVA High-Density Foam
- Colors Available: Black, Coyote Tan, Digital Camo, OD Green
- Price: $30-$40
Hatch’s XTAK Knee Pads are designed to offer you excellent protection, comfort, and mobility.
The tactical knee pads are constructed with superior materials such as thermoplastic urethane, Cordura nylon, and EVA high-density foam to offer excellent durability.
These materials work together to provide you superior performance.
The XTAK cap has a unique X-shape design constructed with lightweight thermoplastic urethane for extra protection.
The Cordura nylon is tear and rot resistant.
With EVA high-density foam, you get excellent shock absorption to keep you on the move.
The tactical knee pads have an interior design with moisture wicking CoolMax technology and an anti-skid surface.
The knee pads are available in black, coyote tan, digital camo, or OD green.
For those who need to put on and take off their tactical knee pads quickly, the XTAK knee pads come equipped with rapid deployment clips.
They are available at Optics Planet, check them out here: www.OpticsPlanet.com
#4. BlackHawk HellStorm Advanced Tactical Knee Pads V.2
- Flexible
- Contoured Design
- Material: 600 Denier Nylon
- Colors Available: Black, Foliage Green, Olive Drab
- Price: $30-$33
BlackHawk’s HellStorm Advanced Tactical Knee Pads V.2 is designed with maximum mobility and comfort in mind.
The tactical knee pads have a contoured design to allow you to move naturally for extra comfort.
The contoured design allows for extra mobility, which is essential for mission accomplishment.
With closed-cell foam padding, you get great shock absorption and is moisture resistant.
The knee pads have additional padding on the side extensions to improve comfort and help secure the knee pads for a better strap position.
It is also constructed with 600 Denier nylon and provides additional damage resistance.
The knee pads are available in black, foliage green, and olive drab.
BlackHawk’s HellStorm Advanced Tactical Knee Pads V.2 is an excellent pick for those who want tactical knee pads constructed out of flexible material.
They are available at Optics Planet, check them out here: www.OpticsPlanet.com
#5. Condor Knee Pads 2
- Quick Access Buckles
- Non-Slip Rubber Cap
- Material: .5” Density Foam, Plastic
- Colors Available: Black, OD Green, Coyote
- Price: $24.95
Condor’s Knee Pads 2 has a simple design that offers extra protection against impact damage.
The tactical knee pads padding is .5” thick and will help you bounce back into combat.
The foam and cap also help prevent blunt impact damage by absorbing shock.
The non-slip rubber coating on the cap provides you a firm grip on any surface to provide you a stable shooting platform.
The knee pads are available in black, OD green, and coyote.
A great feature of Condor’s Knee Pad 2 is the easy access hook system to allow you to put on your knee pads quickly.
They are available from LA Police Gear, check them out here: www.LAPoliceGear.com
#6. EXO.K1 Knee Pads
- Molded Flex Cap
- Silent Straps
- Material: EVA Foam, Polypropylene
- Colors Available: Ranger Green
- Price: $24.99
For $24.99, you can not go wrong with 5.11 Tactical’s EXO.K1 Knee Pads.
They offer superior protection and function at an affordable price.
The EXO.K1 Knee Pads are designed to integrate with all 5.11 Pants easily.
You are getting high-quality EVA foam that can handle any impact to keep you in the fight.
The cap is molded with built-in traction to provide you with a firm grip on any surface to provide a stable shooting position.
Another great feature of the tactical knee pads is the adjustable, non-slip silent straps.
These knee pads are built for durability and will keep you moving in any field environment.
A downside is that the tactical knee pads are only available in ranger green.
5.11 Tactical’s EXO.K1 Knee Pads have all the essential features that you would want in tactical knee pads.
They are available from 5.11 Tactical, check them out here: www.511Tactical.com
#7. Damascus Gear Vortex Gel-Core Hybrid
- Heavy Duty Hardshell
- Dual Shock Absorbing Gel Cores
- Ergonomic Design
- Material: 1000 Denier Cordura, Neoprene
- Colors Available: Black, OD Green
- Price: $41.40
Damascus Gear’s Vortex Gel-Core Hybrid is stacked with features to offer you superior protection and comfort.
The unique feature of these tactical knee pads is the dual gel design that offers unmatched comfort and protection.
The dual gel core will offer superior shock absorption to protect you against blunt force trauma.
The cap is constructed with a heavy-duty composite that provides a non-slip surface to keep you secure on any surface to provide you a great shooting position.
Designed specifically for law enforcement and the military, Damascus Gear created the Vortex Gel-Core Hybrid to take on any environment.
With Cordura nylon, the knee pads are designed to protect against damage and rot.
Layered with an AEGIS Microbe Shield, it helps prevent bacteria and fungal growth, which causes odor.
You also get quick access buckles that help you to put on your tactical knee pads at a moment’s notice.
The knee pads are available in black and OD green.
Damascus Gear’s Vortex Gel-Core Hybrid is an excellent choice for anyone who desires unmatched features and comfort.
They are available from LA Police Gear, check them out here: www.LAPoliceGear.com
#8. First Tactical Defender Knee Pads
- Articulated Design
- Moisture Wicking
- Material: SBR/EVA Foam, Thermoplastic Urethane
- Colors Available: Black
- Price: $24.99
First Tactical is known for providing high-performance gear, and their Defender Knee Pads are no exception.
One thing to note is that the Defender Knee Pads are for internal use only and need to be combined with a pair of tactical pants that offers knee pad access.
They fit perfectly in the First Tactical Defender Pant.
These knee pads cushion and protect your knees without affecting your mobility.
The double-layer design provides you with a thermoplastic urethane cap with a PE board to help protect against blunt force trauma.
The Defender Knee Pads have an articulated design to match the natural shape of your knee.
With moisture wicking perforated foam and mesh, you get maximum airflow and breathability.
They are only available in black, but it does not make a difference since they are worn internally.
If you own the Defender Pant, these knee pads are a must, but if you are looking for an all-around set of knee pads, you may want to consider another option since these do not offer any kind of mounting hardware.
They are available from First Tactical, check them out here: www.FirstTactical.com
#9. Defcon 5 New Knee Protection Pads
- Water-Resistant
- Fast Release System
- Material: High-Density Polyethylene, 1000 Denier Nylon
- Colors Available: Black, Multiland, OD Green, Tan, Vegetato Italiano
- Price: $28-$34
Weighing in at under 12 oz., Defcon 5’s New Knee Protection Pads offer lightweight knee pads perfectly suited for softgunners and military personnel.
The shell is constructed out of high-density polyethylene to protect against impact damage.
Constructed out of 1000 Denier nylon, it is resistant against tears, water, and rot.
A great feature is the CoolMax technology which helps keep you dry and gives you better breathability.
The fast-release system is a nice feature that allows you to put on your tactical knee pads quickly in an emergency.
Compared to the other tactical knee pads on this list, Defcon 5’s New Knee Protection Pads offer the most color options to fit any tactical outfit.
The knee pads are available in black, multiland, OD green, tan, and vegetato italiano.
If you are looking for lightweight tactical knee pads that repel water, Defcon 5’s New Knee Protection Pads may be a good choice for you.
They are available at Optics Planet, check them out here: www.OpticsPlanet.com
#10. HWI Gear Next Gen Knee Pads
- Moisture Wicking
- Quick Release System
- Contour Design
- Material: High-Density Foam, Nylon
- Colors Available: Black, Digital, Coyote Brown, Sage
- Price: $29.00
HWI’s Next Gen Knee Pads is designed to offer you a lightweight solution while providing excellent protection against blunt force trauma.
The STPA cap is designed to help prevent impact damage while giving you a stable shooting position.
Constructed out of durable nylon and high-density foam, you will have reliable protection.
The interior of the knee pads is equipped with CoolMax technology that wicks moisture away.
The tactical knee pads are contoured to fit the natural shape of your knees to provide you maximum mobility.
Like other tactical knee pads, the Next Gen Knee Pads offer quick-release buckles to get your gear on fast.
The knee pads are available in black, digital, coyote brown, and sage.
If you are looking for lightweight tactical knee pads with a contoured design that provides moisture wicking HWI’s Next Gen Knee Pads may be right for you.
They are available from HWI Gear, check them out here: www.OpticsPlanet.com
See Also
10 Best Tactical Seat Covers For Cars, Trucks, & Jeeps
He enlisted in the United States Marine Corps in 2004 and has served over 18 years as a communications maintenance technician with three deployments to the Middle East.
He graduated with a bachelor’s degree in English and Creative Writing from Southern New Hampshire University and a bachelor’s degree in Information System Security with a concentration in Digital Forensics from American Military University.
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