[River Rat Gear]

Hey everyone! As someone who’s spent way too many weekends crammed in a cave or dangling off a crag, I know that protecting our knees is crucial. Nothing quite ruins a climbing adventure like the shocking realization that your own knees are now sporting more battle scars than your favorite pair of climbing shoes. That’s why I’m here to share the love for knee pads! I’ll be giving you the lowdown on three of my favorite climbing knee pads, along with a little buyer’s guide to help you find the right fit for your own epic ascents. Get ready to shimmy and slide with style and protection!

So without further ado, let’s dive into my top picks:

• 🧗‍♂️ Send Climbing Kneepad
• 🧗‍♀️ Black Diamond Long Sleeve Kneepad
• 🦵 SCARPA Knee Pad Pro

[River Rat Gear]

Send Climbing Kneepad

So, picture this: I’m halfway up the wall, on a route I’m way too optimistic about, and my knees are taking a beating. Enter the Send Climbing Kneepad, a true gift to climbers who value their kneecaps.

First Impressions: Straight out of the box, I was impressed. It’s got the kind of design that makes you go, “Huh, someone really put some thought into this”. The pad feels robust yet flexible, like a gymnast made of durable plastic. Attaching it was a breeze, even for someone like me, who still struggles with tying their shoes on a good day.

Experience: I took this trusty sidekick on a weekend bouldering trip. I know, risky move, but I’m a daredevil. Let me tell you, it was like my knees got their own personal body armor. The padding is tough enough to shield you from scrapes yet somehow still lets you feel like you’re caressing the rock (because who doesn’t want to feel every moment of terror while clinging on for life?).

Funny tidbit: At one point, I got a little over-zealous and tried knee-barring where knee-barring wasn’t meant to happen. (Cue me hanging upside down, flailing like a confused bat.) But the kneepad held its ground—or should I say, my knee? I only fell once to the amusement of my climbing buddies, but no bruises. A win in my book.

Pros:

• Comfort: You could probably wear it to bed if you really wanted to. (Not that I’d recommend starting a new fashion trend.)
• Protection: Say goodbye to post-climb bruises! Well, at least on your knees.
• Easy to use: Even my non-climber cousin figured it out without instructions.

Cons:

• Looks: Let’s just say neon isn’t for everyone. But hey, you’ll definitely be seen!

For anyone thinking about scaling a ruthless crag or just looking to protect their precious knees, give the Send Climbing Kneepad a go. Your knees will thank you. And possibly throw a party in your honor. (I’ve heard they might even send out invites.)

[River Rat Gear]

Black Diamond Long Sleeve Kneepad

So there I was on a steep, unforgiving rock face, reaching for that elusive handhold, and feeling like a hero in my new Black Diamond Long Sleeve Kneepad. Yes, you read that right—a long sleeve AND a kneepad combined. It’s like they took all my climbing dreams, threw them into a melting pot, and forged this versatile piece of gear!

Let me break it down for you:

• Fabric Magic: This thing is made from some kind of wizardry blend of nylon and elastane. It’s like wearing a second skin, but a skin that actually knows what it’s doing. Light, breathable, and durable—no more worrying about rock-induced battle scars.
• Integrated Kneepad: Remember those times when you felt like your knees were pleading for some decent protection while you climbed? The built-in kneepad is the answer. It’s like they took a tiny mattress and tucked it right into the fabric. Knees: 1, Rock: 0.
• Sleeve Style: Confession time—I’ve got arachnophobia tendencies when it comes to anything tight and restrictive, but the long sleeves on this bad boy are snug without that stranglehold sensation. They save my arms from the dreaded sunburn and unexpected chills, while allowing me to channel my inner ninja. 🥋
• Moisture Wicking: Ok, so there may have been a time or two when I ended up stinking like last week’s leftovers. This beauty keeps the sweat at bay, keeping you as fresh as a daisy, ready to charm both the rocks and your fellow climbers.

Honestly, it’s weirdly satisfying to have people at the crag do a double-take as I smugly brag about my superhero-like attire. Also, it has an almost uncanny knack for sparking conversations—true story! Just last weekend, I ended up discussing the merits of fancy integrated kneepads with a fellow climber. Cue a classic rescue mission cliché of, “Well, you know… just in case of a spontaneous death slide.”

For more epic tales and the all-important tech specs, check out the official page here: Black Diamond Climbing. But take it from me—these sleeves and kneepads have rewritten my climbing playlist, with “Protection” by Massive Attack firmly on repeat. Rock on!

[River Rat Gear]

SCARPA Knee Pad Pro

Alright fellow rock warriors and vertical enthusiasts, gather ’round as I share some wisdom from the crag chronicle that is my life with the SCARPA Knee Pad Pro! Prepare for a tale complete with bumps, scrapes, and a minor incident involving a squirrel.

First things first, let’s talk fit. Imagine strapping clouds to your knees, because that’s how snug these beauties felt. Compatibility with all knee shapes from sticks to tree trunks? Check! I might have done a little jig when they first arrived, much to my dog’s bemusement.

Durability: These knee pads have survived everything I’ve thrown at them, including a not-so-graceful slide down a slab that I definitely meant to do. And let us not forget the time they saved me during a squabble with a particularly aggressive shrubbery on the descent. I now refer to it as “The Great Bush Battle of 2023.”

Performance: On the towering crags, they’ve been nothing short of a revelation. They offer a confidence boost when you’re grappling with those gnarly knee-bars and laybacks. They almost make you believe you’ve developed gecko powers.

A fun observation—these pads double as the perfect impromptu coffee coaster during breaks. In the wild world of multi-pitch rests, versatility matters!

Any quirks? Sure, during one sweaty ascent, I realized these pads could probably double as a sponge in a pinch. The breathability could be better, but, hey, it’s the price we pay for saving our skin, quite literally. And a heads up, they might make your knees start a one-sided conversation with your elbows. It’s nothing you can’t handle.

So, would I recommend the SCARPA Knee Pad Pro? Absolutely. For the love of climbing and all things knee-protective, add them to your gear list. Not only might your kneecaps stay blissfully unharmed, but you might also avoid joining the ranks of the renowned ‘Crag Crawlers,’ known for their bruised badge of honor.

So, go forth, fellow climbers, equip yourselves well, and remember to watch out for vengeful squirrels. They have a knack for using those knee pads as their runway and will judge your every move!

[River Rat Gear]

Best Climbing Knee Pads Buyer’s Guide

When I first started rock climbing, I dismissed knee pads as an unnecessary accessory. “Knee pads?” I scoffed. “Isn’t that for skateboarding?” Fast forward to crawling up a craggy pitch, and my poor, battered knees would beg to differ. Believe me, if you’re serious about climbing, investing in a good pair of knee pads is a game-changer. So let’s dive into what you need to know to pick out the best pair.

Types of Knee Pads

Soft Shell vs. Hard Shell
Think of this like the difference between a nice cozy sweater and a suit of armor. Soft shell knee pads are lightweight and super comfy, perfect for those long climbs when you want to feel like you’re wearing marshmallows. On the other hand, hard shell knee pads are great for those rugged climbs where your knees are likely to smash against rocks that make your ancestors’ old bed frames seem plush.

Key Features to Consider

• Comfort: If they’re not comfy, you’re not going to wear them, and your knees will quickly let you know which feels worse — the pad or the bruises from rock impacts. Some pads are treated with anti-odor features, which seems fancy until you realize how funky things can get.
• Material: Ideally, you want something breathable that doesn’t resemble medieval torture equipment. Look for high-density foam or gel combined with tough outer fabrics.
• Durability: These bad boys should withstand a lot of friction. Rocks don’t play nice, and neither should your knee pads. Check for reinforced stitching.
• Adjustability: Let’s face it, we all come in different shapes and sizes. Straps, Velcro, or elastic materials should keep them from slipping down to your ankles, which causes more problems than solutions when you’re mid-climb.

My Top Recommendations:

Here’s a little insider scoop from my own scratched knees:

1. Petzl Kneepads: These guys are like the luxury vehicles of knee pads. Durable, snug, and with a Kevlar guard. Plus, they look pretty cool. If Batman climbed mountains, he’d wear these.

2. Ocun Knee Pad: With easy slip-on usage and impressive flexibility, these are perfect for both bouldering and sport climbing. Just be sure to adjust them well to avoid that awkward penguin walk.

3. Arc’teryx Knee Caps: A high-end choice that offers impact-resistant protection without feeling like you’ve strapped a cinder block to your leg. Pricier, but you wouldn’t skimp on your shoes, so why skimp on your knees?

Finally, I can’t emphasize enough the importance of trying them — and by trying, I mean really giving them a test drive, and practicing your best ninja-knee drop. If you’re ordering online, check the return policy or hit up several products and do a little swaparoo if needed. Your knees will thank you. Happy climbing!

[Author]

Posts