If you’ve been hiking as long as I have, then you’ve probably experienced knee pain at some point. It’s a common problem that can be caused by anything, from a fall, too much weight in your pack (or around your middle), or even just from having a lot of miles under your belt. A knee brace for hiking can help provide some support and reduce the risk of further injury.
What is a Knee Brace for Hiking
A knee brace for hiking is an essential accessory designed to provide optimal support and stability to the knee joints during hiking adventures. It’s specifically crafted to ensure proper knee movement, mitigate the risk of injuries, and alleviate discomfort from pre-existing conditions while navigating through uneven terrains and challenging slopes.
This supportive gear is crucial for both seasoned hikers and trail novices, aiming to promote a healthy, enjoyable hiking experience by safeguarding the knees against potential strains and stresses. Choosing a quality knee brace for hiking is a proactive step towards maintaining knee health and enhancing overall hiking performance.
There are several types of knee braces for hikers available, ranging from lightweight sleeves to heavier-duty supports with straps and hinges. Choosing the best knee brace for hiking and your needs is key to getting the most out of it. The important thing is that you find something that fits comfortably and provides adequate support without limiting movement or causing additional pain or discomfort.
Once you start experiencing knee pain it only seems to get worse. While you may not be able to fix the problem completely, finding the best knee brace for hiking can relieve the pain and keep you on the trail longer.
*Disclaimer: this is not medical advice! If you’re suffering knee problems, please consult your doctor, not a blog post on the internet!
We’ve reviewed some of the best hiking knee supports and put together a guide and comparison table on what to look out for when you buy yours.
At a Glance: Recommendations for Best Knee Braces (for hikers & backpackers)
- Best Knee Support for Hiking: Cho-Pat Dual Action Knee Brace
- Best Knee Brace for Hill Walking: Shock Doctor 875 Hinged Knee Brace
- Best Support for Long Distance: Powerlix Compression Knee Sleeve
- Best Knee Support for Budget: Bracoo Knee support open patella Brace
Table of contents
- What is a Knee Brace for Hiking
- Best Knee Brace for Hiking: Reviews
- IPOW Patella Stabilizer Knee Strap
- Knee Support Comparison Table
- Can a hiking knee support help alleviate knee pain during hiking?
- How to Reduce Knee Pain when Hiking
- Will Wearing Compression Socks Help?
- Understanding Knee Braces for Hiking
- What is the difference between knee straps, sleeves, braces, and stabilizers ?
- How to choose the right size and fit
- Conclusion
- FAQs
- Explore our clothing recommendations!
Best Knee Brace for Hiking: Reviews
Cho-Pat Dual Action Knee Brace
- Great support above and below knee
- Doesn’t restrict motion
- Comfortable to wear
- Easy to get on and off
- Adjustable straps – Easier to select correct size
- Breathable fabric
- A little bulky to wear under pants without it showing
The Cho-Pat knee brace is the best general knee support if you’re not really sure what’s causing pain. If you want to cover all your bases on your next hike then try one of these. The patented design gives a maximum level of support above and below the knee. Tension is applied to the tendon above the knee cap to compensate for weak quads; as well as to the patellar tendon below the kneecap to keep your kneecap stabilized and offer pain relief.
The knee strap makes it really easy to both get on and off. It’s adjustable and offers a 2″ tolerance within each size so it’s easier to select the right size. The fabric is breathable and comfortable enough to wear all day.
We especially liked how the strap system offered constant support without limiting your range of motion. You can wear it under or over pants – however, it’s just bulky enough for you to notice if you’re wearing it under long pants.
Get it on Amazon for $29.99
Shock Doctor 875 Hinged Knee Brace
- Very high quality materials and construction
- Dual hinges and side stabilizers add to already great support
- Very comfortable
- Air flow vented Neoprene – good breathability and moisture wicking
- Anti-odor treated
- Hinge stops prevent hyperextension of knee
- High price tag
- Sizing is a little tricky to get just right
If you’re recovering from a knee injury or tend to experience knee pain when walking downhill then this is a great knee brace. The hinges and side stabilizing stays combine with the rest of the sleeve to offer great support.
We like that the hinges have stops on them that prevent hyperextension of your knee. That’s often a real risk when you’re walking downhill with a heavy pack and a weak knee.
Hyperextension of your knee is also not something that a regular knee brace will prevent. The open patella design and highly breathable fabric make this brace ideal for high-activity hiking, even in warmer weather. Additionally, the fabric has also been treated with an antimicrobial to prevent odors.
It’s meant to be tight so it takes some effort to get on but feels very comfortable once it’s in place. Just take a little time to measure accurately below your kneecap before consulting the sizing guide.
If you’re not 100% sure then opt for a size up. Also, this hinged knee brace may take a little breaking in so don’t be overly concerned if it feels a little tight on the first day or two.
Get it on Amazon for $109.99
Powerlix Compression Knee Sleeve
- Comfortable enough for all-day wear
- Inner lining keeps sleeve in place – no slipping or sliding
- Fabric breathes and wicks well
- Great price
- It’s quite long
- Not adjustable
If you’re walking long distances you want your knee brace to be super comfortable but still offer a fair measure of support. This sleeve-type knee brace is a great option. As long as you’re not carrying too much weight or covering difficult terrain then it offers ideal support for your knee.
The 4-way compression keeps your knee well supported but still allows for a full range of motion. We like that the design is very low profile and the fabric has a smooth and soft feel to it for all day comfort. The fabric breathes well and does a good job of wicking sweat away from your leg.
However, we don’t like having to adjust straps every few miles,so we were pretty impressed with how this brace stays in place with no rolling, slipping or sliding. Moreover, the pricing is great too!
If you’re after moderate support on long walks, then it’s worth trying this knee sleeve before opting for one of the more expensive options.
Get it on Amazon for $20.99
IPOW Patella Stabilizer Knee Strap
- Fully adjustable
- Great knee brace for running
- Fabric is breathable and soft – comfortable to wear long-term
- Offers good relief for “hiker’s knee”
- Allows for good range of motion
- Great price – comes as a 2-pack
- Only good for limited causes of knee pain
- Straps are a little bulky
If you suffer from hiker’s knee, then it may be that all you need is a little support below your knee rather than a full knee brace.
Often the pain is caused because either your kneecap shifts too far, or because of a weak patellar tendon.
These stabilizer knee straps don’t look like much but they exert just enough pressure on the patellar tendon to offer great relief. Since they don’t restrict your knee from bending, they’re even great for relieving knee pain when running.
If your knee pain is caused by lateral tracking of your kneecap or weak quads, then it may not offer the relief you’re after. However, they come supplied as a 2-pack and at this low price they’re definitely worth a try.
Get it on Amazon for $9.99
Bracoo Knee Support Open-Patella Brace
- Reinforced stabilizer ring keeps kneecap securely in place
- Offers good support above and below knee
- Fully adjustable
- Comfortable and offers good range of motion
- Good breathability and moisture wicking
- Great price
- Straps need readjustment from time to time
If you’re after all-round knee support but don’t want to pay for hinges or other fancy designs, then this well-designed brace offers good value at the price. It offers just enough compression above and below the knee without feeling too restrictive or cutting circulation off.
What it’s really good at is keeping your kneecap secure. This is due to the stabilizer ring, which makes sure your kneecap tracks properly in all directions. To clarify, this is especially helpful if you suffer from “bone on bone” related knee pain.
Also, the wide velcro straps make adjustments easy but they needed some readjustment more often than we’d like. They offer a good range of motion although they did tend to bunch behind the knee a little when crouching. This is a good budget option if you want a full knee brace that actually works.
Get it on Amazon for $14.99
Knee Support Comparison Table
| Knee Support | Cost | Knee Pain Relief | Support Level | Best Used When… |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cho-Pat Dual Action Knee Brace | $29.99 | High | Maximum | Navigating challenging terrains; need for dual action support to the kneecap and surrounding muscles. |
| Shock Doctor 875 Hinged Knee Brace | $109.99 | Very High | Maximum | Experiencing severe knee instability or recovering from moderate to severe knee injuries. |
| IPOW Patella Stabilizer Knee Strap | $9.99 | High | Moderate | Needing focused patellar support and stabilization during activities with frequent knee bending. |
| Powerlix Compression Knee Sleeve | $20.99 | Moderate | Moderate | Seeking compression for mild support and pain relief during long hikes on moderate terrains. |
| Bracoo Knee Support Open Patella Brace | $14.99 | High | High | Requiring support around the kneecap and adjustable compression levels. |
Can a hiking knee support help alleviate knee pain during hiking?
Yes, a well-chosen hiking knee support can help manage and alleviate knee pain by providing stability, reducing pressure on the knee joint, and preventing further injury.
How to Reduce Knee Pain when Hiking
The quickest way to deal with the pain of a common hiking injury, if you’re on a hike is to take some painkillers or anti-inflammatories. But the best way to stop knee pain is to stop hiking. Seriously. Just taking a break, sitting down for a few minutes and catching your breath can bring relief. Sometimes you’ll need a longer break and may need to rest your knee for a few weeks before hitting the trails again.
Use that break time to strengthen your leg muscles. One of the biggest causes of knee pain is weak glutes, quads, and tight hip flexors. This causes your knee to have to compensate by picking up the slack and taking on extra pressure. It can also lead to your IT band (iliotibial band) shifting and rubbing on your knee joint. Doing strengthening and stretching exercises will result in your knee not having to do more than its fair share of the work.
If your knee pain is caused by Patellar Tracking Disorder your best bet is to wear a good knee brace. Patellar Tracking Disorder is when your patella (kneecap) shifts too far to the outside, or sometimes the inside, of your leg. This happens with the patellar tendon doesn’t do a good job of keeping it in place. A knee brace keeps the patella from shifting more than it should, and reduces the friction on the inside of the kneecap, preventing the pain.
What is Hiker’s Knee?
Hikers knee manifests itself as a dull pain around or behind your kneecap. There could be any number of things that could be causing the pain in the first place. The pain is often aggravated by walking up and down inclines, kneeling, squatting or even just overuse, ie. walking long distances. Pretty much everything you’ll be doing on a hike, unfortunately.
Why do my knees hurt Walking Downhill?
Walking downhill is where your knees are going to feel the most pressure and pain. With each step, you’re actually falling down a little and then relying on your legs to break your fall. If you brace, or lock, your legs with each step then your knees end up absorbing the pressure, which causes the pain. If you focus on keeping your knees slightly bent with each step then you force your thigh muscles (quads and glutes) to take the pressure rather than your knees. A good set of walking poles can also help transfer some of that pressure from your knees to your arms.
Focus on keeping your knees slightly bent with each step then you force your thigh muscles (quads and glutes) to take the pressure rather than your knees.
A good set of walking poles can also help transfer some of that pressure from your knees to your arms.
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Do I Need A Knee Brace?
A knee brace isn’t going to miraculously cure all your knee problems but it can bring relief and aid with your recovery. Here are a few conditions that may benefit from a knee brace:
- Osteoarthritis
- Chondromalacia patellae
- Dislocated patella
- ACL sprain
- Patellar tendonitis
- Iliotibial band stress syndrome
- patellofemoral stress syndrome
Even if you haven’t been diagnosed with one of these specific conditions it’s worth considering a knee brace if you’ve had surgery or an injury anywhere along your leg or foot. If any part of your leg is in recovery it’s often your knee that has to pick up the slack and that can lead to pain.
Will Wearing Compression Socks Help?
Sometimes you might be able to get away without having to wear a knee brace if you wear a pair of good compression socks. These fit really snugly and compress your legs to improve blood flow. The improved blood flow can reduce swelling and discomfort in and around your knees.
How to look after your knees on the trail
It’s not just your gear that experiences wear and tear, your body does too. As with your equipment, if you treat your body carefully it’ll last longer and work better. There are a few things you can do to give your knees a better chance of giving you long term, pain free, performance:
- Get your knees in shape before hitting the trail. Walk regularly and increase your walking distance gradually in preparation for your hike.
- Reduce the weight by being frugal with what you put into your pack. Having weight evenly distributed helps.
- Wear a good pair of hiking shoes or boots. Boots with cushioning can reduce the shock your joints experience with each footfall.
- Take it slow when you’re going downhill.
- Use hiking poles to take pressure off your knees.
- Wear some kind of support even if you feel only slight discomfort. Don’t wait until the pain is too intense. Supporting your knee from the start can prevent further injury.
Hiking technique/gait
Often knee pain is caused by repetitive pressure being exerted on the same spot over and over again. If you vary your gait it’ll help to alleviate this. Try lengthening or shortening your stride for a while. Varying your footfall can help too. Try landing your foot more heel to toe, rather than flat, for a while to mix things up.
Hiking uphill:
- Get into a good rhythm.
- Walk slower and take fewer breaks. Stopping and starting during breaks can aggravate joint pain.
- Decrease the gradient by zigzagging rather than going straight up.
Hiking Downhill:
- Keep your center of gravity low and directly over your legs rather than leaning backwards or forwards.
- Concentrate and make each foot placement both deliberate and focused.
- Heel strike first and roll from heel to toes.
- Take shorter steps to maintain a good balance.
- Keep knees slightly bent throughout to prevent hyperextension.
Having a good pair of hiking boots can also help improve your hiking technique and can help correct any tendency to overpronate. You’ll also get a firmer footing and will be less likely to twist your knee.
Open Patella vs Closed Patella
Knee braces will either have a closed or open patella design. This means they either cover the whole knee cap or have a hole over the center of the kneecap.
For the most part, your choice really comes down to personal preference. Some people feel that an open patella design has their kneecap feeling a little less compressed.
Being open also allows for better breathability in warm conditions. In cold conditions, you may want to opt for a closed patella design to keep your knee warmer.
If you need a little extra pressure on your kneecap, then a closed patella design would also help.
Understanding Knee Braces for Hiking
A knee brace for hiking is more than just protective gear. It’s a blend of support, comfort, and injury prevention, tailored to cater to the dynamic needs of hikers. These braces come in various designs, from lightweight sleeves to more robust supports with straps and hinges. The primary objective is to provide a balance between adequate support and flexibility, ensuring that your movements are not restricted.
Varieties of Knee Braces: Exploring the Options
When browsing for knee braces, you’ll encounter several types:
- Lightweight Sleeves: Ideal for mild support, suitable for long treks on even terrains.
- Hinged Braces: Offer more comprehensive support, perfect for recovering from injuries or dealing with severe knee instability.
- Patella Stabilizers: Focus on keeping the kneecap in place, beneficial for conditions like patellar tracking disorder.
Choosing the Right Knee Brace
Selecting the best knee brace depends on individual needs and hiking habits:
- Consider the Terrain: Rough trails require more robust knee support compared to flat, even paths.
- Assess Your Knee Condition: Specific knee issues like osteoarthritis or patellar tendonitis might need specialized braces.
- Fit and Comfort: Ensure the brace fits snugly without restricting blood flow or movement.
How much support do you need?
Knee braces are designed to provide varying degrees of support. They maybe knee braces for runners protecting runner s knee or knee braces for hiking, the amount of support you need depends on whether you’re recovering from an injury or surgery or if you only experience mild knee pain or discomfort.
Light support – Straps or sleeves. Used for mild conditions like tendonitis, patellofemoral stress syndrome, and chondromalacia patellae.
Moderate support – Braces with significant strapping or articulated hinges and stays on either side. Design elements may also include patella control rings or braces or motion control elements to prevent hyperextension. These still allow for mobility and are better suited to aid with active recovery.
Total knee support – Knee immobilizer brace. Used after surgery where no mobility of the knee can be tolerated. If you need one of these you probably shouldn’t be on a hike.
Brace Style & Design
Knee braces either come in a slip-on or wraparound style. The slip-on knee braces pull on over your foot and slide up to fit snugly around the knee.
These knee stabilizers are great if you prefer a low profile design without any straps or clips. They’re not adjustable though, so you need to get your sizing right when purchasing one. Also, you’ll normally need to get your shoe off when pulling the brace on or off.
The wraparound-style knee braces are normally a little more bulky but they can be put on and removed without having to go over your foot. This style of knee brace is also adjustable so you don’t have to worry about getting the sizing spot on.
What is the difference between knee straps, sleeves, braces, and stabilizers?
Knee braces come in five main designs:
- Knee Supports – wrap around top and bottom of the knee and are adjustable
- Knee Sleeves – designed to slip over the leg – not adjustable. Slip-on supports that provide compression and mild support to the entire knee area.
- Knee Stabilizers – have steel springs on either side to provide support. These are often built into or added to braces to provide additional lateral and medial support to the knee.
- Hinged brace- Generally more robust, braces offer more support and are used for more severe or specific knee conditions. Hinges and stays offer a high degree of support while allowing for a greater range of movement
- Knee Strap – The strap system typically wraps around the patellar tendon and provide support to the kneecap. Wraps around just below the knee.
Knee Strap vs Knee Brace
A knee strap fits above or below the knee and its main purpose is to put pressure on the respective tendons to take the stress off those tendons. If you suffer from a tight IT band or weak quads then a strap may be all you need.
A knee brace provides more overall protection and pressure and is more likely what you’ll need if you’re recovering from surgery or an injury. If your knee pain is caused by your patella tracking badly (moving around too much), then you’ll need a brace to keep it securely in place.
Knee Brace Material
The material your knee brace is made from will have an impact on its durability as well as how comfortable it is to wear. If it has hinges, straps, clips or velcro you want to be sure these are made from good quality materials and that the stitching that secures these to the brace is done properly too.
The breathability of the material, especially in the case a sleeve knee braces, is worth noting too. If it’s a closed design then it can get pretty sweaty under the brace. Besides the risk of chafing, if the material doesn’t breathe well it’s going to end up smelling pretty funky after a day of hiking in warm weather.
Keeping your knee warm can also help alleviate pain. If you’re hiking in cool weather then a knee brace made from material that provides some insulation is a good option to consider.
How to choose the right size and fit
A poorly fitted knee brace could end up doing more harm than good. You want your brace to fit snugly around your knee but not too tight either.
If it’s too tight you could end up doing more damage to an already injured knee.
However, if it’s too loose, then you’re not going to get the support you need.
Also, if you’re fitting a brace, make sure you bend your knee as much as possible to check that your range of motion isn’t too restricted by the brace. Try stepping up onto a high step to see if you’ll be able to walk up a steep incline or even do a little climbing with the brace.
A good rule of thumb is to see how many fingers you can slip in-between the brace and your leg.
If you can get three fingers in, then it’s too loose. Or, if you can’t slip two fingers in then it’s too tight.
- Adjustability – If your legs are prone to swelling after a long hike then you’re probably better off using an adjustable knee brace.
- Comfort: heat/cold/sweat/chafing etc
- Take it off at the end of your day’s hike.
How to Care for Your Knee Brace
Inspect your knee brace regularly for any signs of wear and tear. At some point the straps and stitching will suffer some damage and its effectiveness can be affected. Washing the brace regularly will keep it odor-free and in good shape but check the washing instructions first.
A cold water hand wash with mild detergent is probably your best bet. Be sure to dry it properly before storing it. If it has any hinges or stays, check these for any damage and make sure there’s no grime buildup in any of the articulated areas to maintain mobility.
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Conclusion
Remember, while knee supports can aid in alleviating pain and preventing injuries, it’s also crucial to listen to your body, maintain proper form, and undertake conditioning exercises to strengthen the knee joints and surrounding muscles.
As with any medical condition, it’s always best to consult with your doctor. If you experience severe knee pain, then even buying the best knee brace for hiking may not solve your problem.
Even though knee pain seems to only rear its head on the trail, it’s worth buying the best knee braces for hiking, so that you can get significant relief. If you want a high degree of support then it’s worth paying a little more to get a really good brace.
The money you spend on a knee brace will always cost you far less than surgery will. Any one of the quality knee braces reviewed above are a great option that will help you cover more hiking miles with a lot less knee pain.
FAQs
Consider the level of support needed, the type of knee condition, the fit, and the comfort. Consulting with healthcare or a physical therapy professional can also provide insights into the most suitable type of support for individual needs.
Absolutely! Many hikers use knee supports as a preventive measure to avoid strain and injury, especially when hiking on challenging terrains or carrying heavy backpacks.
Regularly cleaning as per the manufacturer’s instructions, proper storage, and avoiding overstretching or stressing the material will help maintain the effectiveness and longevity of knee supports.
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Last update on 2024-04-18 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
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