When hiking in the wilderness, anything can happen that might lead to injuries. The main reason why most people go hiking is to have fun and enjoy themselves and not to get injuries. While there are so many types of protective gear that hikers wear to protect various parts of their bodies, most hikers normally do not give so much attention to protecting their knees.
It’s a good thing that there is no shortage of the best knee brace for hiking available on the market. When it comes to protecting your knees as you hike, there is no better way of doing it other than by using knee braces. Knee injuries are always common while hiking because there are high chances that you will fall while walking downhill, climbing a rock among many other causes of accidents in the wilderness.
If you want to have all your body parts completely protected, then you stand a high chance of not getting any part of your body injured while hiking. Knee wounds and bruises normally take long to heal, and you don’t want to be limping in the middle of your hike.
There are a few pointers to follow while looking for the perfect knee brace to buy. It is recommended that every hiker should have some clue about these pointers so as not to go wrong while buying a particular knee brace. Consider yourself very lucky because after reading this in-depth review, you will be in a position to know what to look out for when buying a knee brace.
Our top picks
| Product | Weight | Material | Dimensions | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EveShine Adjustable Knee Brace Support | 3 pounds | Synthetic | 8.5 x 4.5 x 1.4 inches | Check price on Amazon |
| EzyFit Knee Brace Support | 2.9 pounds | Neoprene, Nylon & Polyester | 9.1 x 4.8 x 1.7 inches | Check price on Amazon |
| TechWare Pro Knee Brace Support | 2.8 pounds | Neoprene | 8.9 x 4.7 x 1.8 inches | Check price on Amazon |
| Winzone Knee Brace Support | 3 pounds | Neoprene | 7.0 x 4.0x 1.5 inches | Check price on Amazon |
| WITKEEN Knee Support Brace | 3 pounds | 80% Neoprene/20% Nylon | 9.0 x 4.8 x 1.7 inches | Check price on Amazon |
| King of Kings Knee Brace Support | 3 pounds | 100% Neoprene | 8.7 x 4.8 x 1.7 inches | Check price on Amazon |
| Ipow Breathable Knee Support | 3.2 ounces | 100% Neoprene | 8.9 x 5.0 x 1.4 inches | Check price on Amazon |
| EXOUS Knee Brace Support Protector | 3 pounds | 62% Neoprene 20% polyester 17% Nylon 1% Spandex | 0.2 x 0.1 inches | Check price on Amazon |
Things to consider before buying
Let’s start by discussing the main features one should look for when selecting a high-quality knee brace. We will address only the most important ones, but there are many others, usually pertaining more to the personal choice.
Material
It is very important to consider the material used to make the knee brace. The type of material used to make the knee brace will determine whether the knee brace will be durable or not. Knee braces as usually made up of various materials such as steels, plastics, fabric as well as hooks and loops.
Depending on an individual’s preference, you are free to choose a knee brace made using your preferred material.
Size
It is very vital that size should be considered as a very important factor when deciding which types of knee brace to buy. The size of the knee brace for hiking that you should buy must have a good fit so that you can be comfortable while wearing it.
Should the knee brace be too tight, it can be capable of causing more harm to an already injured knee, and this is something that should not be happening. On the other hand, if you buy an oversized knee brace, then it will be of no use at all.
Comfort
When purchasing a knee brace, it is very important that you consider how comfortable you will feel when hiking with the knee brace on your knees. You should make sure that you will be comfortable using the particular knee brace and also ensure that it will not restrict your knee mobility.
If you buy a knee brace that you’ll feel uncomfortable using when hiking, then there is a high chance that you will not enjoy your hiking adventure.
Knee brace style
You may be looking for a particular knee brace style, and therefore depending on your preference, you should go for a style that pleases you. There are several knee brace styles which include pull up sleeves which are a simple pull up support that provides necessary support, knee compression and warmth.
There is also the wrap around style which is designed with adjustable straps to make it perfectly fit the knee and is ideal to be used if your knee is swollen. Hinged braces provide good support by using hinges to offload and support the joint.
Magnetic braces are designed with in-built magnets that reduce discomfort, promote healing and improve the overall well-being. Last but not least, there are the neoprene braces which are ideal for retaining heat and promoting healing, reducing swelling and relieving pain. They are made using neoprene.
Support level
This is a very vital factor that should not be overlooked when looking for a particular type of knee brace to purchase. This is because you have to consider your personal needs when purchasing a particular type of knee braces basing on the support level.
Knee braces can basically be classified into the following categories under support level.
- Basic level – these types of knee braces are ideal for knee conditions that need a small degree of support. These types of knee braces are very comfortable to wear because they provide the knee with just the right amount of support.
- Advanced level – these knee braces are ideal for those knees that need moderate levels of support. The knee braces that fall under this category are normally durable and can be adjusted to ensure enough comfort and a snug fit.
- Elite level – this is the type of knee brace that is ideal for providing maximum stability and ensuring that the knee does not give way. Knee braces under this category are ideal to be used following a surgery.
Best products on today’s market
Now that we have enlightened you on some of the most important features to consider before buying a knee brace for hiking, it would be useful if we also gave you some clue on some of the knee braces that we have tested and proved to be among the best on the market.
We looked at some of the best features of these knee braces, their pros and cons and made a concrete decision that these are some of the best knee braces currently available on the market. Without further ado, the products we strongly recommend are:
EveShine Adjustable Knee Brace Support
Weight: 3 pounds
Dimensions: 8.5 x 4.5 x 1.4 inches
Specifications: Fully Adjustable for Good Fit & Comfort, Open Patella Wraparound, Allow the Knee to Breathe, Provides Great Support and Compression, 100% Hassle-free Money Back Guarantee
Material: Synthetic
Best use: Hiking, exercising, sports
The EveShine Adjustable Knee Brace Support is one of the best knee braces for hiking. This knee brace is preferred by many hikers because it has some great features. It is very easy to put on, tighten and take off and you don’t have to struggle so much doing so.
It is fully adjustable for the perfect fit and comfort because of the Velcro straps that you can adjust to your size. This helps this knee brace to stay in place better than the pull-up sleeve braces. The Open Patella Wraparound has a hole at the front for reducing pressure at the kneecap which is helpful when the front of the knee is painful.
What’s more, this knee brace is made using stronger materials that ensure that it is very durable. The more durable materials help in retaining heat and circulates this heat to the knee and this can help in promoting the healing process. It also supports the muscles as well as the ligaments by providing some compression to the knee.
The presence of the non-slip grip makes this knee brace to perform very well. With the three straps, you may think that this knee brace is custom made. This product goes above and below the knee perfectly well to give great support, while still enabling you to have a full functionality trying to walk and bend.
PROS:
- Adjustable straps and inbuilt supports
- Reduces the forces going through the kneecap
- Retains heat
- Fully adjustable
- Fades faster than normal when washed
EzyFit Knee Brace Support
Weight: 2.9 pounds
Dimensions: 9.1 x 4.8 x 1.7 inches
Specifications: Open patella, exercise support, knee stabilizer & non-slip silicon strips, comfort and quality
Material: Neoprene, Nylon & Polyester
Best use: Hiking, workout
For those hikers who are looking for a knee brace that fits their knees ,stays snug and tight to provide a long lasting and effective support then the EzyFit Knee Brace Support should be your number one choice. If you are looking for a solid brace, you should consider this knee brace for various reasons that we are going to elaborate.
This knee brace comes in three sizes designed to be used on any knee measuring 23-61cm (9”-24”) around the leg at the kneecap. This means that very many people can use it because this range of knee measurement accommodates very many people.
With an open patella, this knee brace allows full movement and flexibility of the joint while one is exercising. What else would one need when you have all the freedom of movement while using this knee brace? It is very durable courtesy of the rounded double stitched edges that also make it comfortable to use.
This knee brace is also thick enough to be able to produce the desirable heat needed for better results and also to make it hold its shape.
What’s more, with a blend of quality Neoprene, Polyester and nylon which forms a firm bond with the Velcro fastening, this knee brace will avail the best performance you could ever think of. It is also suitable for both the right and left legs.
PROS:
- Made to last and easy to wash and keep clean
- Rounded, double stitched edges for comfort and durability
- Very thick to produce enough heat
- Very comfortable to use
- Has a knee stabiliser
- The small strap that goes behind the knee does not function well
TechWare Pro Knee Brace Support
Weight: 2.8 pounds
Dimensions: 8.9 x 4.7 x 1.8 inches
Specifications: Open patella knee support design, breathable moisture wicking neoprene with non-silicone strips, maximum support knee brace, adjustable unique bi-directional support
Material: Neoprene
Best use: Hiking, workouts, sports
The TechWare Pro Knee Brace Support is a unique knee brace that every serious hiker should have to protect their knees from injuries while hiking. This knee brace is considered as one of the best knee braces for hiking because it boasts of various high-quality features that every hiker must fall in love with.
One of the more notable features of this brace are Velcro straps that ensure support and compression are applied evenly on your knees. This will make you feel very comfortable while wearing this brace. This knee brace will consistently relieve your pain on the knee when carrying out most of your activities from playing to working.
This knee brace will avail the maximum support and compression to your knee making sure that it surrounds your knee while at the same time does not interfere with your mobility. With the breathable moisture wicking neoprene construction and non-slip silicone strips, you will have maximum comfort irrespective of the activity you will be doing.
PROS:
- Very comfortable to use
- Avails tech ware pro performance
- Offers better knee stability
- Consistently relieves pain
- Provides maximum support and compression
- Somehow expensive as compared to others
Winzone Knee Brace Support
Weight: 3 pounds
Dimensions: 8.9 x 4.7 x 1.8 inches
Specifications: Super comfortable, supports knee while minimizing pain, does not restrict movement, open patella protector wrap, meniscus tear
Material: Neoprene
Best use: Hiking, workouts, basketball
Why settle for an overrated knee brace that is uncomfortable while you can use the Winzone Knee Brace Support which is considered to be one of the best knee braces for hiking?
This new brace will offer you enough comfort for hours and is extra supportive to minimize the pain. This knee brace is super durable and is made using 100% neoprene that does not get hot, slip or even restrict much. What’s more, it is completely comfortable, slips on/off in seconds and is machine washable.
It is super durable and provide good protection without compromising comfort or performance. You are guaranteed that using this knee brace will be worth more than what you will be paying for.
This knee brace is perfect for active people, and if you consider yourself to be very active, then this is the perfect knee brace for you. It is also ideal for relieving arthritic, and medial collateral ligament pain.
PROS:
- Comfortable
- Does not restrict movement
- Has an open patella protector wrap
- Supports the knee while minimizing pain
- It has an awkward fit
WITKEEN Knee Support Brace
Weight: 3 pounds
Dimensions: 8.9 x 4.7 x 1.8 inches
Specifications: Knee brace for faster healing, designed for athletes, ideal for anyone, comfortable, all day knee support.
Material: 80% Neoprene/20% Nylon
Best use: Hiking, workouts
The WITKEEN Knee Support Brace is a highly rated knee brace that is currently available on the market. With this knee brace, you should not allow knee pain to keep you side-lined you from the normal life anymore. Use this knee support to get back to hiking, running, golf, or just walking in the park with your family.
This knee brace is strong enough and will support your knees for a very long time. It has been made to last from the highest quality materials; you can trust this knee brace every day for extraordinary relief from nagging aches, chronic injuries and protection against further knee damage. Did you know that this knee brace comes with a free knee recovery guide included?
This knee brace is a must have for serious hikers. If you want to protect your knees from injuries or to prevent you from further injuries on your knees, there is no better way to do it other than by using this product. It is also available at a relatively affordable price, and it is better to spend some money on buying it rather than waiting until you get some injuries on your knees.
PROS:
- Strong enough
- Comfortable to use
- Durable
- Versatile
- High-quality materials
- Relatively expensive
King of Kings Knee Brace Support
Weight: 5.6 ounces
Dimensions: 11 x 6.7 x 1.2 inches
Specifications: Extremely light, fully adjustable and fitted with 2 spring steel side stays for ultimate protection
Material: 100% neoprene
Best use: Hiking, workouts, sports
The King of Kings Knee Brace Support is a highly rated knee brace for hiking that should be owned by every serious hiker who cares about their safety while hiking in the wilderness. This knee brace is loved by almost all types of hikers whether experienced or newbies. We reviewed this knee brace because indeed it deserved to be reviewed due to its very many positive features.
This knee brace is made using a 3-layer design which is geared towards increasing your level of comfort while using this knee brace. It uses the DuPont CoolMax that will keep your skin cool with an unmatched wicking performance.
Above the layer of DuPont CoolMax, there is another layer of perforated neoprene that is tasked with providing excellent breathability.
This knee brace is extremely lightweight ensuring that it does not drag you behind when hiking because of its weight. It also features fully adjustable straps that are fitted with 2 spring steel side stays for ultimate protection. When using this no-slip knee brace, your knees will be kept supported during all the activities.
This knee brace has a very simple principle of operation that every hiker should know before using it. It applies compression directly on the knee, and its design will protect the knee from harm while engaging in physical activities like hiking.
PROS:
- DuPont CoolMax
- Ergonomically designed
- Extremely light, universally adjustable
- Lightweight
- There is a middle strap that goes behind the knee and makes you feel uncomfortable
Ipow Breathable Knee Support
Weight: 3.2 ounces
Dimensions: 23.6 x 7.9 x 1.8 inches
Specifications: Superstrong, Adjustable size 12.5″ to 21″ strap supply, lightweight, super soft and breathable material, Open patella design.
Material: 100% neoprene
Best use: Hiking, workouts, sports, mountaineering
The Ipow Breathable Knee Support is one an example of an ideal knee brace for hiking that you should spend your hard earned cash on. This product is highly rated on Amazon, and this shows that many users liked its performance and reliability. We did our research and realized that it deserves to be on our list.
This knee brace is made of top grade neoprene material with an open patella design and a breathable soft fabric which allows moisture wicking and promotes the dissipation of heat thus preventing wetness on your knee.
It also features in-built layered perforations that are ideal for a better breathable performance. This is a perfect design that can help you recover quickly from a knee surgery. This is because it holds the patella in the required position and stabilizes torn ACL, LCL, PCL, and MCL ligament. It is very effective in relieving pressure and helping in reducing knee joint fatigue from intense exercises and heavy usage.
PROS:
- Made from a lightweight material
- Moisture wicking
- Comfortable to use
- Open patella design
- It has four inserted springs that relieves pressure and helps in reducing knee joint fatigue
- Cannot be washed with other clothing
- Cannot be used by those allergic to neoprene
- Cannot be dehydrated in the washing machine
EXOUS Knee Brace Support Protector
Weight: 3 pounds
Dimensions: 0.2 x 0.1 inches
Specifications: Stabilized and lightweight, more comfort and less irritation, anti-slip design, braces and supports the knee.
Material: 62% Neoprene 20% Polyester 17% Nylon 1% Spandex
Best use: Hiking, workouts, sports
The EXOUS Knee Brace Support Protector really deserves to be on the list of the knee braces that we decided to review. This knee brace for hiking has so many great features that will make hiking so fun and enjoyable for most hikers. This knee brace combines almost all the great features that you could ever need in an ideal knee brace and avails them in one product.
If you don’t own this product, then don’t consider yourself a serious hiker. As a hiker, when spending your time in the wilderness, it is better to be safe than worry about spending much money on your hiking gears. This knee brace will give you value for your money. It boasts of several features that will make you fall in love it.
It is a non-slip fit meaning that it will stay in position without slipping from the start to the end of your exercise. Most other knee braces normally slip and therefore may not protect your knee in case an accident happens when it is not at the recommended position.
It features a patella support; it has two smaller cross over straps that are fully adjustable and will help in isolating and stabilizing the patella. Did we mention that this knee brace has dual stabilizers?
What’s more, this product is made using a super strong Velcro. The extra strong Velcro is ideal for a reliable long-term grip; it also has thick Velcro tabs designed never to curve to lose function. This knee brace feels very comfortable to use. There is a 0.5” gap behind the knee allows the knee to be able to bend without any restrictions
PROS:
- Dedicated patella isolation and support
- Double flexible lateral stabilizers
- Skin friendly lycra
- Lightweight and slim design
- Not the most affordable option
- Not very soft foam in the sole
In Conclusion
With all that said, we gave you some of the top-rated hiking knee braces available on the market. These are especially recommended for people who plan hiking trips as a way of making sure that your knees will always be protected even if you fall while doing an activity in the wilderness.
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