Help with Knee Pads

[nak81783]

I've been using the same cheap, under-the-pants Raven knee pads for about 20 years. I think I got them for under $10 on clearance. Unfortunately, they are now giving me horrible heat rash burns above and below my knee cap and on the back of my knee. At first, I thought it was the laundry detergent. After washing, I rinsed them thoroughly in cold water. That worked for a while. Then I just hand washed them with Dawn dish soap to totally do away with the laundry detergent. That also worked for a while, but the heat rash burns came back. The last couple times, I just rinsed them very thoroughly with cold water. That didn't work. They're just neoprene, and although old, aren't worn at all, since they've always been under my pants.

Any ideas? Am I just getting older, and my skin can't handle the sweat compressed against my skin for hours at a time? Is it worth trying a different pair? If so, what's recommended?

I'd like to keep wearing knee pads for the impact of kneeling, sliding, etc., and I honestly think the compression offers some brace/support effect to help avoid knee injuries.

Thanks.

[pintbuster]

I wear a more modern BDU style pants. They have a pocket over the knee that you can slide a pad into. That helps to ventilate as it doesn't touch you unless you are kneeling.
The most modern cuts have hard rubber pucks that velcro in from the outside, they are better, but you pay more.
You can get them in regular colors, not just camo.

[Daltech]

I got volleyball style compression knee pads from Hydra. They have a jel pad over the knee and compression feels great. I double that with knee pad inserts into my BlakLader pants that have a pocket in the knee designed for the pads. Knees don’t grow back.

[Daltech]

Feels like I’m kneeling on pillow no matter where or what it is.

[Daltech]

[Daltech]

[Daltech]

[Daltech]

That’s a skin reaction to bacteria. You’re causing contact dermatitis, I hand wash my compression knee pads and air dry them after every or every other use. They will build up bacteria and cause rash if not regularly washed. I’d say just go for the blaklader pants and knee pads, but if your on a budget I got nothing for you, I’d rather spend money on knee pads than on knee replacement surgery.

[Daltech]

Dawn and laundry detergents won’t kill the sports type of bacteria, it’s common in gyms too. You need sports detergent with sanitizer. Honestly I’d just pony up for new pants with pads. I feel you, I had some crappy knee pads and I just went the other direction. I use them for work sometimes too so, it helps with the high cost.

[iamthelazerviking]

Hydra Black knee pads are the best I've ever used

[nak81783]

Thanks all. Starting with antibacterial detergent; arrives from Amazon tomorrow. Next will be the Hydras. Last will be new pants with inserts. Thanks again.

[nak81783]

Well, the antibacterial laundry additive seemed to work last week, but I only got to play 2-3 hours in mid-70's temperatures. I didn't get a sweaty as when I typically get the heat rash on my knees.

Today, I played 5 hours in mid-80's temperatures, worked up a good sweat, and my knees are stinging with the heat rash again.

So, as I stated above, time for step 2 - the Hydra knee pads. Can those that use the Hydras please sound off if the sizing chart is accurate? Oh, and where's the best place to buy them? Some place with free returns would be great just in case the sizing is off. Thanks.

[Chuck E Ducky]

I got a pair of carbons they are thin flexible not sure on durability but so far so good.

[nak81783]

Bought the Hydras from ANS. Washed them before wearing, including the antibacterial rinse cycle. First long, hot outing went well. No heat rash. I bought per the size chart, and they fit properly.

[Jonnydread]

This thread made me buy a pair of Hydra blacks. I have tree trunk legs so I'm usually a 2XL+ and per Hydra's fit recommendations I'm a 3XL! I'll make a review once I try them so other THICCBOIS can have some good info. I tried the largest CRBN kneepads and I couldn't fit them over my calves