Knee Pads

[rab3rd]

Wasnt really sure where to put this, its a macro photography equipment question but its not camera gear as such.

Ok, your in the field working the ground. Working wild flowers.

Knee pads or not? If yes, what kind do you use? I was wearing shorts today and my knees started getting sore from twigs and such.

[dryicerx]

I think the question to wear or not to wear is purely personal. If you're knees hurt from kneeling and you don't mind wearing one around, go for it.

[rab3rd]

I agree, I was looking more for what type works best in this situation. I know there are many different styles and thought maybe someone had some experience and could save me some trial and error...

[Imagebuffet]

You could buy a simple foam kneeling pad from most plant nurseries. When I was buying equipment for crystal and diamond digging, I bought a nice pair of knee pads from Lowes. I still wear those knee pads when I'm gardening, sometimes.

[dixonduke]

Why not some Knee Pads that tile installers use, you can find them in the tool section at Lowes or Home Depot.

[Imagebuffet]

Originally Posted by dixonduke

Why not some Knee Pads that tile installers use, you can find them in the tool section at Lowes or Home Depot.

I use the type that wood floor installers use, which maybe is an abuse of them, but they work well.

[dixonduke]

Same thought process. These (floor installers knee pads) are more robust than a typical garden section find. I have a pair from when I re-tiled one of my rent houses. While I didn't think I needed them a few years ago the last time I tackled a similar job, they were my first purchase this time around before I even chose the tile.

Comfortable, snug without being tight, does not fall down when I walk around. Maybe a bit more expensive than those found in the garden section, but worth it, IMO. I think I payed in the $30/$40 range.

[venchka]

My mind is a terrible place.

Canoe pads are an option as well. The gardening pads are good for knees and sitting on. Double duty.

[KdLaneJr]

Construction knee pads come in a two main styles and both have different levels of comfort built into them. For working outdoors or on hard surfaces with a modicum of traction, the hard shell covered pads are a good choice. For working indoors putting down tile, hard wood flooring (slick surfaces), the pads with a rubber cap work are preferable.

If I had to pick a set for outdoor macro work, I'd pick a set with the hard shell and gel type pad. It will provide you with the most comfort.

You should be able to compare different quality levels and types of pads at Lowes, Home Depot, Northern Tool and/or Sears. You should be able to look at images at the forementioned stores websites and also Amazon.com

[rab3rd]

Thanks everyone. Got some looking to do this weekend.

[Steelsun]

I've also seen people with Roller Blading style knee pads at Brazos Bend.

[Jeff_Green]

Chris?

[toverman]

Originally Posted by Imagebuffet

I use the type that wood floor installers use, which maybe is an abuse of them, but they work well.

Only an abuse if that's all you are wearing.

Someplace like academy will have athletic knee pads for baseball/softball, which might be overkill when shooting bugs and flowers. But they look cool.

[Imagebuffet]

Originally Posted by toverman

Only an abuse if that's all you are wearing.

Now, *where* would you get that idea?

(Yes, I have done virtually all my back yard work in the nude. All the more reason I need to protect my knees when kneeling.)

I was more referring to getting rocks stuck up in the rubber pads. I suppose the pads are made of soft rubber so they won't scratch wooden floors.

[Dobick]

I think that athletic pads are more comfortable for me to wear. rollerblade pads with the hard shell are great as well