Best Tactical Knee Pads of 2022 – Complete Review

| Last Updated:
August 4, 2023

Finding the best tactical knee pads can be a challenge. But if you have a good idea of what they are and how they are used, then you can probably find a good pair without any issue. It’s always a good idea to purchase add ons that will be great for your tactical uniform (or any attire fitting for an appropriate application).

If you are in search of a good pair of knee pads, stay tuned. Because we’ll be looking through a list that consists of the best knee pads that are currently popular on the market.

Before we get there, we’ll talk about what tactical knee pads are used for and how you can choose a pair for your own personal use. 

Comparison of the Best Tactical Knee Pads

IMAGEPRODUCT
  • Available in three different colors
  • Includes elastic hook and loop straps
  • Made from high-quality nylon shelling
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  • Speed clips for easy snapping
  • Designed for various applications
  • Soft elastic woven strap included
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  • Best for the money
  • Non-slip rubber grip
  • Adjustable for various sizes
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  • Includes both knee and elbow pads
  • High-density foam included for added comfort
  • Designed for various indoor and outdoor purposes
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  • One size only
  • Includes elastic straps
  • Available in three different colors
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What is a Tactical Knee Pad Used For?

Tactical knee pads are used for various purposes that will work to your benefit. One such example is to protect your knees from any scuffs and scrapes that can occur from any impact. The knee pads can also be used for keeping a good balance so you can take your shots anytime and anywhere with accuracy and stability.

What Should I Look For When Buying Tactical Knee Pads?

If you want to choose a pair of tactical knee pads, it’s always a good idea to get a good look at some characteristics and features before making a final decision. This will also help you find a great pair that will stand out better than something that is subpar in quality. Here are some things to look for:

Price

The price tag will definitely play a huge role in your decision. That is if you are on a budget. If you need to purchase a pair of knee pads, it’s important to find the best quality that you can afford. Never settle for cheap under any circumstances.

High-Quality Material

If you want durability and longevity, then look no further than the materials that are included in the kneepads themselves. They can be made from nylon, neoprene, or any other materials along with hard materials that are proven to take beatings and impact over and over again. 

Additions For Comfort

A great pair of kneepads can be comfortable. And they will be compared to a pair that is not the best in quality. A good place to start is to determine whether a pair of kneepads have enough padding to ensure better comfort (especially when you’ll be on your knees or one of them for longer periods of time). 

Review of the Best Tactical Knee Pads

Below is a list of the tactical knee pads that are currently on the market. As you look for these knee pads, it’s important to take a look at which pair will be perfect for you based on features and characteristics that stand out. You can decide on which ones are deal makers and which ones are not. Let’s begin with the “best overall” choice on our list:

Best Overall:
BlackHawk HellStorm Advanced

Pros

  • Very durable
  • Comfortable and snug fit
  • Allows for impact-free use
  • Great for various shooter sizes
  • Promotes excellent balance for shooting

Cons

  • None

What Recent Buyers Report

These knee pads were a great fit for most users. They were really happy with the hard shell being able to protect their knees from impact while being able to give them a lot of balance and stability while test shooting or tuning up their rifles at the range. One user said that while the fit was snug, it didn’t hinder his mobility in the slightest. 

Why it Stands Out to Us

The knee pads are made from hardened denier nylon. It’s a pretty durable type of nylon that is perfect for when you’ll be taking on the hard surfaces. Yes, it can even protect your knees from grass stains as well. So if you want to get down and dirty (with less of the latter), then these knee pads will be perfect for any kind of application. 

Who Will Use This Most 

These knee pads will likely be used in multiple situations. They include but are not limited to; hunting, target shooting, and even tactical applications where you will likely be on one knee or the prone position. Either way, these will keep your knees protected and keep you mobile in the process. 

Bottom Line

The BlackHawk HellStorm Advanced is without question, the number one pair of tactical knee pads on the market. And it’s got the quality and the ability to exceed performance expectations to prove it. You will not be disappointed with these knee pads once you try them on. And you probably won’t want to take them off either. 

Runner-up:
K-P Industries KneePro Tactical

No products found.

Pros

  • Easy to strap on and take off
  • Maximum protection from impact
  • Perfect for outdoor and indoor use
  • Comfortable while kneeling or standing
  • Elastic straps do a good job of stretching far enough for a perfect fit

Cons

  • Some more padding could be included
  • May be too big for some
  • Some report they tend to slide down a bit

What Recent Buyers Report

Most of the new buyers were using this for various purposes. One user said he used these to install new flooring while renovating his house. He said that it gave him a good amount of comfort when he was on his knees for about an hour. He had no complaints about the protection he was able to get out of them.

Why it Stands Out to Us

As you probably know by now, these kneepads are the closest you can get to multipurpose. Indeed, you’ll be able to use this for either indoor or outdoor use. If you are looking for a pair of kneepads that will do it all and serve the same purpose by protecting your needs from scuffs, scrapes, and everything else then these will serve you well in the long run. 

Who Will Use This Most

These kneepads are great for any kind of purpose. So if you just want a pair that can be used anytime and any place no matter what the weather or the task is, then you’ll want to consider purchasing these bad boys. Yes, they're tough and they can last you a very long time no matter how often you use them. 

Bottom Line

The K-P Industries KneePro Tactical pads are exactly what you need for just about any purpose that will require you the right equipment to keep yourself protected. For working around the house to playing outdoors and every other task in between, these knee pads will definitely be worth putting the miles on no matter what you do. 

Best for the Money:
AltaCONTOUR Knee Protector Pad

No products found.

Pros

  • Perfect for all-day use
  • Affordable for most budgets
  • Easy to adjust for various sizes
  • Very comfortable for various knee sizes
  • Great for tactical, recreational, and even construction purposes

Cons

  • Some say the knee cap should be flatter
  • Knee pocket is a bit larger than expected

What Recent Buyers Report

Most of the new users were looking for a great set of kneepads that were super durable, but also affordable for most budgets. And just as they expected, these kneepads delivered (and went well beyond expectations). They said they were easy to fasten and were perfect for any tactical and recreational activities. Overall, they said the quality was well above the expected “you get what you pay for” kind of quality.

Why it Stands Out to Us

If you’re tired of slippage in knee pads, then these will definitely be worth giving a closer look. Especially when you are looking for kneepads that will be needed when you will be on your knees for longer periods. It could be while you are waiting for that big buck to pop out or if you are paintballing and looking for a pair that will absorb shock and impact. If you want knee pads fitting for various sizes, then these might just be right up your alley. 

Who Will Use This Most

These are a great pair of kneepads that will be for those looking for a simple pair that won’t break the bank and provide excellent protection for every application possible. These may not be the most high-end or cheapest. But they can certainly get the job done if and when you need them most. 

Bottom Line

The AltaCONTOUR Knee Protector Pads will be the best possible option for you if you want high-quality and an affordable price in a pair of knee pads. These will definitely stand out as your kind of knee pads if you want to use them for just about anything. Regardless of the purpose, you get impact-proof protection that is consistent and will never leave you hanging. 

Best Tactical Knee and Elbow Pads:
Diamond Talk Military 

No products found.

Pros

  • Easy to fit and wear
  • Works for various applications
  • Affordable and budget-friendly
  • Superior durability and comfort
  • Handles abuse and impact very well

Cons

  • Stitching may not be the best
  • May be a bit short for big guys
  • Some have reported misplaced Velcro

What Recent Buyers Report

This pad set was excellent for a lot of people who bought them recently. For the most part, these were used for recreational purposes like skating and paintballing. But nonetheless, they held up well and proved to be very durable. One user said it was very easy to move around with these pads intact and very comfortable whenever you’re in a kneeling or lying position. 

Why it Stands Out to Us 

Why settle for just knee pads when you can get elbow pads along with them? These are made from a high-quality combination of nylon and polymer. And when these two join forces and work together, you get a nice pair of pads that are not only comfortable with the included padding, but impact resistant as well.

Who Will Use This Most 

If you are looking for a set of pads that will be best used for recreational applications, look no further than these. In fact, you may want to grab them when you have the opportunity since they are priced affordably. Knee and elbow pads at a great price? Why would you want to say no to that?

Bottom Line

The Diamond Talk Military knee and elbow pad set might just set the stage for what might be the best pad set on the market. If you just want more than knee pads, you can consider getting a set like this for all of your recreational activities. Why settle for anything less than that?

Best 5.11 Tactical Knee Pads:
5.11 Tactical Exo.K External Knee Pad

Pros

  • Really tough
  • Easy to wear
  • Superior impact protection
  • Comfortable for long-term use
  • Allows for freedom and mobility

Cons

  • None

What Recent Buyers Report

These tactical knee pads were bought by hunters and law enforcement officials who often encounter rough terrain on a regular basis. According to them, these pads were very comfortable to wear right out of the box. It also allowed them to run quickly and with agility without feeling like they're being slowed down. 

Why it Stands Out to Us

A set of pads like this are perfect for whether you want to keep a low profile in a kneeling or laying down position. Not to mention, these provide you will excellent balance when you have your gun in the firing position and are ready to pull the trigger. Great balance will always lead to better precision and accuracy in any application where a gun can be used.

Who Will Use This Most

If you want a set of knee pads that will handle all the rough and tumble of any activities where you’ll be able to move quickly and take up a position that will ensure you are under a low profile and out of sight of your target, these knee pads will be perfect for your tactical or outdoor gear. Even though it’s a one size fits all thing, these bad boys will be perfect for most knee sizes. 

Bottom Line

The 5.11 Tactical Exo.K External Knee Pads are rugged in design and will certainly take beating after beating whenever you put them on. You can expect these to keep you comfortable throughout every application for as long as possible. And of course, you won’t have to worry about them wearing out either. 

Advantages of Investing in Tactical Knee Pads

If you are looking for a few good reasons why you should get tactical knee pads, we’ll be taking a look at some common advantages to investing in them. Here’s what you’ll get to enjoy:

No Bummed Knees

Your knees are the most important parts of your body. Especially when it comes to mobility. If your knees take on multiple amounts of impact without protection, at some point you’ll get them injured. And the recovery process may take a while and thus hinder your movement. Don’t let that happen to you in any given situation. Knee pads will protect you from just that. 

Improved Balance For Shooting

Accuracy and precision matter most in shooting. One of those smaller things that make it great is your balance. The more balance you have, the more straight your shots are going to be. Knee pads will definitely give you the balance you deserve if you are in a kneeling or low profile position. 

Great For Multiple Purposes

Just because they are called tactical knee pads, doesn’t mean they have to be used for tactical purposes. You can use them for multiple purposes that include hunting, home renovation, and even recreational sports. These tactical knee pads are built tough and can handle a lot of rough and tumble activities. 

Conclusion

The best pair of tactical knee pads that could be yours might be one of the sets listed above. Choose the best pair that will work for you and will keep you protected for as long as you wear them. You’ll be surprised by how long these bad boys can last and how far they can go in terms of protection. 

Michael Lutes

Michael Lutes is the managing editor and owner at Gun Mann. He is a veteran, gun enthusiast, 3 gun competitor, and 2a advocate. Mike has a passion for innovation and education across the industry to create great content, training, and insights from the best and brightest.

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