Hiking is one of the most refreshing, enjoyable forms of light exercise. It is an excellent way to lower cholesterol levels, loose weight, lower the risk of type 2 diabetes. It can be a great social occupation if done with friends and loved ones. However it can also put a large, difficult to manage load on the body. Hiking with heavy equipment can be tasking for the knees. Using one of the best knee braces for hiking can protect your knees and prevent knee pain.
If you have a history of aching knees, a great quality hiking knee brace is of the outmost importance. Knee braces offer support, stabilisation and protection. In order to ensure the best hiking experience, in this article I am going to recommend the five best knee braces for hiking. Everybody can choose the best knee brace for their hiking knees from these five models.
Apart from wearing the best knee braces for hiking, using the proper stepping technique can help a lot too. Here is a video showing the right downhill technique for knee relief.
Features and Traits of the Best Knee Braces for Hiking
Design
Hiking knee braces are available in a variety of different styles. Slip-on knee braces are the easiest to wear. You just have to put your legs through them, pull them up to your knees and you are good to go.They provide an excellent grip, while not constraining your mobility so much to spoil your hiking experience. Wraparound knee braces for hiking are first put on your knees, then you adjust them with straps to keep them there. These are not my favourite choice for hiking, since they can become loose easier than slip-on hiking knee braces. The straps might loosen up through the movement of the knees. Constantly having to stop and readjust the strap really spoils the magic of hiking.
Sizing
You don’t want to end up purchasing a model that is either too big or too small. To ensure the ideal hiking experience, you need hiking knee braces that are just the right size. Keep in mind that each manufacturer uses their own sizing guide. You can either try out hiking knee braces in person, or drive out to the shop and then order the model you chose online for a smaller price. It is also possible to check the product page on Amazon and see the reviews. How do the knee braces fit? Are they correctly sized? On the product pages you can find the official sizing guide of each company. Finding the right fit is of the outmost importance. Too tight knee braces cause circulatory problems, they cut off blood flow. Too loose knee braces cause ligament deformations.
Material
Although hiking is fun, it can prove tasking on the body. The best hiking knee braces feel comfortable, and protect you against injuries at the same time. The fabric should be breathable, so that your skin remains dry. Water resistant braces are the best for hiking in wet weather.
Compression
Knee braces with compression quality help blood flow. By speeding up blood circulation the inflamed knee joints can heel quicker. The nutrients reach the inflamed area quicker, and the same goes for the immune cells. If you are suffering from knee arthritis, choose the best compression hiking knee brace you can find.
Durability and Quality
Is always worth paying more for quality. You should never compromise on quality. The best hiking knee braces can be used for years without wearing out. This is only possible if they are made of high quality materials and with an excellent design. Most hiking knee braces are made of comfortable materials, like neoprene of nylon. You want light hiking knee braces, so they don’t put any additional weight on your knees. These products help your muscles stay relaxed and don’t make you tired or uneasy.
Pricing
As I said before, it is worth paying more for better quality. If you have a limited budget, decide how much you are willing to spend one the best hiking knee brace you can find, and then choose the best quality product for you budget.
Best Knee Braces For Hiking: The Top 5 Models
EXOUS Knee Brace Support Protector
- Non-slip, fitting knee brace support. Gives your knees lateral and vertical support. Patella straps give the patella tendon some relief and additional support.
- One of the biggest pros of this knee brace is how well they fit. They never slip off due to the four point strap system.
- Lycra lining prevents chaffing or skin burn.
- A small, 0.5 inch gap behind the knees gives more range of mobility, and unrestricted knee motion. Unrestricted knee movement up to 90 degrees.
- Elastic inner sleeves position the knee brace for an even better fit.
- They are excellently designed, with special care and attention to detail.
- You can use them at home, for climbing stairs as well as playing tennis or playing with your kids in the garden.
- Sizing: max calf size: 16,5 inches. Maximum upper thigh: 20 inches.
Click here to check out further reviews and pricing options on Amazon
Ipow 2 Pack Knee Pain Relief & Patella Stabilizer Knee Strap Brace Support 
- Excellent, all-round best hiking knee brace.
- Compression strap absorbs shock and holds the patella around the knee.
- Excellent for treating jumper’s knee, patella tendonitis and runner’s knee.
- Ergonomic wide shape holds the kneecap tightly, thus it allows for muscle growth.
- Stays in place, made of non-slip material.
- They contact the skin on a very small surface, they don’t irritate the skin at all.
- Little contact with the knee allows for large range of motion.
- Adjustable straps, you can tighten or loosen this excellent hiking knee brace as you want.
- 100% money-back guarantee.
- Made of soft and lightweight material, with durable reinforced stitching.
Click here to check out further reviews and pricing options on Amazon
Abco Tech Patella Knee Strap 
- Another excellent knee strap for preventing shocks to the patella, patella tendonitis, runner’s knee and jumper’s knee.
- Wide design, but very lightweight. Concentrates pressure on the patella to ensure maximum comfort.
- Made of neoprene and nylon. This makes it a breathable, stretchable strap that stays in its place for the entire hike.
- Exc Ellen value choice, gives premium support for an affordable price.
- Fully adjustable to ensure maximum fit and protection for the patella.
Click here to check out further reviews and pricing options on Amazon
SB SOX Compression Brace for Knee Pain
- Simple, yet effective design.
- Moisture wicking lightweight fabric.
- Prevents arthritis, knee tendonitis and jumper’s knee while giving you support during your backpacking trips.
- Silicone grip prevents skin burn and provides a friction-free fit.
- Compression technology improves blood flow and stops inflammation sooner.
- Provides full mobility while giving your knees structure. Gives 360 degrees support to the knees.
- Breathable, anti-odor material.
Click here to check out further reviews and pricing options on Amazon
TechWare Pro Knee Brace
- One of the best knee braces for hiking on the market. Excellent value investment for hiking enthusiasts.
- Very tight with superior support thanks to the snitching and the straps.
- Ultra supportive, offers enough compression without limiting blood flow.
- Has Velcro straps and 4 spring stabilisers.
- Open patella design, with a lightweight yet firm grip on your knees.
Click here to check out further reviews and pricing options on Amazon
Conclusion
Choosing the best knee braces for hiking is a crucial task if you wish to prevent knee damage and pain after long hikes. If you choose the best hiking knee braces, you can continue wandering around in the wilderness even if you have developed some knee problems. Although there is no model that could be labelled the universal best knee brace for hiking, you can choose the right model for your needs from the models recommended here. Just keep in mind to choose braces that satisfy all the following requirements: durability, excellent design, breathable material, and compression technology. All of this for the right price.