Hiking is a popular outdoor activity that offers numerous physical and mental benefits. It allows you to get out and explore nature, get some exercise, and clear your mind. However, it can also put a lot of strain on your body, especially your knees.
This is where the utility of a knee brace for hiking comes in. A knee brace is a supportive device that helps stabilize and protect your knee joint during physical activities. In this article, we will discuss the best knee brace for hiking and how it can help those recovering from injuries, protect against injury, and enhance your hiking experience.
Why Knee Braces are Essential for Hiking
Hiking involves a lot of walking, often on uneven terrain. This can put a lot of stress on your knees, leading to pain, discomfort, or injury. A knee brace can provide the necessary support and stability to your knee joint, reducing the risk of injury and allowing you to hike for longer periods without discomfort.
How Do Knee Braces Enhance the Hiking Experience?
A good knee brace not only protects your knee but also enhances your hiking experience. It allows you to hike for longer periods, explore more challenging trails, and enjoy your outdoor adventures without worrying about knee pain or injury.
Understanding the Importance of a Knee Brace for Hiking
Before we dive into the best knee brace options for hiking, it is essential to understand why it is necessary to wear one. Hiking involves walking on uneven terrain, carrying a heavy backpack, and constantly changing course. These movements can put a lot of stress on your knees, leading to prolonged pain and discomfort. A knee brace can provide support and stability to your knee joint, reducing the risk of injury and allowing you to hike for longer periods without discomfort.
How Do Knee Braces Protect the Knees During Hiking?
Knee braces work by providing support and stability to your knee joint. They also help prevent your knee from moving in ways that can cause injury, such as twisting or bending too far. Some knee braces, like unloader knee braces, unload the weight off of the knee joint. For these reasons, knee braces can significantly reduce the risk of knee injuries, such as sprains, strains, and tears, allowing you to hike with confidence.
Benefits of Wearing a Knee Brace for Hiking
Stabilization: A knee brace can help stabilize your knee joint, preventing it from moving in ways that can cause injury.
Pain Relief: If you have a pre-existing knee injury or experience pain during hiking, a knee brace can help alleviate the discomfort by providing support and reducing pressure on the joint.
Increased Endurance: With the added support and stability, you can hike for longer periods without feeling fatigued or experiencing pain.
Injury Prevention: Wearing a knee brace can reduce the risk of knee injuries, such as sprains, strains, and tears, by providing support and protection to the joint.
Post-Injury Recovery: If you have recently recovered from a knee injury, a knee brace can help you ease back into hiking by providing support and reducing strain on the joint.
Improved Performance: By providing support and stability to your knee joint, a knee brace can help improve your hiking performance. You can hike for longer periods, cover more distance, and tackle more challenging trails without worrying about knee pain or injury.
Peace of Mind: Knowing that your knee is protected can give you peace of mind during hiking. You can focus on enjoying the trail and the beautiful scenery instead of worrying about injuring your knee.
Types of Knee Braces for Hiking
There are various types of knee braces available in the market, each designed for specific purposes. When it comes to hiking, the following are the most suitable types of knee braces:
Unloader Knee Braces
Unloader knee braces are one of, if not the most effective, knee brace for hiking, especially for those who have suffered a knee injury in the past, are recovering from a knee injury, or who would like to actively prevent one from occurring.
Generally, unloader knee braces can be adjusted to fit the user’s knee, are lightweight, and in many cases, can be custom-made to order. A proper unloader knee brace will provide the user with the highest level of comfort, unloading, and support, allowing for better performance and motion on the trails.
Knee Sleeves
Knee sleeves are one of the more common types of knee support used for hiking. They are made of neoprene or other stretchy materials and are designed to provide light compression and support to the knee joint. Knee sleeves are suitable for mild knee pain and can help prevent overexertion during hiking.
One benefit of knee sleeves is that they can be slipped on and off easily and worn under hiking pants without feeling too bulky. They are also relatively affordable, making them an economical choice among budget-restricted hikers.
Hinged Knee Braces
Hinged knee braces are more rigid and provide more support than knee sleeves. They have metal or plastic hinges on the sides that allow for a more natural range of motion while providing stability to the knee joint. Hinged knee braces are suitable for those with moderate to severe knee pain or instability.
Hinged knee braces are designed to provide elevated support and stability to the knee joint. They are often recommended for those with severe knee pain or instability or those recovering from a knee injury. They are more expensive than knee sleeves and reduce mobility, which is why they are not our top recommendation.
Patellar Stabilizing Braces
Patellar stabilizing braces are designed to support and protect the kneecap (patella). They have a hole or cutout in the front to allow the patella to move freely while providing support to the surrounding muscles and ligaments. These braces are suitable for those with patellar instability or pain.
Patellar stabilizing braces are specifically designed to support and protect the kneecap. They are often recommended for those with conditions such as patellar subluxation or dislocation, patellar tendonitis, or chondromalacia patella. They provide targeted support to the patella, helping to reduce pain and improve stability.
Factors to Consider When Choosing the Best Knee Brace for Hiking
When looking for the best knee brace for hiking, there are a few factors to consider to ensure you get the right one for your needs. These include:
I. Type of Knee Brace
As discussed earlier, there are different types of knee braces available, and each serves a specific purpose. Consider your level of knee pain or instability and choose the type of knee brace that will provide the most support and comfort.
For mild knee pain or instability, a knee sleeve may be sufficient. Whereas for more moderate-severe needs and conditions, an unloader knee brace or a patellar stabilizing brace may be more appropriate. Consider your specific needs and consult with a healthcare professional if necessary.
II. Fit and Comfort
A knee brace should fit snugly but not too tight. It should also be comfortable to wear for extended periods. Look for custom knee braces or knee braces with adjustable straps or sizing options to ensure a proper fit.
A well-fitting knee brace is essential for effective support and protection. A brace that is too tight can restrict blood flow and cause discomfort, while a brace that is too loose may not provide adequate support. Try on different sizes and styles to find the one that fits you best.
III. Material and Durability
The material of the knee brace can affect its durability and comfort. Neoprene is a popular material for knee braces as it is stretchy, lightweight, and provides compression. However, it may not be suitable for those with allergies and can be less breathable than other materials. Look for knee braces made of breathable and moisture-wicking materials to keep your knee dry and comfortable during hiking.
IV. Size and Weight
Consider the size and weight of the knee brace, especially if you plan on wearing it for long hikes. A bulky and heavy knee brace can be uncomfortable and may affect your mobility. Look for lightweight and compact knee braces that won’t weigh you down.
V. Price and Insurance
Knee braces can range from affordable to expensive, depending on the type and brand. Set a budget and look for knee braces within that range. Keep in mind that a higher price does not always mean better quality, so do your research before making a purchase.
Also note that insurance will likely cover most, if not all, of your knee brace. Don’t sacrifice quality to save a minuscule amount of money, as this will have repercussions on your overall recovery or knee brace experience.
The 4 Best Knee Braces for Hiking
Now that we have discussed the importance of knee braces for hiking and the factors to consider when choosing one let’s take a look at the top 5 best knee braces for hiking:
1. Icarus Medical Ascender Knee Brace
This unloader knee brace is custom-made and has adjustable dials to help it fit even more precisely. The knee brace is made of breathable and moisture-wicking material for comfort during hiking, making it a great everyday-use knee brace.
Whether it’s for injury recovery, prevention, or performance enhancement, the Ascender knee brace is capable of fulfilling the needs of each person. Even better, the knee brace can unload up to 40lbs in a knee brace that weighs under 1lb itself.
2. DonJoy Performance Bionic Knee Brace
The DonJoy Performance Bionic Knee Brace is a hinged knee brace that provides moderate support and protection to the knee joint. It has bilateral hinges that mimic the natural movement of the knee while providing stability and preventing hyperextension.
The DonJoy knee brace is a high-performance knee brace designed for active individuals. It offers a high level of support and protection, making it a good option for those with high knee pain or instability. The brace is also adjustable, ensuring a more tailored fit for every user.
3. Bauerfeind GenuTrain Knee Brace
The Bauerfeind GenuTrain Knee Brace is a knee sleeve with a patellar pad and silicone inserts for targeted support and pain relief. It is made of breathable and moisture-wicking material and has a contoured design for a comfortable fit.
This knee sleeve is a quality knee support that offers targeted support and pain relief and is comfortable to wear, making it a great option for long hikes.
4. Rehband 7mm Knee Sleeve
The Rehband 7mm Knee Sleeve is a knee sleeve made of neoprene that provides compression and support to the knee joint. It is designed to improve blood flow and reduce pain and swelling during physical activities. The sleeve also has a contoured design for a comfortable fit and is suitable for those with mild to moderate knee pain.
The Rehband 7mm Knee Sleeve is a choice among hikers due to its level of support and comfort. It is made of neoprene, a material known for its excellent compression and support properties. The sleeve is also easy to wear and remove, making it a convenient option for many hikers.
Choosing a Knee Brace for Hiking
Hiking is a fantastic outdoor activity that offers numerous physical and mental benefits. However, it can also put a lot of strain on your knees, leading to pain and discomfort. Wearing a knee brace for hiking can provide support and stability to your knee joint, reducing the risk of injury and allowing you to hike for longer periods without discomfort. When choosing the best knee brace for hiking, consider the type, fit and comfort, material and durability, size and weight, and price.
The best knee brace for hiking, in our opinion, is the Ascender Unloader Knee Brace. With up to 40 lbs of unloading power in a knee brace that weighs under 1lb itself, you know you’re working with the best. With the right knee brace, you can recover, prevent injury, and enhance your hiking experience to be able to continue to enjoy the benefits of hiking without worrying about knee pain or injury. Contact our team today to learn more.
