Best Knee Brace for Hiking — Essential Considerations for Peak Comfort

Evidence shows that hiking can be quite strenuous on your knees, potentially leading to injuries. To prevent this, consider investing in a hiking knee brace and ensure you pick the best one for you. Here's what to look for when choosing the best knee brace for hiking.

Hiking is an outdoor activity beloved by many as it is a great way to stay healthy and immerse yourself in nature. However, the uneven terrain, rocky surfaces, and uphill climbs can take a toll on your joints and muscles, possibly leading to pain and injury.

Wearing a knee brace while hiking is a great way to avoid this, as these braces are designed to give your knees the support they need for the journey. Continue reading for tips on what to look for when picking the best hiking knee brace for you for a pleasant outdoor experience.

A female hiker wearing a knee brace while resting on a trail | Source: Getty Images

Essentials to Consider When Picking the Best Knee Brace for Hiking

1. Type of Knee Brace

There are many types of knee braces for hiking, all of which serve different purposes. To get the most out of this garment, choose the best design for your needs.

An unloader knee brace is generally considered the best kind of hiking knee brace, especially if you have previously suffered an injury, as they are lightweight and can be adjusted to fit your knee like a glove.

Knee sleeves are the most common kind of knee support for hikers and are also a favorite for their compression feature, ability to slip on and off easily, and the perfect amount of support they provide your knee.

A man wearing a knee sleeve | Source: Getty Images

On the other hand, hinged knee braces are more rigid than knee sleeves but provide more support. Lastly, you can opt for the patellar stabilizing knee brace specifically designed to protect your knee cap and the surrounding muscles and ligaments.

2. Fit & Material

You need to be comfortable with your knee brace for a pleasant hiking experience. The only way to achieve this is to pick one that fits you like a glove.

A hiking knee brace should be tight and snug enough to wear for a prolonged period but shouldn't cut off your blood circulation. A helpful tip is picking a hiking knee brace with straps or sizing options so you can always control the fit.

Next, the material. The material of a hiking knee brace will affect its durability and comfort. For this reason, look for knee braces with breathable and moisture-controlled material to ensure your knee's comfort throughout your hike.

A man wearing a hiking knee brace | Source: Getty Images

3. Support Level

Different hiking knee braces offer varying support levels, ranging from a light and flexible support level to a more rigid and stabilizing design. The support level you choose is entirely dependent on your knees.

An older man wearing knee braces while on a hike | Source: Getty Images

Now that you know the features to look for when picking the right hiking knee brace for you, you can enjoy your hike without worrying about injuring or further injuring your knees.

As a hiking enthusiast, you've probably wondered if hiking is a sport. If so, here is a good read that offers insights into the outdoor pursuit, including whether it's a sport and its numerous health benefits.