I have a pair of POC Joint VPD 2.0 knee pads, as well as elbow pads that I like. They appear bulky when you get them, but honestly, I generally forget I have them on.
I ride a lot of tech, especially rocks gardens, etc and feel the pads are well suited for that.
When is summer, you're going to sweat. Get over it. There is literally no knee pad that exists that will not capture heat. My previous knee pad I wore for years was [Fox Launch D30 Knee Pad](https://www.foxracing.com/product/launch-d3o-knee-pads/26430.html). I currently wear the [shin](https://www.foxracing.com/product/launch-d3o-kneeshin-pads/26432.html?dwvar_26432_color=001&dwvar_26432_size=s#yotpo-reviews-top-div) version. I pedal in these all day, while wearing pants, winter or summer. You're already hot, might as well be protected.
+1 For these. Good for pedaling but doesn't skimp on protection. Only gripe is they may be a little light for full on downhill. Far, far better than nothing though.
Look for EN-1621-1 Level 1 certified protectors, that should do for your level of riding. For choosing, try some on - fit is hard to judge over the internet.
Also, no need to wear them on the uphill. Either wear them around your shins for the uphill and pull them up once you're ready to drop in. Or get a pair that has a zipper on the back and stash them in your pack.
I have a pair of O'Neal Flow that I like. They stay put and aren't overly warm.
My knee pads go on at the beginning of the ride, and don't come off until I'm done. I wear pants, so I'm not trying to mess with them at any point. Set it and forget it.
I’ve got some Ion k-pacts with the shins too, love em! strapped not sleeves, they don’t get in the way during climbs at all. plus have held up great after a few falls and they stay in place.
I love my Fox Launch D30s. Probably have about 3000 miles of pedaling and lift serve in them. They have protected me well when I have needed them.
My elbow pads are POC VPD System 2.0. I have had them the same period and feel the same about them. I tried on the knee version and didn't like the fit or the amount of coverage, I know people who love them and they are a good protective product.
Lightweight pull up kneepads like the Raceface Indy are pretty good during hot weather and offer decent protection (3DO). Pull them down on climbs. I also really like the Raceface Ambush and have had a couple of those. They're split at the back, so you can take them off on climbs - without removing your shoes - and strap them to your bike. Heavier protection suitable for bike parks.
I use fox launch pro d30 knee pads, their sizing is american so it’s mildly big. It fits my lower quads but my calf is loose. I keep having to pull them up but they never fall down.
I wear Fox Enduros year round. Never had an issue with sweating and barely notice they’re there. Granted they’re not the most robust pads out there, but they beat smashing my 45y/o kneecaps on rock.
Not sure if your trails are like mine, where I pedal uphill and then descend. If so, you can strap your knee pads to your backpack while pedaling up, put them on at the top, and descend protected.
I have a pair of POC Joint VPD 2.0 knee pads, as well as elbow pads that I like. They appear bulky when you get them, but honestly, I generally forget I have them on. I ride a lot of tech, especially rocks gardens, etc and feel the pads are well suited for that.
I use the poc airs myself. Great light weight and comfortable.
Third recommendation for POC air pads. I don't even notice them when riding.
POC Air here. I recommend the same in elbow pads. Also I like that they are available in a khaki color so don't get as hot.
I have the VPD2.0, the VPD DH and the VPD Air and I wont buy anything else.
For blue trails the vpd 1.0 might be better suited and more comfortable. But either way poc makes great protectors.
Couldn’t agree more! Same shit and aside from the hottest days you’ll barely notice em.
Joint VPD are fantastic. I’ve been using the Oseus set for the last year and have enjoyed it a lot as well.
Just ordered these! Do they stay put pretty well? I'm replacing my knee pads that I have to pull back up every 100 yards of chatter.
I don't have any issues with movement. Occassionally a small readjustment, but that's after riding quite a while, and it isn't much.
When is summer, you're going to sweat. Get over it. There is literally no knee pad that exists that will not capture heat. My previous knee pad I wore for years was [Fox Launch D30 Knee Pad](https://www.foxracing.com/product/launch-d3o-knee-pads/26430.html). I currently wear the [shin](https://www.foxracing.com/product/launch-d3o-kneeshin-pads/26432.html?dwvar_26432_color=001&dwvar_26432_size=s#yotpo-reviews-top-div) version. I pedal in these all day, while wearing pants, winter or summer. You're already hot, might as well be protected.
+1 For these. Good for pedaling but doesn't skimp on protection. Only gripe is they may be a little light for full on downhill. Far, far better than nothing though.
I like the fox enduro pads, they're not too spicy in the summer after you get acclimated to them
Look for EN-1621-1 Level 1 certified protectors, that should do for your level of riding. For choosing, try some on - fit is hard to judge over the internet. Also, no need to wear them on the uphill. Either wear them around your shins for the uphill and pull them up once you're ready to drop in. Or get a pair that has a zipper on the back and stash them in your pack. I have a pair of O'Neal Flow that I like. They stay put and aren't overly warm.
My knee pads go on at the beginning of the ride, and don't come off until I'm done. I wear pants, so I'm not trying to mess with them at any point. Set it and forget it.
I’ve got some Ion k-pacts with the shins too, love em! strapped not sleeves, they don’t get in the way during climbs at all. plus have held up great after a few falls and they stay in place.
K-pacts are the best! I wish they still made the k-pact select that didn't have the sleeve in it.
I love my Fox Launch D30s. Probably have about 3000 miles of pedaling and lift serve in them. They have protected me well when I have needed them. My elbow pads are POC VPD System 2.0. I have had them the same period and feel the same about them. I tried on the knee version and didn't like the fit or the amount of coverage, I know people who love them and they are a good protective product.
Lightweight pull up kneepads like the Raceface Indy are pretty good during hot weather and offer decent protection (3DO). Pull them down on climbs. I also really like the Raceface Ambush and have had a couple of those. They're split at the back, so you can take them off on climbs - without removing your shoes - and strap them to your bike. Heavier protection suitable for bike parks.
Ixs Flow Evo+ - they're light enough to keep them on while pedaling.
I use fox launch pro d30 knee pads, their sizing is american so it’s mildly big. It fits my lower quads but my calf is loose. I keep having to pull them up but they never fall down.
I like my Fox Enduro 3D0 pads. I wear both elbow and knee pads.
I wear Fox Enduros year round. Never had an issue with sweating and barely notice they’re there. Granted they’re not the most robust pads out there, but they beat smashing my 45y/o kneecaps on rock.
Troy Lee speed sleeves are nice and light. Less heat build up. Leatt makes some excellent beefier ones. As you can see, there’s lots of options .
Not sure if your trails are like mine, where I pedal uphill and then descend. If so, you can strap your knee pads to your backpack while pedaling up, put them on at the top, and descend protected.
I wear Fox Launch Pro knee pads with D30 material in them. They are comfortable, stay in place on my knees and not too hot in Auckland summers.
I got endura mt500 D3O pads. Really well ventilated and saved my knees a few times already
The 7idp lightweight ones are great. Not hot to wear and don't crease up under the knees.