Many of us have a love-hate relationship with knee pads. Over the years, I’ve tried all kinds. I’m sure you have too.

Some offer amazing protection but lack comfort and flexibility. Others are super comfortable, but you question whether they will hold up if you actually need them in a crash. Then there’s nothing worse than when your knee pads keep sliding down your leg during your ride. Eventually you just give up, and they become great shin protectors.

As Trail Builder Magazine, we add another wrinkle to the conversation about how well a set of knee pads holds up when you’re doing tasks like rock work on your knees.

Packable trail tools have quietly become one of the most interesting categories in trail building. As more trail work happens in remote zones, on bikes, or during informal volunteer days, the need for lightweight, mobile tools has grown alongside it.