Knee padding for turnout gear

[Bigassfireman]

I'm looking for tips on getting some kind of knee padding to put into my bunker pants. They won't pay the extra to put the better padding in the new issue, so I'm left trying to figure something out. My knees aren't what they used to be from crawling around on floors for the past 14 years and other abuse. I use volleyball type pads for training, but they're not practicle for emergency use. Any suggestions?

 

[GVFD82X12]

I'm looking for tips on getting some kind of knee padding to put into my bunker pants. They won't pay the extra to put the better padding in the new issue, so I'm left trying to figure something out. My knees aren't what they used to be from crawling around on floors for the past 14 years and other abuse. I use volleyball type pads for training, but they're not practicle for emergency use. Any suggestions?

I know some guys who have actually put on rollerblade type knee pads BEFORE they put on thier bunker pants. Of course they where volunteers, and had the time to do so.


Other than that, what about getting those sown/snap on knee pads?

 

[TCO]

do you happen to have the velco inserts in the knees in your gear,,a cheap alternative if you do is take your webbing and fold it in a way to store it in the knees of the pants and it also works as extra padding and you have the webbing in a pinch

 

[Bigassfireman]

The webbing idea would probably work, but unfortunately we don't have that set up. I am wondering about having someone sew something into the inner barrier with velcro or snaps.

 

[mjMIff]

Yup, did just that, got sport knee pads, but as an on-call I got all the time in the world to take three seconds to put them on.

 

[FireEMSPolice]

How much extra does the padding cost from the manufacturer? Could you send in the bunkers and pay for it yourself?

 

[Bigassfireman]

The rep didn't give a specific price, just said it was expensive. Money is too tight right now, so I'm trying to find something cheap that will get me by for now.

 

[dustymedic]

Duct tape on the inside??

 

[Bigassfireman]

Duct tape on the inside??

I am a huge fan of Duct tape, this may actually have some merit to it. I wonder how well it would hold up to the heat and abuse? :undecided:

 

[theroofable]

I am a huge fan of Duct tape, this may actually have some merit to it. I wonder how well it would hold up to the heat and abuse? :undecided:

Dont put it on the outside, duct tape is very flammable. Putting the pants on and off may rip and wear on it pretty quickly. Knee pads may be the best option. The last thing you want is a fully involved knee, I would rather have the knee pain. But really, the tape burns hot and gives off alot of smoke. Extra padding shouldnt be that much more, some even have detachable knee pads with buttons so you can change them out if theyre worn.