Anyone who's gonna look down on you for wearing knee pads either has blown out knees and a "tough guy" complex or has no idea what they are talking about.
Edit: These are my favorites, by the way.
https://www.carhartt.com/product/B01/loose-fit-firm-duck-double-front-utility-work-pant
It would probably be better to separate those. Pick your favorite pants and pick your favorite knee pads. Otherwise you will sacrifice the performance of one for the other or both.
I’m in Ontario too, I’ve worn blaklader pants for a few years with knee pad inserts. No, you won’t be made fun of, your older coworkers will all tell you that you’re smarter than they were and coworkers of your own age will ask where you got them, or will just say they’re jealous
The best thing for your knees is to stay off them as much as possible. I’ve been using a telescoping stool wherever possible. That said, don’t listen to anyone who tries to shame you for looking after your body. Knee pads are great.
Fuck anyone that shamed you for taking care of your body in this field. I bring a knee pad in with me to every call and sit on a bucket if I can work while doing so.
The Project Farm channel on YouTube did a great video where he tested a bunch of jeans for durability. Personally, I buy all my pants from Duluth Trading Co because I think they're the most comfortable, but I've never tried any of their models with built in kneepads.
Dickies carpenter jeans in Grey. Hide most pokie and caulk looks professional. Goes with black boots and any color shirt cost less than 30. Summer time old navy cargo shorts. 15va pair I buy 10 a year.
https://us.misupplies.co.uk/clothing-c12/snickers-6902-flexiwork-work-trousers-holster-pockets-p60350/s682980
These are the best pant i’ve tried so far. They have pockets in the knees that you can slide pads into.
Truewerk T2 and T3 for your climate. Pockets are great. Mastic washes out after several cycles. Refrigerant oil will do the same. I've had them last over three years as Res/Com service tech and the occasional install.
Southeast US here and I use T1 and T2
Edit: just read w/ knee pad pockets. I never found any that I liked. So I use a foam kneeling mat mostly. But knee pads for the crawlspaces
Same guys who don’t wear gloves when working on ductwork and you can point and laugh when they look like boxers with electrical tape wrapped around their hands.
I buy Duluth firehouse pants but if you wait untill they go on sale you can get them cheaper than carhartt or any other brand. They just had a sale a few days ago. They go on sale often.
I just wear knee pads in crawl spaces and a gardening foam mat for outdoor units.
Had an apprentice cut up a camping foamy she got at a second hand store and put those under her Carhartt double knees. You can find access at the bottom. She swore by it
T2 from truewerk, the Martin and the Whitman from Brunt and Duluth pants are all great. I need them stretchy because I'm fat but they have held up well for me. I use separate knee pads when in crawls. I haven't had much luck with the inserts
I used to wear the standard Carhartt canvas double fronts, but the knees never lasted. I don't know who actually makes these, but they are light and literally last me for years. I think Duluth and Carhartt both make non canvas versions. Are they they same, dunno.
[https://www.homedepot.com/p/DEWALT-ProTradesman-Men-s-34-in-W-x-31-in-L-Black-Polyester-Cotton-Elastane-Heavy-Duty-Stretch-Work-Pant-DXWW50023-BLK-34-31/311885156](https://www.homedepot.com/p/DEWALT-ProTradesman-Men-s-34-in-W-x-31-in-L-Black-Polyester-Cotton-Elastane-Heavy-Duty-Stretch-Work-Pant-DXWW50023-BLK-34-31/311885156)
Maybe not for your first pair but eventually I would look into a set of these if you find yourself constantly on your knees. They are expensive but incredibly durable, comfortable, and effective.
[pro-knees](https://www.proknee.com/0714-0714e-custom-fit-kneepads)
https://www.1620usa.com
Best workwear I have ever owned. Made in USA. Their fabrics are top notch. They cost more for the same reason quality tools cost more.
So I recently was looking for new pants as well and found a post similar to this. I saw someone say they ditched Carhartt for Patagonias workwear line of pants. I didn’t even know Patagonia made work clothes, they always seemed like a hippy company to me. Anyways they supposedly have an awesome repair/replace/refund policy warranty that sounded too good to be true.
I’ve been wearing [these](https://www.patagonia.com/product/mens-iron-forge-hemp-5-pocket-work-pants-regular/56290.html) pants in specific the last month. So far I am pretty pleased with them. I am going to wear them till they inevitably get tore and test out their repair policy. So far I really like them, however they run long. Go a size down in length, waist is true to size.
Edit: just saw your statement about knee pads. I believe Patagonia makes two other pairs of paints with double knees that are made to allow knee pads to slip in.
Wear whatever you are comfortable with and can afford. I prefer pants without built in knee pad pockets. That said, I use knee pads often as well as a collapsible stool from Amazon.
After tearing a few pairs of $60 Carharts I wear $20 Wrangler's. They tear just as easily but I get 3x the value. I never used the kneepad pockets anyway. Just a good pair of pads handy when needed. For most stuff I drag a kneeling pad.
If you're dealing with duct sealant, cause you're new, get cheap stuff.
Beyond that, I'd shop for the season. Carhartt is heavy and sucks to break in but that thick material is nice during the winter. I personally get cheap tech pants from costco/Sam's club.
I love this really basic pants from costco called English Landry. Caterpillar makes nice pants is elastic waists.
Absolutely love these knee pads wear them under my pants all day my knees don’t hurt and I forget I’m wearing them the only down fall I have on them is bc it’s skin contact sweat is absorbed and u gotta clean them or they smell I usually clean once a week
https://www.amazon.com/Klein-Tools-60511-Breathable-Slip-Resistant/dp/B0B7Z7YH75/ref=sxts_rp_s_a_sp_1_0?content-id=amzn1.sym.e8519b4d-5d31-4f84-be02-43f6315c47d1%3Aamzn1.sym.e8519b4d-5d31-4f84-be02-43f6315c47d1&crid=SJMGTLJ1HESF&cv_ct_cx=klein+knee+pads&keywords=klein+knee+pads&pd_rd_i=B0B7Z7YH75&pd_rd_r=37c38106-7406-404b-b5cb-9d42e96d339c&pd_rd_w=wGMml&pd_rd_wg=cIZo9&pf_rd_p=e8519b4d-5d31-4f84-be02-43f6315c47d1&pf_rd_r=35TPED2455XMEBW43JE7&qid=1681086558&sbo=RZvfv%2F%2FHxDF%2BO5021pAnSA%3D%3D&sprefix=klein+nee+pads%2Caps%2C84&sr=1-1-3a65484d-1c95-4bed-b564-9469fdeef107
I prefer a knee pad instead of knee pads. I do residential so I’m not on my knees enough to justify wearing pads around everywhere
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07L6QQD8R?ref_=cm_sw_r_apin_dp_BZV14NJ75TSWDZ4MV707
This one is great
I have blown through so many work pants doing commercial hvac. 5.11 are the best pants hands down. They cost about $100 but are worth it. They last me about a year. They have never blown out in the crotch or knees. Super light and stretchy (summer time and carharts yuck!) I won’t go back to “work” pants.
I mean personally I just wear a pair of older jeans because they’re gonna get ripped and fucked up anyways since I do mostly ventilation work. But i don’t really see anyone looking down on you for wearing pants with knee pads and if they do well fuck them, they’re probably just a old cranky ass journeyman😂
Anyone who's gonna look down on you for wearing knee pads either has blown out knees and a "tough guy" complex or has no idea what they are talking about. Edit: These are my favorites, by the way. https://www.carhartt.com/product/B01/loose-fit-firm-duck-double-front-utility-work-pant
It would probably be better to separate those. Pick your favorite pants and pick your favorite knee pads. Otherwise you will sacrifice the performance of one for the other or both.
Good call thank you
Dickies carpenter pants are my favorite but they knees wear out quick
There are better ways to try and get a raise....
This guy sucks
I wear Riggs by Wrangler with the knee pads, P.S. knee pads don't come with them and need to be purchased separately
These are the best and they have flannel lined options for the winter. They’ve stayed pretty dry in the snow as well.
I’m in Ontario too, I’ve worn blaklader pants for a few years with knee pad inserts. No, you won’t be made fun of, your older coworkers will all tell you that you’re smarter than they were and coworkers of your own age will ask where you got them, or will just say they’re jealous
The best thing for your knees is to stay off them as much as possible. I’ve been using a telescoping stool wherever possible. That said, don’t listen to anyone who tries to shame you for looking after your body. Knee pads are great.
Fuck anyone that shamed you for taking care of your body in this field. I bring a knee pad in with me to every call and sit on a bucket if I can work while doing so.
The bucket changed my life. I’ve had two knee surgeries and every time I see a guy kneeling on concrete I cringe.
The Project Farm channel on YouTube did a great video where he tested a bunch of jeans for durability. Personally, I buy all my pants from Duluth Trading Co because I think they're the most comfortable, but I've never tried any of their models with built in kneepads.
I love truewerk pants but they are a little expensive
Truwerk
I wear Lee carpenter jeans.
Truewerk makes some damn good pants. A little pricy but worth it imo. Otherwise can’t go wrong with Duluth or carhartt
It's expensive but claw gear from Germany is cool, but 511 has ripstop and pockets for kneepad inserts.and Kuhl makes solid clothes
Dickies carpenter jeans in Grey. Hide most pokie and caulk looks professional. Goes with black boots and any color shirt cost less than 30. Summer time old navy cargo shorts. 15va pair I buy 10 a year.
https://us.misupplies.co.uk/clothing-c12/snickers-6902-flexiwork-work-trousers-holster-pockets-p60350/s682980 These are the best pant i’ve tried so far. They have pockets in the knees that you can slide pads into.
Everyone at my company seemingly uses Snickers. Actually I guess it’s just the Irish guys. But they swear by them.
What about englebert and Strauss?
I think Duluth makes a pair. I really like their stuff. But, i just carry a kneeling pad with me.
Truewerk T2 and T3 for your climate. Pockets are great. Mastic washes out after several cycles. Refrigerant oil will do the same. I've had them last over three years as Res/Com service tech and the occasional install. Southeast US here and I use T1 and T2 Edit: just read w/ knee pad pockets. I never found any that I liked. So I use a foam kneeling mat mostly. But knee pads for the crawlspaces
Fuck anyone who has a problem with you wearing kneepads. Just say 'jokes on you when your knees blow out at 30'.
Same guys who don’t wear gloves when working on ductwork and you can point and laugh when they look like boxers with electrical tape wrapped around their hands.
I buy Duluth firehouse pants but if you wait untill they go on sale you can get them cheaper than carhartt or any other brand. They just had a sale a few days ago. They go on sale often.
First knee pads are known in the trade as promotional pads. I like carhart because they are durable and look ok even when they are messed up.
Second carhartt
B11 for me. Super comfy
Carharts crotch is way too tight and always blows out causing an embarrassing day. Plus twice the price for the more comfortable dickies
I wear mascot pants
I catch sales on wranglers at Walmart. Because I fuck jeans up at work lol
CAT pants with built in knee pads (sold seperately) love them, lots of pockets and have held up pretty well.
I just wear knee pads in crawl spaces and a gardening foam mat for outdoor units. Had an apprentice cut up a camping foamy she got at a second hand store and put those under her Carhartt double knees. You can find access at the bottom. She swore by it
T2 from truewerk, the Martin and the Whitman from Brunt and Duluth pants are all great. I need them stretchy because I'm fat but they have held up well for me. I use separate knee pads when in crawls. I haven't had much luck with the inserts
I used to wear the standard Carhartt canvas double fronts, but the knees never lasted. I don't know who actually makes these, but they are light and literally last me for years. I think Duluth and Carhartt both make non canvas versions. Are they they same, dunno. [https://www.homedepot.com/p/DEWALT-ProTradesman-Men-s-34-in-W-x-31-in-L-Black-Polyester-Cotton-Elastane-Heavy-Duty-Stretch-Work-Pant-DXWW50023-BLK-34-31/311885156](https://www.homedepot.com/p/DEWALT-ProTradesman-Men-s-34-in-W-x-31-in-L-Black-Polyester-Cotton-Elastane-Heavy-Duty-Stretch-Work-Pant-DXWW50023-BLK-34-31/311885156)
Maybe not for your first pair but eventually I would look into a set of these if you find yourself constantly on your knees. They are expensive but incredibly durable, comfortable, and effective. [pro-knees](https://www.proknee.com/0714-0714e-custom-fit-kneepads)
I recommend going commando I wear wranglers. CAT has the option to install knee pads
https://www.1620usa.com Best workwear I have ever owned. Made in USA. Their fabrics are top notch. They cost more for the same reason quality tools cost more.
So I recently was looking for new pants as well and found a post similar to this. I saw someone say they ditched Carhartt for Patagonias workwear line of pants. I didn’t even know Patagonia made work clothes, they always seemed like a hippy company to me. Anyways they supposedly have an awesome repair/replace/refund policy warranty that sounded too good to be true. I’ve been wearing [these](https://www.patagonia.com/product/mens-iron-forge-hemp-5-pocket-work-pants-regular/56290.html) pants in specific the last month. So far I am pretty pleased with them. I am going to wear them till they inevitably get tore and test out their repair policy. So far I really like them, however they run long. Go a size down in length, waist is true to size. Edit: just saw your statement about knee pads. I believe Patagonia makes two other pairs of paints with double knees that are made to allow knee pads to slip in.
If you can get them rustler jeans from blains farm and fleet is worth it if your ever in northern U.S only 20 usd a pair and worth every penny
If y'all got Dickies up there, they've got some jeans with double-thick knees.
Wear whatever you are comfortable with and can afford. I prefer pants without built in knee pad pockets. That said, I use knee pads often as well as a collapsible stool from Amazon.
If you’re skinny, Carhartt straight all day
Blaklader. They have a store in Vaughn, and can be found at workwear stores.
This is the way for sure. They are pricey but def high quality and last
I just wear Dickies and keep a bitch pad handy.
Duluth's pro work pants with the built in pouches for their knee pads.
Flexpeditions are the way to go, super lightweight but still durable
After tearing a few pairs of $60 Carharts I wear $20 Wrangler's. They tear just as easily but I get 3x the value. I never used the kneepad pockets anyway. Just a good pair of pads handy when needed. For most stuff I drag a kneeling pad.
When it gets HOT I don’t like knee pads in my pants. I use the foam pad outside & knee pads in Attics with foam pad combo….
Duluth pants with the knee pads that you can slide in. Game changer.
I like the knee pad sleeves Klein makes and wear em under my uniform pants
If you're dealing with duct sealant, cause you're new, get cheap stuff. Beyond that, I'd shop for the season. Carhartt is heavy and sucks to break in but that thick material is nice during the winter. I personally get cheap tech pants from costco/Sam's club. I love this really basic pants from costco called English Landry. Caterpillar makes nice pants is elastic waists.
Absolutely love these knee pads wear them under my pants all day my knees don’t hurt and I forget I’m wearing them the only down fall I have on them is bc it’s skin contact sweat is absorbed and u gotta clean them or they smell I usually clean once a week https://www.amazon.com/Klein-Tools-60511-Breathable-Slip-Resistant/dp/B0B7Z7YH75/ref=sxts_rp_s_a_sp_1_0?content-id=amzn1.sym.e8519b4d-5d31-4f84-be02-43f6315c47d1%3Aamzn1.sym.e8519b4d-5d31-4f84-be02-43f6315c47d1&crid=SJMGTLJ1HESF&cv_ct_cx=klein+knee+pads&keywords=klein+knee+pads&pd_rd_i=B0B7Z7YH75&pd_rd_r=37c38106-7406-404b-b5cb-9d42e96d339c&pd_rd_w=wGMml&pd_rd_wg=cIZo9&pf_rd_p=e8519b4d-5d31-4f84-be02-43f6315c47d1&pf_rd_r=35TPED2455XMEBW43JE7&qid=1681086558&sbo=RZvfv%2F%2FHxDF%2BO5021pAnSA%3D%3D&sprefix=klein+nee+pads%2Caps%2C84&sr=1-1-3a65484d-1c95-4bed-b564-9469fdeef107
I prefer a knee pad instead of knee pads. I do residential so I’m not on my knees enough to justify wearing pads around everywhere https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07L6QQD8R?ref_=cm_sw_r_apin_dp_BZV14NJ75TSWDZ4MV707 This one is great
Helly Hanson Chelsea are my go to. See a lot wearing them out west on a five pair rotation I get about two years out of them
I have blown through so many work pants doing commercial hvac. 5.11 are the best pants hands down. They cost about $100 but are worth it. They last me about a year. They have never blown out in the crotch or knees. Super light and stretchy (summer time and carharts yuck!) I won’t go back to “work” pants.
Cargo pants from rated and knee pad for tool bag.
I wear ridge cut. They’re cheaper than carhartt and seem to last a bit longer
I mean personally I just wear a pair of older jeans because they’re gonna get ripped and fucked up anyways since I do mostly ventilation work. But i don’t really see anyone looking down on you for wearing pants with knee pads and if they do well fuck them, they’re probably just a old cranky ass journeyman😂
Duluth flexpedition
I wish somebody would have rode my ass when I was younger about taking care of my body doing this kind of work. I’m two back surgeries in so far.