You’re never too young for a garden kneeler.
Sure, you may be thinking, my joints are fine and I don’t need padding for them. But the thing about kneelers is that they don’t just make a soft, comfy landing place for your knees, they also protect them – and your trousers – from damp, dirt and mud. Plus, it has to be said, they do make kneeling so much more comfy.
It’s also true that they can be used for all sorts of scenarios, not just gardening. There are those times when you need to get into low-down cupboards for a good sort out, you’re checking your tyres or have to clean the oven. Really, any job that’s going to take you down to floor or ground level and balancing on your joints, because you can also rest your elbows on one. They also make great seats for picnics and days out.
What makes a good kneeler?
There are just a few essential attributes of a perfect garden kneeler and they can be broken down as follows:
- Padding: Basically, the thicker the better, as this is what’s going to give your knees their comfort zone. You definitely don’t want to feel a rock or the hard ground coming up to meet your bones.
- Water resistance: When you place your kneeler on the bare earth, and this being Britain, chances are good the ground is going to be damp, if not downright wet. You don’t want it seeping through to you, so a covering that’s going to prevent water coming your way is important.
- Size: In this instance, small or big doesn’t rule it out – it’s really what you want it for. If bigger, so you can be sure of not sliding or wriggling off, then that’s your go to. On the other hand, a smaller one might suit if you want to be able to carry it about or you just want to plant your knees in one spot. It’s really personal choice.
- Durability: The final requirement is that it can withstand all the pressure of your weight and being slung down on various surfaces and still come up intact.
We’ve put all these attributes together to find our favourites. Here they are…
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Burgon & Ball Eucalyptus Kneelo Kneeler
Best for: Comfort and durability at a sensible price
These attractive garden kneelers come in 12 solid colours (the one shown here is in Eucalyptus) so you can go all matchy-matchy with your accessories.
The thick memory foam padding makes them comfortable for creaky knees – they’ve even added 30 per cent more foam to the original design, so they’re ultra poofy – and buried inside is shock-absorbing EVA foam, so if you land heavy your joints will thank you.
The outer fabric is a quick-drying, hardwearing neoprene, so it will see you through years of serious use. It’s 52cm long, so there’s plenty of wriggle room, and its handle makes it easy to grab and go.
Buy now £16.99, Amazon
Town and Country Memory Foam Double-Wide Folding Kneeler
Best for: if you want a roomy base
There’s plenty of room on this double-wide folding garden kneeler for your knees and a tool or two. Its thick memory foam stuffing means its ultra comfy to sink into. When its folded up you get an even deeper level of protection, making it super-handy for rocky terrain or taking on picnic and camping trips. It features a non-slip outer surface, so you can kneel in confidence that you won’t be ending up in the sludge. Its sewn-in handles mean you can grab it and go. If you like to spread out in comfort, then this is the kneeler for you.
Buy now £14.99, Robert Dyas
Town and Country 2-in-1 kneeler and stool
Best for: people who have trouble bending down
You don’t have to admit it, though we don’t judge, but if you have trouble getting down to ground level and back up again, this garden kneeler-cum-seat will be a godsend. Turned so the legs are long, it makes a sturdy seat you can use just about anywhere. Flip it the other way up and – hey, presto – you’ve got a comfy kneeler that’s perfect for gardening and it has useful handrails for pushing yourself back up again.
It’s made from lightweight tubular steel with an EVA foam-stuffed cushion, and is so lightweight you won’t mind carrying it off to any outdoor activity, from a picnic at the beach to watching the local cricket team stuff the competition.
Buy now £25.99, Amazon
Town and Country Knee Pads – Pluma
Best for: comfy wearable pads
These gardening knee pads are in Town and Country’s pretty Pluma design. They’ve been thoughtfully designed to offer maximum comfort with thick enough padding to protect knee joints, but not so fat that you can’t bend and stand comfortably, while their clever shape makes moving about easy, with no pinching or prodding.
The outer is made from water-resistant neoprene and has a non-slip surface so you won’t be sliding about on the ground. They stay on with easy-to-attach velcro straps, which also means they’re easy to tighten or release for a quick get-away.
Buy now £19.99, Amazon
Sarah Raven Kneeler
Best for: Keeping your knees dry
Go upmarket with this handmade garden kneeler from garden product supplier to the well-heeled, Sarah Raven. It’s waterproof – always a bonus, especially during the wetter winter months – and manufactured in the UK, so fewer carbon-making miles involved in its production, has a waxed cotton outside, and features real leather and a useful carry handle.
It’s extra wide, so plenty of room to spread out and less chance of not landing on it when you flop down to do a spot of weeding. It’s definitely well padded and will keep you dry, plus it has the added bonus of carrying a name that will impress your friends - a bit like driving a Maserati.
Buy now £69.95, Sarah Raven
Brynni Garden Kneeling Pad
Best for: a usefully roomy pad
So, you know that stuff that wetsuits are made of? Well this extra-large, foldable, very thick garden kneeling pad is covered with the same stuff, so you’re well protected from the damp earth when you get down close to it. It’s a truly generous 34 x 60cm when it’s unfolded, so you can even sit cross legged or sideways without risking falling off. It’s also thick – over 5cm deep. Use it for gardening, but also camping, picnics, yoga or anywhere that you want a soft seat on the go. Just fold it in half pick it up by the handles and you’re off.
Buy now £27.99, Amazon
Ohuhu Premium Gardening Kneeling Pad
Best for: portability
A convenient size for sliding into a backpack, this EVA foam gardening kneeling pad is perfect for taking just about anywhere. Lightweight and hardwearing, one side is smooth, to put your knees against; the other side is bumpy to stop it sliding it about.
It’s water resistant and made of high density EVA foam, which keeps its shape even after hours – and years – of use. It measures 27.7 x 42.6 x 4.2cm and weights just 390g. It’s a simple design with a built-in handle, but does what it says on the tin. Your knees will definitely thank you for it.
Buy now £12.99, Amazon
Children’s Snail Kneelo Garden Kneeler – National Trust
Best for: Children
All the great attributes of the Burgon & Ball adult Kneelo Kneeler, but with a fun snail motif (there’s also a frog version). It has been designed in conjunction with the National Trust and forms part of the ‘Get Me Gardening’ range. Just like the adult version of the the Kneelo Kneeler, it has an EVA foam core surrounded by memory foam and is all tucked in to a neoprene outer for quick drying and durability for years of use. It’s great for gardening and also makes a handy seat on picnics and other outdoor activities (did someone say crabbing?). It’s lightweight, has a handy built-in handle and is a child-friendly 40cm long.
Buy now £16.23, Amazon
Plum Kneelo Knee Pads
Best for: Not having to carry anything while you move about the garden
All the great characteristics of the Kneelo garden kneelers – that is, EVA foam for shock absorbing, buried in memory foam and covered with quick drying, hardwearing neoprene – but now with 30 per cent more padding than the previous design, so they’re even more comfy.
The advantage of wearing knee pads is that there’s nothing to carry – you just move around the garden and, boom, you can plop down anywhere. These knee pads sport a registered cut-out design that ensures no digging in, whether you’re kneeling or standing, and the hook and loop straps mean they’re quick and easy to put on, adjust and take off.
Buy now £14.99, Amazon
Niwaki Kneeler
Best for: durability
Five thick centimetres of puffiness covered with the strong, weatherproof canvas of this garden kneeler means your joints are practically guaranteed to stay dry and comfortable, wherever you put this rugged pad down. Be it cold, hard ground or wet, squidgy mud, your knees will stay dry and clean.
It has a handy carry strap, so you can sling it over your shoulder. It’s a generous 48.5 x 28.9 x 5.4cm and weighs less than half a kilogram, so it’s easy to take it with you on picnics, camping or wherever you’re going where you’ll want a comfy seat.
Buy now £30.80, Amazon
Rural Kind Garden Kneeler
Best for: those who like to buy sustainable products
This good-looking garden kneeler is handcrafted by those thoughtful people at Rural Kind, who are best known for their sustainable bags. This time, though, they’ve turned their attention to gardeners who can appreciate the extra care and attention that goes into making everyday objects with traditional materials.
The outer is waxed cotton canvas sourced from Scotland, the leather tab comes from a tannery in Devon that exclusively uses local hides and it’s stuffed with recycled foam. It measures 25 x 47 x 5cm for roomy comfort. It’s not the cheapest, but if you’re after a sustainable, British-made product from people who put the planet first, this should be your go-to.
Buy now £160.00, TOAST
