Why Knee Protection Matters on the Trails

If you ride trails like Stromlo or Derby, you already know how brutal some of the lines can be. With fast berms, loose corners, and those chunky rock gardens, Australian MTB tracks don’t mess around and neither should your knee protection. Crashes happen, but the right set of knee guards can mean the difference between dusting yourself off or being sidelined for weeks.

And no, today’s knee guards aren’t the clunky, sweaty nightmares they used to be. The latest Leatt gear blends impact protection, all-day comfort, and ride-ready flexibility. It's protection you’ll forget you're even wearing — until you’re glad you did.

Find the Right Guards  for Your Riding Style

Not all MTB styles demand the same kind of protection. Here’s a quick guide to help match your riding to the right guards:

Trail Riders

Think: flowing single-track, rolling climbs, and mixed terrain.

What you need: Lightweight protection that breathes well and doesn't restrict movement

Top pick:

ReaFlex Ultralite Knee Guard

Engineered for maximum pedal efficiency and comfort. Minimalistic, comfortable, ergonomic fit and uncompromised CE certified impact protection

The ultra-lightweight construction and silicone grip panels made it possible to delete the thigh strap and still keep that famous Leatt non-slip fit. The extended leg sock offers great support high on the thigh, relieving pressure from the calf

These are the most comfortable knee guards you can wear while pedalling all day long!

 

Enduro Riders

Think: fast descents, technical climbs, and full-day pedal missions.

What you need: A blend of comfort and coverage that can keep up with everything the day throws at you.

Top pick:

3DF 5.0 EVO Fast Fit Knee Guard

Built for all-day enduro missions, this guard delivers the same trusted high-impact protection as the original 3DF 5.0 - but now with Leatt’s updated Fast Fit design. The new stretch-fit sleeve makes it easier to slip on and off without straps, giving riders the same great safety with added convenience and comfort on the go.

 

Downhill Riders

Think: bike park laps, jumps, and steeps where you’re pushing limits.

What you need: Maximum impact protection with hard-shell reinforcement.

Top pick:

ReaFlex Hybrid Pro Knee Guard

This is the ultimate slim design knee guard with CE impact certification. Featuring the latest ReaFlex impact gel technology, the knee guard is soft and flexible but extremely tough and capable of taking hard impacts.

The additional sliding plate helps deflect energy, letting you get back up and keep on riding. The premium comfort comes from the soft touch fabric of the sock. The tailored design of the sock and stretch material will adapt to any leg shape and provide great stability.

This model offers more coverage to keep you safe while taking on the hardest trails.

 

Junior Riders

Ideal for: Young riders requiring reliable protection during their MTB adventures.

ReaFlex Hybrid Pro Junior Knee Guard.

The premium design for the youngest riders. The same design as the adult size Hybrid guard, these junior versions are flexible, comfortable and offer top level protection for your young riders.

Final Thoughts: What Should You Choose?

Start with your riding style then always choose comfort and safety in your mountain biking gear - you don’t have to compromise. The right MTB knee guards let you ride harder, longer, and with way more confidence.

Explore the full range of Leatt MTB knee guards [here].
Need help choosing the best MTB knee guards for your riding style? Shoot us a message - we're always keen to chat gear.