ION

K-Lite Zip Knee Pad

Pedal-able protection is hard to nail down, but Ion manages to get the job done with the K-Lite Zip Knee Pads. With the same over all, lightweight construction of the regular K-Lite pad, the K-Lite Zip offers a hardcap over your kneecap for extra support against big crashes, firm 3D foam along the sides of your knee, and a supportive calf strap for the ride, but with, as the name would imply, the added benefit of a zipper for easy on and off access. This easy-on and off zip offers you some consolation when you've already laced up your shoes for a bike park day, and realize you forgot to throw on your knee pads first, and also gives you the option of taking them off for long and sweaty climbs, with an easy-on at the top when you're getting ready for a rowdy descent.

The Ion K-Lite Zip Knee Pad is low profile, designed to fit comfortably under a pair of baggies, and the cut-out in the back allows for breathing. The pad is constructed mostly from neoprene, but Ion uses its own lightweight construction to make sure it's not too warm. The inside has targeted spots of sticky skin neoprene that helps keep the pad locked into place when you're pushing it through rock gardens and off drops.