My detecting partner, Steve always wears knee pads and seems to be comfortable with them. I never wear knee pads because they make the backs of my legs sore and are always slipping down. What I do use is a foam garden pad. My pad is about 8x18 and has a handle built in. I don't even think about it anymore. I just carry it in my left hand, and it hits the ground just before my knees. If you try this, one gets pretty adept at the technique. Fingers crossed, I've never missed the pad with my knees.