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About ½ the time my knees take the punishment.  I have been wearing 511 pants with  ¼” closed cell foam in the knee pocket. This has really helped reduce knee scrapes and bruises.

I've fallen at one time or the other on EVERY outdoor trip I've EVER been on, starting in my 20's. Sooner or later you're going to slip on a wet rock, have a step crumble on an uphill or WORSE on a downhill.

I learned early on when I only backpacked that falling like a turtle IF at all possible is the safest way to land. The WORST is falling forward stretched out and trying to catch yourself with your hands/forearms. With a heavy pack, your looking to break a hand/wrist/arm sooner or later.

If I fall forward now I try to crumble to my knees then catch myself with my upper body.

I saw a couple of guys on a portage who were both wearing those tile layer knee pads like you can get at Home Depot. I thought they must both be kneeling in the canoe but they weren't.

I commented on the knee pads and they told me that they were tired of banging their knees up.

I have some 511 tactical pants too but I haven't taken them on a canoe trip yet but might after reading MP's post.

If you have pants you like but want to protect those knees, those tradesmen pads might not be a bad way to go.

For you married guys that have to BEG the little woman to take a trip, they'll make your kneeling time much more tolerable.  ;) ;D ;D