I carry a thick foam rubber cushion to kneel on. I've been thinking about getting a pair of knee pads myself but the ones I've used for home projects in the past have dug into the back of my knee joints and felt uncomfortable. Maybe the answer is to have some sewn into shorts and/or jeans?
It would be so hard on my knees without them. I use kneelon knee pads and they work great. For me they don't slip down and stay secure, waterproof, comfortable, and the padding hasn't wore out after a lot of use. Before I bought those, I bought a pair that looked similar but about half the price and they were junk
I too am only 30, already had one knee pieced back together and the others not doing so well either. I'm due for a new pair and haven't been wearing any this year. I for sure feel the difference.
I've been caving for 50+ years now, and my body has been revolting about the treatment I've given it,
even after wearing knee pads most of that time....!
I use tactical knee pads that have a hard-shell rubber cap, over foam, etc-
type pads, that don't slip on smooth surfaces, does pretty well on ice too...! Anyway, they save the old knee bones...!
I usually wear them over my pants in the winter but hardly ever in the summer because they pop off my knees often and I'm always having to put them on gin taking away from my treasure hunting.