Knee Brace suggestion needed

[2.0]

I am planning on completing an AT NOBO thru hike within the next couple of years. My major concern is my "bad knee". I have had 3 ACL/MCL reconstructive surgeries ('90, '96, '00) and an additional arthroscopic surgery to just clean up torn meniscus on same knee in 2003. I have had no more knee injuries since 2000, mostly due to elinimating all sporting activities and retiring from law enforcement work that caused the last 2 tears. My knee is as healthy "as can be" now. But I am not going to let that stop me from doing a thru hike.

With that being said, I am looking into buying a soft hinged knee brace to begin the trip. I know from experience that no knee brace is 100% comfortable or guarenteed to prevent further injury. I plan on starting with it and if eventually I feel it is not needed it will end up in my Bounce Box in case needed again somewhere along the way.

If anyone has any suggestions they are welcomed as I haven't bought one since the mid-1990's.

[Bags4266]

A lot of people use the Cho-Pat. I can't speak for them but most of the threads for knee support recommend this brand. I am going to buy one soon for my next section.

[Sierra Echo]

The cho-pat is an evil strap not a brace. I tried one on once and i SWEAR my knee cap just about busted out the back of my knee!

[2.0]

I appreciate the suggestion, but the Cho-Pat is not the right type for my knee situation as it doesn't support the ligaments, but rather the knee cap and patella tendon, which I have no issues with. I am looking for something with a hinge on both sides of the knee for structural support of the knee ligaments. Of course I plan on consulting a doctor, but I wanted to get opinions from actual hikers too.

[Kerosene]

Check out the Donjoy (http://www.donjoy.com) site, with the Drytex models in particular, such as the Playmaker (http://www.donjoy.com/index.asp/fuseaction/products.detail/cat/1/id/27).