Hi Stu Iv tried various types of pads over the years depending on what type of riding im doing.
i think that the long knee and shin hard shell pads are only really any good for DH riding or the sort of massive hike climb up with pads in your bag then put em on and blast down.
Tried some 661 Kyle Straights for a few years got fed up with the bulk.
Ended up with troy Lee KG5400. Lots of folk here recommended them.
They have decent padding (less then the 661) but not bulky, and somewhere inside there a hard section knee cap protector.
No velcro fasteners just stretchy in a tube shape.
The fit is important so would probably be best trying in a shop rather than on line.
Anything too big and bulky usually is a hindrance when climbing, and the take them off, put them on thing is a pain.
Knee and shin are fine but they will be more restrictive, usually your knee is the first thing that goes down hard!