Arborist Clothing & Apparel

Buying guide

Dress for the job

Tree work covers a lot of ground. A climber needs pants that move with the leg and resist abrasion, plus boots that work with spurs or on rope. Ground crew need cut protection when running a saw, and everyone needs visibility near traffic and layers for cold mornings. Good arborist apparel is built around these jobs instead of looking like it.

Cotton work clothes still have a place, but technical fabrics with stretch panels and reinforced knees last longer and are more comfortable in the tree. Brands like Arborwear, Arbortec and Clogger build clothing specifically for tree crews.

Gloves are part of the outfit too. Climbers often prefer thin, grippy gloves for rope work, while ground crew want heavier gloves for brush hauling and chipper feeding.

Arborist shirts work best with a fitted cut that does not snag on limbs or rope, and long sleeves give protection from sun, sap and scratches. Forestry clothing for logging and land clearing tends to be heavier, built for brush and cold, while climbing apparel leans lighter and stretchier.

Cut protection

Chainsaw pants and chaps contain fibers designed to clog the saw's sprocket when cut, stopping the chain before it reaches your leg. In the US, look for labels showing compliance with ASTM F1897 for leg protection, and for chainsaw boots, ASTM F1818. Many climbers wear chainsaw-protective pants aloft as well as on the ground.

No cut protection is cut proof. It works alongside training, good technique and a well-maintained saw.

Chainsaw-protective clothing should be replaced after it has been cut into the protective layer. Patching protective pants or chaps is generally not recommended unless the manufacturer allows it. Wash them according to the label, since harsh detergents and high heat can reduce effectiveness.

Boots, hats and layers

Arborist boots range from lightweight climbing boots to full chainsaw-protective boots. Hats and caps keep sun and sawdust off and add warmth under a helmet in winter, while hoodies and sweatshirts layer well for cold starts. Choose layers you can shed as the day warms up, and keep loose cords and drawstrings away from the saw.

Weather sets the layering plan. In summer, look for lightweight, breathable fabrics that dry fast and protect from sun. In winter, a base layer, an insulating hoodie and a windproof jacket give you a range to work with. Rain gear should be tough enough to survive brush.

Logging apparel such as heavy canvas can work for ground crews on cold days, but it is often too stiff for climbing.

Visibility and safety

High-visibility colors help the ground crew and drivers see you. When working near traffic, follow the applicable traffic control rules for your site. Always pair clothing with the rest of your protective equipment: helmet, eye and hearing protection and gloves.

When choosing clothing for a crew, consider buying in a common color so crew members are easy to spot and recognize on the site.