Chainsaw Chaps and Arborist Chainsaw Pants

Buying guide

Chaps or pants

Chaps strap over work pants, fit a range of sizes and are the economical choice for a crew. Chainsaw pants put the protective layer inside a fitted pant, so they move better on long days and when climbers come down to buck and chip.

Look for protection that meets ASTM F1897 or carries a UL listing, and pick a length that covers from the hip to the boot top. Replace chaps or pants once the protective fibers have been cut.

Fit, care and replacement

Leg protection only works if it covers the right area and stays in place. Chaps should reach from the waist to the boot top and buckle snugly behind the leg. Pants should be long enough to overlap the boots without bunching. Try a high step and a squat before the first job.

Wash according to the label, keep fuel and bar oil off the fabric, and inspect for cuts after each day. Do not patch cut protection; replace it. Lighter, vented fabrics are worth the extra money in summer, because PPE that is too hot to wear ends up in the truck instead of on the saw operator.