Clogger Zero Chainsaw Pants

Clogger Zero chainsaw pants put leg protection inside a light, breathable pant that moves with a climbing saddle. They are aimed at climbers and sawyers in warm weather who have given up on heavy saw pants.

Why climbers wear saw pants

Chaps work on the ground, but in a saddle they bunch, twist and catch on stubs. That is why most climbers who protect their legs in the tree wear chainsaw pants. The protective layers sit inside the pant, so nothing flaps around while you move through the crown.

The problem has always been heat. Traditional saw pants are heavy and hot, and on a July removal plenty of climbers skip them. Clogger built the Zero line to be light and breathable enough that you will wear it on those days, which is when protection matters most.

Ground crews benefit too. Bucking and limbing on a hot day in heavy chaps wears you down, and comfortable saw pants that move with you help you stay focused and keep your footing while you work through a pile.

Fit with a saddle

Try the pants with your saddle and spurs on. Leg loops and bridges sit over the pant, so you want enough room in the seat and thigh to step high and sit back without the fabric pulling tight. Stretch panels help, and suspender buttons keep the waist where it should be when you hang in the saddle all day.

Length matters on spurs. Too long and the hem catches on the gaff straps, too short and your boot top is exposed. Check the length with the boots you climb in.

Pick a size based on the waist and inseam you actually wear with layers underneath. Many climbers size so they can wear thin base layers in winter without the pants getting tight.

How saw protection works

Like other saw pants, the Zero uses layers of long fibers behind the outer shell. When a running chain cuts through the shell, the fibers pull out and jam the sprocket to slow or stop the chain. That only works if the pants are in good condition, and only on the protected area, which is mainly the front of the legs.

Saw pants reduce injury; they do not make a saw safe. Good technique, sharp chains, a working chain brake and training are still the main protection. Keep using a top-handle saw only as the manufacturer and your training allow.

Care and replacement

Wash per the label to clear out oil and sawdust, which can reduce how well the protective fibers pull out. Replace the pants after any cut through the outer layer into the protective layer, even a small one. For ground-only work, compare Clogger Zero apron chaps, and see the premium Clogger Zero Ultra for more features.

Clogger pants can be worn in cool weather too. Add a thin base layer underneath rather than wearing a bulky pair of insulated pants, which can affect fit and freedom of movement.