8 Best Chainsaw Chaps Review 2024 – Beginners Buying Guide

What’s the first thing you have to protect when using outdoor power equipment, especially chainsaws?

You. Oftentimes, when people talk about chainsaw safety gear, they usually mean gloves, helmets, ear protection, and sturdy boots.

These are essential gears, of course. But when one handles chainsaws, one should never forget to include a great pair of chainsaw safety chaps. As Einstein used to say, “Legs are the wheels of creativity.” We can’t afford to lose them!

The most daunting experience can be choosing the best chainsaw chaps in the market that meets your need. Thus, this chainsaw chaps review will help you find the right fit for you.

Are Chainsaw Chaps Necessary?

Asking whether or not chainsaw safety chaps are necessary is like asking police officers if they really need to wear a bulletproof vest during shootouts. So, is it really a necessary protection?

It can never hurt to be extra cautious, because what happens when you slip on the floor while using, say, a chainsaw? A good bloody bath. And that’s not really good.

But that can surely be avoided if you take extra measures. Chainsaw chaps are designed to cover your whole lower body, and at the same time, give you maximum limb mobility.  Its protective layers stop the engine of the chainsaw, giving you just enough time to move away and saving you a huge chunk of flesh.

While the most important role of these chainsaw safety chaps is to protect your legs, they also provide great cover from any splinters that are flying out while cutting wood.

If safety against amputation isn’t a good enough reason for you to secure yourself with some safety gears, then here are other benefits of wearing chainsaw chaps:

• Affordable and comfortable
• Oil and water-resistant
• Provides you with a professional and clean appearance
• Will surely save your life
• List Element

Most people tend to overlook the extra protection from the chainsaw chaps, as jeans or thick work pants seem to offer the same defense. Before you start getting too comfortable with your safety, think about this; how does any regular type of fabric survive from a blade that cuts through the wood?

8 Best Chainsaw Chaps Reviews

Here we reviewed eight top picks to save you from scanning through thousands of similar products in the market. Let’s go find your best chainsaw pants together.

1. Forester Chainsaw Safety Chaps with Pocket, Apron Style

The Forester chainsaw apron chaps are cheaper than other products that have similar qualities. This apron chaps with pocket is made of 100% polyester but only covers the front part of your lower body.

Also, the pocket on the front makes carrying your other gears, such as a wrench, easier and convenient.  It is tied to your waist like an apron, which makes it flexible for any size.

What makes this the most recommended model to use for novice chainsaw users is that it costs less than other chainsaw chaps. They are also very easy to wear and does a decent job of protecting your leg from any injury. Novice users are those who only use chainsaws for yard work or occasional sawing.

However, few cases were reported where the adjustable belt buckles tend to slide off the straps. This sometimes causes the chaps to slide down to the ankle while using the chainsaw, and that can be very dangerous.

Forester chaps meet all necessary standards for OSHA and ASTM regulations. However, it may be wise to be wary of using it when operating high-powered electric chainsaws.

2. Husqvarna Technical Apron Wrap Chap

This chainsaw safety pants model is a favorite among chainsaw workers because of their high quality and professional-grade materials. It offers more protection, as it wraps around your legs with a buckle.

The outer material is made up of 1000 denier nylon with PVC coating. This indicates that it does not easily rip, fray or tear, making it a tough first defense for any rigorous application, such as the chainsaw.

With this professional-grade coating, it is effective in slowing down or stopping the chainsaw from cutting into the inner layer of the chaps. This depends, of course on the power, length, speed of the chain and angle of contact of the chainsaw. It also meets the international standards of ASTM, ANSI, and OSHA regulations.

Because of the straps and safety buckles, they are also easily adjustable, so they hang around your ankles regardless of your height. This is why this model is great for those who are tall. They provide full protection against any debris that may come flying around you, such as wood fragments, brushes, and thorns.

Sadly, the problem appears when you start working in warm weather conditions, as it tends to get too hot, making you sweat more.

3. Forester Protective Trimmer Safety Chaps

If you are looking for more lightweight with great range of mobility, this is a good candidate. The lightweight materials, however, for which this product is made of may not be able to withstand heavy penetration from a chainsaw compared to other chaps in this review. This model is more for those who like to trim instead of saw, or those who only does light sawing as a hobby.

Nevertheless, it can still protect you from minor injuries while you work on the grass or the bushes. Its main function is to provide protection for the trimmers’ legs from any flying debris to a certain degree.

Thus, it is still recommended to wear thick jeans under this safety chap. Because of the very light material, it offers full-range mobility to its user. Nevertheless, it comes with a heavy-duty zipper closure, and the wrap-around design makes it easy to wear, as well as take off. It also meets the high visibility requirements for ANSI/ISEA.

4. Chainsaw Safety Chaps 36″ Leg Plus Deluxe Safety Helmet

This chainsaw safety gear comes with a very protective helmet with a face shield and a pair of earmuffs. As for the chaps, they are made of high-quality materials that are effective at protecting your legs from the chainsaws.

Furthermore, they meet the requirements for OSHA and ASTM. They even have a variety of sizes for you to choose from. Despite being a little thick, it is still lightweight, and pockets are attached for the user’s convenience.

However, there have been reports that the earmuffs that came with the helmet are made of low-quality materials. They keep slipping off the helmet and can sometimes fall off while you work.

5. STIHL 0000 886 3202 36-Inch Protective Apron Chain Saw Chaps

If you are willing to spend a bit more and prefer brands that have already proven their name to the market, try checking out this chainsaw gear by STIHL.

This pair of chainsaw safety pants offers a rugged but comfortable look for everyday chainsaw users. The outside fiber is made of defensive Entex cut repellent material while it consists of multiple layers of the same retardant thick fibers underneath.

It functions the same way as the other chainsaw safety chap, which is to provide full protection against both gas and electric chainsaw blades, as well as the flying debris for the front and sides of your legs.

Also, its open-back design is intended to provide ventilation during hot working conditions. It also gives ample space to move around easily. However, this also means that the back of your legs is left unprotected from stray wood chunks or other debris.

6. WoodlandPro Chainsaw Safety Chaps

Their materials are the same as that of the bulletproof vests, so you can be sure that they do stop a chainsaw. On top of that, it has the rugged denier shell, adding to its tough built. The coating makes the chaps oil and water-resistant, which makes it suitable to use in a harsh working environment.

And the best thing about it is that it can provide you with fail-safe protection without having to spend a lot of money. It’s a great deal for homeowners, as it is also both lightweight and durable. Moreover, its dark green color absorbs stains and other dirt, so it will look clean longer.

It meets all the requirements set by OSHA, ANSI, and ASTM and is also UL certified. However, this is made of thick materials, so it can get hot in warm weather. They are a great fit for average-size users and would need a pair of high-length boots for those who are on the tall side for complete protection.

Though it allows full-range movement, it offers little protection for the backside of your legs due to its open-back design.

7. LABONVILLE Premium Chainsaw Chaps 

With their 5-ply exclusive blend of Kevlar and polyester, this blend of safety chaps are lighter but tougher.

The added protection is the Nylon Cordura with Xtra H.D. Urethane Coating, which ensures that the whole safety chap is flame resistant. This high-quality material lessens the severity of any injury that any powered chainsaw would cause.

For convenience, it is adjustable, and you just have to make sure each part fits in the right parts of your legs for security. They also come in different sizes, so you don’t have to worry whether or not what you ordered fits you. They are even reversible, so if you feel the need to switch sides, it’s okay!

This model, however, is still apron-style, so the back of your legs remains exposed to certain dangers. For extra precaution, wear thick pants or jeans under your chap. This may cause some restrictions on your movements, but blame it on the jeans, not the chap!

Because of the polyester, the chap is very much lighter and would allow for complete mobility should you wear it on its own. So, I guess you could choose between safety or free movement.

8. Oregon 563979 Protective Chainsaw Chaps

These chainsaw safety chaps are made of eight layers of breathable warp knitted protection fabric that ultimately stops a chainsaw from cutting into your legs. They are UL certified through ATSM and are convenient to wash in a machine. In addition, this model is adjustable in length and waist size but up until 36”.

The catch with this model, however, is the slippery buckles. No matter how short or how long you adjust the straps, the buckles will start to slip after a few minutes. This faulty clamp will cause the chaps to flap around, basically defeating the purpose of protection.

They are also quite thick, which can be quite heavy and hot to use despite having an open-back design.

Chainsaw Chaps Buying Guide for Newbies

Most people leave off buying safety chaps until they see someone getting hurt. This should not be the case. The decision to buy this safety gear should be alongside your decision of buying a chainsaw.

Though a good quality product can be a bit pricey, it can surely save you from more hospital costs should accidents happen in your workspace. Buying these safety chaps is like buying life insurance.

You get them, but you hope or pray that you will never need them. So, how do you know you are buying the chaps that are worth your money, time, and effort?

For those who are only just starting a project, or launching a new career in tree cutting, buying your first pair of wood cutting chaps can be overwhelming. Just the act of choosing a model can either save or doom you from imminent danger.

No need to worry! Here are some tips that could help you get your value for the money and, at the same time, save your legs from getting chopped off.

Coverage

What do you use your chainsaw for? Does it cover the areas you need to protect?

You will want to get a pair of trousers that covers most of your leg. There are some chaps that might not have enough cover for your crotch, which might be a concern for you. You don’t want to be buying chaps only to buy more protection because it is not enough. It does not only bring you the hassle, but it will cost you more money.

Mobility

Can you move around easily while wearing it?

Mobility is important for those who cut trees or saw wood for a project. If you find yourself with a pair of chaps that limits your movement, you will have problems moving your body away, should sudden danger arise.

Weight

Is it comfortable to carry around, or does it make you more tired?

Cutting trees or woods for a project is too much physical labor already. You will not want your muscles to give extra efforts just to carry your chainsaw chaps around. Consequently, you will get tired easily before doing much work in a day.

Standard

Did it meet any safety standards and certifications?

It is very important that the chaps you buy meet all the required safety standards and have some certifications. This is to ensure that what you buy is made of high-quality materials and really does its job.

Quality

Will the protective trouser really do its job when God forbid, you get into an accident?

Before you buy any safety gear, you have to check what these products are made of. The most durable chainsaw chaps are those made of Kevlar and nylon.

Fit

Is it a perfect fit? Do the chaps on any of the legs flap or do they provide you maximum protection?

There are many safety chaps that claim their straps are adjustable. However, many of them are only up to a certain size. Make sure you check the sizes and what best fits you so you will not have to make too many adjustments.

Price

Is the value of the chainsaw chap worth more than what you pay for?

When buying chaps, you have to ask yourself what you will need it for. If you use a chainsaw on a daily basis, buying one of good quality would be best for you even if it costs you some money.

But if you are a chainsaw user who only cuts or saws wood for recreation or a project, buying one that is much cheaper but still has a good quality is a way to go.

Should you be able to answer all these questions, then you will surely find the best chainsaw chaps for you.

Tips for Buying Online

Admittedly, it is very convenient to buy your first pair of chainsaw chaps online. Any online shop that has your preferred gears available can easily provide you with the information that you need. But we can never be too careful with our purchases online, so here are some tips for you:

• Make sure that you read all the information thoroughly
• Ask questions if you need to
• Check the rating and reviews from other customers
• Cross-check prices with other shops in terms of prices and promo schemes

Nevertheless, going to the store and physically buying your own pair can also provide you with an assurance you can never get from online shopping. Here are the reasons why:

• Can check it physically if it is a good fit or not
• Option to easily return it if you don’t like it
• Saves you the hassle of making phone calls regarding factory damages
• Makes sure that you get your money’s worth

We all have different preferences regarding our purchase method, but one thing should remain constant. You have to make sure that you like what you buy and it works for your needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What are Chainsaw Chaps Made of?

The outer material of a chainsaw safety trousers is made of tough, slippery, and resistant materials to protect the fillers inside from any petty damage.

Underneath this material, there are layers of fibers, which can be ballistic nylon or Kevlar that wraps around and stops the chain from rotating, minimizing any damage to your skin.

2. What size Chainsaw Chaps do I Need?

The size of your chaps depends on your height and waist size. To determine your needed length, measure your waist to your instep. It is mostly encouraged that you get gears with a length that falls at least 2 inches below the top of your boots.

On average, chaps are available in  32, 36, and 40-inch lengths but are generally adjustable.

3. What is the Difference Between Type A and Type C Chainsaw Trousers?

The two types of trousers only differ in the amount of surface they can cover. Type A chainsaw chaps are apron-style trousers that only protect the fronts of the legs. Type C, on the other hand, protects your entire legs.

4. What Certifications Should I Look for While Choosing Chainsaw Chaps?

Common safety standards certifications are OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration), UL (Underwriters Laboratories), ASTM (formerly known as American Society for Testing and Materials), and ANSI (American National Standards Institute).

These are agencies you should look out for to ensure the safety and quality of your protective gear.

5. Can the Chainsaw Chap Protect Me From Other Kinds of Blades?

The best chainsaw pants are mostly made of Kevlar, which is a strong synthetic fiber that is actually five times stronger than steel! Because of this, Kevlar chain saw chaps are very much durable against all types of attacks.

So, if they can protect you from chainsaw blades, they can protect you from almost anything. But please make sure to seek advice from the experts on what you really need based on your type of work.

Final Words

Now that you have some ideas about how to get your own chainsaw chaps, we hope you can find one that suits you best.

From this chainsaw chaps review, it is safe to infer that professional loggers or regular chainsaw workers should buy the Husqvarna Technical Apron because it offers more leg protection and is durable for everyday use.

However, if cutting wood or trees is not your day job, and you would only do it as a chore or hobby, get a good value for your money, which is what the Forester Chainsaw Apron Chaps has to offer. It is cheaper than most but offers the same quality protection from chainsaw injuries, which is basically not getting your legs off.

Just remember that whatever you prefer, low-cost or heavy-duty trousers, always be a fan of safety.

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