The best chainsaw chaps are made out of special material that’s designed to protect chainsaw users from being injured when operating a chainsaw. They’re considered an essential part of a chainsaw operator’s protective gear and they’re recommended for both professional and amateur chainsaw users.
Finding the right pair of chaps can take plenty of research on your part, since there are so many models on the market to choose from.
I’ve taken the time to do all the research for you, narrowing it down to six of the best chainsaw chaps on the market. Each of the best chainsaw chaps that landed on my list has what it takes to keep you safe and well-protected when you’re wielding a high-powered chainsaw. I’ve also put together this buyer’s guide, to show you exactly what you need to look for to find chaps that are durable, designed to last, and can provide the type of protection you need.
Below, you’ll find a comparison chart that includes each pair on my list, how they rated, and their top features.
Table of Contents
Chainsaw Chaps Comparison Chart
Product | Style | Colors | Material | Rating |
---|---|---|---|---|
Forester Chainsaw Apron Chaps Shop On Amazon! | Apron | 1 | Oxford | |
Husqvarna Technical Apron Wrap Chap Shop On Amazon! | Wraparound | 4 | Polyester | |
Forester Chainsaw Apron Safety Chaps with Pocket Shop On Amazon! | Apron | 1 | Oxford | |
Husqvarna Chain Saw Apron Chaps Shop On Amazon! | Apron | 1 | Kevlar | |
Forester Chainsaw Safety Chaps Shop On Amazon! | Wraparound | 1 | Oxford Polyester | |
Husqvarna Chainsaw Chaps Shop On Amazon! | Apron | 4 | PVC Coated Polyester |
Best Chainsaw Chaps-Forester Chainsaw Apron Chaps
These protective chaps are designed to minimize the severity of injury to the parts of the body covered by the pads, in the event they come into contact with the saw’s chain. This pair of chainsaw chaps are made with a water and oil resistant oxford outer layer, for top of the line chainsaw safety and protection.
Pros
- Adjustable waist
- Sleek design
- Apron style
- Protects front of your legs
- Chaps with pocket
- Oil and Water resistant
Cons
- Only one size available
- Not recommended for wearers over 5’4”
Conclusion
These comfortable, sleek Forester chainsaw chaps meet the OSHA leg protection requirements. The chainsaw chaps with pocket design also consists of four ply layers of protection against chainsaw accidents without the bulky weight that you’ll find with other types of chainsaw safety gear. These heavy-duty, lightweight chaps are perfect for the chainsaw user in need of extra protection on the job or for work around the yard. This pair by Forester definitely delivers.
Husqvarna 587160704 Technical Apron Wrap Chap
These Husqvarna wrap around chainsaw chaps are made out of denier polyester with PVC and features Tek warp protective layers that work to minimize the severity of an injury, fully protecting the legs and giving the operator more reaction time when their clothing makes contact with a moving chain. The chaps are made out of retardant materials and are designed to clog up and pull apart the sprocket system of a saw, stopping or slowing the chain, depending on the angle of contact, and the length and speed of the chain.
Pros
- Meets ASTM f1897 regulations
- TEK warp
- Felling wedge gear pocket
- Comfortable to wear
- Adjustable waist sizes
Cons
- Pants only fit waist up to 46”
Conclusion
These protective chainsaw chaps come with an adjustable waist, are UL certified and meet ASTM f1897 and OSHA regulations. Their durability, combined with their lightweight, comfortable design make them a great choice for pro use or for tough work around the yard.
Forester Chainsaw Apron Safety Chaps with Pocket
These Forester chainsaw safety chaps feature the classic apron style that allows for better air circulation and improved breathability, a must-have for working in hot weather conditions. The Forester chainsaw safety chaps are designed to minimize the risk of injuries to the body parts covered by the chap’s padding, in the event a chainsaw comes into contact with the operator’s clothing. The safety chaps have a protective coating, thanks to an oxford outer layer, making the chaps both water resistant and oil resistant. The apron chaps also meet ASTM F1897 standards for leg protection for chainsaw operators and are UL certified.
Pros
- Heavy duty
- Lightweight
- Side pocket
- Breathable
- Water resistant
- Oil resistant
- Adjustable waist sizes
- Quality leg straps
Cons
- Leg strap clip may break after a few months of use
Conclusion
These Forester chainsaw chaps are OSHA certified, and feature a lightweight design that improves comfort and breathability, without compromising protection. The 4-ply design will give chainsaw operators enough time to kill the saw’s power before the chainsaw blade can do some serious damage. The chaps will definitely give those operating a chainsaw peace of mind knowing that they offer a higher level of protection, should a chain slip and make contact with the operator’s clothing.
Husqvarna 531309565 Chain Saw Apron Chaps
These Husqvarna chainsaw chap are water and oil resistant, feature a 600 denier outer shell and offer a total of five layers of protection. These chainsaw chaps work to protect the operator from serious chainsaw accidents, thanks to the slippery, durable outer layer that makes it difficult for the chainsaw blade to make solid contact. These chaps meet OSHA regulations and ASTM F1897 safety standards and are UL certified. The chaps are made out of a type of kevlar material that Husqvarna calls Kevmalimot. As you probably already know, kevlar is an incredibly tough material, offering the type of high level of protection that you need when you’re operating a chainsaw.
Pros
- Made from 600 denier kevlar
- Adjustable waist size
- Meets OSHA safety standards
- Will protect front of your legs
Cons
- Must be washed by hand
Conclusion
This durable pair of chainsaw safety chaps by Husqvarna will protect the front of your legs when you’re using a chainsaw, giving you enough time to shut the gas chainsaw off if the blade slips and makes contact with your clothing. This pair of chainsaw chaps are designed to reduce the severity of chainsaw injuries and feature the type of flexible, lightweight design that all chainsaw operators are looking for in a pair of durable chainsaw chaps that can be worn all day long.
Best Wraparound Chainsaw Chaps-Forester Chainsaw Safety Chaps – Full Wrap
Considered the best chainsaw chaps for gas-powered chainsaw use, these full wrap chainsaw chaps by Forester are oil and water resistant and made out of 1200 oxford polyester. The chaps feature an adjustable waist design that works for waist sizes measuring in at 28-inches up to 44-inches. The length of the chaps will work for chainsaw users 5’4” up to 6’ tall.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Will protect your legs during chainsaw use
- Meets OSHA safety requirements
- Adjustable waist sizes
- Made out of 1200 oxford polyester
Cons
- No pocket
- Not recommended for use with electric chainsaws
Conclusion
This full wrap chainsaw chap is designed to reduce the risk of injuries when operating gas chainsaws. The chaps are not recommended for use with electric chainsaws, due to the electric chainsaw’s higher torque. However, these safety chaps can protect your legs when using a gas-powered chainsaw and will be a huge asset for the operator in search of lightweight, full wrap heavy-duty chaps that feature a more breathable design.
Best Apron Chaps with Pocket-Husqvarna 587160702 Chainsaw Chaps
This pair of chainsaw chaps by Husqvarna are one of their biggest sellers for all the right reasons. These chainsaw chaps are made out of 600 denier polyester with PVC coating and feature Tek warp layers for ultimate protection. The chaps themselves are lightweight and offer better than average breathability, making them perfect for humid or hot weather conditions. The chainsaw chap meets OSHA regulations, are UL certified, and comes equipped with a felling wedge pocket and acetyl delran leg straps.
Pros
- Made out of 600 denier polyester
- Adjustable waist size
- PVC coating
- Excellent breathability
- Durable
Cons
- Not designed for people with waists over 46”
Conclusion
This chainsaw chap features the type of lightweight, durable design that makes it possible to wear them for a long shift, out in warmer weather. The fact that they’re made out of 600 denier polyester will be a big selling point for the professional in search of pants that can handle heavy-duty use in dangerous conditions. The polyester with PVC coating material is designed to clog or pull apart the chainsaw’s sprocket system to stop or slow the chainsaw’s blade down. This will depend on the angle of the blade and speed of the saw’s blade at the time it makes contact with the chaps. These are the chainsaw chaps you want for ultimate leg protection and comfort. While even the best chainsaw chaps are not able to completely prevent a chainsaw’s blade from tearing through this type of heavy-duty material, it does an excellent job of slowing it down and giving the operator plenty of time to kill the power.
Chainsaw Chaps Buyer’s Guide
These chaps should be worn when operating a chainsaw. They’re often made out of loose fibers and other types of fabrics on the inside and slippery material on the outside. They can help minimize or prevent serious injuries that can occur as the direct result of the chainsaw slipping during operation and making contact with the user’s clothing. In most cases, they’re only recommended for use with gas chainsaws, since electric chainsaws have a higher level of torque, so the chaps will not provide much protection, should an electric chainsaw make contact with the material.
How Chainsaw Chaps Work
Chainsaw chaps are designed to slow down or entangle the chainsaw’s chain, to prevent it cutting into the chainsaw operator’s skin. With a high-quality pair, the saw will only be able to tear through the top layer of the chaps, before then being drawn in and wrapped around the chap’s filler material. In most cases, the filler consists of a dense nylon, polyester, or Kevlar.
This material is what will protect the chainsaw operator as it halts the saw’s operation. If the material fails to stop the saw’s blade from turning, it will at the very least give the operator enough time to shut the power tool off before it’s able to make contact with the skin.
Now, before I dive into what features to look for to find the right pair for your next job, first, I’ll go over some of the most important benefits that come with wearing this type of protective gear on the job.
Benefits of Wearing Chainsaw Chaps
There’s no doubt that using a chainsaw is very dangerous, which is why wearing this type of protective clothing is essential, whether you’re doing a little light trimming in the yard or you’re a professional tree trimmer. As you can imagine, there are many benefits associated with wearing this type of protective gear, such as:
- They’re affordable, so if they’re damaged on the job, they can easily be replaced without hitting your wallet too hard.
- They can be removed during breaktime, unlike chainsaw pants, which you’ll have to wear until you can change your clothing.
- Chainsaw chaps made out of kevlar with tek warp offer the best level of protection and can easily slow down or stop a chainsaw blade from tearing through multiple layers.
- Apron style chaps are a great choice in hotter weather since they’re open at the back.
- Consistent use can significantly lower your risk of a serious injury.
Now, let’s take a look at the different styles available.
Types of Chainsaw Chaps
When you’re shopping for ultimate protection while operating your chainsaw, you’ll come across a couple of different types of chaps:
- Apron
- Wrap around
Apron-Half Style
These chaps will cover the front portion of the legs, beginning at the waist and running down to the ankles. They will not cover the backs of the legs. This style is lighter than the wrap around option and allows you to move more freely. They’re a better choice for lighter jobs and general yard maintenance.
Wrap Around
This type of chainsaw chaps will cover the entire legs, offering a higher level of leg protection. They work by wrapping around the lower half of the leg, so the calves, shins, and thighs are completely covered. This type provides more protection since they’re equipped with extra layers. They’re bulkier and heavier than the apron style chaps and a better choice if you’re working in a high-risk and high-energy environment.
Other Important Features
There’s no doubt that the chainsaw is one of the most dangerous power tools around, which is why you should never operate one without wearing the proper safety gear. Chaps are very versatile and can be worn when you’re felling small trees, or as you slice through massive trees in the forest on a large scale. Wearing the proper safety gear, such as chaps, is the best way to protect yourself and prepare for an accident.
Anyone who uses this type of outdoor power tool knows that wearing the right type of safety clothing is crucial. Manufacturers of PPE gear are always on the hunt for the best, toughest materials that can create chaps that are durable, lightweight, protective, and comfortable to wear.
The goal of any manufacturer of chainsaw chaps is to create protective wear that offers a high level of safety.
When it comes to choosing the best chainsaw chaps, there are certain factors you need to take into consideration. First, you’ll need to think about your safety needs, the different types of tasks you’ll be doing when you’re using a chainsaw, in addition to the type of environment you’ll work in and the average weather conditions you’ll have to deal with.
Design-Ultimate Protection for Legs
Unlike chainsaw pants, chaps are worn over pants or jeans. They will be the main source of the wearer’s protection when they operate a chainsaw. This type of gear is designed with material that consists of several layers of fabric that’s loosely woven. The top layer is the most slippery and durable.
The inner layers of the chaps consist of interwoven fibers that stop and obstruct the chainsaw’s sprocket the instant it comes into contact with the material. This will prevent the saw’s chain from moving and tearing through the clothing until it reaches the skin.
Thickness
The more layers chaps have, the better it can protect the legs from serious injuries. When you’re shopping for chaps, as you’re reading a product’s description, you’ll come across the word denier. Denier refers to how thick an individual fiber thread is. You’ll find chaps that have a denier rating that ranges from 400 up to 1000.
Layers
The layers of chaps consist of the following materials:
- PVC
- Tek warp
- Ballistic nylon
- Nylon and polyester blend
- Strands of Kevlar
Size
To find the correct size of chaps, you’ll need to measure from your waist to the instep or ankles. Every manufacturer should have a size chart clearly listed on their website. Make sure you pay close attention to the different measurements and size options available. Keep in mind, one brand’s size large can be another brand’s medium, so it’s important to pay attention to the measurements and not just the name of the size.
You’ll also come across chaps that have an adjustable waist size. However, even these adjustable chaps will have their limits. Fortunately, most manufacturers will clearly list how adjustable a pair is, listing the waist sizes a pair will work for.
Care & Maintenance
Considering all the grime, dirt, and debris that you’ll come into contact with as you work in your chaps, you definitely need to show them a little TLC at the end of a long workday. Fortunately, most pairs are machine washable. Some chaps can be washed on the gentle cycle and should be hung up or laid flat to air dry. Never place them in the dryer, since this can cause the chaps to shrink. Before you toss them into the wash, be sure to read the manufacturer’s care instructions, since it can vary from brand to brand.
When to Replace Your Chainsaw Chaps
Most of us want to get the most use out of our PPE gear, but if your chainsaw chaps are severely damaged, it’s time to invest in a new pair. If a saw has managed to cut into the chaps, toss them. If the exterior of the chaps only has minor damage, I recommend contacting the manufacturer. The manufacturer may be able to repair them, or they may recommend throwing them out and replacing them. In some cases, even minor damage can majorly impact the integrity of the chaps.
Chaps Versus Chainsaw Pants
Many chainsaw operators prefer chaps over chainsaw pants because they’re more versatile and highly breathable. As you know, when you’re stuck high up in a tree, thinning branches, breathability and flexibility will be important, especially when you’re working in hot weather conditions. Chainsaw pants don’t offer the same type of breathability that chaps do. While both types of PPE gear focus on safety and are designed to protect the wearer’s legs, both types of PPE will come with their own pros and cons.
If you’re not sure whether to purchase chainsaw pants or chaps, then it’s important to learn about the subtle differences, so you can choose the right type of PPE gear for your legs based on the work you do and the environment.
PPE Differences
The biggest difference between pants and chaps is the price, cut, and design.
Chaps are more affordable than pants and cover the front of the legs from the waist to the calves. They can also be worn by several people. While chainsaw pants tend to come with a higher price tag, they also have a reputation for a longer lifespan. The material for the chainsaw pants are cut differently. Pants must be more flexible than chaps, so they’re cut in a manner that boosts their flexibility. This allows for improved movement when handling different jobs such as climbing. Both types of PPE gear are made out of protective material of the highest quality, which is what makes them so perfect for a wide range of dangerous jobs. Whether or not you prefer chainsaw pants or chainsaw chaps can be a matter of personal preference, although chainsaw chaps do have a reputation for offering a higher level of protection compared to chainsaw pants, due to the thicker materials used and a more durable design overall.
Use
Choosing the right type of chainsaw chaps is all about safety and fit. However, it’s important to know what features each pair has to offer and which types of chainsaws they’re compatible with. Because of the higher level of torque, most chaps are not recommended for electric chainsaw use. Additionally, chaps should not be worn when you’re feeding a woodchipper or climbing. Instead, they’re a better choice when you’re cutting up branches and other materials when you’re on the ground. They also must be adjusted correctly to achieve the right fit.
Read Chainsaw Chaps Reviews
Reading chainsaw chaps reviews will give you a better idea of how a particular pair of chaps performs on the job, and the type of leg protection they offer. Whether you’re concerned about waist size adjustability, chainsaw safety, or a comfortable fit, reading reviews from buyers who have real-life experience with a particular model will allow you to choose the best chainsaw chaps based on many factors including environment, chainsaw type, and weather conditions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Chainsaw Chaps Worth it?
Yes. While some chaps may not be able to prevent a chainsaw from sawing through the material entirely, many top of the line pairs will slow down the chain, giving you enough time to switch the power tool off before it can do some serious damage.
What is the Purpose of Chainsaw Chaps?
This type of protective gear is designed to prevent a chainsaw from injuring you on the job, in the event the chain slips and makes contact with your legs. High-quality chaps are able to significantly slow down a chain, giving you plenty of time to switch the saw off before it makes contact with your skin.
When Should You Replace Chainsaw Chaps?
How often chaps are replaced will depend on their condition. They should be replaced immediately if a saw has made contact with the material and sliced through several of the layers. If there is only minor damage, then they may still be salvageable. Keep in mind, oils are the enemy of the chaps’ protective fibers. Over time, they may become soaked in oil, in which case, you’ll need to toss them and replace them as soon as possible.
What Size Chainsaw Chaps Do I Need?
The length of chaps isn’t the same length as the normal pants you wear. Pay close attention to the manufacturer’s size chart and measure appropriately, before you buy.
Final Thoughts
The best chainsaw chaps will provide ultimate protection when you’re on the job, whether you’re handling some light work around the yard, or you’re a professional tree trimmer or landscaper. Wearing this type of PPE gear comes with a wide range of benefits, but most importantly, they’re tough enough to keep you safe and prevent serious injuries. With this buyer’s guide and the chaps I’ve recommended here, you can purchase a pair that’s designed to last and one that will provide top of the line protection when you need it the most.