Whenever I’m using my chainsaw I ALWAYS wear chainsaw chaps.
I have a pair of Forester brand chainsaw chaps (the pair pictured above and below) that have served me well. I’ve never had my chainsaw slip or accidentally touch my pants, so they’re still in good condition.
However, I’ve seen the chaps of several friends who have had their chainsaw cut their chainsaw chaps, and let’s just say they were very happy to have been wearing them!
Here are some of the best chainsaw chaps that you can buy to protect your legs.
Chainsaw Chap Reviews
 | Husqvarna Technical Wrap Chaps |
| View On AmazonView On Tractor Supply |
 | Forester Chainsaw Chaps |
| View On AmazonView On Northern Tool |
 | Husqvarna PPE Kit |
| View On AmazonView On Acme Tools |
Husqvarna is one of the best chainsaw manufacturers in the world – they put the same care and attention into these very popular chainsaw chaps.
These Husqvarna chaps are affordable but, more importantly, they offer great leg protection, which is why we rank them as the best.
They have an adjustable waist of up to 42″, 1000 denier polyester with PVC coating with Tek warp protective layers, and have a felling wedge pocket.
There have been many thousands of pairs of these best chainsaw chaps sold. They have a very high star rating and have received hundreds of positive reviews.
These are my Forester chainsaw chaps (here on Amazon).
They are not the most comfortable pair I’ve ever worn, but they do the job. The only downside with them is that they don’t sit that nicely on my waist. They tend to pull my jeans down – though perhaps I just need a better belt.
Chainsaw safety equipment is a must – check out this list of recent chainsaw accidents for inspiration on why you should always protect yourself.
Besides chainsaw chaps, it’s good to also have or wear:
- Chainsaw helmet and faceguard
- Chainsaw gloves
- Earmuffs
- A chainsaw first aid kit
However, chainsaw pants are among the most important items that you should never operate a chainsaw without.
1. Husqvarna Apron Wrap Chap
These Husqvarna chaps have everything you could want for a reasonable price, making them my top choice for the best chainsaw chaps.
When it comes to stopping fast-moving metal, it doesn’t get much better than Kevlar. The fact that Husqvarna designed these Kevlar chainsaw chaps by blending the material with polyester is no surprise. These are incredibly durable chaps.
Kudos go to the asymmetrical design, too. Statistics show that most chainsaw injuries occur to the left leg, so Husqvarna (and, to be fair, other manufacturers) created this set of chaps with a longer left leg for extra protection against errant bars.
This pair also offers a calf wrap to protect the backs of the lower legs, which seems unnecessary until they save your calves from a chainsaw laceration.
See the range of other Husqvarna Chainsaw Chaps here.
Pros:
- Durable 1,000-denier fibers on the outer make for a sturdy covering for the Kevlar protection
- The Kevlar protection
- Asymmetrical cut
- Calf-wrap that you didn’t even know you wanted
Cons:
- Those 1,000-denier fibers can get hot on an August day in the Texas sun
2. Notch Chaps For Chainsaw
Sometimes the extra safety of having your calves covered is a lifesaver.
Notch gives us these chaps that wrap around at the bottom but still leave breathing room for the upper half of what they cover and protect.
These are heavy-duty chaps. The inner protective fabric is an 8-ply polyester blend designed to jam the chainsaw to a halt if the material gets sucked into the blade, and the 6-layer outer fabric is designed to be rugged and durable.
No fewer than six closures keep the calves covered and the chaps where they’re supposed to stay – up on your waist and in place.
Pros:
- Durable and heavy-duty
- Extra protection for the lower legs
Cons:
- Some people think Kevlar is a necessity; if you’re one of those, the absence of Kevlar is a con
- Cost– like the Labonvilles above, they’re just barely under $100
3. Forester Chainsaw Safety Chaps
These chainsaw pants are the closest things to pants on this list.
In safety green, they will make you look like a chainsaw-slinging firefighter. These zippered chaps offer a full wrap– not just of your calves, either. Instead of buckles and straps, the zipper makes it less likely to shift around on you during use.
The Oxford polyester outer material is water- and oil-resistant, so they somewhat resemble rain-slicker pants.
Other than the full wrap and the zipper feature, these are bare-bones basic chaps that get the job done without a lot of fanfare.
Pros:
- These are the least-expensive chaps on the list
- Polyester outer will keep your legs clean (of oil and stuff like that, not sweat) and dry longer than most other chaps
- If they fit you, they’ll cover nearly every inch of your legs
Cons:
- If you’re taller than 6’4”, these will not give you full protection
- No pockets or other extras
4. Forester Apron Chaps
Forester’s Chainsaw Safety Chaps are designed for utmost protection and convenience, incorporating a user-friendly apron style that simplifies the process of putting on and taking off the gear.
These chaps feature a deep utility pocket for storage, and their lightweight 4-ply barrier adheres to strict safety standards, meeting OSHA Regulation 1910-266 for chainsaw operators and being UL Tested & Classified (ASTM F1897). They also comply with ASTM F1897-2008 39JY for leg protection.
Additionally, these chaps are both water-resistant and oil-resistant, enhancing their functionality for various job conditions. They are ideal for landscaping and heavy-duty logging work, offering a fully adjustable fit suitable for both men and women of most sizes, ensuring professional-grade protection.
Forester Chaps stand out with their customizable fit, practical pockets, and availability in a variety of colors and lengths, catering to diverse preferences and requirements. The chaps come in lengths of 35″, 37″, and 40″, and in colors such as high-visibility green, orange, camouflage, dark green, grey, brown, and denim blue, making them a versatile choice for different users.
Forester emphasizes their commitment to delivering high-quality, affordable equipment with excellent customer service. They offer a range of safety equipment and replacement parts for power tools, assuring customers of reliable products at competitive prices.
5. Stihl Chainsaw Chaps
Stihl is a solid brand of chainsaw, and they have produced some quality protective gear. These chaps are concrete proof of that.
No, they do not contain Kevlar. Instead, Stihl gear uses a cut-retarding material called Avertic Pro by Engtex.
Engtex is a Swedish textile manufacturer that Forestry.com says makes the world’s strongest fiber and recommends it over Kevlar for chainsaw gear.
These are pricey, but the most common complaint about Kevlar chainsaw chaps is their weight, and these chaps are light. It may be worth the extra money to stay a little cooler during summer and early-fall workdays.
There is no question these chaps will serve you well and protect your soft tissues from the bite of a chainsaw. Had these chaps been under $100, they’d be sitting in the number one spot on this list, as their price is the only con I can see.
Pros:
- Engtex technology makes a lighter chap
- Highly durable
- Stihl is a highly reputable brand; that is reflected in this product
- A big cargo pocket on the left leg holds files, bar oil, and the like
Cons:
- Rather expensive
6. YARDMARIS Saw Safety Pants
There are less expensive chainsaw chaps out there, but the Yardmaris chaps offer more bang for the buck than some of its budget counterparts.
With an adjustable waistband that can accommodate up to a 52” waist, these can fit just about anyone who can wield a chainsaw.
They boast eight layers of chainsaw-resistant material, and the outer layer is 100% polyester, making these chaps lighter than most. The polyester also helps with durability and lends waterproofing properties, as well.
With a 3M reflective stripe ample pockets for gear and a dedicated one for a wedge, these offer convenience and safety in one piece.
Pros:
- Probably the lightest chaps on this list
- Cost– these are significantly more under $100 than some of the other under-$100 choices here
- Reflective stripe provides added safety for cutting at dusk and later
Cons:
- Chainsaw enthusiasts may balk at a relatively unknown brand
- Polyester makes them lighter but does not make them more breathable, so these may be just as hot as heavier, thicker chaps
7. Clogger’s Zero Light and Cool Chainsaw Chaps
Clogger is a New Zealand brand.
Since New Zealand isn’t a particularly hot country, it is surprising the chaps Clogger produced are effective at easing the high temperatures of hard work in hot climates.
These are pricey, but what you’re paying for.
In addition to chaps that protect your legs from chainsaws, you also have light fabric that stays cool.
Using a chainsaw-stopping material called Arrestex HP, which is significantly lighter than the Kevlar, these Clogger chaps allow for better air circulation around the protected areas.
If you’re logging in a hot area on a hot day during a hot summer, these are the chaps for you. The breathable fabric is still tough and durable.
They fit waists up to 49” and cover enough of your legs that they are better described as the best chainsaw pants. They have a soft inner lining that helps with breathability while still offering 360-degree calf protection.
Pros:
- Extremely lightweight material
- You’ll have a hard time overheating in these
- High-visibility panels on both legs for safety in lower-light situations
Cons:
- It’s sometimes tough to spend so much money on something that feels so light and airy
- They may feel flimsy if you’re expecting big, thick, heavy protective gear
Best Chainsaw Chaps For Comfort And Safety
After all the research into chainsaw chaps that I’ve done, my preferred pair is the Husqvarna’s (which you can find here). They have many pairs in their range, but they all offer great protection and maximum comfort.
At the end of the day, I prefer Husqvarna chainsaw models over all the other chainsaw brands (even Stihl), so I might be a little biased in preferring their chaps as well.
Read the chainsaw chaps reviews on the listings to make sure I haven’t missed anything out here.
If you’re new to chainsaws I also recommend you learn about chainsaw kickback before you start to use your new machine. It’s good to be aware of what can go wrong before it does.
There are other things you can do to keep safe with a chainsaw as well.
This includes:
- Keeping your chain sharp – use a good chainsaw sharpener for this
- Always work with a partner – even if your wife is just reading a book in the distance
- Don’t work with kids or dogs around – you need to focus on the task at hand
Because I’ve heard too many stories of people getting hurt or killed while using their chainsaws.
Chainsaw chaps or pants are not going to solve every problem – they won’t help you if a tree turns on you, for example – but they’re one important ingredient in the staying safe recipe!
