A chainsaw is a pretty dangerous instrument if not appropriately handled. With annual chainsaw-related injuries counting thousands, it is no wonder that wearing the proper protective gear is a massive aspect of using such equipment. Understanding the risks and rules of the chainsaw operation is essential before you begin working with such a tool.
I am a professional carpenter with over ten years of experience, and I know how hard it is to control a chainsaw. Specially designed chainsaw chainsaw chaps has saved me from major accidents a couple of times, so I want to stress the importance of safe chainsaw use.
About 40% of chainsaw injuries happen to the legs of chainsaw operators. So, I would like to talk about all of the existing protective chaps pants that can ensure you are safe while at work.
Down below, you will find my top-seven of the best lower body protective pieces currently available, as well as a buyer’s guide and answers to common questions regarding this topic.
Contents
- 1 Top 7 Best Chainsaw Protective Gear Reviews
- 1.1 1. Husqvarna 587160704 Technical Apron Wrap Chaps – My Top Pick for the Best Chainsaw Protective Pants
- 1.2 2. Forester Chainsaw Apron Chaps with Pockets and Adjustable Belt – Excellent Kevlar Chainsaw Chaps for the Money
- 1.3 3. FORESTER Durable Convent Safety Chainsaw Chaps – Incredibly Efficient Chainsaw Leg Protection
- 1.4 4. Labonville Full-Wrap Chainsaw Safety Chaps – Durable Wood Cutting Chaps
- 1.5 5. Husqvarna 531309565 Chainsaw Apron Chaps – Amazing Chainsaw Protective Gear
- 1.6 6. Oregon 563979 Protective Chainsaw Chaps – An Affordable Chainsaw Leg Protection
- 1.7 7. Stihl 0000 886 3202 Protective Apron Chain Saw Chaps – Premium-Quality Logging Chaps
- 1.8 Bonus: Husqvarna 531307180 Chainsaw Protective Apparel Powerkit – The Best Chainsaw Safety Gear Kit
- 2 Tips on How to Choose Chainsaw Protective Chaps
- 3 The Most Common Questions Surrounding Chainsaw Pants
- 4 Concluding the Chainsaw Chaps Review
Top 7 Best Chainsaw Protective Gear Reviews
The items on the list below are my favorite protective wear pieces for legs. I have added my top pick to the listing below, and you can also read about the chaps that offer the highest quality, the best deal when it comes to durability, and the cost, as well as some other valid options for you to consider.
- Husqvarna 587160704 Technical Apron Wrap Chaps
- Forester Chainsaw Apron Chaps with Pockets and Adjustable Belt
- FORESTER Durable Convent Safety Chainsaw Chaps
- Labonville Full-Wrap Chainsaw Safety Chaps
- Husqvarna 531309565 Chainsaw Apron Chaps
- Oregon 563979 Protective Chainsaw Chaps
- Stihl 0000 886 3202 Protective Apron Chain Saw Chaps
- Bonus: Husqvarna 531307180 Chainsaw Protective Apparel Powerkit
Additionally, I have included a bonus for those who are new to using chainsaws. It is the best kit of various protective gear pieces.
1. Husqvarna 587160704 Technical Apron Wrap Chaps – My Top Pick for the Best Chainsaw Protective Pants
Specifications:
- Material: 1000 Denier Polyester
- Product Dimensions: 12.75 x 4 x 13 inches
- Adjustable waist size: 42 inches
- Meets: ASTM f1897, ANSI z133.1, And OSHA regulation 1910-266
- Specifics: 5 layers of TEK WARP protective material.
If you do not want to get into details of all of the various products and their pros and cons, then Husqvarna 587160704 is the choice for you. I recommend this protective piece to all woodworkers and those who want to get into working with this material.
Husqvarna, as a brand, has an impressively long and well-established history that spans a couple of centuries. This Swedish company produces outdoor power products, including chainsaws. So, of course, they know how to protect their customers best when one works with the equipment that they manufacture.
Although this price of this chainsaw protective gear may look strange for you at the start, this product does its job perfectly. Additionally, these chaps are not the most expensive on the list. They offer exceptional protection and comfort of wearing, thanks to the well-thought-out design.
This chainsaw chaps does not have a usual apron-style design, as it is more of half-pants. These chaps will cover and wrap your legs, except for the backside and in-between seam parts of your lower body.
This product guards the most commonly injured parts of the leg, and it won’t constrict your movement in any way. Moreover, it allows for excellent ventilation of your legs, keeping you comfortable and protected as much as it is possible while you are working with a chainsaw.
You will adapt to the feel of this protective gear quickly and stop noticing it whatsoever. The fact that it comes in a significant number of sizes and can be easily adjusted makes this product extremely versatile.
This protective gear was tested and certified by all of the major protection and standardization entities. So, there is no need to worry about the quality of protection. This product can easily stop a revved-up chainsaw that accidentally escaped your grasp.
What’s included
- Husqvarna Technical Apron Wrap Chap
Have you spent all of your money on the chainsaw, and, now, you do not have means for a proper protective gear? Fortunately, there’s a high-quality solution for you. The Forester company has thought about such a possibility and created a line of simple yet effective safety apparel. If you do not want the usual quality that comes with the word “cheap,” then definitely opt for this inexpensive option and buy yourself these Forester Chainsaw apron chaps. Unlike the previous entry, this protective piece employs a more traditional apron-like design. This product will protect the most common areas of injury on legs when it comes to the chainsaw use. The backside of your legs won’t be protected at all, however. Yet, this protective apparel successfully underwent numerous tests by official testing entities, so these chaps are entirely safe to use and will give you a high level of protection. The material of this protective gear is a bit stiff, resulting in less freedom of movement compared to the previous model. The main component in the fabric of this protective apparel is Kevlar, an incredibly sturdy material. The good news is that these chaps will completely stop and halt any engine-powered chainsaw, but, with the electric ones, the material will only protect from the initial hit. Kevlar is a quite heavy material that does not let through a lot of air. After wearing this protective apparel for prolonged sessions of woodcutting, you may find it feels very hot. Taking water breaks in such moments is crucial. If mobility is more important to you, then consider this Redneck Convent model from a brand with a well-known name. This protective gear provides a superb balance between safety and mobility, allowing you to move freely and protect yourself from harm. To achieve this purpose, the manufacturer used a more flexible fabric than of the previous items. I want to warn you that this protective piece does not cover the backside of your legs, too. However, it is what gives you incredible ease of movements while wearing this protective apparel. This protective gear comes from a reputable American company with Canadian roots. Labonville full-wrap chaps are another wonderful option when it comes to protective apparel that can cover your whole legs. However, it is not a flaw with this protective gear. This product has an extremely sturdy 5-ply material base that can successfully stop any chainsaw, whether mechanical or electrical. The only negative point is that the material is extremely dense in this protective piece, meaning it does not dissipate heat very well. This protective piece is another product of the Swedish company on this list that just speaks of the quality of products that the brand provides. The Husqvarna 531309565 model is a more conservative version when compared to the other Husqvarna listing. This protective apparel resembles an apron, and it is meant to be worn over your regular clothes. The backside of your legs will remain completely open. However, the most common places of injury are covered and protected with this apparel tightly fitting on your legs. If you believe that the protective aspect is more critical than comfortability, freedom of movement, and so on, then the Oregon 563979 model is the protective apparel you were looking for. When you put this protective piece on, you will feel incredibly confident and safe. It is comparable to driving a tank. If your chainsaw happens to slip, you will just get a shock and shot of pure adrenaline, but other than that, you will be just fine. Is safety your top priority, and you are ready to spend the top buck on the protective apparel? Then the Stihl 0000 886 3202 model is just right for you. It is one of the most expensive protective pieces on this list, but it is totally worth it. First of all, this protective gear comes from a household name in the handheld power equipment sector. This worldwide known German brand is extremely popular, thanks to the quality of the products they deliver to their customers. When you order something from Stihl, you can expect only the best. This protective apparel was designed to withstand a tremendous amount of stress, meaning you can pull, stab, saw it, and the item will not wear and tear. Although the chaps can perform without a scratch quite a lot, this protective piece has a medium weight. Instead of developing a sturdy fabric on their own, the Stihl manufacturer decided to collaborate with a company specializing in the creation of durable materials. Additionally, this product’s cloth does not require dry cleaning, and it is absolutely “wash and wear.” When you wear these chaps, you won’t almost feel them. The comfort is even higher than that of the first entry on the list. The smart design provides sufficient protection to the legs but also allows for airflow that eliminates the possibility of your overheating. This protective apparel also encompasses a couple of big pockets, as well as a measure for dark times. It features a highly visible and reflective strip on the waist. If you are on the market not only to protect your lower body but fully cover yourself, then you might not want to spend your time carefully reading reviews on every protective piece. Fortunately, you can avoid doing so and just buy this kit of protective gear for the chainsaw use. This bonus set comes from the company you are already acquainted with, namely Husqvarna. This power kit is a high-quality one and has everything you will ever need while working with a chainsaw. The set includes a helmet, chaps, suspenders, gloves, cup hearing protection, and glasses. This way, you will be fully protected while you cut wood. When it comes to choosing and buying protective apparel for lower parts of your body, you have many aspects to consider. Let’s review them together so that you could gain a better understanding of what features you like or need. Firstly, there are many designs you can get if you are in for the chainsaw protection. Such solutions encompass typical pants-style protection, apron-style half-wrap protection, and plain chaps. Each of these designs exceeds in some areas while falling short in others. For example, the plain chaps are the lightest, offer the most mobility, and are great at allowing air to cool down your legs. However, the backside of your legs remains open, and, more often than not, such models feature clasps of questionable quality that are prone to coming off now and then. Pants-style protection offers the most safety and sturdiness while being on the heavy side, not breathable, and restricting your movements. The half-wrap is the middle ground between the two. Your leg protection should be a comfortable fit for you. Such protective gear on its own is quite uncomfortable and not movement-empowering. You need to be aware that any lower body protective apparel will, in the end, restrict your moves and slow you down. If you want to minimize these effects, you have to get a protective piece that is adjustable and of the correct length. Most of such products go over your pants and can be adjusted. The only thing that can’t be fixed is, of course, the length of the protective apparel. So, be sure to always look at this form factor before buying specific gear. The ability of the chainsaw chaps to protect you also matters a lot. Although it seems like an obvious point, you should not disregard checking the description of the item you are considering buying for the product certification from independent organizations. The last thing you want to happen is harming yourself because you have bought some knock-off and non-brand protective gear. Invest your money into hiqh-quality items and make sure to research before the purchase. Moreover, you should always read into what materials were used in the creation of the protective gear you are going to buy. All apparel uses various techniques in creating protection, meaning manufacturers go for varying combinations of different materials. It leads to different items having different qualities, strengths, and weaknesses. Some are incredibly durable and can withstand everything, and some can’t stop some specific types of power tools. Related Post: 7 Best Chainsaw Sharpeners Reviewed. Here are a couple of questions I see on the web regarding lower body chainsaw protection. Thus, I have provided some short and useful answers to some of them. Not at all. These two differ in structural design. Chainsaw protective pants make direct contact with your skin and cover relatively tightly the whole of your lower waist and your legs, except for feet. Chaps, on the other hand, go over the worn pants. The backsides of your upper legs are usually entirely open, as well as each separate pant is not connected to the other at the crotch. The length is the main parameter that defines the size of the chaps. Do not mistake the size of your chainsaw pants for one of these apparel. You should calculate the length for your chaps, starting from your belt to the instep. Although Kevlar indeed stops bullets like it is nothing, it does not mean that the word “Kevlar” in the description of the protective apparel you are considering means that it is the best one. Kevlar exceeds at stopping high-velocity objects, but it is not effective at halting low-velocity sharp equipment. An electrical chainsaw would stop initially upon the contact with this material, but it would restart shortly after and continue sawing the protection gear. So, Kevlar has its uses, but it is not the best thing out there. Chainsaw chaps are not enough to keep your body protected from the effects of using such a tool. For instance, a loud noise, vibrations, wood clippings that are flying straight at you, dust in the air, among other factors, can stress your body and may even damage it over extended periods. For mitigating and canceling out these effects, I recommend wearing special protective clothing, also called personal protective equipment. Chaps are only a small part of it. Here are other recommended pieces of protection and their purposes: Read also: Best Budget Welding Helmets I hope that my review of the lower body protection for the chainsaw use was a pleasant read. In this article, I have gone through seven of the best protective chaps currently available on the market and one bonus item. I have also looked at the standard points you should pay attention to when choosing protective gear for yourself. They include considering the design, comfortability, and durability of the product. Lastly, I provided you with some answers to the commonly asked questions regarding this topic. Now, I would love to hear from you. Did you like the article? Have you tried any of the items mentioned here? What chainsaw chaps do you use? Tell me in the comments section down below! “A good tool stays with you for many years and choosing carefully ensures the job is done right, your work is neat, and the tool is always a pleasure to use”2. Forester Chainsaw Apron Chaps with Pockets and Adjustable Belt – Excellent Kevlar Chainsaw Chaps for the Money
Specifications:
What’s included
3. FORESTER Durable Convent Safety Chainsaw Chaps – Incredibly Efficient Chainsaw Leg Protection
Specifications:
What’s included:
4. Labonville Full-Wrap Chainsaw Safety Chaps – Durable Wood Cutting Chaps
Specifications:
What’s included:
5. Husqvarna 531309565 Chainsaw Apron Chaps – Amazing Chainsaw Protective Gear
Specifications:
What’s included:
6. Oregon 563979 Protective Chainsaw Chaps – An Affordable Chainsaw Leg Protection
Specifications:
What’s included:
7. Stihl 0000 886 3202 Protective Apron Chain Saw Chaps – Premium-Quality Logging Chaps
Specifications:
What’s included:
Bonus: Husqvarna 531307180 Chainsaw Protective Apparel Powerkit – The Best Chainsaw Safety Gear Kit
Tips on How to Choose Chainsaw Protective Chaps
The Most Common Questions Surrounding Chainsaw Pants
Are Chaps Pants?
How to Size Chainsaw Chaps?
Is Kevlar the Best Material for Chainsaw Protection Apparel?
What Are Other Necessary Pieces of Chainsaw Protective Gear?
Concluding the Chainsaw Chaps Review
