Chainsaws are very effective cutting tools, which means it’s essential that you wear the right protective equipment while you work. In our buyer’s guide, we take a look at the best chainsaw chaps for 2025, what to look for when buying chainsaw pants, and much more.
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Premium Choice
Best Chainsaw Chaps for 2025
Product | Our Rating | Price | |
---|---|---|---|
1. Husqvarna Technical Apron Wrap Chap | |||
2. Forester Chainsaw Safety Chaps | |||
3. LABONVILLE Premium Chainsaw Chaps | |||
4. YARDMARIS Technical Wrap Chainsaw Chaps | |||
5. Husqvarna 587160704 Technical Apron Wrap Chap | |||
6. Husqvarna 531309565 Chainsaw Apron Chaps |
What are Chainsaw Chaps and Why Do I Need Them?
These are a protective pair of pants that go over your workwear to provide a second, tough layer of protection when you’re working with dangerous cutting equipment like chainsaws.
No matter how skilled or careful you are while using this type of machinery, accidents happen. A kickback, slipped chain, or a miscalculated movement can quickly send the fast-moving and incredibly sharp blade into contact with your body.
The majority of the time, these accidents involve the lower limbs, and can cause devastating injury or even death. Chainsaw chaps, also called chainsaw pants, are designed to give you a good level of protection as you work while still allowing you the range of motion you need to operate the saw safely.
Whether you are doing garden maintenance, running a landscaping business, clearing away storm damage, or working with timber, you’ll need a good pair of high-quality chaps to keep you safe.
Here's our review on the best chainsaws for 2025.
Different Types of Chainsaw Chaps
There are two main types of chainsaw pants:
- Type A – These are also called apron-style chaps, as they protect the front of the legs and are worn over regular pants.
This means there is limited protection, so they are best suited to working with a chainsaw on ground level, where you are more physically stable and able to move freely. - Type C – These look like a pair of heavy-duty pants, as they cover the entire leg. You can wear them with or without pants underneath them, and they provide the highest level of protection.
They’re best suited to more challenging chainsaw operations, such as working at a height or from an awkward position where there is a higher risk of injury.
What to Consider When Buying Chainsaw Chaps
As with any piece of equipment, there are key factors to consider making sure you get the right one. When buying chainsaw trousers, be sure to look at:
Material
Chaps have several layers of different materials to provide as much protection as possible while not being too heavy or difficult to move in. Typically, they have a rugged outer polyester layer that is puncture-resistant, with a PVC coating that is water and stain resistant.
The second layer is a dense, fibrous layer made of ballistic nylon or Kevlar that clogs the blades and chain, stopping the chainsaw. There is usually a third heavy-duty layer to help further protect your skin.
Compatibility
It’s important that your chainsaw chaps are rated for the machine you are using. Many are not rated for corded or cordless electric chainsaws, because the clogging internal layer of fibers can only clog up a clutch, which a gas chainsaw has but an electric chainsaw does not.
Type A or Type C
Front protection only is the lightest type of chainsaw chaps and cannot protect the backs of the legs. They are usually more affordable but better suited to working on the ground where you have the most stability.
Type C are more expensive but provide a much higher level of protection, protecting the back of the legs as well as the front. If you have to maneuver the chainsaw from an awkward height or position, it’s better to use wraparound type C chaps.
Size and Fit
Good quality chainsaw chaps come in a wide range of sizes, including waist size and inseam length, and should be matched as closely as possible to the wearer to provide the best protection and range of movement.
It’s a good idea to look for chaps that have waist and leg straps that allow you to loosen and tighten the pants over layers of clothing, especially if you are working in a cold climate.
Features
Some chainsaw trousers have useful additional features such as handy pockets, visibility colors/reflective strips, and additional weather/oil resistance.
Safety Standards
This is the most critical feature to consider when buying your chaps. They should be OSHA and UL (Underwriter laboratories) certified and rated to meet the maximum speed of the chainsaw you’ll use.
Class 0 fabric is suitable for speeds of up to 16 meters per second (m/s), class 1 for speeds of up to 20m/s, class 2 up to 24m/s, class 3 up to 28m/s.
It’s best to choose your chainsaw trousers based on the speed of your chainsaw, as the higher rated chaps will be thicker and hotter to wear.
Reviews of the Best Chainsaw Chaps
1. Husqvarna Technical Apron Wrap Chap
These apron-wrap chainsaw pants meet OSHA regulations and UL certification, feature multiple layers of protection, and are manufactured by a leading chainsaw brand, so you can be assured that they know what they’re doing.
With an ultra-tough 1,000-denier polyester outer layer with an oil-and-water-resistant PVC coating, these chaps stay clean while keeping you safe.
The Tek warp middle layer is designed to splinter when cut, quickly clogging, and stopping the blade. They are adjustable to fit different waists, have straps to secure the fit around the legs, and features a gear pocket for holding a tree felling wedge.
Pros
- Meets OSHA requirements
- UL certified
- High visibility color
- Adjustable waist by 2 inches
- Straps to secure leg fit
- Oil-and-water-resistant
- Gear pocket
- 4lbs
Cons
- No inseam sizes
2. Forester Chainsaw Safety Chaps
The first product we have for review is the Forester Chainsaw Safety Chaps. While it isn't meant to be used with electric-type chainsaws due to their high torque characteristic, this garment is designed to work well with gas-powered variants.
Forester clearly aimed to build consumer trust, so they got sufficient safety certifications for these chainsaw safety chaps.
For one, the Forester Chainsaw Safety Chaps comply with the requirements indicated in ASTM F1897-14, which is also known as the Standard Specification for Leg Protection for Chain Saw Users.
Thus, the ASTM confirms that these chainsaw chaps do not only provide cut resistance protection around the leg area but also provide a good fit and flexibility.
Likewise, the garment meets the requirements set by the OSHA 1910.266 and also has a certification from UL.
To protect the front of the user's legs - the most likely area for chainsaw-related injuries, the Forester Chainsaw Safety Chaps with Pocket work like an apron.
The external material is composed of Oxford fabric, which not only effectively resists oil coming out of a chainsaw but also repels water.
The inner section features 12 distinct layers of protection to deal with a rotating saw before it reaches the human skin.
A nifty feature from this Forester Chainsaw Safety Caps is the pocket, which is six inches by six inches large. This pocket is deep enough to keep some handy tools and accessories in our chaps for quick access.
Furthermore, there are three sizes available. If your height is from 5 feet to 5 feet and 4 inches, the short length would be the right fit for you.
If you exceed 5 feet and 4 inches without going beyond six feet, the regular length would be best. Lastly, those who are at least six feet tall and reach up to six feet and four inches should choose the long length.
Notably, all three length sizes can accommodate waist sizes ranging from 28 inches to 44 inches. To adjust the fit around the waist area, the Forester Chainsaw Safety Chaps come with a two-inch flip waist belt.
Regardless of the size, we found these Forester garments to be both sturdy and light. We did not feel restricted at all when wearing them during some tree felling operations.
Pros
- Durable with Oxford outer and a 12-layer inner section.
- Complies with OSHA 1910.266, ASTM F1897-14, and UL requirements.
- Pocket is deep enough for carrying handy tools.
- Flip waist belt is included for getting the right fit.
- Light and comfortable to wear.
Cons
- The waist belt can become loose from time to time.
- Cannot be used with electric-type chainsaws.
3. LABONVILLE Premium Chainsaw Chaps
These chainsaw trousers are made in the USA by Labonville Clothing Manufacturing, Inc, a company with a history of high-quality workwear and protective gear stretching back 63 years.
They consist of 5 layers of Kevlar and Polyester to make them lighter in weight without compromising on toughness, meeting CS-191-53 flame resistance standard, UL testing standards, and OSHA standards.
They’re adjustable and designed to be strapped close to the leg. They’re exceptionally lightweight at 2.07lbs.
Pros
- Very lightweight
- 5 layers of Kevlar and Polyester
- CS-191-53 flame resistance standard, UL testing standards, and OSHA standards
- Highly visible color
- Made in the USA
Cons
- Type A, no/limited calf protection
- More expensive than competitors
4. YARDMARIS Technical Wrap Chainsaw Chaps
Meeting OSHA and UL certification standards, these high-visibility wrap-type chainsaw trousers are durable and offer great protection.
To protect from the bite of a chainsaw, these chaps have 8 layers of fabric using the latest in Swedish technology to create cushioning and protection.
The 1,020-denier pure polyester is PU-coated for stain-and-water-resistance, with a 3M reflective strip for additional visibility while working.
They feature two tactical pockets for mobile phones, wallets and small tools, and come in sizes for both men and women.
Pros
- Designed with sizes for men and women
- Meets OSHA requirements
- UL certified
- Highly visible color with 3M reflective strip
- 2 tactical pockets
- 8 layers of protective and cushioning material
- Stain-and-water-resistant
- Pant length extender
- Full calf protection
Cons
- Adjustable size rather than a range of sizes
5. Husqvarna 587160704 Technical Apron Wrap Chap
Finally, we have another pair of apron-style chainsaw chaps in the form of the Husqvarna 587160704. While the previous Husqvarna product utilized a 600-denier polyester, this one uses a 1000-denier polyester fabric along with PVC coating.
Apart from being able to withstand heavy-duty use and being water repellant, the 1000-denier polyester fabric is also incredibly hard to tear and resistant to abrasions.
Similar to the previous Husqvarna garment, this also has five layers of Tek Warp material, a gear pocket, and buckles made of Acetal Delrin.
With the Tek Warp material, the chain can be either slowed down or completely stopped by clogging the chainsaw's sprocket system.
Still, the ability to clog the chainsaw will be dependent on various factors such as the chain length and the chain speed. One slight difference we noticed is that the waist size here can be adjusted up to 42 inches.
Of course, the Husqvarna 587160704 Technical Apron Wrap Chap is certified to have complied with the UL, the ASTM F1897, the ANSI Z133.1, and the OSHA Regulation 1910-266 safety standards.
Pros
- Complies with various safety standards.
- Utilizes a 1000-denier polyester fabric for added toughness.
- Has buckles made of wear-resistant Acetal Delrin.
- Waist size is adjustable up to 42 inches.
Cons
- Feels bulky especially around the lower section.
- The pocket buttons tend to become unbuttoned when you are moving.
6. Husqvarna 531309565 Chainsaw Apron Chaps
Up next, we have chainsaw chaps that are also styled like an apron to adequately protect the front section of the legs. It complies with the aforementioned ASTM F1897, the OSHA Regulation 1910-266, and with the requirements of the Underwriters Laboratories.
Apart from this, the Husqvarna 531309565 Chain Saw Apron Chaps meet the Z133.1 Safety Standard of the American National Standards Institute (ANSI), which is useful for arborists and workers in related fields.
You can pick between three colors: blue, black, and gray. While the choices aren't exactly diverse or vibrant, they will likely complement your pants regardless of the color.
Moreover, the Husqvarna 531309564 Chain Saw Apron Chaps has Tek Warp protective layers and 600-denier polyester fabric that is coated with polymerizing vinyl chloride (PVC).
This particular type of polyester fabric is a favorite choice due to its water resistance and tolerance to heavy-duty exposure.
Consequently, the Husqvarna 531309565 chainsaw chaps have a tool pocket and a wear-resistant and low-friction Acetal Delrin buckle.
The waist size, on the other hand, could be adjusted to as big as 38 inches.
Pros
- Easy to wear and take off.
- Front area of the lower body is safeguarded due to the apron style.
- Backside is quite cool to compensate for the near total coverage at the front.
Cons
- The snaps used to adjust the chainsaw chaps are made of plastic.
- Mobility around the knee area is somewhat affected.
Sumo Gardener's Safety Pants Top Picks for 2025
Our Top Pick Chainsaw Chaps
Our choice as the best chainsaw chaps for 2025 are the Husqvarna Technical Apron Wrap Chaps. With multiple layers of high-quality materials and water/oil resistance, they offer wrap-around protection at the front, back and sides of your lower body.
Meeting UL and OSHA safety requirements, these chaps weigh a reasonable 4lbs and are adjustable for most body types, with an additional 2 inches of adjustability in the waist.
They’re reasonably priced and designed by chainsaw manufacturers who understand the risks that operators face, helping you get the job done safely.
Best Value Chainsaw Chaps
If you want good quality on a budget, the Forester Chainsaw Safety Chaps are a great option that doesn’t sacrifice safety for affordability.
They offer full protection for the back, front and sides of your lower body, meet UL and OSHA requirements, and come in a range of sizes from 35-40 inches.
They’re lightweight at 2.46lbs and have useful pockets for mobiles and small tools. They also come in black or a high-visibility orange.
Premium Choice Chainsaw Chaps
The LABONVILLE Premium Chainsaw Chaps are our top pick for premium chainsaw trousers, offering exceptional protection, technical layering of Kevlar and ultra-tough polyester, and a good size range that goes up to 48 inches.
These apron-style or type A chainsaw pants are very durable and well made, providing full front and partial side protection for your lower body, and as a bonus, they’re made in the USA!
Safety Comes First with the Best Chainsaw Chaps
There’s no doubt that chainsaws are as dangerous as they are useful, and whether you are cutting firewood, repairing storm damage or doing forestry work, chainsaw chaps are a must-have item of safety equipment.
When buying your chaps, remember to check that they meet OSHA and UL safety standards, that they are rated to your chainsaw’s top speed, and that they fit the work you are going to do.
Stay safe and keep on sawing with the best chainsaw chaps for 2025!
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