10 Best Chainsaw Chaps in 2022
Protect your Legs and Avoid Injury with the Best Chainsaw Chaps on the Market
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Several protective clothing articles should be worn when operating chainsaws, including a helmet, goggles, ear defenders, and work gloves. However, something that’s often forgotten from this list is chainsaw chaps – protective trousers made from heavy-duty fabrics that resist the impact of a running chainsaw. As you might imagine, regular fabric is no match for a machine that can cut through wood, so it’s imperative to wear chainsaw safety gear for the legs in the case of an accident.
Chainsaw chaps are best described as ‘trouser shields’ and are worn over the user’s own trousers. Most offer extra protection to the front of the legs, so wearers should be cautious that the backs of the legs are still exposed to damage.
We’ve compiled this guide of the ten best chainsaw chaps available from Amazon, considering factors like comfort, safety, and material. We hope you find the best solution from our in-depth chainsaw chaps reviews!
View the Best Chainsaw Chaps, Below.
- Husqvarna 587160704 Technical Apron Wrap Chap
- Labonville Full-Wrap Chainsaw Safety Chaps
- Forester CHAP235-G Chainsaw Safety Chaps
- Husqvarna 587160702 Chain Saw Chaps
- LABONVILLE Premium Chainsaw Chaps
- Forester Chainsaw Safety Green Chaps
- WoodlandPro Chainsaw Safety Chaps
- Makita 841008-A Chainsaw Safety Chaps
- Notch Armorflex Chainsaw Protective Pants
- ECHO Apron Chainsaw Protective Chaps
1. Husqvarna 587160704 Technical Apron Wrap Chap
Perfect Chaps if you're Looking for Back Leg Protection Too
This Husqvarna chainsaw safety gear is made from PVC-coated polyester with extra protective layers of Tek warp. This material combination resists impact for long enough to reduce the severity of an injury and allow the wearer more reaction time. Unlike other chaps, these also cover the lower backs of the legs for extra safety.
The fabric is vibrant orange for extra visibility, and the chaps also feature reflective strips around the ankles. They also include pockets and buckles for size adjustments. They're washable only with cold water to maintain the material's strength.
The Husqvarna chaps offer 360-degree protection of the lower legs, the front of the thighs, and the waist. This clever material is layered to release ‘threads’ that clog the chainsaw's mechanism, helping to prevent serious leg injury.
Check Price on Amazon ➞2. Labonville Full-Wrap Chainsaw Safety Chaps
Best Chainsaw Chaps for Additional Features
The Labonville Full-Wrap Chainsaw Chaps consist of 5-ply Kevlar layers with ankle wraps to offer premium safety and comfort. The chaps’ inner and outer shell is made from strong 1000-denier Cordura, and customers can choose between color choices of orange or green.
Like with all chaps, regular trousers must be worn underneath as this product is meant as an overlay. Additional features include a tool pouch, utility belt, and leg and waist buckles so that the sizing can be customized to fit the wearer perfectly.
These chaps have gained great reviews from customers and it’s easy to see why. The protection offered by these Kevlar chaps is amazing value for money, though price should be no object where safety is concerned.
Check Price on Amazon ➞3. Forester CHAP235-G Chainsaw Safety Chaps
Best Chainsaw Chaps for Those on a Budget
The Forester Apron Chaps offer quality protection to the front of the legs. Forester is quick to point out that this is the most commonly injured area when using a chainsaw. This product is not suitable for use with electric chainsaws – the chaps don't offer the level of protection necessary when using power tools.
The Apron Chaps come in three size options (35”, 37”, and 40”) and seven color and pattern choices. They are adjustable to fit different leg sizes, featuring two sets of buckles at the back and one set around the waist.
The low price is a massive advantage of these Kevlar chainsaw chaps. While they can’t be used with electric chainsaws, these are a great purchase for security when using less powerful machinery.
Check Price on Amazon ➞4. Husqvarna 587160702 Chain Saw Chaps
Best Sturdy Chainsaw Chaps for Great Protection at a Reasonable Price
The impressive blend of materials in these Husqvarna chaps makes them look and sound like the best protection money can buy – and luckily, you don’t have to spend much of it to get them. At a very competitive price for apron-style chaps, chainsaw operators will be hard-pressed to find a sturdier pair for this price.
Perhaps the only downside to this pair is that they don’t offer back-of-leg protection. Despite this, the front of the leg is shielded from serious injury by 600-denier polyester, protective Tek warp layers, and PVC coating. They also feature tight adjustable straps and reflective strips.
These chaps mean business – they’re doing their absolute best to make sure you don’t get slashed! The only downside here would be that they weigh 5lbs – hefty to lug around and sweaty to wear while working – but we’d rather be temporarily uncomfortable in return for dodging a hospital trip.
Check Price on Amazon ➞5. LABONVILLE Premium Chainsaw Chaps
Best Chainsaw Chaps for Lightness and Comfort
These are USA-made and near professional-ready chainsaw chaps. They meet OSHA regulations for optimal protection while operating, though they will only protect the front of the legs and must be worn over pants or trousers. Labonville’s chainsaw chaps are on the higher end of the price scale here. But they're well worth the investment for those who want basic protection and find themselves operating chainsaws frequently, professionally, or at home.
Check Price on Amazon ➞6. Forester Chainsaw Safety Green Chaps
Best Chainsaw Chaps for your Budget
These Forester chainsaw chaps are the ultimate dream combo of excellent pricing (the cheapest in our lineup) and protection that goes beyond expectations— whether from cuts, kickback, and other chainsaw mishaps or accidents. They fit almost every person, no matter their shape or size, though you can explore other options under the same brand name if you're taller or shorter than average. They're approved for heavy-duty work in Canada and the US. They're also brightly colored for high visibility and safety.
Check Price on Amazon ➞7. WoodlandPro Chainsaw Safety Chaps
Best Chaps for Light-Weight Work
The WoodlandPro apron-style chainsaw safety chaps are available via Amazon in two sizes – 2X and RG – both of which can be adjusted with straps and buckles to fit the wearer. They’re made from nylon 400-denier fabric, featuring a total of four material layers – two polyester felt and two Kevlar.
They are designed for use with gas-powered chainsaws only; they won’t be able to stop the sprocket of an electric chainsaw. Like Husqvarna products, they’re designed to ‘pull apart’ and clog to stop the mechanism of a rotating chainsaw. Once this happens, the chaps should be discarded and replaced.
These lightweight WoodlandPro Kevlar chaps are great for casual outdoor work in your backyard, but not for industrial wood-felling jobs. They’ll protect against small brushes with rotating machinery.
Check Price on Amazon ➞8. Makita 841008-A Chainsaw Safety Chaps
Great Chainsaw Chaps for Light Work in High Temperatures
The Makita chainsaw wood cutting chaps are recommended for use with gasoline-powered chainsaws. They come in one size (38”), so they may not be suitable for everyone. But for those that fit, this gear provides ample protection for the casual gas chainsaw user. They come in bright orange fabric and have five adjustment straps with strong buckles for a secure fit.
On Makita’s own website, the company states that the chaps' material is designed to reduce the severity of injury if a gas chainsaw makes contact with the leg. Buyers note that the chaps are lightweight and comfortable, making the product great for carrying out light work in high temperatures.
These lightweight saw chaps give long-length protection for legs and boots when operating gas-powered chainsaws. They’re ideal for anyone looking for light protection when out working in the heat.
Check Price on Amazon ➞9. Notch Armorflex Chainsaw Protective Pants
Best Chainsaw Chaps for Easy Putting On and Taking Off
If wearing and removing chainsaw chaps day in and day out is exhausting, invest in these Notch protective chainsaw chaps. They're just like putting on pants or trousers any other day, without the need for buckling. You don't get that bulky feeling of wearing them over other pants. Save time, feel comfortable, and be safe and happy while you saw!
Check Price on Amazon ➞10. ECHO Apron Chainsaw Protective Chaps
Best Chainsaw Chaps for the Homeowner or Hobbyist
We recommend ECHO’s chainsaw chaps as the #1 choice for hobbyists and anyone else who would love to chainsaw safely— but not for super frequent use. If you’re looking for optimal protection against cuts or kickback on a budget (and non-professionally), these chainsaw chaps are the top choice. Fabric thickness and flexibility are a huge bonus for safety, plus they are one-size-fits-all for most people in terms of width or height.
Check Price on Amazon ➞VIEW ON HOME DEPOT ➞
Chainsaw Chaps Buyers Guide and Breakdown
We hope we’ve given you a better idea of what to look for when buying chainsaw logging chaps! When operating heavy, dangerous machinery like chainsaws, it’s imperative that you do your research on how to keep yourself and others safe while working. Strong and well-maintained chainsaw chaps are just one item of safety gear you should wear.
Health and safety should be the top priority over cost – although we have included several pairs under $100 on this list as well as many under $50. This next section will break down the most important things to consider when buying chainsaw chaps.
Material
The best electric chainsaw chaps are designed with the sole purpose of stopping the rotating chain from making contact with your skin. First, however, be clear whether the product you buy and wear is suitable for use with either electric chainsaws or gasoline-fueled ones. You’ll notice we featured a variety of different materials made to prevent injury in our reviews, including:
- Kevlar: Strong, heat-resistant fiber developed in 1965 and actually used as a steel alternative in racing tires.
- Nylon: Synthetic polymer that is malleable and stretchy.
- PVC: PVC coatings are a synthetic plastic layer mostly used to deflect water and oil.
In general, the more layers contained in the fabric, the better. This gives the chaps more chance of clogging the chainsaw mechanism.
Apron VS Wrap-Around
The fit of the chaps is important. Apron-styles don’t protect the calves, while wrap-arounds cover the thighs, shins, and calves. Full protection can be purchased in the form of safety chainsaw trousers, though these can get hot to wear, especially in the summer.
Apron-style chaps were developed because they allow the wearer to stay cool by wearing normal jeans or trousers at the back while still covering the parts of the leg most likely to be cut.
Keep in mind that operating heavy machinery while being extremely hot is a bad combination and could lead to fainting, slipping, or other errors.
Sizing
When you are measured for protective chaps, you should measure from your waistline all the way down to your instep. This way, the whole of your front is covered, and you have the added benefit of protecting the tops of your shoes from sawdust.
Don’t just wear the chaps; you should have jeans or other protective trousers on underneath. Adjust the straps to fit tightly – the gear should not be loose, as this could catch on the saw or other things around you.
Safety Regulations
Always check that the safety gear you are buying is certified as fully protective by the relevant agencies. In this case, your chainsaw chaps should be UL certified and meet the OSHA 1970 regulations. This means they have been rigorously tested for the quality of materials and the likelihood that they will protect you in an emergency.
Machine Compatibility
You will notice that the chaps on this list are not recommended for use with an electric chainsaw – the machinery in electric models work entirely differently and will cut through chaps made only for gas-powered saws.
The gear on this list is for gasoline-powered chainsaws only. If you plan on switching to an electric saw, don’t take chances. Buy the best chainsaw pants or chaps made explicitly for electric chainsaws.
Buyer’s Guide FAQs
How do Chainsaw Chaps Work?
Chainsaw chaps are made from layers of strong, protective fabric, like nylon and kevlar, which bunch up and clog rotating chainsaws on contact. This prevents the machinery from cutting into the wearer’s leg, potentially averting life-changing injury or even death.
What do Chainsaw Chaps Do?
Chainsaw chaps protect the wearer from serious harm. They should always be worn when operating a chainsaw, alongside other safety equipment like ear protectors and eye goggles.
How to Measure Chainsaw Chaps
When measuring yourself for new chainsaw chaps, get somebody to measure from your waistline to your instep while you stand straight. Then, purchase a pair made especially for that size. This is important so that the chaps fit you snugly – chainsaw chaps should never be loose or too small.
To adjust when wearing, pull all the straps so that they are comfortable but tight. Fasten securely with the buckles. If they don’t fit, or the straps or buckles break, buy a new pair.
Conclusion
Sure, it might cost a bit to get all your chainsaw safety equipment at first, but the cost of saving your life is worth every penny. Never underestimate the power of heavy machinery, and look out for yourself and those around you while using it. Protective chaps for chainsaws are as easy to get as pressing ‘pay’ on Amazon. All the products listed here are from reputable retailers and are proven to prevent potential disasters.
Just read the comments on each listing to see reviews and photos from people who have dodged serious injury by wearing them. If you plan to operate a power saw or any tool, our advice is don’t until you have the right equipment. Your life could depend on it!
As well as wearing high-quality protective chainsaw chaps, invest in a hard hat, chainsaw gloves, ear defenders, earplugs, safety goggles, a protective jacket, and special steel-toe boots made with extra protective fabric. Don’t scrimp on your safety!
Did you know?
You must always buy a new pair of chainsaw chaps if you cut your current pair during use. Once the material is broken in any way, it will be ineffective at protecting you for the second time.