Last Updated on October 19, 2022 by Barry Gray
Whether you are a beginner or a professional, using power tools like chainsaws always comes with risks.
Leg protection is a factor almost forgotten when it comes to using your chainsaw – but it shouldn’t be. That’s why I’ve created this guide on the best chainsaw chaps available, so you can protect your legs as best as possible when using your chainsaw.
Let’s look at 7 of the best chainsaw chaps in this article.
- Best Premium Choice – Husqvarna 587160705 Technical Apron Chainsaw Chap
- Best Water-Resistant Chainsaw Chap – Forester Apron
- Best Budget-friendly Chainsaw Chap – Oregon Protective 563979
- Best Chainsaw Chaps With Kevlar – Labonville Premium
- Most Comfortable Chainsaw Chaps – Stihl 0797 333 9200
- Best Chainsaw Chaps Under $100 – Yardmaris Technical Wrap
- Best Chainsaw Chaps for Calf Protection – Notch
Best Premium Choice – Husqvarna 587160705 Technical Apron Chainsaw Chap
- Style: Apron wrap
- Material: 1000 denier plastic with PVC coating
- Length: Upto 42 inches
- Chap layers: 5
- Certifications: UL, ASTM F1897, ANSI Z133.1, OSHA regulation 1910-266
- Weight: 4 lbs
Husqvarna is a brand known for their top-quality chainsaws, so it is no wonder that they make great chainsaw chaps, too. This chainsaw chap is available in sizes from 36 to 42 inches, meaning that even tall people can wear this comfortably with full leg coverage. (Note that the size is measured from the waist to the ankle.) It also comes with a 42 inch adjustable waist.
This chainsaw chap has 4 buckles for each leg and offers a little bit of coverage on the backside of the leg, too. This is usually not found in chainsaw chaps. You can easily buckle and tighten the straps and you’ll be good to go! The buckles are made using acetal delrin which is strong and highly wear-resistant. The overall product is made using 1000 denier polyester with a PVC coating which makes it water and oil resistant.
There are 5 layers of protection between a leg and the chainsaw, with each layer made out of TEK WRAP protective material. The material is very effective in stopping the chain of the chainsaw. These chainsaw chaps are tough, super comfortable to wear, and even have pockets! The only downside is that they are a bit heavy, so it can get hot and sweaty to wear them during summer.
Pros
- Very comfortable to wear
- Available in several sizes. Will fit even tall people comfortably
- Strong buckles that are resistant to wear and tear
- Adjustable waist
- Provide a lot of leg coverage, even on the back side
- 5 layers of protection
- Very safe (has several certifications)
- Water and oil resistant
- Has pockets
Cons
- A bit heavy
- Can get uncomfortable to wear during summer
- Pockets are flat, so taking things out of them is a hassle
My Thoughts: These are one of the safest chainsaw chaps you can use. The fact that these are manufactured by Husqvarna, a company that makes chainsaws, should tell you that they know what they are doing. They can be used even when working among dense foliage. I definitely recommend them!
Best Water-Resistant Chainsaw Chap – Forester Apron
- Style: Apron wrap
- Material: 1200 denier Oxford polyester with PVC coating
- Length: Upto 40 inches
- Chap layers: 6
- Certifications: UL, ASTM F1897, OSHA regulation 1910-266, ASTM F1897-2008
- Weight: 3.1 lbs
The Forester chainsaw chap is made out of a 1200 denier oxford polyester material with a PVC coating, making it one of the best water and oil resistant chainsaw chap out there. It is available in lengths of 35, 37, and 40 inches in several colors that are highly visible. These colors provide an added layer of safety while working in remote areas.
These chainsaw chaps are lightweight and are very easy to put on. Just fasten the buckles, and you are good to go! However, they cover only the front of the legs. The belt on the waist as well as the straps on the legs are adjustable, so these will fit almost everyone. But, there is the possibility of the belt sliding out of the waist buckle, so be careful about that.
The chainsaw chaps come with deep, extra-large utility pockets, making it easy for you to store your tools as you work. They are also comfortable to wear and do not restrict your movement. These chainsaw chaps have several safety certifications as well. The biggest downside of this product is that it is not suitable for use with electric chainsaws due to the high nature of the torque.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Comfortable
- Water and oil resistant
- Available in a variety of visible colors
- Adjustable belt
- Extra-large pockets for storing tools
- Safe to wear
Cons
- Covers only the front of the legs. Offers no ankle protection
- The belt tends to become loose and slide out sometimes
- Only compatible for use with gas chainsaws
- The length is a bit short and doesn’t offer full leg coverage for tall people
My Thoughts: These chainsaw chaps are great, especially when you are working outdoors. They are lightweight as well and offer good protection against gas chainsaws!
Best Budget-friendly Chainsaw Chap – Oregon Protective 563979
- Style: Apron wrap
- Material: 600 denier oxford shell
- Length: Upto 36 inches
- Chap layers: 8
- Certifications: UL, ASTM F1897, ASTM F1414
- Weight: 3.35 lbs
The Oregon chainsaw chaps are lightweight, affordable, and offer a lot of protection against chainsaws. Made out of 600 denier oxford shell material, they offer 8 layers of protection between a leg and the chainsaw. If the chainsaw comes in contact with a leg, the fabric is supposed to bind with the chain and to stop the tool.
These chainsaw chaps are breathable and comfortable to wear. The waist is adjustable up to 40 inches and there are interlocking buckles on the legs to keep them secure. The length, however, goes only up to 36 inches, so if you are tall, you might not get ankle coverage.
They are also easy to put on and take off. These chaps are a bit thick, so it might get hot and sweaty in summer. There have been complaints about the straps sliding out of the buckles, too, so it might be best to add another layer of security to them.
Pros
- Affordable
- Lightweight
- Easy to put on
- 8 layers of protection
- Adjustable waist
- Sturdy
Cons
- Doesn’t offer ankle coverage
- No coverage on the back side of the leg
- The maximum length is only 36 inches, so it might be short for some people
- It gets hot and uncomfortable during summer
- Straps slide out of the buckles sometimes
My Thoughts: If you don’t want to spend hundreds of dollars on a pair of chainsaw chaps, the Oregon might be the best bet for you. It offers quality at an affordable price!
Best Chainsaw Chaps With Kevlar – Labonville Premium
- Style: Apron wrap
- Material: 1000 denier nylon cordura with extra HD urethane coating
- Length: Upto 40 inches
- Chap layers: 5
- Certifications: UL, ASTM F1897-14, ANSI Z133.1, OSHA regulation 1910-266, CS 191-53
- Weight: 3.39 lbs
Wait a minute.. Kevlar? The same kevlar that is used in bulletproof vests? That’s right! The Labonville chainsaw chaps offer 5 layers of protection. These layers are made using an exclusive blend of kevlar and polyester – strong enough to stop a bullet, definitely strong enough to stop a chainsaw.
The outer part is made using a rugged 1000 denier nylon cordura with extra HD urethane coating, which makes these chainsaw chaps resistant to abrasion. The cordura material also meets the CS 191-53 flame resistant standard. These chainsaw chaps have a maximum length of 40 inches and an adjustable waist of up to 48 inches, so they will comfortably fit anyone.
These chainsaw chaps are made in the USA and are effective at stopping chainsaws. They are easy to put on and comfortable to wear as well. However, the straps on the legs have been sewn on poorly, so it would be best to add some stitches of your own to make sure they stay in place.
Pros
- Layers are made using kevlar and polyester
- Sturdy and durable
- Easy to put on
- Comfortable
- Adjustable waist
- Resistant to abrasion
- Safe to use
- Cool and lightweight
- Made in the USA
Cons
- Straps are sewn in poorly
- Might not offer full leg coverage for very tall people
My Thoughts: These chainsaw chaps use kevlar, so they are definitely strong enough. These are one of the safest pairs you will find.
Most Comfortable Chainsaw Chaps – Stihl 0797 333 9200
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- Style: Apron style
- Material: 400 denier nylon
- Length: Upto 36 inches
- Chap layers: 6
- Certifications: UL, ASTM F1897, OSHA regulation 1910-266, ASTM F1414
- Weight: 1.95 lbs
Just like Husqvarna, Stihl is a premium brand that is known for its power tools. These chainsaw chaps are made using 400 denier nylon and have 6 protective layers of cut-retardant material. This means they are very good at stopping chainsaws. Moreover, the layers are an Engtex material, which means they are super tough and also make the chainsaw chaps lightweight and breathable.
The Stihl chainsaw chaps are very lightweight and have an open-back design, making them one of the most comfortable chainsaw chaps to use – even in summer. But the open-back design also means that the back of legs are vulnerable. They are oil and water resistant, making them more durable. The waist can be adjusted up to 40 inches, but the sizes are very confusing. The pocket is a nice touch for storing your tools while you work.
Pros
- Very comfortable to wear
- Lightweight and breathable
- Layers are made using Engtex cut-retardant material
- Very tough
- Easy to put on
- Keep you cool even in summer
- Oil and water resistant
- Adjustable waist
- Convenient pockets
Cons
- Open-back design
- Sizes are very confusing and not accurate
My Thoughts: These are one of the lightest and most comfortable pairs of chainsaw chaps, so if you live in a sunny place, these would be perfect for you. However, the sizes do tend to run a bit small, so I wouldn’t recommend these if you are tall.
Best Chainsaw Chaps Under $100 – Yardmaris Technical Wrap
- Style: Apron style
- Material: 1050 denier pure polyester with PU coating
- Length: Upto 42 inches
- Chap layers: 8
- Certifications: UL, OSHA regulation 1910-266, ASTM F1897-20, ASTM F3325-20
- Weight: 4.08 lbs
The outer fabric on the Yardmaris chainsaw chaps is made up of polyester with a polyurethane coating, which protects the material from abrasion, thereby making these chainsaw chaps tougher and more durable. They have 8 layers of protection – 6 layers of anti-cutting fabric and 2 layers solely for cushioning. These chainsaw chaps will protect whether it is logging, cutting, or pruning.
My favorite thing about these chainsaw chaps is that they cover half of legs on the back, too! Each leg has 4 straps to ensure they stay secure. There are also 2 gear and wedge pockets to hold your tools. The pockets have velcro at the bottom to easily clear them of chainsaw dust.
The buckles are made using high quality materials and there are two reflective stripes at the bottom of the chainsaw chaps to provide more visibility at night. However, there are some issues with respect to sizing being inaccurate. The strap on the right thigh also sits a bit lower than the one on the left making it hard to buckle it.
Pros
- Tough and durable
- 8 layers of protection
- They offer calf protection, too
- Pockets with velcro at the bottom
- Water resistant
- Reflective stripes to provide greater visibility at night
- Affordable
Cons
- Sizes are inaccurate
- The right leg thigh strap sits lower than the left one making it hard to secure it
- It gets a bit hot during summer
My Thoughts: I love these chainsaw chaps because they are affordable and tough and also offer calf protection. If you are on a budget, I recommend these!
Best Chainsaw Chaps for Calf Protection – Notch
- Style: Apron style
- Material: 600 denier Oxford shell polyester with polypropylene
- Length: Upto 40 inches
- Chap layers: 5
- Certifications: OSHA regulation 1910-266, ASTM F1897-20, ASTM F3325-19
- Weight: 3 lbs
Made using a blend of polyester and polypropylene, these chainsaw chaps have 5 protective layers. They come in a neon orange color which provides very high visibility. These chainsaw chaps are lightweight and come with a gray lining as well.
The bottom part wraps around an entire calf, providing full coverage. There are straps to secure the chainsaw chaps in place. The waist is adjustable up to 48 inches. Easy to put on and comfortable to wear!
Pros
- Lightweight
- 5 layers
- High visibility orange color
- Wrap around a calf, too
- Adjustable height
- Easy to put on
- Comfortable to wear
Cons
- A bit expensive when compared to other chainsaw chaps
My Thoughts: For someone looking for complete calf protection, these are a great choice.
Now that we have talked about 7 of the best chainsaw chaps, it is time for an in-depth guide so you know how to choose the best one for you!
How To Choose The Best Chainsaw Chaps
Chainsaw chaps play a very important role in your safety, so it is crucial that you choose the best ones. Here are a few things to consider:
Design Type
Chainsaw chaps come in two primary design types:
- Apron style (Type A): These types of chainsaw chaps basically work like an apron for the leg. They cover the entirety of a front leg. There are straps that help to secure these chainsaw chaps in place. They are often lightweight and allow for free movement. However, they do not protect the back of a leg.
- Wrap around style (Type C): These types of chainsaw chaps wrap around an entire leg providing full leg coverage – front and back. They are heavier than apron style chainsaw chaps and it may get hot and uncomfortable to wear them. But they offer more protection. When working on a ladder, these would be the ideal choice.
Outer Material and Layers
The outer fabric is one of the most important things to consider when it comes to chainsaw chaps. The material should be tough enough to be able to stop the chainsaw in its tracks before it even touches a skin. This is where the layers come in. The more layers there are, the more protection there is.
The layer thickness is measured using deniers. As a rule of thumb, chainsaw chaps should have at least 400 deniers. 1000 – 1200 deniers will provide a good amount of protection. Do keep in mind that thicker chainsaw chaps will also be hotter to wear. Although, I think this is a fair price to pay for safety.
Most chainsaw chaps contain a polyester or nylon fabric for the outer layer. They usually have a PVC or PU coating to make them oil and water resistant as well as resistant to wear and tear. The layers may contain either kevlar, tek wrap, or other similar materials. These materials have dense fibers that tend to come apart instantly, clogging the chainsaw and stopping it.
Safety Standards
Chainsaw chaps need to meet certain safety standards. A safety certification means that the chainsaw chaps were tested according to certain requirements. Some brands that offer safety certifications are Underwriter Laboratories (UL), OSHA, ASTM, and ANSI.
Other Features
- Size. Chainsaw chaps need to fit properly to be able to protect. So make sure you buy the right size. Many chainsaw chaps come with an adjustable weight feature, which is always a plus!
- Weight. Wearing heavy chainsaw chaps could make you feel sweaty and uncomfortable. In order to be able to move around freely, look for lightweight chainsaw chaps, but make sure that you aren’t compromising on safety.
- Pockets. Having pockets is always convenient because you can easily store your tools while you work.
- Color. Does color matter? It does if you are working amongst dense foliage. Always look for chainsaw chaps that have highly visible colors – such as neon orange or neon green. These give you visibility.
Note: Most chainsaw chaps aren’t compatible with electric chainsaws because they have a higher torque. Moreover, they don’t really work the same way as gas chainsaws, so it is more difficult to stop them. So, if you are using an electric chainsaw, check your chainsaw chaps for machine compatibility.
That’s it, folks! I hope this article helped you find the perfect pair of chainsaw chaps. Remember, safety always comes first. Stay safe, and happy woodworking!
