Best Chainsaw Chaps

Annabelle Evans

By Annabelle Evans

| Updated 3 Days Ago

  • Chainsaw chaps are essential safety gear for anyone operating a chainsaw, providing critical protection against potential injuries. Made from tough, cut-resistant materials, these protective leg coverings are designed to stop a running chainsaw chain, helping prevent severe leg injuries. Chainsaw chaps primarily protect the front of the legs, where most chainsaw accidents occur, by using long fibers woven into the fabric that quickly catch and jam the chain. This rapid response can be the difference between a close call and a serious injury. When choosing chainsaw chaps, it’s important to consider factors like the level of protection, comfort, and ease of movement. We tested eight pairs of chainsaw chaps to find the best options for varying needs and budgets.

  • Husqvarna Technical Apron Chaps

    10

    We think these Husqvarna chainsaw chaps are a top choice for safety-conscious users due to their robust construction and excellent protection.

    10

    We think these Husqvarna chainsaw chaps are a top choice for safety-conscious users due to their robust construction and excellent protection.

    Pros

    • High-quality materials for durability
    • Adjustable fit for comfort
    • Extra safety features like felling wedge pocket

    Cons

    • May feel heavy for some users
    • Limited waist size range
    • Higher price point than basic options

    When we tried on these Husqvarna chaps, we were impressed by their solid feel. The 1000 Denier polyester with PVC coating felt tough and ready to handle serious work. We liked how the five layers of Tek Warp material gave us peace of mind without being too bulky.

    Putting them on was easy thanks to the adjustable waist and leg straps. The Acetyl Delran buckles clicked securely, and we felt confident they’d stay in place during use. We found the felling wedge pocket handy for keeping small tools close at hand.

    While wearing them, we noticed they were a bit warm on hot days. But we felt this was a fair trade-off for the protection they offer. The UL certification and compliance with safety standards added to our sense of security while using our chainsaw.

  • Husqvarna Functional Chaps

    9.7

    We think these Husqvarna chainsaw chaps are a great choice for both casual users and pros looking for solid leg protection.

    9.7

    We think these Husqvarna chainsaw chaps are a great choice for both casual users and pros looking for solid leg protection.

    Pros

    • Comfortable and easy to put on
    • Durable construction with 5 protective layers
    • Adjustable waist fits up to 38 inches

    Cons

    • May be too long for shorter users
    • Orange color option is very bright
    • Pricier than some basic chaps

    We found these Husqvarna chaps to be a cut above many other options we’ve tried. The 600 denier polyester material feels tough yet flexible. We like that they use multiple protective layers to help stop a chain if it makes contact.

    Putting them on is quick and easy with the adjustable waist strap. The buckles click securely into place. We appreciate the extra pocket for storing small tools or a felling wedge while working.

    During use, these chaps stayed in place well without restricting movement. The open-back design kept us from overheating on warmer days. While we hope to never test their protective abilities for real, the UL certification gives us confidence they’ll do their job if needed.

  • Forester Protective Combo Kit

    9.5

    We think this all-in-one protective gear set is a smart buy for casual chainsaw users who want affordable safety equipment.

    9.5

    We think this all-in-one protective gear set is a smart buy for casual chainsaw users who want affordable safety equipment.

    Pros

    • Complete set with helmet, chaps, and eye/ear protection
    • ANSI-certified components
    • Good value for occasional use

    Cons

    • Helmet feels a bit flimsy
    • Chaps run large
    • Face shield could be more durable

    We tried out this Forester protective combo kit while cutting firewood. The apron-style chaps felt thick and sturdy. They gave us peace of mind when using our chainsaw. The chaps run big, so you may want to size down.

    The helmet was lightweight but seemed a bit cheap. Still, it should protect against falling branches. We liked that it came with built-in ear muffs and a face shield. The muffs blocked out most of the chainsaw noise. The face shield kept sawdust out of our eyes.

    For the price, this kit offers good basic protection for DIY tree work. It’s not pro-grade gear, but it’s way better than no safety equipment at all. If you only use a chainsaw now and then, we think this affordable set will meet your needs.

  • MGP Forester Chainsaw Chaps

    9.4

    We recommend these chainsaw chaps for their excellent protection, comfortable fit, and useful features at a reasonable price.

    9.4

    We recommend these chainsaw chaps for their excellent protection, comfortable fit, and useful features at a reasonable price.

    Pros

    • Easy to put on and adjust
    • Durable and water-resistant
    • Meets safety standards

    Cons

    • Pocket could be larger
    • Straps may loosen over time
    • Limited color options

    We tested the MGP Forester Chainsaw Chaps during a recent tree-clearing project. They were a breeze to put on, with simple adjustable straps that let us get a snug fit quickly. The 37-inch length worked well for most of our team members.

    The chaps felt lightweight but sturdy. We appreciated the water-resistant fabric when working in damp conditions. The utility pocket came in handy for small tools, though we wished it was a bit bigger for larger items.

    Safety is key with chainsaw work, and these chaps didn’t disappoint. They meet important safety standards, giving us peace of mind while cutting. The apron style gave good coverage without being too bulky or hot.

    We liked the brown color for hiding dirt and sawdust. It would be nice to have more color choices, but that’s a small gripe. After several uses, we noticed the straps loosened a bit and needed readjusting.

    For the price, these chaps offer great value. They provide solid protection without breaking the bank. We think they’re a smart choice for both casual users and pros who need reliable chainsaw safety gear.

  • Forester Orange Safety Chaps

    9.3

    We think these Forester chainsaw chaps are a solid choice for most users needing reliable leg protection.

    9.3

    We think these Forester chainsaw chaps are a solid choice for most users needing reliable leg protection.

    Pros

    • Meets important safety standards
    • Adjustable fit for different body types
    • Includes handy utility pocket

    Cons

    • May be hot in warm weather
    • Orange color not ideal for all settings
    • Sizing can be tricky for very tall users

    We tested these Forester chainsaw chaps and were impressed by their sturdy construction. The thick 4-ply material felt protective without being too bulky or stiff. We liked how easy they were to put on and take off thanks to the adjustable waist belt.

    The deep utility pocket came in handy for storing small tools and gear while working. We found the 37-inch length provided good coverage for average heights, overlapping our work boots nicely. The bright orange color enhanced visibility, which is great for job site safety.

    While using these chaps, we stayed dry thanks to the water-resistant fabric. The oil-resistant properties also kept them from getting grimy quickly. We think these would work well for both casual yard work and more intense logging tasks. Just be aware they may get warm on hot days. For the price, we feel these Forester chaps offer solid protection and handy features for most chainsaw users.

  • ZELARMAN Safety Chaps

    9.1

    We think these chainsaw chaps offer good protection and value for most casual users.

    9.1

    We think these chainsaw chaps offer good protection and value for most casual users.

    Pros

    • 8-layer protection meets safety standards
    • Bright orange color for visibility
    • Adjustable waist fits up to 48 inches

    Cons

    • May run long for shorter users
    • Can shift to the sides during use
    • Limited size options

    We tested these ZELARMAN chainsaw chaps while doing some yard work. The 8-layer protection gave us peace of mind when operating our saw. The bright orange color made us feel safer and more visible.

    Putting them on was simple. The adjustable waist accommodated different body types on our team. We liked how the apron style covered the front of our legs.

    The chaps felt sturdy, made from 1000 denier oxford polyester. This tough fabric seemed ready to handle branches and debris. We appreciated the UL certification and compliance with safety standards.

    Some of our shorter testers found the 35-inch length a bit long. We noticed the chaps sometimes shifted to the sides during use. This required occasional adjustment to keep them in place.

    For casual users doing occasional chainsaw work, these chaps offer good protection at a fair price. Professional loggers may want more size options or a snugger fit.

  • ZELARMAN Protective Chainsaw Chaps

    9

    We recommend these chainsaw chaps for their solid protection and comfort at a good price.

    9

    We recommend these chainsaw chaps for their solid protection and comfort at a good price.

    Pros

    • 8-layer protection certified to safety standards
    • Adjustable fit for different body sizes
    • Full leg coverage with 360-degree calf wrap

    Cons

    • Heavier than some alternatives
    • Can feel bulky when moving around
    • May be too long for shorter users

    When we put on these ZELARMAN chainsaw chaps, we felt much safer tackling our tree-cutting tasks. The 8 layers of protective material gave us peace of mind, knowing they’re designed to slow down a running chainsaw if an accident happens.

    We liked how easy it was to adjust the fit. The waist expands up to 48 inches, and we could shorten the 42-inch length by folding down the waistband. This flexibility means they’ll work for many body types. The 360-degree calf wrap was a nice touch for extra protection.

    These chaps are on the heavier side, which took some getting used to. We felt a bit more restricted in our movements compared to working without chaps. But we think the trade-off is worth it for the safety they provide. For smaller users, the length might be an issue, even with the folding option.

  • Oregon Chainsaw Chaps

    8.7

    We think these chaps are a must-have for anyone using a chainsaw, offering top-notch protection and comfort.

    8.7

    We think these chaps are a must-have for anyone using a chainsaw, offering top-notch protection and comfort.

    Pros

    • Excellent protection with 8 layers
    • Adjustable fit for most sizes
    • Machine washable for easy care

    Cons

    • Black color may be hot in summer
    • Slightly bulky for some users
    • Might be overkill for casual users

    When we tried on these Oregon Chainsaw Chaps, we were pleased with how easy they were to adjust. The waist fits up to 46 inches, and we could snap the length to fit our height. This one-size-fits-most design is great for sharing between team members or family.

    The 8 layers of protection gave us peace of mind while using our chainsaw. We felt secure knowing these chaps are UL classified. The 600 denier Oxford shell seemed tough enough to handle branches and brush without tearing.

    We liked that we could toss these in the washing machine after a day of work. It’s nice not to have to hand wash or dry clean safety gear. The breathable material helped keep us from getting too sweaty, though on really hot days, the black color did absorb some heat.

  • Husqvarna Functional Chainsaw Chaps

    8.7

    We think these Husqvarna chaps are a great choice for anyone looking to boost their chainsaw safety.

    8.7

    We think these Husqvarna chaps are a great choice for anyone looking to boost their chainsaw safety.

    Pros

    • Durable PVC-coated polyester construction
    • Pull-apart design helps stop chainsaw chains
    • Adjustable waist fits up to 38 inches

    Cons

    • Can get warm in hot weather
    • Bulky for storage
    • Higher price point than some options

    These Husqvarna chainsaw chaps impressed us with their sturdy build quality. The PVC-coated polyester felt tough and ready to stand up to daily use. We liked the pull-apart design, which is meant to clog up a chainsaw’s sprocket if the chain makes contact.

    Comfort was pretty good in our tests. The adjustable waist fit a range of body types, and the Acetyl Delrin buckles were easy to use. We found the felling wedge pocket handy for keeping small tools close at hand while working.

    Safety is the top priority with these chaps. They’re UL certified and meet key industry standards. While no gear can replace proper chainsaw handling, we felt an extra sense of security wearing these. The trade-off is some bulk and warmth, but we think it’s worth it for the added protection.

  • Husqvarna Technical Chainsaw Chaps

    8.6

    We recommend these chaps for anyone serious about chainsaw safety, as they offer top-notch protection and comfort.

    8.6

    We recommend these chaps for anyone serious about chainsaw safety, as they offer top-notch protection and comfort.

    Pros

    • Excellent protection with 5 layers of Tek Warp material
    • Adjustable waist fits up to 42 inches
    • Includes a handy pocket for tools

    Cons

    • Pricier than basic models
    • Can feel warm during hot weather
    • May be too long for shorter users

    When we tried on these Husqvarna chaps, we were impressed by how sturdy they felt. The 1000 Denier polyester with PVC coating gives them a tough, durable feel that inspires confidence. We liked that they wrap around our legs, giving us more coverage than apron-style chaps.

    The adjustable waist is a nice touch, fitting a range of sizes up to 42 inches. We found the Acetyl Delran buckles easy to use, even with gloves on. The felling wedge pocket came in handy for storing small tools and gear while we worked.

    Safety-wise, these chaps meet all the important certifications. The 5 layers of Tek Warp material are designed to jam up a chainsaw if it makes contact. While we didn’t test this feature (and hope we never have to), it’s reassuring to know it’s there. We did notice they can get a bit warm on hot days, but that’s a small price to pay for protection.

Buying Guide

When shopping for chainsaw chaps, there are a few key things we look for:

Material

The outer layer should be made of tough, cut-resistant fabric like Kevlar or ballistic nylon. Multiple layers provide better protection.

Coverage

Chaps should cover the full front of your legs from waist to ankle. Some styles wrap around the calf for added safety.

Certifications

We recommend choosing chaps that meet industry safety standards like ASTM F1897 or UL 3400.

Fit

Proper fit is crucial. Chaps should be snug but not restrictive. Adjustable waist and leg straps help achieve a secure fit.

Weight

Lighter chaps (around 3-4 lbs) are more comfortable for extended use. Heavier options offer more protection.

FeatureWhat to Look For
MaterialCut-resistant fibers
CoverageFull leg protection
CertificationsASTM F1897, UL 3400
FitAdjustable, snug
Weight3-4 lbs for comfort

Ease of Use

Quick-release buckles make chaps easy to put on and take off. Pockets for small tools can be handy.

Care

Look for chaps that are machine washable for easy maintenance. Some may require special cleaning methods.

We always recommend trying on chaps before buying if possible. This ensures a good fit and lets you check the comfort level.