Chaps or chainsaw pants?

[Treeaddict]

It seems like most folks prefer the pants in lieu of the chaps. I understand the benefits of always having your protection and not “forgetting” to properly suit up. I enjoy the chaps because I can take them off. I don’t climb with chaps but always use them on the ground. I love being able to take the chaps off during the moving of the wood process as well as during cleanup. Sometimes I have to put them on and take them off many times but it takes only 10 seconds. I also like the fact that I don’t have the same pair of pants on my body for extended periods of time without washing.

Personally, I think chaps are a better option (as long as you’re disciplined enough to wear them) and cost considerably less. That being said, most of you on here are more experienced than me. I’d like to hear why you would wear chainsaw pants over chaps.

 

[southsoundtree]

I'm into wearing chaps when needed.
Downside is that chaps can be dangerous when chipping (brush in the chipper grabbing straps).

I'll consider Dogwoods for winter wear. You can wear a liner layer that is frequently washable.

 

[Reach]

Personally, I wear a chainsaw chaps, I don’t even own a pair of chainsaw pants myself. However, we buy all of our ground hands chainsaw pants, because that way they will actually wear them. If you put your pants on in the morning, you don’t have to remember to put your chaps on when you’re going to run a saw, and you have no excuse for not wearing chainsaw protection.

 

[ATH]

I think it depends on your operation. We do a lot of handsaw pruning. I may put chaps on (every time I run the saw on the ground) for less than two-three hours per week averaged out over a year (excluding some woodland work we do). So chaps make a lot of sense.

If I know I will be running the saw on the ground for a few hours, I'll put on the pants. Honestly though, for what we are doing, that is more theory than practice.

We do some timber stand improvement work and invasive species control in woodland settings. Those are days I know I'll be running the saw all day and do opt for protective pants.

 

[Vicente]

Pants for sure imo, put them on once in the morning and be done, my clogger zeros aren't really much heavier or warmer than a pair of jeans and far less than a pair of pants with chaps. Chipper safety and just walking around comfort goes to pants imo.

 

[Treeaddict]

Like mentioned - depends on operation. I’m just a 1 man part timer who has a ground guy for removals.

Pants probably would be good for forestry work like ATH said.

All I wear anymore are Wrangler “outdoor” pants. They are flexible, lightweight, durable, and breathable. They have 6 pockets. I have 6 pairs now. They make you look good on site too. I’d hate to give ‘em up.

I’m surprised to see that quite a few of you prefer the chaps. It seems like the pants are all the rage these days (that made me sound like an old man)

 

[Rooted.Tree.Solutions]

For our company it’s an issue of efficiency. Putting chaps on and off is a waist of time. Plus, it’s too easy for someone to say, “I only have to make this one cut real quick.” Chainsaw pants are lightweight and comfortable. There’s no reason for anyone on my crew to not wear them because we all run saws almost every day.

 

[ghostice]

Pants for sure. Cloggers are light enough for summer and for winter it's Pfanners - heavy kinda, but much warmer. Chaps aren't warm on the derriere and snow is a pain and keeps you wet when it gets in behind them next to the pant fabric. I find that a chainsaw pant usually lasts ' bout a week or so in winter - hand wash and tumble dry and hang and good to go for Monday. In summer I keep 'bout three pair on the go and they're hand scrubbed in a tub every two or three days use depending on what we're doing (I use rope wash and about three rinses). They dry in a day on the deck in the sun. Can't stand personally showing up in pants that look like you've been on your knees in the garbage dump. And of course if they need it, they're spot de-sapped with isopropanol and a scrub rag if there's pitch on them (which lately seems always . . . ). Just love it when you get in the truck and stick to the seat! Cheers

 

[moss]

Chaps always put on when I'm on the ground, couldn't stand the weight and heat of a climbing chainsaw protective pant (Pfanners). Behind the times though, have not tried the Zeros or Dogwoods, needs to go on the "will buy when the time is right" list.
-AJ

 

[27RMT0N]

Chainsaw pants all the way for me, I put them on at the start of the day and don't take them off until I'm done working. Just more comfortable, nimble, always ready to grab a chainsaw, helps me be/stay in the 'work' mental mode when they are on, and then throw clean pants on once the work is done. Clogger Zeros in the warm weather, Clogger Ascends in the cooler weather.

 

[southsoundtree]

Does anyone have comments on how the Arborwear Dogwoods compare to the Arborwear Tech II pants for fit? I find that I pretty much wear Tech II everyday and when I don't, I wish I did.

How is the water repellency of the Dogwoods?

 

[tcait21]

Does anyone have comments on how the Arborwear Dogwoods compare to the Arborwear Tech II pants for fit? I find that I pretty much wear Tech II everyday and when I don't, I wish I did.

How is the water repellency of the Dogwoods?

Hi, You should wear the same size in the Dogwoods as the Tech II pants (waist x inseam).