If you own a chainsaw, you hopefully also own protective clothing to wear while you work. Chainsaws are great, but they can be dangerous. If you’ve never used one before, or are not confident, the best advice to take is to attend a chainsaw safety training course, where you can learn one on one with an instructor.

One of the most basic pieces of protective clothing is a pair of chainsaw trousers. Chainsaws trousers can be an apron type construction (you simply buckle these on over your own trousers) or they can be designed as a full pull over pant. They are typically constructed of a very tough fibrous material, often Kevlar or similar fibre, as used in the construction of bullet-proof vests. The concept behind chainsaw safety trousers is that, should the saw unexpectedly cut through a branch or trunk, and cut into your legs, the tough fibres in the chainsaw trousers will be torn out, and will almost instantly jam the chainsaw chain, preventing it from cutting further.

Chainsaw trousers are very effective, as anybody who has seen them in action will testify.

Apron style trousers are usually cheaper, and a more convenient if you only plan to do a limited amount of cutting. They are faster to put on, requiring only one or two buckles per leg to fasten them. These are ideal choice for the home handyman, or people who are simply going to do a small amount wood cutting in their spare time.

Full pull on chainsaw pants are the choice of professional people who spend a lot of time working outdoors. These trousers are more expensive, but also offer much better protection. Apron style pants generally only cover the front portion of the legs, while these trousers are going to cover you from all sides. Another advantage of these trousers is that they also protect you from the elements, keeping the warm, and even offering additional protection from thorny vegetation and threats such as snakebite.

Whichever description fits you better, don’t be tempted to work without the appropriate safety equipment. Chainsaw trousers may be considered a single use item (once they have been severely cut they usually need replacing) but they are essential and can save you from severe injuries.