Who needs chaps when . . . . .

[Darrel]

. . . . . You have Charharts?

I was running my fil's old husky, this saw is bigger than my saw and has a lot more weight and power than mine. 



It only went through the first layer of fabric.  I do believe the Good Lord was looking out for me.

I am going to buy a good pair of chaps. Any suggestions on what brand is best?

[Savannahdan]

Wow, you're lucky.  I have a kit pair and need to get better ones as well. 

[Magicman]

I bought my chaps when I did a similar thing.  I did not know that I had cut my jeans until I saw loose change (coins) lying on the ground and started looking for where it came from.   

[John Mc]

Have you decided on chaps vs pants?

Labonville sells some nice chaps. I like their regular full-wrap chaps (I find their competition series overkill and too bulky)

I have the Husqvarna Pro Forest Chaps (full wrap) and like them, but they don't seem to make them anymore. A friend has the Husqvarna Technical Apron Wrap Chaps and likes them a lot.

[gspren]

  Through luck and being careful I haven't had a bad experience yet but posts like this caused me to get chaps a few years ago and I use them. Now after a few years firewood cutting and storm damage work the front of the chaps have quite an oil stain and I have walked through the briars without tearing my jeans so the chaps are a good deal even if their true reason for being never happens.

[drobertson]

yes sir, that's a tail tell sign of needing some protective outer wear,,

[BradMarks]

Labonville chaps are reversible, the inside cordura layer (against the leg) is the same as the outside.  What this means is if you cut the left side (most likely for right handers, or vice versa for lefties) the chaps can be flipped around and that cut is now facing the inside of your right leg. Of course if the cut on the chaps is really severe, they should be discarded. As far as I know, no other brand with reasonable price range is reversible.

[DDW_OR]

do not forget gloves

 

[BradMarks]

DDW:  Need to explain that one   No chain brake, hand slip or kickback????

[DDW_OR]

DDW:  Need to explain that one   No chain brake, hand slip or kickback????

https://forestryforum.com/board/index.php/topic,92351.msg1421554.html#msg1421554

[GRANITEstateMP]

Big fan of my Labonville chaps.  Mine are full wrap.  I don't wear them as much as I used to, since most of my cutting is done on the processor now.  Plus, they are made in USA, pretty sure here in NH

[47sawdust]

I've got both pants and chaps.The chaps are Elvex full wrap around,pants are from Bailey's.
Personally like the chaps better,I'm more inclined to put them on,so safer, and when I'm done cutting easy to get out of.

[thecfarm]

I wear Labonville chaps. Really helps to have one store only 20 minutes and the other two 45 minutes away.

[tree-farmer]

See "saw bite" in health and saftey board. Lesson leared the hard way. Cost $14,000 before all was said and done.  Great for predicting weather changes  :D

[DDW_OR]

See "saw bite" in health and saftey board. Lesson leared the hard way. Cost $14,000 before all was said and done.  Great for predicting weather changes  :D

https://forestryforum.com/board/index.php/topic,81454.0/all.html

[Darrel]

Thanks for the replies. I'm going to be doing some research on the various brands mentioned. Planning not to use any of my chain saws until I have some proper PPE.

[Ianab]

Thing is that any Standards approved Chaps or Pants are 100X better than a pair of jeans.

Buy something that fits, comfortable , cool etc. Then you are going to be wearing it when it's needed. 

I wear chaps because when the weather gets hot, that's when I'm cutting. So being able to wear shorts with the protection of saw chaps is a big thing.

[Klicker]

I have chaps and pants. I like the pants best but some time it is good to just grab the chaps for small jobs.

[Savannahdan]

I also use my chaps when I'm running the Lucas.  Keeps regular pants from getting worn out too quickly and they make it easier on the knees when I get down on them to work on equipment.  Knee pads usually don't fit good and the last time they caused bruising on the back of my leg.