Which chainsaw trousers should you choose?

There’s no doubt that it’s important to wear chainsaw protective clothing while operating a chainsaw. As leg injuries are among the most common, wearing leg protection is highly advisable. SIP Protection offers a wide selection of solutions in chainsaw trousers. They are divided into four main ranges.

Which SIP Protection range do you need?

SIP Protection offers four ranges of chainsaw protective clothing, each with its specific features, fabrics and usage.

BasePro range

Basic range of modern regular and hi-vis chainsaw protective clothing.
If you’re looking for entry-price, basic trousers that have all the necessary features, that are comfortable, and of good quality, the BasePro range is what you are looking for.

Flex range

Stretch chainsaw protective clothing for the price-conscious user.
Go for the Flex range if you are looking for trousers that are still affordable and for the extra comfort the stretchable fabric provides.

The range’s ReFlex chainsaw trousers even have more technical features, such as ventilation zippers at the back of the leg, and zipped pockets. Your washing machine will thank you for preventing the sawdust from entering.

Progress range

A high-quality range of stretchable and highly durable chainsaw protective clothing.
The Progress range is perfect for you if you are looking for rugged long-lasting trousers with state-of-the-art features and if you are willing to pay for the range’s durable properties.

Innovation range

The perfect balance between weight, strength, and resistance resulting in the ultimate comfort for the professional user.
The name 'Innovation range' says it all. The latest innovations are added to this range. With this range, we introduced the lightweight Dyneema-based blocking material, mesh fabric ventilation, super lightweight Pezatec, and many more innovations are yet to come.

In fact, this range provides an answer to all three common issues when operating a chainsaw: heat, ventilation and weight.

Which style should you pick?

Now that you have figured out which SIP Protection range perfectly fits your requirements, let’s have a look at the possibilities in styles.

Trousers

We can confidently say that trousers are by far the best-sold style when it comes to chainsaw leg protection. As SIP Protection originally started as a trousers manufacturer, we have always had a good feeling with this style.

Combined with your trousers, it’s best to add braces (suspenders) or a belt. Why? Well, even the lightest chainsaw trousers can’t fight gravity. Here, it’s not only about the look of it. It’s also about safety. It’s always about safety!

If your trousers are worn lower than recommended, even a couple of centimetres, your trousers’ crotch is no longer in the right place, meaning that when you take a bigger step, there is more stress on the stitches. This can cause the crotch and/ or zipper to break.

Therefore, we strongly recommend wearing braces or at least a belt. A belt will also have the tendency to slide to a lower point, not doing the task it was meant for. So, it’s best to combine trousers with braces.

Bib and braces

Chainsaw bib and braces had an important role on the market for a long time, as customers in some countries such as the Netherlands, Germany and Italy have a special relationship with bib and braces, but this is changing.

In the past, not all trousers were as comfortable as they are now, and bib and braces were a good comfortable alternative, as they offer a baggy fit. Bib and braces also prevent sawdust from entering from the hips, which is why people like(d) to use it.

Chaps and leggings

Chainsaw leggings are described in EN 381. They have a fully closed back that can be opened with a top-to-bottom zipper at the back of the leg.

Chaps, on the other hand, have an open back with buckles that can be adjusted. Chaps are the new Design B in the EN ISO 11393 standard. Even though, chaps are commonly used in some parts of the world, f.ex. the USA, according to the EN standards, both chaps and leggings are meant for occasional users.

Coveralls

Coveralls especially designed for operating chainsaws are rare, but on the bucket list of some people. But which reasons are there to choose a coverall? Just as with the bib and braces, there is no sawdust entering from the hips and the back always remains covered when climbing.

How about the chainsaw standards, speed classes and designs?

For more information on the designs and the difference between A, B and C, we refer to the blog on the main differences between EN 381 and EN ISO 11393. The article provides plenty of information.

The different chainsaw speed classes will be covered in one of our next blogs. You’ll certainly hear about it if you keep on following us.

And remember, if you have any questions, never hesitate to contact us.