Chainsaw trousers are the one piece of protective kit that most people skip and the one that most often does the work. The fabric does not resist the chain: long loose fibres pull out, jam the drive sprocket and stop the chain, usually in well under a second.
That only happens once per garment. Trousers that have taken a hit are finished, however small the damage looks.
What to buy
| Product | Why this one | |
|---|---|---|
| Oregon Yukon Chainsaw Protective Trousers | Class 1 Type A, which is the standard specification for ground work. The sensible starting point for most people. | Check price |
| Oregon Chainsaw Chaps with Protective Apron | Chaps strap over your own trousers. Cooler in summer and easier to share between people, with less coverage than full trousers. | Check price |
| Oregon Yukon+ Chainsaw Protective Trousers | The Yukon with better ventilation and fit. Worth it if you are wearing them for more than an hour at a time. | Check price |
| Oregon Protect Chainsaw Trousers | Current generation Oregon trousers, lighter than the Yukon and cut for a full day's work. | Check price |
| Oregon Protect Plus Chainsaw Trousers | A step up in materials and ventilation for regular users. | Check price |
| Oregon Protect Pro Chainsaw Trousers | Professional grade, priced accordingly. Only worth it if the saw is a working tool. | Check price |
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Class and type, in plain terms
Class is the chain speed the fabric is tested against. Class 1 is 20 m/s and covers almost all domestic and ground work. Class 2 is 24 m/s and Class 3 is 28 m/s, used by professionals running faster saws.
Type is how much of the leg is covered. Type A protects the front of both legs and is the normal specification for ground work. Type C protects all the way round and is for climbing and arborist use, where the saw can come at the leg from any angle.
For a homeowner cutting firewood, Class 1 Type A is the answer.
Trousers or chaps
Chaps strap over your own clothing. They are cooler, cheaper, easier to share and quicker to put on for one quick cut, which is exactly when accidents happen. Full trousers fit better, stay put and cover more, and they are what you want if you are cutting for more than a few minutes.
Fit and care
They should reach the top of the boot with no gap when you crouch. Wash them according to the label and never with fabric conditioner, which coats the protective fibres. Do not patch, alter or shorten them: any stitching through the protective layer compromises it.
When to replace
After any chain contact, however minor. After the fabric is torn, oil-soaked beyond washing, or the protective layer is visible. Manufacturers also give a service life even for unused garments, so check the label date on anything bought second hand.
Related
Browse the saws themselves by petrol, cordless or corded, or see the best chainsaws overall.
Last updated November 2026