Chainsaw trousers are the single most important piece of protective equipment for anyone working with a chainsaw. A saw chain moves at up to 80 km/h — upon contact with a layer of Dyneema or Kevlar, it stops in a fraction of a second. The difference between the right and wrong trousers can literally be a leg.
This guide reviews the best chainsaw trousers of 2026 for arborists and forest workers, with a special focus on the Arbortec Breatheflex Pro Vented — a new model setting a new standard for ventilated chainsaw protective trousers in the tree care industry.
What are chainsaw trousers and why do you need them?
Chainsaw trousers, or chainsaw protective trousers, are protective trousers with built-in protective material — usually Dyneema, Kevlar, or a combination — located in the legs and thighs. When a chainsaw chain hits the material, the fibers get caught in the chain's drive sprocket and stop its movement in milliseconds. It's not a "soft" stop — it's an immediate lock.
In Sweden, all professionals using chainsaws are required to wear CE-approved chainsaw protective trousers according to AFS 2001:3. This applies to arborists, forest workers, park workers, and anyone operating a chainsaw professionally.
CE Classes — what you need to know
| Class | Reaction Time | Suitable for |
|---|---|---|
| Class 1 | 20 m/s chain | Ground forest workers, light use |
| Class 2 | 24 m/s chain | Professional forestry, intensive use |
| Class 3 | 28 m/s chain | High-risk situations, heavy felling |
Most arborist trousers are Class 1 — sufficient for climbing and tree care. If you are working with large-scale felling or a heavy chainsaw, Class 2 is preferable.
Arbortec Breatheflex Pro Vented — new standard for warm weather
The most interesting new product for 2026 is the Arbortec Breatheflex Pro Vented Chainsaw Trousers. This is a direct evolution of the popular BreatheFlex Pro — trousers that were already an industry standard among arborists — but with significant ventilation for warm conditions.
What's new with Vented?
The basic protection is identical to the Pro model: Dyneema-reinforced protective material, CE-approved, hand-stitched in Portugal. What distinguishes it is the construction of the outer shell of the trousers: large ventilation areas in the thighs and sides create active airflow that standard trousers cannot match.
Arbortec designed the Vented specifically for arborists working in tree canopies during summer months — a situation where the temperature in the canopy can easily be 5–8 degrees warmer than on the ground, and where sweaty skin under thick trousers quickly becomes a performance issue. The result is a pair of trousers that retains Dyneema protection but breathes like a garment rather than a protective shell.
Specifications
- Protective material: Dyneema (CE Class 1)
- Manufacture: Hand-stitched in Portugal
- Colors: Black, Olive, Lime, Aqua Multi, Icon Multi
- Sizes: Small–X-Large, leg length Regular and Long
- Price: 3,400–3,550 SEK
Five color options including Aqua Multi and Icon Multi — clearly aimed at the arborist market rather than forestry. The price is on par with other BreatheFlex Pro models.
Comparison: best chainsaw trousers 2026
| Model | Brand | Price | CE Class | Ventilation | Best suited for |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Breatheflex Pro Vented | Arbortec | 3,400–3,550 SEK | Class 1 | ★★★★★ | Arborist, warm weather |
| Canopy AIR-GO | SIP | 2,855–2,880 SEK | Class 1 | ★★★★★ | Arborist, climbing |
| Breatheflex Pro | Arbortec | 3,039–3,438 SEK | Class 1 | ★★★★★ | Arborist, all-round |
| Pfanner Chainsaw Trousers | Pfanner | 3,100–3,200 SEK | Class 1 | ★★★★☆ | Arborist, all-round |
| Gladiator Extreme | Pfanner | 3,060 SEK | Class 1 | ★★☆☆☆ | Heavy felling |
| NINJA | SIP | 1,880 SEK | Class 1 | ★★★☆☆ | Budget, beginner |
| TH250 Essential | Treehog | 1,440–1,456 SEK | Class 1 | ★★☆☆☆ | Entry-level |
Arbortec Breatheflex Pro Vented vs. SIP Canopy AIR-GO
The natural choice to compare with the Vented is the SIP Canopy AIR-GO — the model that has long dominated the ventilated arborist trouser market. Both are Class 1, both have excellent ventilation, and both are designed for climbing. The differences are more subtle.
Arbortec Breatheflex Pro Vented prioritizes construction quality and fit. Hand-stitched in Portugal, the same Dyneema core as the Pro series, clear arborist colors. The price is marginally higher but justified by the manufacturing quality. Those already in the BreatheFlex Pro ecosystem and familiar with Arbortec's fit will likely choose Vented without hesitation.
SIP Canopy AIR-GO offers a wider range of colors (6 options including Hi-Viz Orange and Komodo Khaki) and three leg lengths. The price is about 500 SEK lower. For those new to the market or wanting more options, the AIR-GO is a strong choice.
Both are excellent. Vented is the more refined choice for the serious arborist; AIR-GO is broader and more affordable.
Chainsaw trousers for arborists versus forest workers
"Chainsaw trousers" covers two quite different use cases.
Arborists need trousers that can handle climbing — stretch in all directions, low-sitting knees, no seams that chafe, and preferably ventilation since one works close to trunks and canopies with low airflow. Recommended models: Breatheflex Pro Vented, Canopy AIR-GO, Breatheflex Pro, Pfanner (grey/green).
Ground forest workers need heavier material and often a higher CE class. Mobility is more important than stretch, and ventilation is secondary. Recommended models: Pfanner Gladiator Extreme (Class 2), Breatheflex Pro in standard version.
Women's models
Arbortec offers specific women's models: Breatheflex Pro (Women's model) with anatomical cut (3,199 SEK) and BreatheFlex Women in a lighter version (2,651–2,720 SEK). Both are CE-approved and designed to fit a different body proportion than the standard models.
Buying guide: how to choose the right chainsaw trousers
1. What will you use them for? Climbing and tree care — choose an arborist model with stretch (Breatheflex Pro Vented, Canopy AIR-GO). Ground work with a large chainsaw — choose a heavier model with Class 2 (Gladiator Extreme).
2. Hot or cold? If you work in summer or warm climates, ventilation is crucial. Arbortec Vented and Canopy AIR-GO are the only models with truly active air circulation in the professional class.
3. Budget? Don't buy too cheaply when it comes to protective equipment. The TreeHog TH250 for 1,440 SEK is CE-approved and functional — but it's a basic model. For professional daily use, 3,000–3,500 SEK is the right price range.
4. Fit? Arbortec and SIP have different fits. Arbortec tends towards a more athletic cut; Pfanner often fits a bit more loosely. Try them on if possible, or choose based on previous experience with the brand.
5. Leg length? Choose the correct leg length directly — trousers that are too long and rolled up provide poorer protective geometry in the thigh area.
View the entire range
Arboristbutiken has one of Sweden's widest ranges of chainsaw trousers and chainsaw protective trousers, with all leading brands in stock.
Do you have questions about which pair suits you? Contact us — we have arborists on our team who can provide concrete recommendations based on how you work.