Chainsaw Trousers — How to choose the right model as an arborist

A 45cc chainsaw can go through a man's leg in under a second. That's not a horror story — it's what the test results for EN ISO 11393-2 are based on. Chainsaw trousers are one of the few products where the wrong choice has immediate consequences, and the choice is not trivial: there are significant differences between models in how they protect, how they perform in trees, and how long they last.

This guide explains what the classifications actually mean, which brand suits which job, and which models we recommend based on what professional arborists choose.

Arboricultural work has different demands than ground work

A forestry contractor on the ground might prioritize durability and mobility. An arborist also needs that — plus the trousers must work with a harness. This is a requirement rarely mentioned in product descriptions but determines a lot in practice.

The belt and leg loops of a climbing harness sit against the waist and thighs. A thick padded waist or rough seams in the wrong places create pressure marks and restricted movement after half an hour in the canopy. Trousers marked for ground work don't always fit with a full harness — it's worth checking before purchase.

Lower back mobility is another arborist-specific requirement. You bend backward and forward at angles that never occur on the ground. Trousers with stretch material in the back panel or a gusseted crotch are immediately noticeable when climbing.

What the classifications actually say

All chainsaw trousers we sell meet EN ISO 11393-2 — the standard that replaced the old EN 381-5. It defines two things: type and class.

Type A protects the front of both legs. This covers the area exposed during normal work with the chainsaw directed forward and downward. Most chainsaw trousers are Type A, and this is sufficient for most arborists in most situations.

Type C provides 360-degree protection around the entire leg. This is the standard for professional tree felling and is recommended if you work on the ground near the felling direction or use the chainsaw at unconventional angles for extended periods. Arbortec BreatheFlex Pro are Type C. This is noticeable in the trouser weight.

The class indicates the chain speed at which the protective material is activated. EN ISO 11393-2 defines three classes: Class 1 can withstand 16 m/s, Class 2 can withstand 20 m/s, Class 3 can withstand 24 m/s. Class 1 is the minimum requirement for professional work with a full-size chainsaw. Class 2 is required for intensive felling with powerful 50+ cc saws.

One thing the standard doesn't test: how the trousers behave after they have been activated once. The protective material — woven fibers that unfurl and block the chain — is for single use. Trousers that have stopped a chain should be discarded regardless of how minor the damage appears from the outside.

The Brands: What sets them apart

We carry three brands that cover the professional segment: Arbortec, Pfanner, and SIP Protection.

Arbortec is British and designs trousers specifically for arborists. Harness compatibility is a fundamental aspect of their design. The BreatheFlex line uses a stretch material in the back panel that makes a noticeable difference when climbing compared to stiff forestry trousers.

Pfanner is Austrian, with forestry as its base. Their trousers are heavier and tougher, popular among ground workers and fellers. For arborists who spend most of their time in the tree, the weight is more noticeable than it is for a ground worker.

SIP Protection manufactures in the Czech Republic in the price segment below the other two. The quality is approved for professional use. They suit arborists who want competent protection without paying a premium price, or a spare pair.

Our recommendation for most: Arbortec BreatheFlex Pro

Arbortec BreatheFlex Pro is the model we recommend for arborists who work in trees daily. It combines EN ISO 11393-2 Class 1 Type C protection, arborist-adapted fit, and sufficient ventilation to be worn a full workday.

BreatheFlex Pro is available in a vented version, Arbortec Breatheflex Pro Vented (3,400 SEK), which is an obvious choice during the summer months. There is also a women's model (3,199 SEK) with the same level of protection and tailored cut.

If you want a step down in price without changing brands: the BreatheFlex base model (2,500 SEK) is Type A instead of Type C and has a little less stretch. It's a solid choice for those who don't fell trees daily.

For ground work and felling: Pfanner

If you spend more time on the ground than in the canopy, or work with intensive felling, Pfanner is the right path. Heavier and stiffer than Arbortec, but the durability is noticeable — they last longer under hard use in rough terrain.

Pfanner is available in three colors with identical protective properties: green (3,173 SEK), grey (3,100 SEK) and red (2,905 SEK).

The budget alternative: SIP Protection

SIP ReFlex (1,498 SEK) and SIP NINJA (1,880 SEK) provide approved professional protection at a lower price. They are suitable for arborists who want a spare pair, new employees who don't know which brand they prefer, or those who need chainsaw trousers for seasonal work without tying up significant capital.

SIP is not substandard — it meets the standard. But the material quality is noticeable when compared to Arbortec or Pfanner after six months of hard use.

Comparison table

Model	Price	Standard	Best suited for
Arbortec BreatheFlex Pro	3,039 kr	Class 1, Type C	Daily climbing and arborist work
Arbortec BreatheFlex Pro Vented	3,400 kr	Class 1, Type C	Summer months, intensive climbing
Arbortec BreatheFlex	2,500 kr	Class 1, Type A	Climbing, lighter chainsaw work
Pfanner Chainsaw Trousers	3,173 kr	Class 1, Type A	Ground work, felling, tough terrain
SIP NINJA	1,880 kr	Class 1, Type A	Spare pair, seasonal work
SIP ReFlex	1,498 kr	Class 1, Type A	Lowest entry price with approved protection

Three things to check before ordering

Fit with harness. Check where your belt system sits and if the trouser model has reinforcements or narrow seams in the same places. Arbortec trousers are designed for this. Other brands vary.

Measurements, not size. Chainsaw trousers should fit snugly without being tight — trousers that are too loose can flap against the chain and activate the protection incorrectly. Arbortec and Pfanner have separate measurements for waist and inseam length. Measure and compare against the size chart, do not rely on your normal clothing size.

Washing. The protective material does not tolerate all washing programs. Arbortec recommends a maximum of 40 degrees without spinning. Always wash according to the instructions — incorrect washing can affect how the fibers activate in a cutting situation.

Finally

Chainsaw trousers are not optional equipment. They should be worn every time you have a chainsaw running, in trees or on the ground. The most common accident does not happen during a difficult operation — it happens during a short, simple task that has been done a hundred times before.

See the full range: chainsaw trousers for arborists and forestry workers.