If you spend time around chainsaws, whether as an arborist, forestry worker, or just cutting firewood on your property, you know how unforgiving these tools can be. A single slip can change everything in seconds. That is why chainsaw pants exist, and why the fabric inside them matters as much as the saw you hold in your hands.
At Clogger Canada, that protection comes from Arrestex™, a unique chainsaw fabric technology trusted by crews across the country. Here’s how it works, how it compares to other protective fabrics, and why it is trusted by arborists, forestry crews, and outdoor professionals across Canada.
Chainsaw Safety in Canada: Why Fabric Matters
Chainsaws cut at speeds of up to 20 to 30 metres per second (65 to 100 km/h). That is fast enough to slice through clothing and skin in the blink of an eye. And in Canada, where forestry and arboriculture are big industries, accidents are a serious issue:
- Forestry is among Canada’s most hazardous industries. In BC alone, forestry accounts for a high proportion of serious workplace injuries (WorkSafeBC, 2023).
- Legs are the most common injury site. Chainsaws naturally fall toward the lower body during slips and kickbacks.
- Heat stress adds risk. Outdoor workers face rising cases of heat stress (CCOHS), and heavy PPE makes it worse.
- Costs are high. Chainsaw injuries often exceed $5,000 to $10,000 CAD in hospital bills, not including lost wages.
The difference between walking away safe and a trip to the ER is often what fabric is built into your pants.
The Science of Arrestex™
Chainsaw pants are not just thick fabric. Inside, they use multiple layers of engineered fibres designed to stop a saw instantly. Arrestex™ is Clogger’s proprietary system, developed for maximum safety without unnecessary weight.
Here is what happens if a saw hits:
- Outer fabric tears open exposing the protective layers.
- Arrestex™ fibres deploy long, tough fibres are pulled out.
- The chain jams fibres tangle in the sprocket and clutch, stopping the chain within milliseconds.
- You stay protected what could have been a devastating cut becomes a close call.
How Arrestex™ Compares to Other Materials
Not all chainsaw pants are created equal. Here is how common fabrics stack up against Clogger’s Arrestex™:
Feature |
Polyester or Nylon Fill |
Kevlar or Aramid |
Arrestex™ by Clogger |
Stopping Power |
Adequate, requires many layers |
Strong but stiff |
Engineered for fast chain jam |
Weight |
Heavy |
Moderate |
Lightweight |
Breathability |
Poor |
Low |
High (ventilation integrated) |
Durability |
Wears faster |
Strong but rigid |
Durable and flexible |
Comfort in Heat |
Low |
Medium |
High (ideal for hot Canadian summers) |
In short: Polyester and nylon fillers get heavy. Kevlar is strong but less comfortable. Arrestex™ combines stopping power, breathability, and durability in one, which is why Canadian arborists prefer it.
Arrestex™ in Clogger Canada Pants
When you buy chainsaw pants from Clogger Canada, you are choosing Arrestex™ protection built into every design:
- Zero Gen2 – Ultra-light and breathable, ideal for hot Canadian summers or climbing arborists.
- DefenderPRO – Heavy-duty and durable for ground crews who need rugged protection.
- Denim Chainsaw Pants – Everyday style with hidden Arrestex™ protection inside.
Different pants for different needs, all powered by the same science.
FAQ
How do chainsaw pants actually stop a saw?
They use fibres like Arrestex™ that deploy into the chainsaw’s drive system, jamming the chain in milliseconds.
Are all chainsaw fabrics the same?
No. Polyester, Kevlar, and generic fillers provide varying results. Arrestex™ is engineered for lightweight, breathable, and certified protection.
Do I need chainsaw pants even for small jobs?
Yes. Most chainsaw injuries happen during “quick cuts.” Arrestex™ protection ensures you are safe no matter the job size.
Final Word
When it comes to chainsaw protection, it is what is inside that matters. Polyester and Kevlar systems offer some safety, but often at the cost of weight and comfort. Arrestex™ delivers certified protection while staying light, cool, and durable, making it the fabric Canadian workers trust day after day.
Because not all chainsaw pants are equal, but with Arrestex™ you know your gear is built to protect when it matters most.