If you climb trees for a living, you already know that one wrong move with a running saw can change everything. For Canadian arborists and forestry workers, the gear you wear isn’t just about comfort or convenience. It’s your first and last line of defence when things go wrong.
This year’s review of the best chainsaw pants for climbing in Canada takes a closer look at what really matters: protection that meets Canadian standards, gear that can handle our weather, and designs that keep you moving freely in the canopy.
1. Clogger Zero Ultra Climbing Pants
Best Overall for Hot, Humid, and High-Output Climbing
If you spend your days up a rope, the Clogger Zero Ultra should be on your short list. These are the pants professional climbers reach for when it’s 30°C, humid, and there’s still another tree to finish.
Made with Clogger’s Zero Ultra fabric system, they’re unbelievably light and flexible, more like high-performance sportswear than typical PPE. The six-layer Arrestex HP protective system stops a chain on contact, while the fabric keeps you cool and dry all day.
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Front protection comes standard, with optional 360° wrap coverage for climbers who want full-leg protection.
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Meets ASTM F1897, ANSI Z133 standards.
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Moisture-wicking liner and vented panels for airflow.
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Reinforced seams and stretch zones that hold up to daily climbing.
These pants are made for Canadian heat and humidity, perfect for arborists in BC, Alberta, and the Prairies.
Available from Clogger Canada
2. Clogger DefenderPRO Chainsaw Pants
Best for Cold, Wet, and Rugged Conditions
The DefenderPRO is built for the kind of workdays where you’re dealing with drizzle, rope friction, or heavy brush. It’s tougher than the Zero Ultra, with water-resistant outer layers, double-reinforced knees, and a durable FR fabric that still breathes.
It meets the same Canadian and U.S. safety standards but feels more structured, ideal for arborists working year-round in Ontario, Quebec, or the Maritimes.
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ASTM F1897 and ANSI Z133 compliant.
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PFAS-free DWR finish for eco-safe water repellency.
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Optional 360° wrap protection upgrade.
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Designed for long days and rough terrain.
3. Pfanner Gladiator II Chainsaw Pants
Pfanner’s Gladiators are famous for their toughness, the kind you want when climbing through dense brush or working long stretches in alpine weather. They’re heavier, but the tear-resistant Gladiator fabric and StretchAIR panels give them incredible durability. Great for northern or coastal crews who want gear that can take abuse.
4. Arbortec Breatheflex Pro Type C Pants
Arbortec’s Breatheflex Pro trousers are popular with climbers who prefer 360° protection right out of the box. They’re sturdy, have decent airflow, and handle moisture well, though not as lightweight as the Zero Ultra.
5. Husqvarna Technical Chainsaw Pants
If you’re looking for something solid and accessible, Husqvarna’s Technical Pants are a dependable pick. They’re ASTM F1897-tested, ANSI Z133-certified, and feature aramid-reinforced knees. The fit is good, and they hit that sweet spot between protection and price.
6. STIHL Standard 2600 Protective Pants
STIHL’s entry-level protective pants offer proven Kevlar-blend protection rated to a 2600 chain speed threshold. They cover the essentials and make a great backup pair for ground or training use, though they’re not ideal for climbing because of their weight and bulk.
7. Oregon Yukon Chainsaw Pants
Comfortable and flexible with Class 1 EN 381-5 protection, the Oregon Yukon pants are a practical, cost-effective option. They’re fuel and oil resistant, with enough stretch to move comfortably for lighter commercial work or occasional climbs.
8. Notch Armorflex II Chainsaw Pants
Built for arborists who like rugged gear with a bit of stretch, the Notch Armorflex II uses Armortex reinforcement in the knees and four-way stretch Cordura throughout. They’re certified under ASTM F3325-20 Class C.
9. Forester High-Performance Protective Pants
Lightweight, quick-drying, and breathable, the Forester pants are a good value option that meet Canadian ASTM Class A standards. A solid choice for part-time or seasonal crews.
10. Kübler Forest Pro PPE 3 Pants
Kübler’s Pro PPE pants are European-style with hi-vis accents, Cordura reinforcements, and full utility pockets. They meet EN 381-5 Class 1 standards and are ideal for crews working near equipment or roadways.
Why Clogger Leads for Canadian Climbers
Clogger doesn’t just make pants that meet standards. They make pants that climbers actually want to wear. From the Zero Ultra’s cooling comfort to the DefenderPRO’s rugged weather protection, every model feels like it was built by people who’ve spent time in the canopy.
Both lines meet or exceed ASTM F1897 standards, giving you confidence that you’re protected by gear trusted across North America.
And that optional 360° wrap upgrade is exactly what many Canadian arborists are choosing now: lightweight when you want it, full coverage when you need it.
How Chainsaw Pants Protect You
When a chainsaw makes contact, the layers inside the pants instantly jam the drive sprocket and stop the chain cold. Clogger’s Arrestex HP technology does this in milliseconds, using high-tensile fibres that tangle, clog, and stall the saw before it reaches the skin.
They’re not “cut-proof,” and no PPE is, but they dramatically reduce the risk of a serious injury.
Regional Recommendations
| Region | Best Pants | Why |
|---|---|---|
| BC Interior / Rockies | Clogger Zero Ultra | Lightweight and breathable for dry climbs |
| Prairies | Zero Ultra | Cool comfort in dry heat |
| Ontario / Quebec | DefenderPRO | Durable for mixed weather |
| Atlantic Canada | DefenderPRO | Handles humidity and rain |
| Northern Territories | DefenderPRO or Pfanner Gladiator | Heavy-duty protection for cold climates |
Quick Buyer’s Checklist
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Certified to ASTM F1897, and ANSI Z133
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FR and non-melting materials (aramid or FR blends)
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Moisture-wicking and vented design for breathability
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Reinforced seams for rope and harness abrasion
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Optional 360° protection upgrade
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PFAS-free DWR coating
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Durable enough for daily climbing use
Final Take
Canadian arborists deserve gear that keeps pace with them, from the coastal rain to the prairie sun.
In 2025, Clogger’s Zero Ultra and DefenderPRO stand out because they combine what climbers actually need: freedom, comfort, and trusted protection that meets CSA standards.
If you’re spending more time in the canopy than on the ground, invest in pants that have your back and your legs.
See the full lineup at Clogger Canada
