bearsfeat
ArboristSite Lurker
Howdy all,
I learned something from first hand experience that I wish I had known a month ago... I recently bought some chaps from Labonville (great store - great service! - they have a sponsered forum here)
Well, being a home owner and not a proffessional, I figger'd I'd cheap out and get the regular chaps. If you are in the same boat and considering getting chaps:
First, do it - you will never say "Boy, I wish I never bought those"
Second, Get the full wrap version. They are I think $20 more - but almost a necessity. Here's why.
Any protection is better than none, but in this case, the regular chaps are maybe more dangerous depending on your habits and environment. I have found that my chaps tend to get caught occasionally on smaller branches as I move around in the crown of a tree (on the ground, of course). As I cut the branches and maneuver to get other ones cut, the stubs catch on the chaps and could potentially trip me - I've had a couple of catches that prompted me to type this thread.
I cringe to imagine a branch catching a leg as I am making a run for it to avoid a falling snag or something...
I have not seen the Full Wrap version, but I imagine the design would tend to minimize what I am experiencing. I wish I had spent the extra money. I will continue to wear my chaps, but I will have to operate with that added sense of caution.
Thanks for reading, and be safe!
-bearsfeat
I learned something from first hand experience that I wish I had known a month ago... I recently bought some chaps from Labonville (great store - great service! - they have a sponsered forum here)
Well, being a home owner and not a proffessional, I figger'd I'd cheap out and get the regular chaps. If you are in the same boat and considering getting chaps:
First, do it - you will never say "Boy, I wish I never bought those"
Second, Get the full wrap version. They are I think $20 more - but almost a necessity. Here's why.
Any protection is better than none, but in this case, the regular chaps are maybe more dangerous depending on your habits and environment. I have found that my chaps tend to get caught occasionally on smaller branches as I move around in the crown of a tree (on the ground, of course). As I cut the branches and maneuver to get other ones cut, the stubs catch on the chaps and could potentially trip me - I've had a couple of catches that prompted me to type this thread.
I cringe to imagine a branch catching a leg as I am making a run for it to avoid a falling snag or something...
I have not seen the Full Wrap version, but I imagine the design would tend to minimize what I am experiencing. I wish I had spent the extra money. I will continue to wear my chaps, but I will have to operate with that added sense of caution.
Thanks for reading, and be safe!
-bearsfeat