How Do I Find the Right Arbortec Trousers?

To find the right Arbortec trousers, start by answering three questions:

1. Will you be operating a chainsaw?
2. Do you need Design A or Design C protection?
3. Will you mainly be climbing, working on the ground or working somewhere that requires enhanced visibility?

For many professional arborists, the Arbortec Breatheflex Pro Design A trousers provide a strong combination of chainsaw protection, flexibility, ventilation and durability. However, Design C, hi-vis and non-protective options may be more appropriate for particular tasks.

This guide explains the differences so you can find the right Arbortec trousers for your work.

Which Arbortec trousers are right for me?

Use this quick comparison as your starting point:

Your employer’s safety procedures, site rules and task-specific risk assessment should always determine the protection you need.

Can I browse the complete Arbortec catalogue?

Explore the Arbortec Product Catalogue 2026 for more information about protective trousers, clothing, footwear and accessories.

Open the Arbortec catalogue in a new window

Add the AnyFlip catalogue here, immediately after the comparison table. By this point, the article has already answered the main question; the catalogue then lets readers explore colours, features and related products without interrupting the answer.

What is the difference between Design A and Design C chainsaw trousers?

Design A chainsaw trousers contain protective material primarily across the front of the legs. They are commonly selected for professional chainsaw tasks where a risk assessment identifies front-leg protection as appropriate.

Design C trousers extend the protective coverage around both the front and rear of the legs. This additional coverage can be appropriate for higher-risk, unpredictable or restricted working environments, but it generally means more protective material and potentially less ventilation.

MowShop’s main choices are:

• AT4060 Breatheflex Pro Design A
• AT4070 Breatheflex Pro Design C

Both are sold as Class 1 trousers, referring to a test chain speed of 20 metres per second. A protection class does not make chainsaw work risk-free, and protective trousers cannot guarantee prevention of injury. Always confirm the garment label, current certification and suitability for the task before use.

Which Arbortec trousers are best for climbing?

The AT4060 Breatheflex Pro Design A trousers are a strong choice when climbing mobility and ventilation are priorities.

Their features include:

• Stretch construction for movement in the canopy
• Reinforced front and ankle panels
• A reinforced stretch crotch
• Rear ventilation openings
• An adjustable waistband
• Zipped pockets
• Boot-lace hooks to help keep the legs in position

If your risk assessment requires rear-leg coverage, consider the AT4070 Breatheflex Pro Design C instead. MowShop notes that the Design C model provides front and rear protection, while ventilation zips are limited to the Design A version.

Do I need hi-vis Arbortec trousers?

Hi-vis trousers may be appropriate when working near roads, machinery, moving vehicles or in poor visibility. They can also help team members remain more noticeable across a busy site.

The ATHV4060 Breatheflex Pro Hi-Vis Orange trousers combine Design A, Class 1 chainsaw protection with an orange hi-vis outer.

However, a bright colour alone does not confirm compliance with every road, rail or workplace visibility standard. Check the product’s certification and your site requirements before ordering.

Can I wear non-protective Arbortec trousers for chainsaw work?

No. Non-protective trousers must not be treated as chainsaw PPE.

The AT4160 Breatheflex Pro non-protective trousers are intended for everyday arborist work, climbing and tasks where chainsaw protection is not required. They offer breathable fabric, abrasion-resistant areas and useful cargo storage, but they do not contain chainsaw-protective material.

If you will be using a chainsaw, select certified protective trousers that meet your risk assessment and workplace requirements.

How do I choose the correct Arbortec trouser size?

Measure your body rather than relying only on the size printed inside your everyday trousers.

For the waist, measure horizontally around the natural waistline where the trousers will sit. For the inside leg, measure from the crotch down to the ankle bone. It can also be helpful to measure around the widest part of the hips and upper thigh, particularly if you are between sizes.

Arbortec’s UK trouser sizing generally starts as follows:

The standard inside-leg options in the manufacturer’s guide are:

• Short: 29 inches
• Regular: 31 inches
• Tall: 33 inches
• Extra tall: 36 inches

Available sizes vary by model and stock, so check the selected MowShop product before ordering. You can also consult the complete official Arbortec clothing size guide.

How should Arbortec chainsaw trousers fit?

They should feel secure without restricting climbing, bending or kneeling. The waistband should stay in position, the crotch seam should not be under excessive tension and the protective sections should sit correctly over the legs.

Trousers that are too tight can place unnecessary strain on seams. Trousers that are too loose may move out of position or interfere with work.

When trying them on:

1. Wear the same base layers you use at work.
2. Fit your usual belt or braces.
3. Bend, kneel and raise each leg.
4. Check the inside-leg length with your work boots.
5. Make sure pockets and ventilation openings remain accessible when wearing a harness.

How do I wash Arbortec chainsaw trousers?

First check the care label inside the specific garment. Arbortec’s current maintenance guidance recommends closing the zips, emptying every pocket and pre-treating dirt before washing.

The manufacturer advises washing at 30°C with a mild detergent, avoiding chlorine bleach and keeping the garment away from heat. Do not tumble dry or iron protective chainsaw trousers. Reshape them while damp and dry them flat, away from direct sunlight.

If the trousers are used every day, Arbortec recommends washing them at least weekly to help maintain breathability. Read the complete Arbortec maintenance guide before cleaning or repairing protective clothing.

Can damaged Arbortec chainsaw trousers be repaired?

Minor damage to the outer fabric may sometimes be repaired with the correct kit, provided the protective material has not been affected.

The protective inner material must not be cut, stitched, glued or altered. If that material is damaged, Arbortec advises that the garment should be discarded. Never assume a cosmetic repair has restored chainsaw protection.

Inspect the trousers regularly for damaged seams, cuts, excessive wear and contamination. If you are uncertain, stop using them and seek professional advice.

How can I check an Arbortec trouser’s certification?

Find the product code on the garment or product page and match it against Arbortec’s UK Declarations of Conformity.

The manufacturer provides downloadable documentation for models including AT4010, AT4060, AT4070, AT4071 and the corresponding hi-vis products. Always use the declaration for the exact model rather than assuming that one document covers the entire range.

Where can I buy Arbortec trousers?

You can browse the complete Arbortec range at MowShop, including Design A, Design C, hi-vis and non-protective trousers.

If you are still unsure which trousers meet your needs, call the MowShop experts on 0345 222 1538 before ordering. For new releases and manufacturer updates, you can also follow Arbortec Forestwear on Facebook.

So, which Arbortec trousers should I choose?

Choose according to the work you will actually perform:

• Pick Design A when front-leg chainsaw protection is appropriate and mobility or ventilation is a priority.
• Pick Design C when your assessment requires protective coverage around the front and rear of the legs.
• Pick hi-vis when additional visibility is needed and the garment satisfies your site’s requirements.
• Pick non-protective Arbortec trousers only for tasks that do not require chainsaw PPE.
• Measure your waist and inside leg before choosing a size.

That is the simplest way to find the right Arbortec trousers without compromising fit, movement or the protection required for the job.