A product review by Ben Connon – Class 1 Type A Canopy AIR-GO chainsaw trousers
SIP Protection was created to meet new EN Standards in 1994 and the original company was created back in the 1970’s so they’ve had a bit of time to create some good quality gear.
I think I came across them around 2005 in the UK & Ireland tree climbing comps, back then there were two brands Pfanner & SIP Protection, both extremely well known for the materials they used. This mix of materials gave the climber the ability to move with ease compared to jeans or combats but at the same time an extremely lightweight pair of trousers that would dry quickly. Over the years SIP Protection have carried on with development in their trousers but to me keeping those original key points.
So the SIP Protection AIR-GO? These are Type A Class 1 chainsaw trousers. Meaning they’ve only got front protection so don’t be a muppet!
This does make them ideal for warmer weather though, it seems SIP Protection have chosen to not follow the crowd with these and decided to stitch the Breathable Mesh into the outer layer and to be honest I kind of like not having that zip stab me in the back of the leg when I sit down for lunch!
You can see why they call them air, they are lightweight and extremely breathable for a pair of chainsaw trousers due to the ventilation from the mesh and gaiters and weighing in at only 1100g.
I’ve personally found these to be a looser fit compared to others on the market but yet not too loose that I’ve been catching them on stuff. No getting your hands stuck in these pockets, they are big enough that there’s plenty of space to store all sorts.
Down at the ankles are breathable gaiters sewn inside the trousers which go over the top part of the boot giving protection from debris falling in, hooks to attach to the boot laces which to me is a must!!! I do hate getting home after a long day to find out my boots are full of sawdust. Flip the trousers around and there’s a Hi-Viz band on the back of the trousers to allow vehicles to see you better in dark conditions.
Personally, I’ve found them a comfy, lightweight breathable pair of trousers.
