Alright, so I broke down today and bought a pair of SIP 'progress' climbing pants with chainsaw protection. $350, which seems about average. Honestly, just based on initial impressions (having never looked at either) between these and the cloggers, I would have gone cloggers all the way. But nobody stocks them in Sydney, so if you wnat to try before you buy it's either these, or stihl chainsaw pants which I already own and are pretty awful. Mine are totally worn out with all the stitching coming apart.
In terms of looks, I'd even take the stihl pants over the SIP! I just want chainsaw pants that are comfortable, not too hot, and look like regular trousers. Nobody can pick the stihl chainsaw trousers, they look pretty much like normal trousers. Plain dark blue. The SIP's come i great regular colors like bright red(!) and khaki, all with black reinforcing pads. I went khaki. They still have black patches on the knees, and inner calf where your spikes go. The pads will probably be a good thing over time, especially on the knees.... as thats where my stihls first started to fray.
The SIP's ar relatively comfortable on day 1, and plenty stretchy, but heavier than the stihls. What's with all the pockets? These things have like 6 or 8 pockets or something.... Who needs that many pockets to climb a tree? When I'm up in the tree I carry.... nothing, in my pockets. Don't need coins, mobile phones, money, wallet etc. Maybe nice to have a couple pockets when on the ground, but that many? They are mostly zippered, which is a good thing. The stihl trouser pockets were all open, and were great at collecting saw dust. Stihl pants had a wedge pocket though. None on the SIP.
The fabric does seem a lot more durable, but only time will tell. Will post a review on them after a month or so. Of course, after getting home I noticed that an online supplier in aus had them for $75 less :-(
Shaun
