Don’t run a chainsaw without chaps, a helmet, and steel-toe boots.

No exceptions.

Chaps are the most important piece. Chainsaws kick back, and if that chain hits your leg, chaps stop it before it hits flesh. I’ve seen guys skip them because it’s hot out. That’s how you lose a leg. Not worth it.

Helmet with face shield and ear protection is second. A helmet protects your head from falling branches — which happens more than you’d think. The face shield keeps sawdust and debris out of your eyes. And the ear muffs? Your future hearing will thank you. A chainsaw is loud enough to cause permanent damage in minutes.

Steel-toe boots. You will drop a log on your foot. Or the saw itself. Regular boots won’t save your toes. Get proper logger boots with high tops for ankle protection too.

Everything else — gloves, chaps that cover the whole leg, a snug-fitting shirt — is nice, but those three are the bare minimum. If you don’t have them, don’t start the saw.