Phil Rogers debuted Clogger’s Ascend chain-saw pants in the Unboxing Ring at the 2019 TCI EXPO in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
When you take a new pair of Clogger Ascend pants out of the box, you get the care and maintenance information, that generous warranty, an awesome sticker you can plaster around the world and, of course, the pants. So, what’s so tectonic about these new chain-saw pants?
The Ascend Gen2 chain-saw pants are an all-season redesign of the classic Clogger Zero pants. Unlike the Zero’s “always-open” vents, the Ascend pants have adjustable, zippered rear vents for cooling on warmer days and the option to close them on a cold day. The Ascend redesign also includes the high-back, elasticized waist for a more traditional style and a flexible, comfortable fit when used with a climbing harness.
Another improvement on the Ascend is the addition of a back pocket. Yessss! This seemingly understated feature is important to many arborists, so thanks, Clogger, for listening to our wishes. Additionally, there are four more zippered pockets strategically placed so you can actually access them when in a climbing harness. The zipper tabs are constructed in a way to make operation possible even while wearing gloves. Like the Zero, the Ascend has nifty “pocket bags” that can be turned inside out separately for easy dust and debris cleanout on laundry day.
Here’s where the Ascend excels; it is constructed from Arrestex HP (high performance) material featuring ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene (UHMWPE), which has the highest impact strength of any thermoplastic presently made, according to Wikipedia. Several layers of these long fibers are embedded in the inner material and are designed to instantly clog and stop a running chain saw. The Arrestex is lighter and stronger than many traditional cut-resistant materials. Besides being very durable, these pants also are designed to be fully waterproof up to the knees.
Speaking of knees, there is a preformed knee “system” – the “gatherzone” – which is intended to provide easier movement and reduced bulk. That’s a big deal when trying to stay comfortable and productive when climbing trees.
The Clogger Ascend is essentially the same chain-saw pants as the Zero, but 15 years of testing and customer input have delivered great new features and reliable fabric technology.
Plus, the new hi-vis-orange detail gives the Ascend a fresh, updated look.
Phil Rogers is sales and marketing director for the Clogger brand of chain-saw protective clothing, owned by Zenitec, a manufacturer of specialty textile-based products based in Invercargill, New Zealand.
This review reflects the thoughts and opinions of the reviewer as a user and does not constitute or imply an endorsement of the product referenced, and is not an endorsement of any specific company, product, or service. Every entity or individual should review and test all products for applicability, safety, and efficacy in their particular operation.
