Buyer's Guide: Workwear

HAIX

FEW items of PPE are quite as personal as your choice of footwear. Whatever reasons work boots are chosen for, from protective to aesthetic, they are one of the few items of protective clothing worn from the very start to the very end of a workday. It is vital that your boots work as hard as you do – providing comfort, protection and support all day, every day.

Few professionals demand as much from their footwear as arborists. Working outdoors across varied terrain and in all weathers, climbing trees and working with chainsaws and other cutting equipment, they are perhaps the ultimate wear-testers.

HAIX, specialist manufacturer of functional and protective footwear, has worked with wearer feedback when designing its latest generation of boots for arborists and outdoor professionals. The new Trekker Mountain 2.0 and Protector Pro 2.0 feature the tried, tested and trusted elements of the original versions, combined with new advances that offer increased levels of protection and comfort.

This evolution has been approached from the sole up, with both boots featuring a brand-new, highly functional sole unit that guarantees grip, even in challenging woodland environments, on the ground and in the tree. Both boots also continue their high levels of durability and protection; a 2.8 mm full-grain leather upper material backed with Class 1 cut protection means operators can work confidently with chainsaws and cutting tools without concern of injury, while an anatomically formed steel toecap guarantees protection from stubs and dropped or falling objects.

High levels of protection are a necessity, but comfort is also a crucial factor. The Trekker Mountain 2.0 and Protector Pro 2.0 feature a waterproof Gore-Tex membrane, keeping feet fully protected from the elements and allowing them to breathe throughout long periods of wear, no matter what the season. Foot comfort is also supported using the HAIX Climate System, which works with the movements of the wearer to circulate air with every step. 

Simon Ash, UK Sales Manager for HAIX, said: “The upgrades and features added to the Trekker Mountain 2.0 and Trekker Pro 2.0 are a great example of our ongoing commitment to perfecting our designs. HAIX has worked hard to maintain the qualities of our forestry range that wearers around the world have come to expect, while also adding features inspired by the challenges arborists and outdoor workers face, to make their jobs safer and more comfortable.”

For more information, visit www.haix.co.uk

HJ Hall

The largest UK-based socks manufacturer, HJ Hall, is excited to introduce a new collection of comfortable, durable workwear socks providing a variety of supportive styles for tradespeople.

The HJ Hall workwear socks are brand new and perfect for tradespeople or anyone who is on their feet for long periods of time. The comfort-top work styles provide ample foot support and are available in cotton short or long. Both lengths are available as a three pack (black, grey and navy) and all styles come with an unconditional six-month guarantee. A soft-grip comfort top assists with circulation and prevents tightness and marking. A reinforced heel/toe is ideal for durability, whilst a breathable top ensures freshness. The arch support keeps socks in place all day long.

www.hjhall.co.uk

HUSQVARNA

WORLD-leading expert in forestry equipment Husqvarna has top-of-the-range workwear to suit a whole range of needs and protection for arborists and forestry professionals.

TECHNICAL WORK T-SHIRT – HI-VIZ
 

The Husqvarna Technical Work T-shirt is a comfortable design available in long and short sleeves to offer professionals the perfect solution for any type of weather. Tried-and-tested clothing made from light, non-absorbing, wind- and water-repellent materials ensures professionals are kept warm when working in cold and wet environments. When the weather turns hot, the Technical Work T-shirt can also keep arborists cool and dry when working long hours due to its great ventilation and technical function which transports moisture away from the body.
The T-shirt features a zipped front, extended back and easy-access zipped front pocket. Its additional reflective tape is tested and approved by ISO EN 20471 (Class 2) which guarantees professionals are visible when working during dark or foggy weather. 

Find out more: www.husqvarna.com/uk/parts-accessories/protective-clothing/work-t-shirt-high-viz-technical/596303946/

FUNCTIONAL CHAINSAW LEATHER BOOTS 24

New to the range for 2020, these Husqvarna protective leather boots with saw protection are water repellent, lightweight, and fit for tough use. As a result of the boots having a reinforced front and back, they provide great stability and increase support for professionals, along with a padded front tongue and top for maximum comfort.
The TE-POR membrane means feet are kept dry, and the Vibram sole provides excellent grip to ensure increased safety,  as well as being fitted with toe protection overlap. Available in sizes 5.5–12.
Key features for Functional Chainsaw Leather Boots 24:
• Saw protection
• Approved according to EN ISO 17249:2013
• Class 2 (24 m/s)
• Steel toecap
RRP: £229.00 inc. VAT

Find out more: www.husqvarna.com/uk/parts-accessories/boots/protective-leather-boots-with-saw-protection/595087339/

STIHL

STIHL’s Advance X-Flex protective trousers have been specifically developed in conjunction with British arb and forestry workers. The Advance X-Flex utilise three different outer fabrics, as well as advanced chainsaw protective layers to provide the desired level of cut protection. All of this is combined with the outstanding comfort, water resistance, flexibility and breathability that is required for chainsaw operation in all weather conditions.

Made with ultralight, extremely breathable AVERTIC pro lite cut-protection material, available in front-only design A and all-around design C Class 1 cut protection, special attention has been given to areas around the upper legs, rear and waist to ensure water resistance and breathability are paramount. In addition, stretch material in the crotch enables flexibility for climbing and moving easily on the ground when snedding and logging.

Stihl is fully aware that these protective trousers will be used in the toughest conditions, so dirt repellent, thorn protection and moisture protection come as standard in the lower leg area, as well as tough, reinforced areas around the knees. In addition, to ensure the trousers offer maximum functionality, the Advance X-Flex has long ventilation zippers on the back of the legs, as well as front/side, back, side and thigh pockets.

The Stihl Advance X-Flex protective trousers are suitable to be worn with the X-Shell jacket for all-round water resistance, flexibility and breathability. The jacket is fast-drying and warm, with breast pocket, inside pocket, arm pocket and rip protection on the shoulders and is available in hi-vis orange or peat/black.

The Dynamic Ranger GTX chainsaw boots also complement the X-Flex protective trousers and X-Shell jacket. Perfect for demanding, professional chainsaw users, the class 1 cut protection Dynamic Ranger GTX chainsaw boots utilise a Gore-Tex membrane that is both waterproof and breathable for added comfort, while a non-slip-tread sole and reflective strips add further safety.

For more information on Stihl’s extensive range of forestry clothing, please visit www.stihl.co.uk

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