I'm getting ready to start clearing some land. I've previously cleared another portion of this land and was pleasantly surprised to only find one or two snakes (I HATE SNAKES!!) but for some reason, I feel like I'm pushing my luck to start this next project without investing in some snake chaps. Anyone have any personal experience with them? What do I need to look for? Mostly concerned about copperheads, watermoccasins, and pygmy rattlers.

 

Never used them myself, but as cheap as they are I'd get a pair. I don't like snakes either. Wear good heavy boots and keep a shovel handy... or shotgun.

 

I've got a set for me and a set for the wife. I found them on sale at Academy Sports a year or so ago for about $20 a pair. I can't remember the brand right now though. Anyway these chaps have adjustable straps that go up and over your belt to hold them up and they drape down and almost fully enclose your feet. Very nice and the price was awesome. Fortunately I haven't had them tested out (yet) but with as much time as I spend in the woods and working around my property, I'm bound to have them tested sooner or later. They can get a little warm though so make sure to drink a lot of water. In addition, there are snake boots out there that may suit you better. They are a bit pricier though and I think they'd be awfully hot in the summer months. If you go with the chaps, make sure to wear a good pair of leather work boots with them.

 

I think that Justin makes a pair of snake boots. They go up to the knee and are made from ballistic nylon or Kevlar.

 

Cabelas has them listed in their catalog. www.visitcabelas.com, or 1-800-237-4444.

 

Its www.cabelas.com, but I have these
http://www.cabelas.com/cabelas/en/te...749&hasJS=true
For Goretex and snake proof for that price very hard to beat and they are extremely comfortable. I block a rattlesnake from bitting my dog w/ these. O and unlike most waterproof boots these actually are.

 

Thanks guys. I figured that someone would have some personal experience and recommendations. There are numerous kinds out there and this is something that you want to make sure works right the first time. Second chances aren't guaranteed.

 

DO NOT BUY WHITEWATER OUTDOORS BRAND.

I wear snake chaps everday. I bought a pair of these to replace my old ones, (Rattlers Brand), they weren't worn out, just wanted some new ones. The Whitewater Outdoors have a tag sewn in them that says, " Snake proof from top to bottom!" Yeah Right. I quickly found out that ain't true. Moccasin went through the chaps at the ankle, through my jeans, and stop IN the lining of my thick isulated leather boots! Barely avoid a trip to the hospital.

Anyway, do yourself a favor and dont buy Whitewater outdoors.

Josh

 

Good to know. How did you like your Rattlers?

 

Haven't been bitten while wearing them. (Knock on Wood!). But after the incident I tested them with a needle. Almost shoved it through my hand , but not through the chaps. My Rattlers are only knee high, guess thats called "gaiters"? I would imagine full chaps to have the same construction.


Hey I used to cruise timber around Broken Bow, Idabel, DeQueen ARK. What town you call home?

 

I'm a couple of hours NW of there near Okmulgee.

Still trying to decide between snake boots, gaiters, and fill chaps. Glad to know that the Rattlers passed the needle test. Looked at them at Bass Pro but haven't pulled the trigger on any one style or brand yet.

 

I used to just wear a good pair of boots when I worked in our groves in the Pacific SW. Never really had any trouble w/ the rattlers but the scorpions were a different story.
Dump your boots before putting them on. My hunting buddy always laughs when I dump my boots every morning in camp. its just a reflex from growing up in scorpion country.
If you start getting chaps and other devices your packing around a lot of extra gear. I'd just get a good pair of boots.

Kurt

 

Well the advantage of the chaps is that they preclude thorns and other painful sticker bushed from grabbing your pants while you're in the woods. It makes it a lot easier to slide through the brush down low. There's also an advantage to them in hilly or rocky terrain where a snake can be higher than foot-level and able to strike at your thigh for example. The same goes for big snakes with a long reach.

The boots usually only protect half way up your calf at most which leaves half of your lower leg exposed as well. The knee-length snake guards make up the difference.

My suggestion for areas with a lot of snakes and hilly terrain is a good pair of comfortable snake boots and some chaps. But that's just my $0.02

 

Good observations. Thanks for the input.

 

Rebel horseman makes a good point. Your intended use and the terrain/foliage must surely be included in your decision. Good advice RH!

Kurt