A backpack leaf blower can take some of the stress off your arms. The harness makes these comfortable to wear for long periods of time which is great for both commercial and residential use.
We’ve put together a list of the seven best backpack leaf blowers. After studying real customer reviews, expert advice, and applying our own insight, we’ve decided that these are the best of the best.
- Eco-friendly for a gas option
- Controls are all in one place
- Adjustable tube length
- X-torq engine
- Low vibrations
- Auto return stop switch
- Two-stroke engine
- Control the speed
- Lightweight and comfy
- Large force, large tank
- Generous warranty
- Comfortable to wear
- Cruise control feature
- Brushless motor
- Variable speed settings
- Brushless motor
- Turbo boost
- Lightweight at 14 pounds
- Jumpstart option
- Great for big jobs
- Long flex tube
Are Backpack Leaf Blowers Better Than Handheld?
It depends on what you’re looking for. The main advantages of backpack leaf blowers over handheld includes:
- They are generally more powerful, which means you can do more in less time.
- While they are heavier, the weight is more evenly distributed because you’re carrying it on your back.
- They are more suited for bigger projects, rather than smaller areas.
Just keep in mind that they are significantly more expensive, often by $200.
Types of Backpack Leaf Blowers
Let’s look at the differences between gas-powered and battery-powered backpack leaf blowers.
Gas-powered leaf blowers are typically more common when it comes to backpack leaf blowers. They are a bit more powerful and last longer since they run on fuel rather than battery power.
If you have a large area to cover, starting at ½ acre, we recommend a gas tank over a battery-powered option. Likewise, if you have a smaller area but a lot of leaf dropping due to crowds of trees, a gas-powered option may be right for you.
Keep in mind that gas leaf blowers use fuel and oil which can cost extra money in the long. They also emit fuels that aren’t as good for you or the environment.
Pros
- They are more powerful than battery-powered leaf blowers.
- It lasts longer since it runs on fuel rather than battery.
- It’s ideal for larger yards since it works faster.
Cons
- They’re more expensive long-term since you need to top up on fuel and oil.
- They aren’t eco-friendly since they emit fumes.
Battery-Powered
Battery-powered backpack leaf blowers are a lighter, more eco-friendly option. They’re better suited for smaller areas, under ½ an acre or where there aren’t as many trees (resulting in fewer leaves). The main issue is that the battery doesn’t last super long, falling anywhere between 15 and 75 minutes.
The good news is that while they aren’t as powerful as gas, they’re not far off. So you will still be able to get jobs done quickly with a battery-powered leaf blower. Just don’t forget to factor in the time it takes to charge the batteries.
Pros
- Since they run on batteries, they’re more eco-friendly.
- They are still very powerful.
- You may find a few options that are a bit more budget-friendly.
Cons
- They aren’t good for big areas or larger messes.
- The battery life can sometimes be poor, running for as little as 15 minutes between charges.
How to Choose the Best Backpack Leaf Blower
So what details should you look at when choosing a backpack leaf blower?
Type
First of all, decide if you want a battery-powered or gas option. Consider the pros and cons of each before buying.
You will also find a few corded electric options. These require a power source so they minimize your flexibility.
Run Time
It’s very important to consider the run time. The larger the area, the higher you’ll want the power to last. Battery-powered options usually run between 15 and 90 minutes, with the majority being between 30 and 60 minutes.
As for gas leaf blowers, they should last between 1.5 to three hours depending on the power you use. So if you have a larger yard, a gas leaf blower is a more convenient option.
Air Volume
Air volume is measured in cubic feet per minute (CFM). This is a very important detail that tells you how much air moves through the machine. This is basically how well it does at moving leaves. The higher this number, the better the machine. We recommend looking at one that’s at least 400 CFM.
Speed
The speed of a leaf blower is measured in miles per hour (MPH). We recommend getting one that’s at least 100 MPH, but this number may be significantly higher in the top gas-powered options.
You may also want to look at options that have variable speed settings which allow you to change the speed depending on the task at hand.
Weight
Next up, consider the weight. Since you may be carrying this around for hours at a time, you’ll want to make sure the weight is suitable for you. This varies from person to person, but for context, backpack leaf blowers may be between 10 and 30 pounds.
Top Tip
Consider if the harness is high-quality. This will make sure the weight is well-distributed. So even if you choose one on the heavier side, it shouldn’t be uncomfortable to wear.
The Best Backpack Leaf Blowers of 2021
Check out these seven awesome backpack leaf blowers.
Husqvarna 350BT 2-Cycle Gas Backpack Blower
The Husqvarna 2-cycle gas backpack blower is one of the most popular and reliable on the market. But it’s also got a really great harness which means it will be comfortable to wear for long periods of time.
It’s an ergonomic harness system that’s equipped with a padded harness and hip belt to take the strain off you while you work.
Why We Love It
Eco-Friendly for a Gas Option
While an electric leaf blower is always going to be more eco-friendly, this is a good choice for a gas model. It reduces harmful emissions by up to 75 percent. It is also more fuel-efficient by 20 percent.
Controls Are All in One Place
On the machine, the controls are all in one place making it easier to operate. It’s a very user-friendly and clever design.
Adjustable Tube Length
Now you can adjust the tube length which is very inconvenient for a variety of jobs. Sometimes you need something longer, and sometimes you need something shorter, depending on the task at hand.
Keep In Mind
Difficult to Start
You may find this is a difficult machine to start up. Some customers found it hard to pull, saying that it took a few tries to get it going. This can be frustrating, especially if you’re in a hurry.
Some Elements Fall Off
There are a few design flaws to this backpack leaf blower. Sometimes, random parts will just fall off! Some customers said it was the gas cap (which is pretty dangerous) and others had issues with the exhaust pipes.
Additional Specs
| Type | Gas-powered |
| Run Time | About one hour and 15 minutes |
| Air Volume | 692 CFM |
| Speed | 180 MPH |
| Weight | 22.5 |
Husqvarna 150BT 2-Cycle Leaf Blower
Specifically, looking for a two-cycle leaf blower? This is one of the best. The engine is suitable for both customer and professional use and requires less maintenance since you can put the oil and fuel in together and it will lubricate and run your engine.
Besides that, it has a CFM of 434 at 251 MPH. This ensures great power so you can get jobs done in a decent length of time.
Why We Love It
X-Torq Engine
It’s a top priority for Husqvarna that their products are as eco-friendly as possible. Even though this is a gas-powered machine, it’s environmentally conscious. It reduces harmful emissions by up to 60 percent and is more fuel-efficient by up to 20 percent.
Low Vibrations
Do you ever wear a backpack leaf blower and feel like all your insides are vibrating? Well, that’s not an issue anymore. Thanks to the “lowvib” technology, this blower has dampeners between the engine and chassis which minimizes vibrations.
Auto Return Stop Switch
This has an auto return stop switch which automatically resets the on/off switch to the on position. This allows you to start up the machine easier the next time you go to use it.
Keep In Mind
Expensive
For what you get, some customers found the price to be too high. It’s not the most powerful on the market and it takes a longer time to move some bigger piles of leaves. For the price, check the stats for what you’re looking for.
Additional Specs
| Type | Gas-powered |
| Run Time | At least 1.5 hours |
| Air Volume | 434 CFM |
| Speed | 251 MPH |
| Weight | 22.5 |
Poulan Pro PR48BT 2-Cycle Blower
Get rid of all kinds of leaf messes with this amazing gas-powered backpack leaf blower. Running at 475 CFM and 200 MPH, this will get the job done quickly, efficiently, and properly.
Thanks to the 48 cc two-cycle engine, this leaf blower can clear wet, damp, moist, heavy leaves, grass, and other garden debris. And all for a very fair price!
Why We Love It
Two-Stroke Engine
Two-cycle and four-cycle engines both have their pros and cons. But we like that this is a two-cycle engine. The main difference is that you use both gas and oil that powers and lubricates the engine simultaneously. This means you don’t have to do as much maintenance to the machine.
Control the Speed
This comes with variable speed settings so you can easily choose which speed is best for your job. But on that note, you can employ cruise control so it maintains your chosen speed so you can just get on with the job.
Lightweight and Comfy
Weighing only 22 pounds, this is one of the lighter gas-powered backpack leaf blowers available. Not only that but it’s fitted with a load-reducing harness to minimize strain and increase comfort. The bottom line is, even if you wear this for an eight-hour shift, it shouldn’t exhaust you.
Keep In Mind
Struggles to Reach Full Power
Something to keep in mind is that there are quite a few customers saying this thing struggled to reach full power. So while it’s designed to go to 475 CFM, can it? Some say yes, some say no.
Hard to Start
Some customers found it really difficult to start up. It’s quite stiff and you definitely have to put some force into getting the thing to start! It’s a good muscle workout though.
Additional Specs
| Type | Gas-powered |
| Run Time | About one hour |
| Air Volume | 475 CFM |
| Speed | 200 MPH |
| Weight | 22 pounds |
Echo PB-9010T Backpack Blower
A gas-powered leaf blower is a great option if you want to use it for work or your business.
We think the Echo blower is a fantastic option in that department. It has incredible power, ranging up to 1110 CFM which is just awesome!
The MPH is 220 making this an overall heavy-duty leaf blower that can handle large areas and big messes.
Why We Love It
Large Force, Large Tank
Compared to other leaf blowers, this just has better specs. The blowing force is 18 percent more powerful than other commercial leaf blowers. The fuel capacity is 56 percent better, which means it will run longer on one tank of gas.
Generous Warranty
For personal use, the warranty is five years. For commercial use, it’s two years. Overall, this is very generous and assures you that you will get your money’s worth.
Comfortable to Wear
Whether you’re wearing this for a couple of hours or for your 9-5 job, don’t fret because it’s super comfy to wear. The wide cushioned straps mean it’s easy to wear all day long. Even in the hot summer months, you’ll love it thanks to the fan intake which prevents your back from getting too warm.
Keep In Mind
35 Pounds Heavy
Be careful if you are of lighter weight as the 35-pound weight of this machine can be quite heavy for some. If you’re strong or a more sturdy build, it shouldn’t be a problem but for slimmer, more petite people, you may find this isn’t suitable.
Additional Specs
| Type | Gas-powered |
| Run Time | Not specified |
| Air Volume | 1100 CFM |
| Speed | 220 MPH |
| Weight | 35 pounds |
Greenworks 80V Cordless Backpack Leaf Blower
Most backpack leaf blowers these days are cordless since you don’t need to plug in a gas option.
But this is the best of both worlds: cordless and not gas-powered so you’re still protecting the environment.
While it is on the pricier end of the spectrum, you’re getting a powerful tool with some really cool features.
Why We Love It
Cruise Control Feature
We love the cruise control feature on this leaf blower that allows you to maintain your chosen speed. This gives you ultimate control over your jobs, putting your mind at rest while you go about your task.
Brushless Motor
This has the same energy as many gas-powered leaf blowers. All without the nasty fumes. Thanks to the brushless motor, this is comparable to other popular gas-powered options on the market.
Variable Speed Settings
Take this across multiple speeds all the way up to 145 MPH — which is crazy powerful. If you don’t want to use this full flow, you can choose another speed, lock in cruise control and enjoy the journey!
Keep In Mind
Annoying Trigger
The trigger on this machine is sensitive and finicky. It’s not the easiest to use, as it’s not very sturdy, which can be annoying when you’re trying to get the job done. Now you have another little factor to think about.
Battery Life Issues
While the battery takes 45 minutes to charge, it only lasts for around 10-15 minutes. Therefore, this is best suited for small jobs as it would take multiple recharges to clean medium to large yards.
Additional Specs
| Type | Battery-powered |
| Run Time | 10-15 minutes |
| Air Volume | 580 CFM |
| Speed | 145 MPH |
| Weight | 14.64 pounds |
PowerWorks 60V Backpack Blower
Looking out for the environment? You may want to opt for a battery-powered leaf blower over gas. If so, this is a great option.
It comes with a 60 volt 5Ah lithium-ion battery that works for 27 minutes on the highest power setting and even longer on lower power settings.
Why We Love It
Brushless Motor
The brushless motor provides great power, awesome force, and a long lifespan all without the need for gas. Therefore, you’re getting a really good quality leaf blower without harming the environment.
Turbo Boost
Blast away even the most stubborn leaves and grass with the handy turbo boost. This shoots out 540 CFM at 140 MPH to help you clear the way quickly and efficiently.
Lightweight at 14 Pounds
At only 14 pounds, this is nice and lightweight. Therefore, it’s comfortable to wear for long periods of time, even if you’re not the strongest person around.
Keep In Mind
2.5-Hour Charge Time
Many batteries nowadays have a one-hour charge time, but this takes 2.5 hours. While you do get a decent length of run time, it’s quite a long length of time for charges.
Pricey
This is one of the more expensive battery-powered leaf blowers. A few customers think it’s not worth the high price tag, especially since the battery takes so long to charge. Plus, the power isn’t as high as some of the gas-powered options.
Additional Specs
| Type | Battery-powered |
| Run Time | 27 minutes on high |
| Air Volume | 540 CFM |
| Speed | 140 MPH |
| Weight | 14.76 pounds |
Troy-Bilt 4-Cycle Backpack Blower
Some people prefer a four-cycle engine. These engines have separate gas and oil reservoirs that produce lower emissions. So if opting for gas, but still wanting to protect the environment, four-cycle engines are a little better in that department.
What else is so special about this leaf blower? It’s powerful enough to tackle big messes and piles without any hassle.
Why We Love It
JumpStart Option
You have the option to add a JumpStart feature to this leaf blower. This stops you from needing to pull a cord which can be a bit finicky. If you don’t opt for the JumpStart option, don’t fret because this comes with SpringAssist technology making sure that this cord is easy to pull anyway.
Take Note
The engine starter is sold separately so it’s an additional cost.
Great for Big Jobs
This heavy-duty machine is ideal if you have big jobs to tackle or live in a tree-crowded area. The specs — 150 MPH and 500 CFM — mean that no pile of leaves and debris is too big.
Flex Tube
This is a very thoughtful feature of this leaf blower. It has a long flex tube which gives you more flexibility to maneuver the leaf blower around and under objects.
Keep In Mind
May Take Time
While there are many satisfied customers that don’t have this problem, a few customers found that it takes a while to get rid of big piles of leaves. If the leaves are wet, it seems not to have the airflow to handle it.
Durability Issues
Don’t expect this to last years and years. Many customers found that it lasted between one and two years. Thankfully the warranty is two years long, but some found theirs broke pretty much right after the warranty expired.
Additional Specs
| Type | Gas-powered |
| Run Time | About an hour |
| Air Volume | 500 CFM |
| Speed | 150 CFM |
| Weight | 21.8 pounds |
| Product | Best | Type | Run Time | Air Volume | Speed | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Husqvarna 350BT 2-Cycle Gas Backpack Blower | Best Harness | Gas | 1.25 hours | 692 CFM | 180 MPH | 22.5 |
| Husqvarna 150BT 2-Cycle Leaf Blower | Best 2-Cycle Backpack Leaf Blower | Gas | 1.5 hours | 434 CFM | 251 MPH | 22.5 |
| Poulan Pro PR48BT 2-Cycle Blower | Best Gas Backpack Leaf Blower | Gas | 1 hour | 475 CFM | 200 MPH | 22 lbs |
| Echo PB-9010T Backpack Blower | Best Commercial Backpack Leaf Blower | Gas | N/A | 1100 CFM | 220 MPH | 35 lbs |
| Greenworks 80V Cordless Backpack Leaf Blower | Best Cordless Backpack Leaf Blower | Battery | 10-15 mins | 580 CFM | 145 MPH | 14.64 lbs |
| PowerWorks 60V Backpack Blower | Best Battery Backpack Leaf Blower | Battery | 27 mins | 540 CFM | 140 MPH | 14.76 lbs |
| Troy-Bilt 4-Cycle Backpack Blower | Best 4-Cycle Backpack Leaf Blower | Gas | 1 hour | 500 CFM | 150 CFM | 21.8 lbs |
Backpack Leaf Blower FAQs
Are Backpack Leaf Blowers Worth It?
Definitely. They are easy to use since they leave your hands free to operate the nozzles. You will find many different options on the market, meaning there’s something out there for everyone. Of course, they can be quite expensive, ranging from about $150 to $700, so you need to decide if it’s worth the investment for your yard.
What Is Better In A Leaf Blower CFM Or MPH?
They’re both important but if we had to decide, CFM is more important. This measures the power over the speed. If you have a high CFM, you’re guaranteed to be able to get through heavy-duty messes more quickly.
What Does BT Mean for Leaf Blowers?
BT means that the throttle is located on the right hand of the tube. BF means it’s on the left hand.
