The Best Backpack Leaf Blowers For A Spotless Yard In 2022
Yard chores can be boring and tedious, especially when it comes to the cleanup of nature’s uncontrollable downpour of leaves. However, with the best backpack leaf blowers, yard work takes less than half a day. You can easily rake, pile mulch, and bag all at once.
As its name suggests, a backpack leaf blower allows you to sling it to your back for ultimate convenience. Sure, your typical backpack leaf blower is heavier than a handheld blower. Still, thanks to its ergonomic design that evenly distributes weight across your chest and back, a backpack blower is more comfortable to use, making it ideal for hours of continuous work. Not to mention, it is way more powerful – ideal for bigger jobs when you need maximum power.
So, whether it’s birch, maple, oak leaves, or grass clippings, here’s our round-up of the best leaf blowers to make short work of messy yard debris.
- Best Backpack Leaf Blower Overall: Husqvarna 360BT Gas Backpack Leaf Blower
- Best Budget Gas Blower: Poulan Pro PR48BT Backpack Leaf Blower
- Most Lightweight Gas Backpack Blower: Troy-Bilt TB4BP EC 32cc 4-Cycle Backpack Leaf Blower
- Great for Residential & Commercial Purposes: Echo PB-580T Backpack Leaf Blower
- Most Powerful Gas Model: Husqvarna 570BTS Backpack Leaf Blower
- Best Budget Battery-Powered Blower: Greenworks BPB80L00 Cordless Backpack Blower
- Most Powerful Battery-Operated Blower: EGO Power+ Backpack Blower
- Quietest Gasoline Model: Makita EB7650TH 75.6 cc MM4 Backpack Blower
- Most Comfortable Gas Blower: Husqvarna 965102208 130BT Handheld Blower
- Best Value Gas Blower: Schröder SR-6400L Gas Leaf Blower
The Best Backpack Leaf Blower
1Husqvarna 360BT Gas Backpack Leaf Blower
The Husqvarna 350BT makes the top of our list as the best backpack blower in the mid-price range. Armed with an X-Torq engine, the Husqvarna backpack leaf blower reduces harmful exhaust emissions by up to 60% and increases fuel efficiency by up to 20%, so you save more money on gas. The fuel-efficient two-stroke engine has a maximum power speed of 7500RPM, and up to 180MPH of airspeed through the blow tube.
Gas-powered leaf blowers are usually heavier than battery-powered blowers, but at 23.2 pounds, the Husqvarna is relatively lightweight. The wide, adjustable shoulder straps and integrated ventilated harness make it comfortable and easy to use despite the weight. Since it has a high-volume 74.4-ounce tank, this awesome gas blower can sustain hours and hours of use at a time. And thanks to dampeners between the engine and chassis, the 350BT produces low vibrations that don’t stress your hands. As with most gardening tools, you’ll need earplugs while using this blower. It has a noise level of 104 decibels and 94 decibels, which is quite loud but still better than most models.
Airflow: 631 cfm
Airspeed: 232 mph
Fuel tank: 74.4
Maximum power speed: 8100 rpm
X-Torq engine
Air cleaning system
- BrandHusqvarna
- Model965877502
- Weight22.5 Pounds
A very powerful backpack blower
Reduces fuel consumption and emissions
Easy to start, pretty comfortable to carry
One of the heavier backpack blowers
As expected from a gas model, it’s noisy
2Poulan Pro PR48BT Backpack Leaf Blower
The gas-powered Poulan Pro PR48BT has many great features that secure its place in this guide. The 48 cc 2-cycle engine can produce high-velocity air speeds of up to 200 mph, so this is a little beast of a backpack blower. Its 2-cycle engine also means that it reduces costs and fuel modification. This, in addition to the airflow of about 475 cfm, means that the machine will be able to remove heavy leaves, grass clippings, and other debris easily.
To make it easy to use, the Poulan PR48BT has convenient controls on the blower tube, which include cruise control for easy command, a variable speed throttle, and its angled nozzle designed to point downward, which reduces the effort you need to put in and maximizes clearing power. At 22 pounds, it’s not exactly lightweight, but it’s not too heavy either, and thanks to the contoured padded shoulder straps, it sits comfortably on the body. With a heavy-duty frame and powerful 48cc 2-cycle engine, this is one of the best backpack leaf blowers in this price range. This also makes it a perfect gift for gardeners in your life.
Airflow: 475 cfm
Airspeed: 200 mph
48 cc two-cycle engine
Variable speed control
Cruise control feature
- Brand Poulan Pro
- Weight22 Pounds
Powerful enough to clear compacted leaf clumps
The cruise control relieves stress in your hands
Excellent value for money backpack blower
Only suitable for right-handed people
Fuel tank is in an awkward spot, can be tricky to fill
It emits a lot of noise
3Troy-Bilt TB4BP EC 32cc 4-Cycle Backpack Leaf Blower
If you hate mixing a 50:1 to 20:1 oil and fuel mixture in 2-cycle engines, then 4-cycle engines are ideal for you. Although they guzzle up more fuel, 4-cycle engines like the Troy-Bilt TB4BP’s engine typically have more powerful airflow and torque. The JumpStart technology in this engine means you won’t have to pull a cord to start. The downside? This is sold separately.
The Troy-Bilt leaf blower delivers about 150 mph of airspeed and 500 cfm of air volume with a SpringAssist that makes it easier to pull the cord. Also, both the airspeed and air volume are powerful enough to blow large piles of debris without breaking a sweat. The blower also has a variable throttle with cruise control that reduces the stress from your hands, and at 17.5 pounds, this is one of the lightest gas-powered blowers available on the market (Amazon incorrectly lists its weight as 21 pounds). A comfy, padded harness distributes weight evenly and also helps reduce vibrations. Regarding lightweight, comfortable and quiet cordless electric blowers for standard lawn jobs, the Troy-Bilt is well-worth at its (budget-friendly) price.
Tired of stuffing leaf piles into bags? Make sure you check our guide to the top leaf shredders.
Airflow: 500 cfm
Airspeed: 150 mph
32cc 4-cycle engine
JumpStart-capable engine
Variable throttle with cruise control
- BrandTroy-Bilt
- Model41BR4BEG766
- Weight21.8 Pounds
The 4-cycle engine is relatively quiet
No pre-mixing, very little vibration
The straps are easy to adjust for any height or size
Not ideal for bigger jobs
Unlike a 2-stroke engine, it does not generate enough rpm
4Echo PB-580T Backpack Leaf Blower
At around 23 pounds, the Echo PB-580T Backpack Blower is quite heavy, but the 215-mph airspeed it produces will get the job done long before your hands give way. This unit is specifically designed with professionals in mind with to its quiet operation and powerful airflow. The Echo PB-580T produces an incredible airflow of 510 cfm, and its 2-stroke engine produces a noise of 70 decibels which is quite low for its engine capacity, making it suitable for residential use as well.
The 58.2 cc 2-cycle engine blower has a variable speed control for blowing up leaves and debris. The blower is easy to assemble, with an easy-to-follow instruction manual. Unlike most 2-stroke engines, the PB-580T is easy to start in just two pulls, and with the right 50:1 ratio of fuel to oil mix, the engine is easy to maintain. At 23 pounds, this is not the heaviest nor the lightest gas-powered machine – it’s just right for most adults, and the large, adjustable shoulder straps make it comfortable to carry.
For more products to help you deal with the leaves in your garden, check out our guide to the best leaf rakes.
Airflow: 510 cfm
Airspeed: 215 mph
Fuel tank capacity: 62 oz
2-stroke engine
Variable speed trigger
- BrandEcho
- ModelPB-580T
- Weight0.16 Ounces
Powerful enough for heavy-duty jobs
For a gas blower, it produces a low level of noise
Powerful 2-cycle engine saves you time and cost
Simple to assemble, easy to use
When it comes to gasoline-powered blowers, there are more powerful models out there
According to some customer reviews, it doesn’t have the most durable construction
5Husqvarna 570BTS Backpack Leaf Blower
The Husqvarna 570BTS is almost fully assembled straight out of the box. All you’ll have to do is put the blower arm, nozzle, and trigger on. This newer model is perfectly engineered with ergonomics at its core. It produces less vibration than most models, thanks to the energy-absorbing motor placed between the motor and the backpack frame. It also has ergonomic ventilated padding, which reduces your stress when you operate the 24.5 pounds blower.
With a 2-cycle 65.6 cc X-Torq engine, the 570BTS reduces harmful exhaust emissions by about 60% and increases fuel efficiency by about 20%. The 74.4 fl oz gas tank is more than enough to run for an extended time. The choke and air purge make it easy to start this unit. Other features like the cut-off, throttle, and cruise control are placed on the handle for easy maneuvering. The harness has wide shoulder straps that help balance its 24.5 pounds. Powerful and effective, the 570BTS produces 770cfm in the pipe and 236mph at the tip – perfect for large properties with lots of trees.
If you love gardening, check out our guide to the most reliable push mowers.
Airflow in pipe: 768 cfm
Airspeed: 236.2 mph
Max. power speed: 8, 100 rpm
2-stage intake air filtration
X-Torq engine
Ergonomic harness and adjustable handles
- BrandHusqvarna
- Model570BTS
- Weight24.5 Pounds
Comfortable to carry and easy to operate
Fan speed can be set for easier handling
High airspeed and airflow get yard work done faster
Starts on one pull
It is very loud
It’s also quite heavy
6Greenworks BPB80L00 Cordless Backpack Blower
Environmentally friendly and lightweight are the central characteristics of the Greenworks BPB80L00 Backpack Leaf Blower. If you find exhaust fumes and loud noises irritating, battery-powered tools like this should be your main focus. Typically, most battery-powered models don’t operate as well as gas-powered blowers, but the brushless motor of this unit delivers gas-like performance. With this lightweight tool, you can get an air speed of 580 cfm at 145 mph, which is powerful enough to clean up the leaves in any yard.
For ergonomics, this unit is ridiculously lightweight, weighing only 8 pounds, making it fantastic for prolonged use and older citizens. Remember that this backpack blower only runs for 30 minutes but takes as little as 30 minutes to charge up. The Greenworks unit is not suitable for commercial purposes, but it is perfect for an average-sized yard that needs low maintenance. In case you don’t have a battery and charger already, there’s a whole set (blower, 2.5 Ah battery, and charger) available, too.
Be sure to also check out our list of the best loppers for more great items like this.
Airspeed: 580 cfm
Airflow: 145 mph
Variable Trigger Speed
30 minutes high-speed run-time and 16 minutes turbo run time
Brushless motor
Cruise control feature
- BrandGreenworks
- ModelBPB80L00
- Weight8.12 Pounds
Less operation noise
Environmentally friendly
Lightweight and comfortable
Incredibly easy to use
Only suitable for small yards
The battery drains pretty fast
7EGO Power+ Backpack Blower
Brushless motors produce less noise, which is why the EGO Power+ Backpack Blower is one of the quietest backpack leaf blowers out there. While quiet, the engine operates at jet-engine level with a turbine fan and highly effective EGO’s ARC lithium battery technology. You’ll get a 600 cfm of turbo power with a lengthy run time of up to two hours on low speed. On high or turbo speed, it runs for around 20 mins.
The backpack blower weighs barely 13 pounds, allowing you to work for longer without being weighed down. You get a 7.5 Ah battery and a 56V charger with this unit, which explains the price. In case you already have the battery and charger at home (this battery can be used for all EGO tools), there is a backpack blower only available for cheaper. Whichever model you choose, you get a whopping 5-year warranty.
320 cfm (gentle) to 600 cfm (turbo)
Airflow: 145 mph
Variable speed
Brushless motor
EGO’s ARC Lithium battery
- BrandEGO Power+
- Weight25 Pounds
Powerful enough to tackle any job
Adjustable tube length makes the work easier
The waist belt is an adjustable harness
Lightweight and comfortable to work with
With a battery and charger, it is quite pricey
Battery life could be better on turbo
8Makita EB7650TH 75.6 cc MM4 Backpack Blower
The Makita EB5300WH is another powerful 4-stroke engine backpack blower that does not require an oil and fuel mix – just pour straight gas and you’re good to go. The engine delivers a powerful air speed of 184 mph and a maximum air volume of 516 cfm, which is powerful enough for lighter commercial lawn care and bigger garden work at home.
The 52.5 cc (2.4 HP) 4-stroke engine produces low noise and the large capacity muffler further ensures quiet operation (70 dB). For a gas-powered model, this machine is also relatively lightweight, weighing slightly less than 20 pounds. It also produces fewer vibrations thanks to the anti-vibration mounts between the frame and the engine for extra comfort and convenience. Overall, this is a powerful, reliable backpack leaf blower that’ll deliver whether you’re using it for professional lawn care or simple garden work.
Find more great products like this by checking out our guide to these quality bulb planters.
Max. air volume: 516 cfm
Max. airspeed: 184 mph
Fuel tank: 60.09 oz
Sound pressure 70 dB
4-stroke engine
- BrandMakita
- ModelDCS642120
- Weight28.7 Pounds
A powerful engine that produces less noise
Designed for both professional and home use
No need to bother with oil mixing
It is quite expensive
It doesn’t have a waist belt
9Husqvarna 965102208 130BT Handheld Blower
The Husqvarna 130BT is a cheaper model but with no compromise on quality. Like the other Husqvarna models reviewed in this guide, the 130BT is powered by an X-Torq engine that reduces emissions by up 60% and increases fuel efficiency by 20%. This machine is much lighter than the two other gas models, making it excellent for older folks as well as teens, but it’s also less powerful with an airflow of 360 cfm, and an airspeed of 145 mph.
With adjustable handles, the 130BT has an excellent ergonomic design that is comfortable for prolonged use. It has an air purge feature that forces the air out of the carburetor and fuel system, making it quick and easy to start. However, the 30-cc engine is only suitable for standard yard work. You’ll love the cruise control option and the variable speed throttle for easier handling. You’ll also feel less stress with the ergonomic design of the 130BT with its low vibrations thanks to anti-vibration dampeners.
For more must-have products for gardeners, check out our guide to the best leaf bags.
Airflow in pipe: 360 cfm
Airspeed: 145 mph
X-Torq engine
Variable speed
Cruise control
- BrandHusqvarna
- Model965102208
- Weight14.7 Pounds
Lightweight with excellent ergonomics
Not too loud operation at 91 dBA
Padded harness that fits perfect
Not ideal for heavy-duty yard work
10Schröder SR-6400L Gas Leaf Blower
This Schröder Gas Leaf Blower is one of the best backpack leaf blower models on the market. Here’s why: it has a powerful 63.3-cc 2-cycle engine that pushes up to a whopping 920 cubic feet per minute of air at a velocity of 230 mile per hour for effortless, strong clearing of all kinds of debris, including wet, clumped leaves.
The blower tube is slightly narrower than usual but it’s not a problem, as the machine still performs like a beast. With a reasonable weight of around 20 pounds, the Schröder blower is not exactly lightweight, but it is still lighter than other backpack blowers in its class. The thickly padded adjustable shoulder straps and back support keep the blower solidly against your body and help distribute the weight evenly across your back and shoulders, so you shouldn’t feel too worn out even after a long day’s work. It is a little louder than pricier power tools, so it’s best to wear ear protection when using it (but then again, ear protection is recommended for all industrial backpack leaf blowers). Finally, we’re big fans of the price tag – it’s half the price of comparable gas-powered models but performs just as well, if not better.
Air volume: 920 cfm
Airspeed: 230 mph
Fuel tank capacity: 65 oz
2-stroke gas engine with 63.3 cc, 3.7 HP
5-year warranty
Variable speed
- BrandSCHRÖDER
- Weight19.5 Pounds
Delivers more power than many pricier models
Suitable for both residential and commercial purposes
Reasonable weight with comfortable shoulder straps
Reliable and simple to use
The throttle trigger is too stiff so a bit uncomfortable to use
Bit louder than other models
Why Trust Us
Finding the best backpack leaf blower is no easy task, so to make things a little easier for you, dear reader, we rounded up some of the best models on the market. To do that, we spent over three days researching the market and comparing the best sellers. We read hundreds of backpack leaf blower reviews, too, weighing the pros and cons of each model featured here. We also talked shop with some of our team members who have years of experience with different backpack and handheld blower models.
Who This Is For
This guide is for anyone looking for a good backpack blower. Whether you want a lightweight and affordable unit for occasional yard cleanup, or a powerful new leaf blower for commercial purposes, this guide has got you covered. An efficient and comfortable backpack leaf blower makes quick work of messy yard debris and can be a godsend for larger properties with large piles of leaves.
How We Picked
When selecting our roundup of the best backpack leaf blowers, we looked for high air volume (measured in cfm) and high airspeed (measured in mph) ratings. We also looked for models that are not too heavy and that produce low or at least moderate levels of noise (bear in mind, all backpack leaf blowers are pretty loud, even the "quiet" ones). Other features we paid special attention to are harness and frame - no matter how lightweight, a backpack blower can become uncomfortable to use with thin, poorly designed straps and a flimsy, uncomfortable frame. As you can see from our selection, we looked at both gas and battery-powered models.
Features To Look For In Backpack Leaf Blowers
Power output - Leaf blowers run on either gas or battery. Gas-powered blowers are more powerful but also heavier than battery-powered blowers because of their engines and they require more maintenance. On the other hand, battery-powered blowers are not high-maintenance, produce zero fumes and less noise, but you will need to recharge every 30 minutes to 2 hours.
Engine cycle classification - Gas-powered leaf blowers come with either a 2-stroke or a 4-stroke engine. 2-stroke engines need a 50:1 gas and oil mix and typically consume less fuel, making them highly effective. 4-stroke engines only need gas to function so they're easier to use, plus they are much quieter than their 2-stroke cousins. However, if you're trying to save some coins on gas, you should go for the 2-stroke engines.
Speed settings - Adjustable power or speed settings are, from our experience, a must-have feature for leaf blowers. This allows you to increase or lower the speed depending on where you're working and what kind of debris you're picking up. For battery-powered blowers, speed adjustability can either make the battery last longer or shorter. Also, you'll require more control around delicate flower beds and plants. With only one speed setting, you can blow too hard on a delicate garden.
Vibration - Too much vibration can damage your muscles and joints, and it can also be annoying. We advise you to purchase blowers with low power capacity if you don't want a vibrating machine (more power typically equals more vibrations). Lots of vibrations can also cause fatigue and even injury in some cases, so this feature is of particular importance to older folks.
Decibel level - Noise from outdoor power equipment can be deafening for you and your neighbors. When buying a leaf blower, you should know that gas-powered blowers are usually louder than battery-powered models. Prolonged exposure to loud noise can cause ear damage, so, if you plan on purchasing a gas-powered blower, make sure you add hearing protectors to your cart. Most blowers are typically 60 dBA (background music) to 110 dBA (nightclub music).
Backpack Leaf Blower FAQ
Q: How do I use a backpack leaf blower?
A: Leaf blowers can be used on a variety of surfaces such as your gutters, driveway, and lawn or yard during autumn. If you have trees in your yard, chances are that you've used a rake to clear most of it, and while a good rake has its place in every garden tool shed, with blowers, yard work is a snap.
Backpack leaf blowers also reduce fatigue from your hands, making them easy to use for extended hours. If you’re trying to reduce the noise, you can use a nozzle attachment and set the throttle to the lowest speed. If you want to reduce your workload, place a tarp where you’ll gather all the leaves to cut on time.
Place the blower at your side and position the front end at the ground at a lower angle. Walk slowly with a back and forth motion with the blower in front of you to prevent the leaves from blowing everywhere.
Q: How do I start a backpack leaf blower?
A: Gas-powered blowers use a cord to start. However, before starting it, identify the engine your leaf blower comes with. For 2-stroke engines, a 50:1 gas and oil mix is required, while 4-stroke engines use only fuel. Now, you can push the primer bulb in and release it slowly five to six times. Put on the choke and pull the starting cord once. Open the choke halfway by moving the lever to a halfway point between open and close.
Pull the cord one to three times and let it run for 10 seconds. Move the lever of the choke to an open position and leave the engine to warm up for about 20-30 seconds.
For battery-operated blowers, all you have to do is push a button and get to work. Simple as that!
Q: Is CFM more important than MPH in a leaf blower?
A: Both cubic feet per minute (CFM) and miles per hour (MPH) are important ratings for a leaf blower. CFM is a measure of air volume or how many cubic feet of air flow through the nozzle of the unit per one minute. MPH is a unit of velocity or speed of the air that is being expelled by the blower at any given moment.
So which one is more important? Well, they both are, but depending on the type of debris you're trying to clear away one may be more important than the other. If you're usually clearing dry, light debris, then pay special attention to CFM. Moving wet, soggy, and compact debris requires more force, so in that case, you'll want to closely look at the leaf blower's MPH.
Q: Are leaf blower backpacks worth the money?
A: Absolutely, they are worth every penny. This is particularly true for those who own a large yard or garden with lots of fallen leaves and other debris. The best thing about backpack leaf blowers is that you can conveniently sling them on your back. Carrying a leaf blower in your hands can be tedious work and could cause arm and hand strain and fatigue. The backpack models come with padded and adjustable shoulder straps so they are more comfortable to carry and more convenient for prolonged yard work. You can free your hands and arms with these units, and they are usually more powerful than handheld blowers. If you’re trying to clear out heavy-duty wet leaves and debris, this model is worth every penny.
Sources:
- How Тo Start А Gas Leaf Blower - Hunker
- Leaf Blower Reviews Аnd Ratings - This Old House