Top 10 Best Backpack Vacuum Cleaner in 2021: Reviews With Buying Guide

Reasons Why You Should Consider a Backpack Vacuum

The real question is why shouldn’t you? A backpack vacuum cleaner is convenient, it’s neatly designed, and it comes at a reasonable price. Let’s discuss this further.

Efficiency and Convenience

Imagine if you are tasked with cleaning a large warehouse or building almost every day. A backpack vacuum cleaner is easier to carry around, thus saving you more time and strain on your body. It doesn’t only benefit you in terms of efficiency but at the same time, you take good care of your health.

It’s just so easy to maneuver around such a large area when you have the machine right on your back. Also, some models allow you to carry around the tools and attachments that come with your backpack vacuum cleaner on your waist so you don’t have to go back and forth every time trying to retrieve them.

And wait there’s more! Newer backpack vacuum cleaners like the ones we listed on our best backpack vacuum cleaner list are cordless! With longer run times, you can certainly do your job while eliminating the hassle of unplugging and transferring your machine when you go from one room to another.

You get to finish your cleaning job on time, you save more energy, less body aches later on and you get to relax more!

Money Saver

Given the efficiency that the backpack vacuum brings it’s just natural that you’d save a lot of cash off it. You will generally have savings if you employ it simply because your crew or you will have enough time to do anything else once they are cleaning up.

Also, given that the backpack vacuum cleaner has fewer components and is very compact it should be generally cheaper and much easier to maintain. Fewer components equal to fewer replacement costs.

They will also be easier to maintain and would have less downtime thus your business being up and running every time.

Ergonomic

Backpack vacuum cleaners are specially designed for your convenience. You can get injured or incur some body pains just because of inappropriate posture or handling of equipment. So it’s important that what you’re going to be using to clean every day is specially designed for a certain task.

Backpack vacuum cleaners have easy to use comfortable harnesses and strap-ons that would latch on to your body and won’t hinder you from any needed movement.  Also, they are well padded and are super lightweight, some even weighing only 9 pounds.

So you can move around freely and do your thing for as much as you need to.

Overall health benefits and environmental awareness

Naturally, we are mindful of our savings when we consider choosing a product, but also we should care about ours and our cleaning crew’s health as well. Some older vacuum cleaner models, especially the bulky ones spew out harmful particles in the air as opposed to keeping them locked in tight on its dust bags and unfortunately they are also not ecofriendly.

But not these backpack vacuum cleaners! These products are designed with the environment and your health in mind. The HEPA filters help eliminate any particles to come out of the vacuum and seal them tight. And at the same time innovations like bagless and more energy-efficient versions help save the environment and minimize its carbon footprint.

Backpack Vacuum Buyer’s Guide

As promised here’s our buyers guide for all of you who want to know what to look for when shopping around for a good backpack vacuum cleaner. And we understand as it’s hard to make a sound decision with hundreds or even thousands of products out there. So knowing the basics will go a long way for you.

For Residential or Commercial spaces?

The first thing you have to consider is the area on what you’re going to use the vacuum for. And yes, there are backpack vacuum cleaners for your home. They are perfect for cleaning rugs, carpets, hardwood floors, attics, stairs, basements, kitchens, and practically any part of your house.

But the backpack vacuums are most ideal and were really first conceptualize for commercial use. Given the vast areas that need to be cleaned on a consistent basis on commercial spaces, a backpack vacuum is ideal.

It offers great freedom of movement from one room to another saving huge amounts of time and effort. And will get you to certain areas you would normally have problems accessing with if you’re lugging around a bulky standard type vacuum cleaner.

Weight

Of course, given that you will have to carry it around your back you should consider the weight of the backpack vacuum cleaner that you’re going to purchase.

Some are as light as 9 pounds as per our best backpack vacuum cleaner list, some in 15 pounds, and probably the heavier ones are in the 30 to 40 pound range. Not bad right? And we agree.

Less strain on the back equals more happy clean time, fewer aches to suffer later on and at the same time, you can be fast and efficient as your movement is not as restrained.

Other than that, older people who live alone or people with injuries or disabilities can benefit from the features of a lightweight backpack vacuum cleaner too. And that’s a great added bonus if you ask us.

Cord or cordless?

Constant innovations can be head scratching confusing sometimes, what’s best for me? Corded or cordless backpack vacuum cleaner? Ok maybe you don’t really do that, but hey, this is something that’s really worth considering.

If you clean larges areas but you think you can finish it in say under 90 minutes, then go for cordless ones. But if you can take your time and don’t really have any pressure on you and that you don’t have to move from one room to another often then a corded backpack vacuum cleaner may be appropriate.

Some cord lengths go for about 50 feet so you can take note of that when you’re shopping around, it’s good for large areas, rooms, or warehouses.

Cordless ones are battery operated and can go from 90 to 150 minutes of runtime.

Length of the tube

Consider the length of the tube or hose that comes with the backpack vacuum cleaner. It’s best you buy something that’s proportional to your height as you don’t bend much or have any issues reaching on certain hard to reach places.

Also, take note of the lengths of the attachments.

Attachments and additional tools

Speaking of attachments backpack vacuum cleaners also comes with a variety of them. Make sure to get the models that have got all the things you need and the ones that can be strapped on to your waist are pretty cool and convenient.

Going back and forth because of a forgotten attachment can be a hassle and you don’t want to spend extra time doing so.

Attachments can be very useful in a lot of surfaces, areas, and debris type. Some example attachments are as follows: Wide Floor Tool, Duster, Crevice Tool, Upholstery Tools, High End Vacuum Hose, Adjusting Telescopic Wand, Commercial, Grade 1.5 Tool Kit, and lots more.

They will really come in handy and we promise that.

Power

If you’re shopping around for any type of vacuum cleaner power should be on top of the list of your priorities. What we mean by that is that power is everything for vacuum cleaners because that’s what basically determines how effective it is when it comes to cleaning, which is in the first place what we need it for.

More motor power equals great suction capacity and that would lead to the efficiency level of your vacuum cleaner. Some say that backpack vacuum cleaners are not as powerful but that is just not true. Through advances in technology, backpack vacuum cleaners are now as powerful as standard types.

Some can cover up to hundreds of CFM or cubic feet per meter and works very well on all types of surfaces. It’s because some vacuum cleaners don’t work well on carpets or rugs or some other surfaces because they lack suction power.

If your backpack vacuum cleaner has an ample amount of power then it can clean an area quite efficiently not needing any revisits. Also, there are energy efficient, ecofriendly (energy saver) models, so you must check that label and go for these models as much as possible.

Ease and comfort

Weight and comfort and ease of usage of the backpack vacuum cleaner should come hand in hand. You must find a model that’s comfortable to wear and is easy to setup. These backpack vacuum cleaners come with ergonomic straps and harnesses.

The backpack should fit in properly on you, shouldn’t be too loose and too tight. Also, it should be padded because you’ll be carrying it around for a longer duration so it should not strain your back and upper body too much.

Lightweight types are always not as durable and won’t come with the right amount of power so make sure to check other properties of the backpack vacuum cleaner and not to immediately purchase it once you see it is lightweight or it’s padded.

Reviews

Reviews like this one that you’re reading on right are exactly the types of articles that would give you enough or a solid idea as to what product to get. These are very useful as it gives you well researched insights about a specific type of commodity.

So make sure (and good job for doing so) to check online every time before purchasing something. There are a lot of good to know stuff out there that will definitely help you make a sound decision.

You can also check user comments, sites like Amazon are useful, or if you want you can communicate with the brands or some sellers directly to get additional insights on the product you are looking to purchase.

We have all the tools right now and sometimes it is just up to us to utilize them to have some advantage in our everyday lives.

Best brands

Knowing the best brands for a specific product would really be beneficial. Not only are they tried and tested but they are trusted brands as well. Some of the best brands have been at it for decades and keeps on innovating on a technology to offer the best possible features for it.

Also, the best brands will make sure to get a competitive advantage in the market so you’ll be sure that if you buy one from a trusted brand then you’re getting the best value out of your money. So always read reviews and be on the lookout for common brands that are mentioned around.

Other Types Of Vacuum Cleaners

Since we promised this article to be a one stop shop then why don’t we discuss the rest of the kinds of vacuum cleaners. After all, we think you’d be curious too. Let’s get to it!

Upright Vacuum Cleaners

Pros

• Simple to use
• Easy to store
• Great for larger areas
• Empty easily

Cons

• Can get loud
• Can be bulky or heavy
• Won’t be able to get into cracks or crevices easily
• Can prove to be challenging when vacuuming stairs

Upright vacuum cleaners are of course your typical residential vacuum cleaners. Probably the first types to be made available for the public, we’re very familiar with this one.

They generally cost less to purchase but have a wider cleaning area. They are perfect for deep cleaning carpets most especially the ones that have bags in them. They are easy to store as well.

They are a bit noisy and can get heavy, so if you’re someone who tends to clean several times a day and with a larger house then go for lightweight models.

Related Post: Best Vacuum For Shag Carpet

Canister Type Vacuum Cleaners

Pros

• As quiet as a vacuum can get
• Lightweight
• Has retractable cords
•  Can be really powerful

Cons

• Not so ergonomic
• Bend and drag when using
• You have two pieces to juggle with
•  Can be a challenge to store

Usually, canister vacuum cleaners are generally known to be better than upright vacuums at cleaning bare floors, under furniture, and stairs. Various attachments that come with it are also quite handy when it comes to cleaning drapes and upholstery.

Some models are even as good when it comes to cleaning carpets as upright vacuum cleaners. Plus they are lighter because of the separate power head and generally quiet as well when operating.

The separate powerhead and canister setup though can be bulky and a challenge to move around. The wand and hose setup can also make it hard for the canister to fit into a closet.

Stick Vacuum Cleaners

Pros

• Many are battery powered (cordless)
• Lightweight
• Bagless
• No bending down needed
• Great for quick cleans (small messes)
• Can come in as a 2 in 1 handheld type too
• Versatile

Cons

• Can have a less powerful motor
• Not too good with carpets
• Can get noisy
• Less filtration system because of limited space
• Limited run time
• Sacrifices some features that your standard vacuum type have

A stick vacuum cleaner’s tall body, handle and powerhead makes it really easy to use. It eliminates the need for bending over too much that it’s good for our body as well and will reduce the risk of any hip or upper body pain or worse injury.

They are also very lightweight and is ideal for quick clean ups of small messes. But they can be fairly noisy have little capacity for its bin and sometimes not ideal for carpets.

While not a replacement for a traditional vacuum cleaner it’s still quite a convenient tool for everyone who needs to do quick cleanups several times in a day.

Related Post:Best Lightweight Vacuum Cleaner For Elderly

Central Vacuums

Pros

• Great mobility when cleaning as only the hose, wands, and attachments are required
• Noise can be stored away
• Exhaust are pumped outdoors
• Can be extremely powerful
• Comes with easy storage products
• Huge dirt receptacle
• Bags should be optional
• Very versatile
• Great at bare floors, drapes, upholstery and any surface
• Easier to handle for stairs

Cons

• Can get really expensive
• Will need professional help for installation
• Hose can be a challenge to some obstacles

These are the types of vacuum cleaners that you get for commercial spaces or large houses. You can store its chamber somewhere far so you just need to use the hose and the powerhead along with you.

Very convenient and of lightweight to use and of course quiet. Also, its chamber doesn’t need to be emptied often as it’s got huge storage capacity.

The chamber though can occupy some space in your storage area, and not mentioning this type can get expensive (for a good reason). The hose though can be challenging to move around at times, especially if there’s lots of obstacles around.

It also requires professional installation.

Handheld Vacuum Cleaners

Pros

• Extremely lightweight
• Good for low surfaces, especially for carpets and quick pickups
• Ideal for hard to reach areas
• Cordless, corded option
• Super easy to store

Cons

• Can have the least amount of power for all vacuum types
• Lesser capacity than all vacuum types
• Very limited runtime for the cordless ones
• Short cord length

This model as the name indicates is the handiest one yet. It can be corded or cordless which is also very convenient. Nice for easy quick pickups and is ideal for hard to reach places. Either for short piles on carpets or bare floors.

It’s also ideal for pet debris and upholstery and also great for your car’s interior. These types though naturally have less power, less storage, and less runtime. But the handheld type is still a great must have item for you.

Robotic Vacuum Cleaners

Pros

• No manual labor, hands free or much human interaction required
• Easy to program
• Perfect for busy individuals
• Can be controlled through a remote or an application in your mobile phones
• Autonomous and can take care of self
• Self charging, can dispose of debris by itself

Cons

• Can get locked inside rooms
• Some are still a challenge to setup and get used too
• May miss some spots when cleaning
• Can be a danger to itself when cliff detection and obstacles are not calculated properly
• May not be very efficient

Now comes a more modern twist or innovation on how we clean our premises. Robotic vacuum cleaners are autonomous little workers that take care of our houses for us. It’s perfect for people with super busy lifestyles.

Most of these models don’t need user intervention right after the initial setup. They are self-charging, they can dispose of their contents by themselves or none needed at all. And at the same time can be setup really easily from an app, or controlled by remote control.

The downside in these models is that it’s not as thorough when cleaning. Of course, nothing can match a person’s discretion and robots still have a long way to go. They can be inefficient and leave some spots uncleaned.

Their sensors can also get faulty and they might endanger themselves when unable to detect stairs or can be stuck in rooms. Also, it could have a hard time navigating against obstacles so make sure to make your place accommodating for it.

Don’t worry though as it works well with pets!

Related Post:Best Vacuum For High Pile Carpet; Best Vacuum For Long Hair

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is there a battery-powered option available?

Yes, there are battery powered backpack vacuum cleaners available. As a matter of fact, due to new innovations and advances in technology cordless or battery operated backpack vacuum cleaners are quite common.

Some models have a runtime of 90 – 150 minutes and super high powered that you won’t compromise any of the features that a standard corded backpack vacuum cleaner would normally have.

The new Lithium Ion battery technology makes this possible and rests assured that the innovation won’t stop here. The sky is the limit.

Should you buy corded or cordless?

This, of course, should be decided after considering your situation. That is the area you intend to clean with the vacuum cleaner you are purchasing and of course your budget. Corded vacuum cleaners tend to be bulky but are very efficient in terms of performance.

Cordless vacuum cleaners are lightweight and compact but should be limited in terms of capacity as it will run out of juice on a certain amount of time.

So if you think you’ll cover a large area on a certain amount of time, go buy the cordless backpack vacuum, but if you’re someone who needs the capacity and suction power of a corded one and is not really limited by time then goes for the corded one.

Can backpack sweepers/vacuums pick up pet hair?

Backpack vacuum cleaners are no substitute for a solid pet vacuum cleaner. But again due to constant advancement in technology, there are pet friendly backpack vacuum cleaners nowadays.

They’ll pick up most pet debris and will still do the exact same job.

What’s better bagged or bagless?

Same as with our cord or cordless debate. A bagged vacuum cleaners tend to be more efficient and be a bit manageable and less messy to dispose of. Bagless vacuum cleaners on the other hand still need to be cleaned out once in a while and can get messy because of all the dust, debris, and allergens you are probably releasing back into the open.

But bagless vacuum cleaners are more eco-friendly, vacuum cleaner bags lasts for about six months for $3 to $36 so that’s something you really need to consider.

When did the first backpack vacuum cleaners come out?

The first backpack vacuum cleaner was made available to the public in 1987. It since caught on and has had its supporters and enthusiasts.

Which part of the world is the backpack vacuum cleaner more popular in?

Overall Portuguese speaking countries such as Brazil and Portugal lead the number of people who uses the vacuum cleaner in the world. 20% of these people use the vacuum for about 1-2 hours more than any other in the world who clocks in at about 10%.

11% of the Koreans though use their vacuum cleaners several times in a day.

Are there no reports of health issues caused by backpack vacuum cleaners?

There are some risks of musculoskeletal injuries when using backpack vacuum cleaners. But as with everything that we do we need to make sure first that we are fit to do a certain job.

Backpacking anything how much more a machine such as a vacuum cleaner can be quite straining so before you do so make sure to check for any existing injury or aches and pains that might be aggravated by the backpack vacuum cleaner.

Also, observe proper posture and positions when doing work at always don’t forget to take some rest or intervals when working.

Are vacuum cleaners bad for the health?

There have been reports of vacuum cleaners actually spewing out particles that are harmful to our health back in the air. But there’s no need to worry as innovations such as HEPA filters now makes the vacuum cleaner more health friendly and doesn’t counteract the benefits of using one in the first place.

Are vacuum cleaners bad for the environment?

A big yes! There are greener eco-friendly vacuum cleaners nowadays and they are specially innovated to minimize any harmful effects on the environment.

Bagless vacuum cleaners eliminate the need for using a disposable dust bag, there are more energy efficient (33% less energy) vacuum cleaners too. Also, some manufacturers use recycled materials as casing or components for their machines and at the same time uses eco-friendly bags for bagged versions.

What are the best brands for backpack vacuum cleaners?

Hoover, GV, Atrix, ProTeam, and Powr-Flite are some of the best brands when it comes to innovating and manufacturing the best backpack vacuum cleaner that’s available for us out in the market.

Other trusted brands and innovators for vacuum cleaners in general are Bissell, Dirt Devil, Dyson, Shark, Eureka, Kenmore, Miele, Roomba, and Samsung. They have a lot of products out in the market and some innovations that would blow your mind and definitely make your lives easier.

Some key companies when it comes to pushing the boundaries in robotic vacuum cleaners and all sorts of vacuum innovation are Dyson, EcoVacs Robotics, Electrolux, Eufy, Ilife, Panasonic, LG Electronics, Philips, Samsung, and Irobot.

When was the vacuum cleaner first invented?

There are a lot of people responsible for developing the vacuum cleaner that we are now familiar with. It’s constant innovation, one feature added on top of another until it became the modern day vacuum cleaner. Also, it’s not stopping, and probably won’t as we now have robotic and autonomous vacuum cleaners.

 Daniel Hess and Ives McGaffey are often credited to starting this vacuum cleaner innovations from a simple machine called the carpet sweeper.

Final Thoughts…

Backpack vacuum cleaners are super beneficial for a lot of people, especially for those who are living a busy lifestyle and at the same time have very large areas to clean. It’s also great for maintenance workers and cleanup crews as they will have a more efficient way to clean their respective establishments.

As with any innovation, it may have some disadvantages but for sure the advantages of this kind of product further outweighs them. This best backpack vacuum cleaner review should have given you a solid idea of what to get for your next purchase. Enjoy the rest of your day!