Best Backpack Vacuum

A backpack vacuum can be incredibly handy. We all dread vacuuming so it’s always great to have a household tool that just makes it so much easier. By carrying it conveniently on your back, you get much better reach with longer chords. It’s just easier to use in general and you won’t strain your arm like with an upright vacuum or canister vacuum.

Most people haven’t heard of these vacuums and honestly, they’re not that easy to find. I’ve compiled the best ones here in this vacuum review that are worth trying though so read on to see which models will suit your needs.

15 Best Backpack Vacuum Cleaners Reviews 2021

Atrix VACBP1 HEPA backpack vacuum

Backpack vacuums along with cleaning accessory pack are great for a lot of cleaning tasks including removing pet hair, but they don’t all pack in the same intensity. That’s why we’re starting out with this Atrix backpack vacuum. You might think you don’t need a super powerful one, but remember the harder it works, the less you have to do. Plus, a powerful motor can ultimately be a huge timesaver.

We were surprised that, despite the 1400 watt motor, the backpack vacuums aren’t really heavy or bulky. It comes in at just around 10 lbs, which is a lot easier to carry as a backpack than an upright or handheld vacuum. It’s also the approximate size of your typical backpack, so it’s comfortable to carry around, no matter where you use it.

When it comes to household chores, this Atrix Hepa backpack vacuum does double duty. It comes with plenty of accessories and attachments. One of which is pretty much the golden ticket, since it converts the vac into a blower. Need to clean the stairs with some pet hair and then go clear out the leaves? If you have this vac, there’s no need to switch tools, just switch attachments.

This is an ergonomic, versatile solution for all your cleaning chores around the home, plain and simple.

Pros:

• Lightweight and comfortable to wear and utilize (even for long cleaning jobs)
• Easily converts from vacuum to blower
• Super powerful motor makes cleaning fast and efficient (106 CFM output)

Cons:

• Assembly takes some practice at first

 

ProTeam Super CoachVac Backpack Vacuum Cleaner

ProTeam super coachvac vacuums backpack is one of the best for commercial use, but it’s just as good if you want to spoil yourself and utilize it at home. This vacuum comes from a brand with a reputation for high quality, high efficiency cleaning tools, so you know you’re getting one of the best out there. Considering that it’s a commercial-grade cleaner, ProTeam super is surprisingly small compared to other hepa backpack vacuum. We place size and comfort high on our list, especially when we’re talking about cleaning larger areas, or a whole house.

The ProTeam Super CoachVac was designed to make cleaning larger areas a breeze, and it certainly comes with the build and accessories to show it. It comes with a super long power cord (50 foot power cord), so you never need to worry about finding another outlet in the middle of a cleaning job because of its long cord. The telescoping wand allows you to clean absolutely anywhere, whether it’s the corners of a ceiling or hard to reach areas behind furniture.

Here’s another thing we love about ProTeam Backpack Vacuums: the toolkit. Okay, we know, most vacuums come with accessories or some kind of toolkit. However, this ProTeam Super Coachvac, comes with a full, commercial grade toolkit, so you’ll never waste time looking for the right tools as well as for hard floors.

How heavy is ProTeam Super CoachVac, given all the extras it includes? As it turns out, not very! ProTeam Super only weighs in at 11 pounds, which is far lighter than most other hepa backpack vacuum today.

Pros:

• Complete commercial cleaning solution you can utilize at home
• Includes a great toolkit and telescoping wand
• Compact and lightweight (only 11 lbs)

Cons:

• Might be a bit pricey for household cleaning

 

Hoover Commercial C2401 Backpack vacuum

When it comes to vacuums, Hoover is one of the top names, and one of the most trusted brands. We were glad to see they’re catching onto the backpack vacuum trend, and we had to review this one to test its merits. There are some things that really make this backpack vac unique, even among other seemingly similar backpack vacuums.

It’s designed for commercial use, but we’ve found that it’s a delight at home too. You don’t have to clean an entire building to appreciate how quickly and easily you can get any cleaning job done. Of all the backpack vacuums we’ve reviewed, this is by far one of the lightest. In fact, it only weighs about 9 pounds. However, you don’t sacrifice any cleaning power when you drop the weight with this backpack vacuum.

One of the really standout features is the cleaning wand. You might be used to long cleaning wands, but they can’t compare to this one. It’s an impressive 48 feet long when expanded. It comes with plenty of other accessories that take a new twist on others that come in typical accessory packages. Naturally, it comes with a crevice tool, dust brush, and upholstery cleaner. However, it also comes with a super handy floor tool, which measures 11 inches, to make even floors fast and easy.

The filtration system of this hepa filter backpack vacuum is designed for maximum efficiency, and with hepa backpack vacuum, the HEPA filters trap 99.9% of particulates. That alone makes it ideal for allergy sufferers, homes with pets, or anyone that wants a super thorough clean.

Pros:

• Lighter than most backpack vacuums (9 lbs)
• Extra long cleaning wand (48 feet!)
• Designed by chiropractors for ergonomic, painless

Cons:

• Suction weakens slightly on carpet

 

GV 10 Quart Most Powerful Commercial Backpack

 

Backpack vacuums are great for people that hate dragging around, and struggling with, and upright vacuum. It evens out the weight of the vacuum, and allows you to get the same cleaning done, if not better. However, not all backpack vacuums are built alike. Many do have adjustable straps that you can utilize for a better fit, but that doesn’t mean that they’re comfortable. More than just that, they don’t always fit every body type, which can be a huge disappointment when you’ve already invested in a new vacuum.

Thankfully, this GV backpack vacuum is comfortable to wear, and adjustable, no matter your shape, size, or preferences. We like the padding on the straps because it makes it much easier, and much more comfortable, to wear the vacuum even on really long cleaning jobs. It weighs about ten pounds, which is on par with some of the lightest backpack vacuums available today.

The people we recommend this most for are allergy sufferers that need an efficient, easy solution for cleaning their home and improving their air quality. It comes with a three stage, HEPA filtration system, which is the top recommended filter for people that suffer from allergies or respiratory issues.

Another thing we really like is the extra large dust bin, and the washable cloth that it comes with. You don’t have to worry about running out of disposable ones and not being able to complete the cleaning job. Aside from that, it comes with all the tools you need to clean any surface. As a bonus for people with pets, it also includes a motorized brush tool that’s perfect for getting pet hair off the toughest places.

Pros:

• Comfortably fits users of any size and body type
• Advanced, and very efficient three stage HEPA filtration system
• Comes with 30 day satisfaction guarantee and 2 year motor warranty

Cons:

• Takes a little practice for most efficient usage

 

GV 8 QT backpack vacuum

We had to include this GV best backpack vacuum cleaner in our reviews to see just how well it stacks up against one of their other models, the 10 quart backpack vacuum. The first difference is pretty obvious. This backpack vacuum holds up to eight quarts while the other holds ten. Now, don’t be deceived and think that that’s the only difference. There are enough differences between the two to give each a closer look, especially if you’re considering one or the other for your new best backpack vacuum.

This GV backpack vacuum cleaner weighs about the same as the other model, but it’s just a tiny bit lighter. However, it’s still just as comfortable with the padded straps and balanced design. As with their 10 quart model, this one has a dust bin that’s much larger than that of your typical vacuum. While it’s two quarts smaller, it still comes in at about three times the capacity of your normal, residential best vacuum. Looking at it from that perspective, it has more than enough room for even large houses.

Like the other GV backpack vacuum cleaner we reviewed, it has a HEPA filter, making it ideal for people with respiratory issues as well as allergies. However, this 8 quart model has an added step to its filtration system. We were impressed by the thoroughness of the four stage filtration system, and it’s one of the best ways to get allergens and particles out of the surfaces in your home, and best improve your indoor air quality and your cleaning tasks as well.

That’s not the only upgrade this compact vacuum has either. It also comes with a longer, 25 foot cord, which is great spaces and homes with more open plans. Another thing we have to mention: it comes with a ton of tools. With seven tools and accessories, it surpasses the other GV backpack vacuum, and the majority of other vacuums on the market today.

Pros:

• Advanced four stage HEPA filtration system
• Large 8 quart dust bin is 3x larger than most vacuums
• Includes 7 different tools and a 25-foot cord

Cons:

• Suction hose could be longer

 

Carpet Pro SCBP-1 Best Commercial Backpack Vacuum

We really love best backpack vacuums designed for commercial use that can be home usage too. Naturally, when we saw this one, we were extremely eager to check it out. Unlike some other commercial backpack vacuums, this one is really lightweight, partially due to it’s durable but light aluminum construction. However, that’s not the only reason it stood out to us.

First, the cleaning extension wand has a slightly different form than others we’ve seen before. It’s more curved, and rather than being plastic, it’s actually made of aluminum. We were a little skeptical at first, but as it turns out, this new design is a great help for the cleaning tasks. Add to that the extra durability you get with aluminum, and we all have a win. You don’t have to struggle to get a rigidly straight extension wand into areas that are anything but. It’s much easier to get behind tough areas and reach crevices where dust tends to gather. I love the crevice tool.

Like most of our favorite vacuums, it comes with a HEPA filter that traps all those pesky, irritating particles. It doesn’t have the largest dust bin of all the best backpack vacuums we’ve looked at, but it still has plenty of space. You can fill the dust cup up to six quarts, which is still more than the majority of vacuums. We also like that you have some more choice in how you utilize it. There’s a cloth bag for the dust cup, but if you want to skip the washing and drying, you can also switch to the disposable paper bags for easy clean up.

We’ve talked a lot about the other features we like, but there’s this feature that really takes the cake for us. It’s super powerful. When we say powerful, we mean it. The 11.5 amp motor is designed for commercial use, but when you use it in your home, it can drastically cut down your cleaning time (and get your home a lot cleaner too!).

Pros:

• Extremely powerful motor (11.5 amps) and suction
• Use either reusable cloth filter bag or disposable filter bags
• Extra long power cord (50 feet total)

Cons:

• If you choose to use the disposable bags, they cost a bit more

 

Powr-Flite Comfort Pro BP6S Backpack Vacuum

When you want to get your home clean, but don’t want to spend a lot of time on it, you need something a bit stronger than your typical household vacuum. Enter the Powr Flite Comfort Pro. This is a professional, commercial grade backpack vacuum that you can comfortably use within your own home. There are plenty of things we like about this vacuum, but one of the biggest is the stringent filtration system. We’ve seen three, and even four stage filtration systems. However, this has an impressive five stage system with a HEPA filter. We’ve hardly seen a more thoroughly engineered system.

Another thing we noticed: the harness is way more adjustable than almost any other. Most backpack vacuums do have some kind of adjustable harness, however, most of them only adjust at the shoulder or waist straps. That’s not the case with this. There are actually seven different points where you can adjust it, ensuring you get the most comfortable, customized fit possible.

It’s an overall extremely efficient, hard working vacuum, with just about everything you could ask for. However, you don’t have to take our word for it. This backpack vacuum is so good that it even has a Gold Certification award, courtesy of one of the most trusted cleaning boards in the country: the Carpet and Rug institute.

Here’s another thing we can’t leave unsaid: the accessories are great, and they even come with a belt to hold them all. It doesn’t get much better than having all the tools you need right in reach, without even having to use a hand to hold them.  There are even separate tools to take care of carpet and hardwood floors, as well as an upholstery tool, hose, and wand built with a double bend structure.

Pros:

• Excellent five stage HEPA filtration system
• Very comfortable- adjustable harness with seven adjustment points
• Includes accessories for hardwood floors and carpet, and tool belt

Cons:

• Pricier than some backpack vacuums, cost is on par with professional equipment

 

Hoover CH30000 PortaPower Commercial Lightweight Backpack Vacuum Cleaner

Sometimes, good vacuums are really expensive. However, that doesn’t mean that they have to be. As we discovered, these portable backpack vacuum cleaners are proof of just that. Even for a hoover commercial backpack vacuum cleaner, it’s still surprisingly affordable. Of course, that meant we had to check it out for ourselves.

Out of all the backpack vacuum cleaner we’ve reviewed, hoover commercial is the lightest of all. It weighs in at just about eight pounds, so no matter who you are, hoover commercial is far easier to take around the house than pretty much any other backpack vacuum cleaner.

It also takes on a ton of roles, including many of those the other backpack vacuums we reviewed. The difference is that this Hoover commercial backpack vacuum cleaner model does it all, not just one or two other tasks.

The dust bin is also dynamic, and you can choose whether you want to use the reusable cloth bag or disposable bags. It has an extra long cord that measures in at 33 inches, so it’s easy to keep cleaning from this room to another. The crucial tools, a crevice tool and the brush, are built into the vacuum for easy access.

So far, we’ve only reviewed one other vacuum backpack that does the same task this vac does. It also functions as a blower. Even among the best, and more expensive, best backpack vacuums, that’s a rare find. We love being able to vacuum everywhere inside, and then use the blower to clear the patio or even get rid of dust and debris in little nooks.

We always love a tool that does multiple jobs, and this Hoover backpack vacuum certainly goes above and beyond. However, with most brands, all that comes with a high price tag. Thankfully, that’s not the case here.

Considerations when choosing the Best Backpack Vacuum

There are several things you must check when choosing the best backpack vacuum. For you to buy a quality and long-lasting shoulder vacuum, you need to check out some features since not all vacuums are created equal. Let’s take a look at the different types of backpack vacuums available to know which is the best backpack vacuum.

Types of backpack vacuums

• Corded vs. Cordless: You can either choose between the corded and cordless vacuum machines. The corded backpack vacuum is the best option if you want a vacuum for commercial purposes. An advantage is that a corded backpack vacuum has no downtime. But, if you want it to be longer, you can still get an extension cord to extend it. The cordless backpack vacuum cleaner is ideal for home use like cleaning houses. Its runtime ranges from 1-hr or 90-min which is enough to clean your entire house.
• Bagged vs. Bagless: You can also choose either a bagged or bagless backpack vacuum cleaner.

Before determining your best backpack vacuum cleaner choice, you need to know the features which differ in various ways. To buy the best backpack vacuum cleaners, some of the most crucial features to check out include:

Vacuum Weight

When deciding on the best backpack vacuum cleaners, especially a commercial lightweight backpack vacuum cleaner, the weight is an important factor. Remember that for commercial purposes you’ll use the backpack vacuum cleaner for a couple of hours a day, therefore, it needs to serve you. To avoid the strain, a lightweight vacuum machine tends to be more comfortable and easier to carry around without causing a strain. The heavier the machine, the higher the risks of developing severe medical conditions like back pain due to strain.

Intended function

Some features are ideal for home use and as a commercial backpack vacuum, that’s why a commercial lightweight backpack vacuum would be great. It all depends on how frequent you’ll be using the vacuum. The best backpack vacuum should deliver uncompromising quality and be durable, especially if you intend using a commercial backpack vacuum. Those with high durability and low maintenance will serve you for longer without having to look for spare parts. It also allows you to take up more jobs.

Performance

For both professional cleaners as well as homeowners the equipment you buy should be able to deliver exceptional results. Top-performing backpack vacuums tend to have a vigorous suction power. A high suction power increases the vacuum cleaners’ cleaning capability. It also has low noise levels and can efficiently capture harmful airborne particles. This is a major factor when determining the quality of your best backpack vacuum. Also, avoid vacuums that require repeated charging requirements

Harness

The best backpack vacuum should have a comfortable harness. When the design of the backpacks’ harness is good, you will be able to carry and use the backpack vacuum cleaner comfortably. If you are using it as a commercial backpack vacuum cleaner, ensure that the harness is adjustable. The part that goes to the shoulders should also be well padded. This will reduce strain on your shoulders by transferring the weight to your legs and core.

Code length

The best corded vacuum is at least 50 foot power cord long floor tool and allows you to clean in a wider area. A longer cord can reach the deepest and furthest corners. Corded backpack vacuum cleaners also saves you time from having to look for and fix a temporary outlet.

Vacuum Cleaner Filters

The best backpack vacuum cleaners need to have strong HEPA filtration that can absorb dust and other particles. Before purchasing the best backpack vacuum, if possible test it and ensure that all the filters are working properly.

Ease of Use of the Backpack Vacuum

Any product that you buy needs to be comfortable enough to use. Apart from being comfortable, once you are done using it, it needs to be easy to clean. A backpack vacuum that you can’t easily clean after use is stressful and would not be the best to pick. Check the fabric used for the cleaner for a soft, cozy feel and easy cleaning. You can also put on the best backpack vacuum cleaner before you buy to help you determine whether it is comfortable to use.

Surfaces you will be cleaning

Always consider the surfaces you will be vacuuming since there are different floor designs and some areas might be more difficult to vacuum compared to others. But, most backpack vacuums work well for hard floors although you have to be extra keen to choose the best appliance that can clean the floor and carpets. A backpack vacuum with a powered brush is the best for picking up all the clutter and removing any small objects from the floor.

Vacuum Cleaning Tools or Attachments

Most standard backpack vacuum cleaners come with reliable tools or attachments. Backpack vacuum cleaners with various tools like a crevice tool will allow you to remove dust and small objects even from areas that cannot be accessed easily. It would be best to buy one with a wide assortment of attachments though most can be a bit pricey so always check the purpose and cost.

Benefits of using a backpack vacuum cleaners

Before buying, you first need to determine what makes it an outstanding choice. Over the years, backpack vacuum cleaning systems have had major improvements using the latest technologies to make them more efficient. Below are some of their benefits:

• Easier to Use: With most people complaining about how strenuous backpacks can be especially on your arm most backpacks have undergone some advancements. While using upright vacuums, you no longer have to carry the weight. They provide a thorough cleaning and the good thing is that you require less time. You can also easily maneuver them without bumping on walls, furniture or other objects. This reduces strain which often leads to backaches and pressure on body joints.
• Portable: Upright and canister vacuums require that you lift the unit above obstacles during clea. On the other hand, backpack vacuums are portable and you don’t have to lift them all the time. They are also great when it comes to cleaning areas above-floor with some like the contemporary backpacks being more lightweight. Some vacuums from top leading brands even allow you to clean while standing due to their comfortability.
• Power Long Cord: Backpack vacuums have long cord making them easier to move and clean areas that are very far with ease. This is few of the features that make them ideal for commercial cleaning and as commercial backpack vacuum since when cleaning you do not have to change outlets. It also makes it a great choice for home cleaning time.
• Versatile: Backpack vacuums are more versatile and can be used to clean walls, blinds, vents, furniture, carpets, cars, all types of floors, among other objects and surfaces.
• Easy to use and maintain: Advanced backpacks, especially those with bigger bags can be cleaned for longer without emptying.
• Easy to store: Due to their slim design you can easily store backpack vacuums.
• Durability: Being a type that is designed as commercial vacuum cleaners, most backpack vacuums function for longer hours. The fact that they can withstand so much activity on a daily basis shows how durable they are.
• Longevity: Compared to canister and upright vacuums that have many moving parts, backpack vacuums do not. Due to this, they don’t wear out as fast as their counterparts and will last longer before requiring a replacement.

FAQs

Users often ask questions regarding backpack vacuums reviews. Below is a look at some commonly asked questions and FAQs to help understand more about the vacuums and help you decide on the best fit according to some of the answers and vacuum cleaner reviews.

What is a backpack vacuum?

A backpack vacuum is a canister vacuum designed to be worn on your back like a backpack. The design makes it easier to access areas, enhances mobility, smooth handling and a faster cleaning process. It also removes the weight from your hands balancing it all the way to your legs and core.

Can Backpack Vacuums be for residential use?

Yes. Though commonly used in commercial applications, these vacuums can also be for residential use. But, most of them are not recommended for cleaning carpets, especially deep pile carpets and perform best when used on hard floors. This is due to the lack of appropriate tools and accessories like the vacuum powered vacuum cleaner heads.

However, you can still find a few backpack vacuum models that have powered cleaner heads. These are recommended for carpet cleaning and come in handy when cleaning basements, hardwood floors, carpets, kitchens, attics, rugs, stairs, and other dirty areas. Vacuums for Stairs review

Why Is A Backpack Vacuum Recommended?

A backpack vacuum is on the top-recommended vacuums because of various reasons. It’s not only lightweight and easy to carry and move around, but also takes up less storage space, especially if you have limited space in your home. This makes it an ideal vacuum for small spaces. Since they come with long cords, you can easily move the backpacks and access hard-to-reach spots of your home as well as clean large rooms or spaces within a few hours.

Which Filter Mechanism Do Backpacks Use?

The new powerful backpack vacuum models available in the market are more advanced with a paper bag filtration mechanism. These filters which are made up of synthetic materials have in-built anti-bacterial properties that help in reducing the build-up of germs and allergens. You will also find models that have both a dry and a wet filtration system.

Which is better? A Backpack or an Upright Vacuum?

According to research, backpack vacuums have been found to be more beneficial than upright vacuums. It can cover more than 10,000 square feet area within an hour. But, an upright vacuum takes 2-3 hours to cover the same area.

Backpacks are also more efficient with their efficiency rate being up to 45% more than upright vacuums. Their ergonomic design is also ideal to wear on your back while cleaning. This allows you to cover large areas up to 5 times more than that covered by an upright vacuum within the same time.

Although it’s the best option when it comes to vacuums, a major disadvantages of the backpack is the pricing. The vacuum is pricey and will cost you slightly more than a canister or upright vacuum. But, due to their numerous capabilities and efficiency, backpacks are worth investing in.

Are commercial vacuums a better option?

Depending on your intended purpose, a backpack vacuum is the best option as a commercial backpack vacuum. It’s lightweight and portability makes it easier to clean large areas or buildings giving a good and consistent job. While it can still perform well in most small spaces, being a commercial vacuum and considering its hefty price, it might not be the best choice. Consider your set budget, intended function and the area to be cleaned to determine the best fit.

How do you maintain a Backpack Vacuum?

The filtration system is on the top priorities for the proper functioning of a vacuum. Clean filters lengthen the life of the vacuums’ motor. Clean the filters the moment you are done cleaning and change them every time you notice that they are worn out. Always air dry the filters thoroughly and ensure that it’s completely dry before storage. Ensure that all the parts and seals are working correctly and remove any clogs in the hose.

Verdict

Most of these are chiropractor designed and are just so much easier to use. I hope this vacuum review has helped you see that canister vacuums aren’t the only way! Follow my tips and keep these considerations in mind. Pick from one of these brands and you’ll be on the right path!