There’s a certain romantic charm to raking leaves on a slow fall afternoon. But, as the season slouches towards its end, it becomes less and less enjoyable and increasingly dreadful, that is where the best backpack leaf blowers come in handy.
A handheld blower can make the chore much more tolerable, but it will tire you out very quickly. A backpack leaf blower is a great investment if you have a larger yard.
A backpack leaf blower is much more convenient to carry and, at the same time, packs a lot more power than a handheld model. It allows you to save a lot of time and energy when removing a carpet of deal leaves from your lawn.
To help you find a powerful backpack leaf blower for your yard, here are the 10 best options on the market.
This is our top recommendation, just in case you don’t have time to read through all the in-depth reviews below.
Our Top Pick: [amazon link=”B002FU5SKU” title=”Husqvarna 580BTS” /]
Features
- 75.6 cc engine
- 87.9 oz fuel capacity
- 179 MPH max airspeed
- Active cooling system
- Great runtime
Contents
Best Backpack Leaf Blowers Reviews
Husqvarna 350BT
[amazon fields=”B002FU5SKU” value=”thumb” image_size=”large” image_alt=”Husqvarna 350BT” image_align=”center”]
Features
- Weight: 22.5 lbs
- Engine capacity: 50 cc
- Wind speed: 180 MPH
When it comes to lawn care tools, you can never go wrong with Husqvarna. The manufacturer is renowned for creating high-quality tools that are built to last, and this blower is a great example of its outstanding engineering prowess.
For an impressively powerful leaf blower, the Husqvarna 350BT is fairly lightweight. Weighing about 22.5 lbs, it won’t strain your back and shoulders so easily. The harness does a great job of distributing the weight, allowing you to work more efficiently.
The 350BT features a one-of-a-kind X-Torx engine. It delivers more torque while maximizing fuel efficiency. The engine offers a better throttle response and superior airflow performance.
To allow you to get a better grip, the handle is located on the right side of the tube, away from the top. You can easily adjust it to your preferred grip style.
If you are left-handed, Husqvarna’s got you covered. The [amazon link=”B00TD5DCNK” title=”350BF” /] is a slightly different version of the 350BT. It may be easier to operate for a left-handed person, as the controls are located on the left side.
The cruise control switch is a very nice touch. It allows you to blow away leaves without having to keep your finger on the throttle all the time. If you have a larger property, this will definitely come in handy.
Pros
- Comfortable harness
- Fairly lightweight
- 180 MPH
- Excellent fuel efficiency
Cons
- Noisy
[amazon fields=”B002FU5SKU” value=”button” button_text=”Check Price on Amazon”]
Echo PB-580T Backpack Leaf Blower
[amazon fields=”B00VQO3JO8″ value=”thumb” image_size=”large” image_alt=”Echo PB-580T” image_align=”center”]
Features
- Weight: 28.6 lbs
- Engine capacity: 58.2 cc
- Wind speed: 215 MPH
With a rating of 70 dB, the Echo PB-580T is one of the quieter blowers on the list. But, it’s also one of the strongest. Its blowing power is quite impressive.
To keep debris out of the fan, it is equipped with a leaf guard. The pipe is fitted with a metal wear ring that protects it from damage. It is safe to say that the PB-580T is built to last.
The blower comes with a vented back pad and padded shoulder straps. It is quite comfortable to wear, especially in warm weather.
The small air filter is quite a nice detail. If dust gets sucked into the engine, you can easily remove it.
The blower is compatible with the [amazon link=”B003ZGQX8Y” title=”Echo rain gutter kit” /]. It allows you to easily remove debris and clean the gutters from the ground.
Starting the blower is very easy, you’ll rarely need to use more than one pull. The vibration levels are surprisingly low. The manufacturer really did a good job of minimizing the most common drawbacks of these blowers.
Pros
- Quieter than most other models
- Low vibration levels
- Powerful
- Vented back pad
- Air filter easy to remove and clean
Cons
- Heavier than average
[amazon fields=”B00VQO3JO8″ value=”button” button_text=”Check Price on Amazon”]
Poulan Pro PR48BT Backpack Blower
[amazon fields=”B01FZ2JL2K” value=”thumb” image_size=”large” image_alt=”Poulan Pro PR48BT” image_align=”center”]
Features
- Weight: 22 lbs
- Engine capacity: 48 cc
- Wind speed: 200 MPH
To help you get the job done faster, the Poulan Pro PR48BT is equipped with a robust 48cc 2-stroke engine. You can adjust the wind speed up to 200 MPH with its variable speed throttle control.
The intuitive controls allow you to easily set the precise wind speed needed for the task you want to perform. There’s also the cruise control feature that allows you to keep a consistent flow.
Weighing just 22 lbs, it lets you move around the yard with ease. Despite its lightweight construction, the PR48BT has a fairly sturdy frame—it will last you for the years to come.
The PR48BT is also fairly compact for a backpack blower, which is good news for those who are struggling with a lack of storage space.
The blower comes with padded shoulder straps. You can easily adjust them to your liking. Powering the PRT48BT is a breeze. Unless it’s particularly cold outside, it will start on the first pull.
Aside from leaves and dirt, it also works well with light snow. Considering it is such a well-performing blower, the price point is very attractive.
Pros
- Great value for money
- Ergonomic design
- Compact
- Lightweight
- Easy to use
Cons
- Noisy
[amazon fields=”B01FZ2JL2K” value=”button” button_text=”Check Price on Amazon”]
Makita EB7650TH Backpack Leaf Blower
[amazon fields=”B00R6AW5S2″ value=”thumb” image_size=”large” image_alt=”Makita EB7650TH” image_align=”center”]
Features
- Weight: 24.1 lbs
- Engine capacity: 75.6 cc
- Wind speed: 200 MPH
the Makita EB7650TH has a heavy duty frame and 75.6 cc (3.8 HP) engine capacity. There are very few consumer-grade leaf blowers that pack this much power.
When it comes to a leaf blower, power and comfort usually don’t go hand in hand, but that’s not the case with the EB7650TH. Between the engine and the frame, the leaf blower is fitted with heavy-duty anti-vibration mounts.
The wide-padded shoulder straps allow for maximum comfort. To ensure your back stays cool when you’re blowing leaves on a particularly sunny day, the blower is equipped with a ventilated back pad.
It even comes with a large grip that allows for ease of transportation. The only thing that is missing is a hip belt.
Replacing the air filter is very easy, so one can use it in a dusty yard without any hesitation.
It’s not as loud as one would expect such a powerful leaf blower to be (76 dB). The large-capacity muffler helps a lot in that regard. Still, it’s best to wear hearing protection when using it.
Pros
- Powerful
- Comfortable to wear
- Anti-vibration mounts
- Variable speed control
- No fuel mixing
Cons
- Bulky
[amazon fields=”B00R6AW5S2″ value=”button” button_text=”Check Price on Amazon”]
DeWalt DCBL590B Backpack Blower
[amazon fields=”B01B7OUOUS” value=”thumb” image_size=”large” image_alt=”DeWalt DCBL590B” image_align=”center”]
Features
- Weight: 27 lbs
- Power Source: 40V Max Li-ion battery (7.5 Ah)
- Wind speed: 142 MPH
Li-ion blowers are becoming increasingly popular, but very few of them are good enough for professionals or homeowners with larger yards.
When it comes to battery-powered solutions, DeWalt is way ahead of the curve. If you are searching for a quieter lawn maintenance tool, the DeWalt 40V Max Li-ion backpack blower maybe your best option.
To help you comfortably bear the weight of the tool and the batteries, the Dewalt DCBL590B comes with ergonomic back support and adjustable shoulder straps. And, no, “batteries” isn’t a typo—you can kit it with two 7.5 Ah cells.
This allows you to clean up a larger yard in one go, without having to take a break to recharge the battery. The Li-ion batteries add to the price, but, considering how much energy (and therefore money) you’ll be saving on gas, they will eventually pay for themselves.
Electric tools are very easy to take care of. With the DeWalt backpack blower, maintenance is a breeze.
One of the biggest perks of the DeWalk backpack blower is the fact that it’s significantly quieter than the average gas-powered model (63 dB). The tool comes with an intuitive joystick controller that is very easy to use. The Speed Lock cruise controlling feature is a very nice touch.
Pros
- Quieter than most other models
- Great joystick controller
- Cruise control
- Can carry 2 Li-ion batteries
- Lets you save money on fuel and maintenance
Cons
- Heavy
[amazon fields=”B01B7OUOUS” value=”button” button_text=”Check Price on Amazon”]
Shindaiwa EB802 Backpack Blower
[amazon fields=”B07BZM7J8B” value=”thumb” image_size=”large” image_alt=”Shindaiwa EB802″ image_align=”center”]
Features
- Weight: 25.3 lbs
- Engine capacity: 79.2 cc
- Air speed: 203 MPH
Weighing around 25 lbs, the Shindaiwa backpack blower isn’t one of the lighter options on the list, but because of its compact size and excellent weight distribution, it is easy to carry around. It’s even more agile than many of its lightweight competitors.
Instead of a pistol grip, the backpack blower utilizes hip controls. The kill switch is easy to access and set the throttle is pretty straightforward. The blower also offers cruise control. If you are not a huge fan of hip controls, there’s also a version with a tube-mounted throttle, the [amazon link=”B00BFPVAU8″ title=”EB802RT” /].
Fitted with a 79.2 cc engine, it can crank out some serious airspeed. The blower also revs up very quickly. The Shindaiwa undoubtedly packs enough power to tackle the most stubborn leaves and heavy dirt. The smaller tube allows you to move debris exactly where you want it.
If you don’t plan on using it for professional landscaping work, you’ll be happy to know that Shindaiwa offers a generous 5-year warranty for homeowner use. And, considering how durable and reliable the blower is, you can indeed expect it to have a longer lifespan.
Its only downside is the lack of comfort. The vibration levels are higher than average, and, considering the steep price point, the manufacturer should have included some sort of active cooling.
Pros
- Powerful
- Easy to use
- Durable and reliable
- Generous warranty
- Impressive air speed
Cons
- Could be more comfortable
[amazon fields=”B07BZM7J8B” value=”button” button_text=”Check Price on Amazon”]
Husqvarna 580BTS Backpack Leaf Blower
[amazon fields=”B009ROQNBA” value=”thumb” image_size=”large” image_alt=”Husqvarna 580BTS” image_align=”center”]
Features
- Weight: 26.4 lbs
- Engine capacity: 75.4 cc
- Wind speed: 179 MPH
The Husqvarna 580BTS is the bigger and stronger sibling of the 350BT. While they can reach roughly the same maximum wind speed, the 580BTS generates more air volume (907 cubic feet per minute). In fact, it’s one of the best-performing blowers in this department.
And, when it comes to comfort, the Husqvarna 580BTS doesn’t have much competition. Fitted with nice, padded shoulder straps, as well as a hip strap and a chest strap, it’s one of the most comfortable blowers money can buy.
When you put it on, the weight settles across the back and the hips quite nicely. Despite being one of the heaviest blowers on the list, one should be able to carry it comfortably for longer periods of time.
The weight displacement makes it feel like a lightweight model and its active cooling system is superb. Its large fuel tank (87.9 oz) allows for maximum work efficiency. One tank will last you well over an hour.
Just like most other Husqvarna blowers, the 580BTS features a powerful X-Torq engine. It is designed to increase fuel efficiency and reduce harmful emissions while offering maximum torque.
The blower has a one-of-a-kind centrifugal air cleaning system, a feature that is often underappreciated. It does a great job of removing debris and dust particles before they reach the air filter. The feature improves engine life and reduces air filter cleanings.
Pros
- Powerful
- Incredibly comfortable
- Durable and reliable
- Super-sized gas tank
- Great runtime
Cons
- Noisy
[amazon fields=”B009ROQNBA” value=”button” button_text=”Check Price on Amazon”]
RedMax EBZ8500 Commerical Backpack Leaf Blower
[amazon fields=”B005UDTS9Q” value=”thumb” image_size=”large” image_alt=”RedMax EBZ8500″ image_align=”center”]
Features
- Weight: 25.1 lbs
- Engine capacity: 75.6 cc
- Wind speed: 206 MPH
Weighing in at 25.1 lbs, the RedMax feels more comfortable than most blowers in its category. It comes with a handful of impressive features.
Between the back pad and the blower, the blower features intake vents that draw the air away from your back.
As far as backpack blowers go, it may be the best active cooling system. The RedMax blower comes with comfortable padded straps that are very easy to adjust.
The hip controls are very easy to use. If you don’t want to hold your finger on the trigger all the time, you can use the throttle lock, a feature similar to cruise control. The kill switch is conveniently positioned under the thumb.
When it comes to power, the EBZ8500 outperforms most other backpack blowers on the market. The wind speed it puts out is very impressive.
Boasting a 908 CFM rating, the EBZ8500 can handle almost every task you throw its way. And, thanks to the larger fuel tank (77.8 oz), the RedMax can run well over an hour. But, while its robust 75 cc engine is certainly impressive, it is not very fuel-efficient.
Pros
- Active cooling system
- Powerful engine
- Comfortable
- Easy to use
- Durable
Cons
- Not so fuel-efficient
[amazon fields=”B005UDTS9Q” value=”button” button_text=”Check Price on Amazon”]
Ryobi RY40440 Backpack Blower
[amazon fields=”B07VFQMBJD” value=”thumb” image_size=”large” image_alt=”Ryobi RY40440″ image_align=”center”]
Features
- Weight: 21.2 lbs
- Power Source: 40V Li-ion battery (5.0 Ah)
- Wind speed: 145 MPH
Ryobi’s electric blower packs more muscle than most other battery powered leaf blowers (625 CFM). Its 5.0 Ah battery offers a decent runtime, about a half an hour on high, making it a solid choice for an average-sized yard.
While it’s no replacement for a gas-powered model, when you switch on Turbo Mode, it can deal with stubborn material such as debris and wet leaves with relative ease.
The turbo-button comes with a very convenient 2-minute timer. And, if you want to minimize “finger fatigue,” there’s also the automatic power control feature.
Rated at 59 DB, the Ryobi RY40440 one of the quietest leaf blowers on the market. Considering how much power this tool puts out, the Ryobi battery powered definitely deserves a lot of credit in the noise department.
The flexibility of the tube is a particularly nice detail; it offers you an excellent range of motion. On top of being one of the lightest models on the list, the backpack blower has comfortable back padding, hip padding, chest strap, and adjustable shoulder straps.
It’s really comfortable to carry. The price point is very attractive and the tool even comes with a 5-year warranty. If you are looking for a cordless model, this might be the best backpack leaf blower for you.
Pros
- Quieter than most other models
- 5-year warranty
- Lightweight
- Comfortable
- 625 CFM
Cons
- Not for larger yards
[amazon fields=”B07VFQMBJD” value=”button” button_text=”Check Price on Amazon”]
EGO Leaf Blower
[amazon fields=”B07VFQMBJD” value=”thumb” image_size=”large” image_alt=”EGO Blower” image_align=”center”]
Features
- Weight: 18.3 lbs
- Power Source: 56V Li-ion battery (5.0 Ah)
- Wind speed: 145 MPH
Thanks to manufacturers like Ego and Ryobi, electric backpack leaf blowers are no longer considered to be “work in progress.” The Ego is a battery-powered backpack leaf blower that packs enough power to satisfy most pro-minded homeowners.
Moving 600 CFM of air at a speed of 145 MPH, makes yard work a whole lot easier. For an electric backpack blower, it does a surprisingly great job of clearing most glass clippings and similar debris.
With its mere 18.3 lbs of weight, it is by far the lightest backpack blower on the list. The Ego also sports a very ergonomic design. It includes a chest strap and a fantastic, thick waist belt. The comfort it offers is really exceptional.
When running at low speed, the 5.0 Ah battery can hold a charge for 2 hours. The average runtime in turbo mode is 15 minutes. However, if you need more runtime, Ego also sells larger, 7.5 Ah batteries.
Rated at 64 dB, the noise it makes is quite tolerable. It doesn’t really require hearing protection, although wearing it won’t hurt.
Pros
- Super lightweight
- Comfortable
- Not as noisy as gas-powered models
- Powerful
- 5-year warranty
Cons
- The battery takes long to charge
[amazon fields=”B07VFQMBJD” value=”button” button_text=”Check Price on Amazon”]
Best Backpack Leaf Blower Buying Guide
Gas vs. Electric Leaf Blower
Whether it’s best to go with a gas backpack leaf blower or electric backpack leaf blower mostly depends on what you need the blower for. For larger yards and bigger tasks, it’s best to use a gas-powered leaf blower.
Gas-powered blowers offer you a faster way to clean your yard. Generally, they have a much longer runtime than electric models.
Electric backpack leaf blowers are usually lighter than gas-powered blowers. They are also more compact, so they require less storage space.
Their weight and size make them more comfortable to work with. Since they feature brushless motors instead of gas-powered engines, they don’t require as much maintenance work as gas-powered models. And, if you are only clearing the lawn then a great lawn sweeper might be better.
Dealing with gas and oil can get messy, and if you are not used to it, it’s best to go with an electric model. Since gas backpack leaf blowers require fueling and maintenance, they are not worth dealing with if you have a smaller yard.
Batteries for electric blowers can get really expensive. However, they are a one time purchase, and, generally, recharging a motor is cheaper than refueling an engine, so they are a more cost-efficient solution.
But still, nothing can beat the power of a back backpack blower. So, the bottom line is: if you need a lot of power, go with a gas model. For smaller jobs, electric backpack blowers are the best solution.
Noise
Electric or gas-powered, backpack leaf blowers are very noisy tools, noisier than big garden tractors. Electric blowers are quieter than gas models, but they are still noisy enough to annoy your neighbors.
Be sure to check your local noise pollution regulations. Some communities only allow the use of electric models in residential areas while others have banned the use of leaf blowers altogether. You can check your local regulations at the NPC Law Library.
When working with a blower, be sure to wear hearing protection. The [amazon link=”B01L1U9L5W” title=”Mpow 035″ /] earmuffs are a good, affordable solution.
Conclusion
Of all the best backpack leaf blowers reviewed this is our choice, due to its exceptional performance, high-quality construction, and ergonomic design, the [amazon link=”B002FU5SKU” title=”Husqvarna 580BTS” /] is the best backpack leaf blower. Husqvarna is a world-famous lawn care equipment manufacturer with a reputation for designing reliable, cutting-edge tools. However, you won’t be making a mistake if you decide to go with any other model on the list.
Don’t forget that a backpack blower isn’t your only option. Check out my post on the best walk behind leaf blowers as well.
