If you’re in the market for a backpack vacuum you’ve taken a step in the right direction. They provide incredible agility and freedom of movement that most other vacuums can’t offer. As the name suggests, this appliance is designed to be worn on your back with the use of a harness that can adjust to the perfect fit.

he hose extends from the machine to the front of your body and is flexible enough to clean virtually all surface types. Use it to clean confined spaces, stairways and high-reaching areas.    

Top rated backpack vacuums are equipped with suction power strong enough to vacuum various floor types in most scenarios. Modern advancements in battery technology has seen a growing market of cordless backpack vacuums that deliver the ultimate cleaning freedom, without the hassle of power cables.

These units are user-friendly and most of them provide an adequate amount of power suitable for commercial cleaning. Domestic users will enjoy a higher level of cleaning results throughout their homes.     

From the onset, a backpack vacuum might seem like a daunting appliance to use or might appear difficult to operate but it’s not. At first it might feel a bit awkward simply because you are more familiar with a conventional upright or canister machine.

I can assure you that a backpack vacuum will help you to deliver a thorough clean much easier and quicker. The simple way to look at it is that you are carrying the equipment on your back (except the hose and wand) rather than pushing or dragging it on the floor.

Throughout this buyer’s guide we’ll help you to get accustomed to a backpack vacuum, its features and go through the advantages over other vacuum types. We’ll pop the hood and explain everything you need to know and hopefully, by the end of this article, you’ll see that backpack vacuums aren’t as complex as you thought they were. 

Reasons to get a Backpack Vacuum Cleaner?

Vacuuming usually takes up a lot of time and is a mundane chore, which is why an appliance that reduces cleaning times and takes away the hard work is a welcomed solution whether it’s for industrial or home cleaning. Office cleaning companies or janitors, for example, would massively benefit from the convenience of a backpack vacuum, however, its uses extend beyond commercial applications. 

The increased mobility means that nothing gets in the way and as a result, you can target areas that are trickier to reach with a standard sized vacuum. A backpack cleaner affords you the ability to deep clean sections of the room that an upright or canister vacuum would struggle to.

Helpful tip– make sure that you a buy a backpack vacuum with a good range of attachments, this not only speeds up cleaning but it allows you to target multiple surfaces and tight gaps as well. 

For homes or businesses with limited storage, a backpack vacuum is the ideal solution as it takes up little room and is easier to transport than other vacuum types. The majority of these units are designed with compactness as a priority therefore, making them perfect for mobile vacuuming requirements.

The best rated backpack vacuums place expedient functionality right in front of you but this will also depend on your usage requirements, the environment it needs to vacuum and the model that you decide to go with. We’ve done the groundwork and sourced the best backpack cleaners available to buy today, simply use the link below.

Recommended Reading: Best Backpack Vacuum Cleaners- Our Ultimate Shortlist

When choosing a backpack vacuum stick to well established brands such as Hoover, Proteam, Powr-Flite or Bissell. These brands come with a good track record and have been making vacuum cleaners for decades to give you a better cleaning experience.  

It’s a worthwhile investment to opt for an appliance from a household brand, even if it costs a bit more money. You will get peace of mind that your new machine will give you many years of reliable service even with heavy usage.

Personally, I think the extra cost is justified as it will cut down on cleaning times thus saving you money in the long run whilst maintaining an immaculate standard of cleanliness.

The Advantage of a Backpack Vacuum

If you were to observe a commercial cleaner in an office, school or hotel, chances are they’ll be using a backpack vacuum. How come? Because this appliance is lightweight, compact and delivers stronger suction than rival vacuum types.

Generally, you’ll find them used for industrial cleaning but they are equally suitable for household cleaning. If you struggle lugging your cumbersome vacuum around you’ll benefit from hoisting on of these machines on your back. 

What Should you take in account prior to buying a Backpack Vacuum?

Make sure that you take your time when choosing a backpack vacuum as it’s usually a big investment. It’s crucial to know which features you need and features that are just nice to have.

Once you know the type of surfaces you’ll be mostly be cleaning and how often you’ll be moving the machine from area to the other, you should consider the points below.  

Cleaning environment

• Which areas will your backpack vacuum get the most use?
• Will you be vacuuming places such as restaurants or hotel rooms that need cleaning more than once a day?
• Are you a workman requiring a backpack cleaner for picking up sawdust, cement dust or other types of dirt from commercial projects?

Depending on the type of cleaning you need to perform, domestic or professional, it’s a good idea to consider the types and sizes of spaces that your new machine needs to operate in. This will give you a clearer picture of the power needed from your appliance to carry out the required tasks. It will also help you decide which tools and accessories are required to make the job easier.       

Recommended Reading: Best Backpack Vacuum Cleaners- Our Ultimate Shortlist

Backpack Vacuum Cleaner Accessories

Backpack vacs focus on pure suction power and resourceful vacuuming instead of the fancy features found on canister or upright vacuums, but don’t mistake this with a basic vacuum cleaner that only provides the minimum essentials- The capability of a backpack vacuum is far from basic. Look for a model that comes with a varied collection of accessories to transform it into a versatile cleaner.   

Some of the attachments that you can expect to find are a crevice tool to clean small spaces and gaps, a glider for vacuuming rugs and carpets, a brush duster to clean upholstery and curtains. If your new machine can be transformed into a blower, it will be supplied with the relevant accessories for sweeping duties. Some models will come with angled wands to simplify reaching into awkward areas.

As mentioned earlier, you should think about the type of debris you’ll be cleaning regularly and whether you’ll vacuuming mostly hard surfaces or carpets. This will help you to decide the attachments and nozzles that should be supplied with your new appliance. Here are a few questions to ask yourself when thinking about accessories: 

• Are you vacuuming dusty shelves, ceiling fans and high-reaching areas?
• Do you need to clean challenging mess such as pet hairs?
• Are you cleaning mostly on hard surfaces or carpeting?
• Does your new backpack vacuum need to have a hypoallergenic cleaning feature?

Affordability

One of the most important aspects that influences your purchasing decision is the cost of the vacuum. The secret here is not to go too cheap and compromise the cleaning performance, however, that doesn’t necessarily mean that you need to spend big bucks for a decent machine.

The budget that you set aside for your new backpack vacuum should correlate with the amount of use that you expect from the unit; therefore, a commercial cleaning business would require a much stronger premium appliance compared to a builder that would vacuum less frequently.

Maybe you’re a domestic user that wants a backpack vacuum for the occasional big jobs around the house, you wouldn’t need a premium machine for this. Check out the link below to find the best backpack cleaner for your budget.   

Recommended Reading: Best Backpack Vacuum Cleaners- Our Ultimate Shortlist

Motor Power

Whether you need a backpack vacuum for professional purposes or household cleaning, you want the task to be completed in the least amount of time whilst retaining a high standard of cleanliness.

Thankfully backpack vacuums are fitted with some of the strongest motors found on a vacuum cleaner, these motors are stronger than the ones on cumbersome upright machines. The result is sheer suction power that speeds up cleaning times and efficiency.

Compact 

Your backpack vacuum is always there, right behind you, wherever you need to go. It provides the most comprehensive movement freedom, whether it’s cleaning stairways or navigating different rooms in the house, a school or hospital, you can do this without lugging or pushing around the unit.

It reduces fatigue and strain to your back whilst allowing you to clean for extended periods of time. The machine also frees up both of your hands therefore allowing you to move furniture or other objects during vacuuming without causing delays. 

Multipurpose Backpack Vacuum

Don’t worry if the house or building, that needs cleaning, has a combination of hard floors and carpets. The backpack vacuum is designed to tackle numerous surface types as a result of the powerful suction provided by the motor.

It can thoroughly clean any type of hard floor without causing scratches. Additionally, a backpack vac usually comes with a flexible hose that stretches to a good length, giving you the convenience to reach areas that other vacuums can’t get to. 

Recommended Reading: Best Backpack Vacuum Cleaners- Our Ultimate Shortlist

User Friendly

The advantage that a backpack vacuum has over other vacuums is that it allows you to keep your back straight unlike an upright or canister. Your new unit will come with its own customised harness with various adjustable straps that spread the weight of the machine evenly to eliminate any type of strain. It is much easier to manoeuvre around the house or building.

Robust

Backpack vacuums are very convenient for domestic use, however, the bulk of them are designed to accommodate the requirements of professionals. This is win-win situation, especially if you’re a residential user because you will benefit from the robust materials used to make them, which are much stronger than standard vacuum cleaners. The minimalistic design means they are less parts prone to damage and less maintenance to worry about. 

Backpack Vacuum Capacity

Though they are compact machines, backpack vacuums can collect a large amount of dirt before reaching full capacity. Whatever brand or model you decide to buy, a large holding capacity is a universal feature that can be enjoyed across the board. The advantage for you is less frequent emptying and more time spent cleaning, it will also minimise the cost of spare bags.

How Much does a Backpack Vacuums Weigh?

The weight of an average backpack vacuum is not much at all. One would think that these appliances weigh a tonne because of the strong suction but you’d be wrong! The weight ranges between 10 to 15 pounds which feels like nothing on your back.

We’re all different and what might be comfortable for me could be a lot for someone else, therefore, I’d recommend choosing a weight that won’t strain your back. 

Does a Backpack Vac Contribute to Air Pollution?

When consumers research a backpack vacuum and read about horsepower (HP) and motor amps they could easily assume that efficiency is been compromised to make way for motor power, however, this is a misconception.

The fact is, backpack cleaners are equipped with some of the best filter systems to improve efficiency and cope with the high expectations required by professionals. Typically, this type of machine houses 3 to 5 filters.  

Usually, a backpack vacuum is fitted with a HEPA filter that has the ability to catch 99.97% of dust particles and allergens floating in the air. With certain models, the filtration is integral to a sealed system. If your new vacuum houses a sealed system, it will stop dirt particles from escaping once picked up.  

Recommended Reading: Best Backpack Vacuum Cleaners- Our Ultimate Shortlist

Do Backpack Vacuums make a lot of Noise?

The noise limit set by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration is 90 decibels in an 8-hour day. Manufacturers are cautious about maintaining a noise level well below this limit and will often equip their units with noise diffusers to achieve comfortable volumes.

Backpack vacuums need to operate at lower noise levels especially in commercial environments such as hospitals or hotels where a loud motor could disrupt patients or customers.  

The noise diffusers are made from sound-dampening materials which form part of the machine’s body. Another noise-reducing technique is fitting the appliance with a brushless motor which is quieter than a conventional motor and as a result, you will find that the noise of most backpack vacuums is between 60 to 70 decibels which is comparable to the sound of a hairdryer. 

Backpack Vacuum Cleaner Maintenance

Maintenance advice is different between models; however, they are several best practices that you can follow to maintain your backpack vacuum at its optimum working condition. To start off, avoid operating your machine if it doesn’t have all of its filters or dirt canister attached to it.

Be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions regarding filter maintenance and stick to the cleaning intervals. I’d recommend setting yourself reminders to clean the filters, it might seem like a hassle, but it will prolong the life of your machine in the long run. Avoid overfilling the dirt bag or letting it exceed 75% capacity, to reduce the chances of overheating the unit.

If your backpack vacuum is corded, you should get into the practice of inspecting the cord every week to ensure that it’s in good condition. Like other corded machines, be careful not to pull on the cable excessively while vacuuming. Follow these simple steps to extend the life of your new vacuum cleaner. 

Which Type of Bag should you buy?

Not many backpack vacuums use a bagless container to collect dirt and dust. Most of them are designed to utilise either a cloth or paper bag. Each type has its advantages and drawbacks.

Cloth bags can be used more than once. Once full, you can tip the debris out into the garbage can, give the bag a good shake and place it back into the machine ready for the next job. The benefit here is the money saved from not needing replacement bags. The drawback is that cloth bags are untidy to empty.

Paper bags are for one-time use. A full bag will need to be chucked away and a new one attached to the machine. You’ll need to buy spare bags and keep a supply of them readily available. The advantage of paper bags is that they are a lot more hygienic and easier to dispose of.  

Dust has a tendency of escaping back into the atmosphere even when precautions are taken, but the chances of this are reduced if you use paper bags instead of cloth. What type of bag should you get? This boils down to the expense of bag replacements versus the convenience. What is more important to you? 

Recommended Reading: Best Backpack Vacuum Cleaners- Our Ultimate Shortlist

What Are The Most Important Features of a Backpack Vacuum Cleaner?

Backpack vacuum cleaners are unique to other model types. They are powerful machines and are designed for longevity. Unlike cheap vacuums that tend to lose suction after the first few months, a backpack vac will perform consistently and maintain unfading suction power.

Your new vacuum will last you for many years and for this reason, you want to ensure that it provides the desired performance.

Here are some of the features to be aware of before you buy your new backpack vacuum cleaner:

Backpack Vacuum Motor

As mentioned earlier, suction power is key to the performance of a vacuum cleaner. The stronger the motor, the higher amount of suction it will generate. The power of a motor on a backpack cleaner is calculated in watts, the more the better. As a rule of thumb, ensure that you choose a machine with a minimum of 1000 watts.

Don’t worry if you find a vacuum specifying two different watts for its motor. It means that the machine is fitted with a two-stage motor that generates cyclone power. The advantages of a cyclone system is that it’s more effective at separating small dust particles and keeping them from the motor.

Airflow

Suction power is measured in various ways, one of the most common measurements is the rate of water lift which is calculated in inches. Water lift is central to the vacuum’s performance, however, a more important metric for a backpack vacuum is the airflow which shifts debris and dust sucked up by the unit.

A low airflow rate will negatively affect the suction power. Aim for a minimum airflow rate of 100 cubic feet per minute for better cleaning performance.   

The airflow rate should be at the forefront of your purchasing decision and should be one of the determining factors when choosing your machine. Even if you find a machine with 10 cubic feet per minute less than your last consideration, this could mark the difference between a great machine and an average one.  

Cleaning Range

The cleaning range of a backpack vacuum will be determined by several factors. For starters, the power cable needs to be long enough and should preferably measure about 50 ft. You also need to consider the length of the bendable hose which should ideally be 4 to 6 ft long. Most backpack cleaners are supplied with a wand.

Some wands are retractable and can be adjusted to the desired length. You can also find angled wands that can be combined with various accessories for better reach when vacuuming large floors and high-reaching areas. Generally, a vacuum should come with plenty of accessories to help extend its reach.     

Bin Capacity

The dirt bag should be large enough to reduce the number of trips to the garbage can. Ideally, you want a high capacity bin that doesn’t add much bulk to the machine. The capacity will vary between models, however, the bin should be no smaller than 1 gallon. Most modern backpack vacuums are equipped with generous bins that can hold a capacity of 2.5 gallons or more.     

Backpack Vacuum Cleaner Harness

A backpack vacuum needs a harness to secure the machine into a good position and improve its stability. The harness should have a minimum of one waist straps and a strap for each shoulder. Ideally, you want a strap that goes across the chest as well, but not all models come with one.   

The ultimate harness should be fit snuggly on your back whilst providing a great level of comfort. The straps should be padded and designed from material that is breathable. In addition to this, be on lookout for a waist strap that doubles up as storage for attachments for easy accessibility.  

Recommended Reading: Best Backpack Vacuum Cleaners- Our Ultimate Shortlist

To Conclude

You’ve come to the end of the best backpack vacuum cleaner buyers guide and reviews for 2021. If you’ve made it this far then you are serious about buying a backpack vacuum and hopefully, by now you are armed with all the right information to pick the right appliance for your requirements.

Overall, a backpack vacuum is highly versatile and focuses on large scale cleaning whilst minimising fatigue to the user. It provides the best suction power on a vacuum cleaner of its size and is robust enough for commercial use.

Are you considering getting your hands on a backpack vacuum cleaner or do you already own one. Please leave your comments in the section. I’d love to hear from you.     

Recommended Reading: Best Backpack Vacuum Cleaners- Our Ultimate Shortlist

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