The 6 Best Backpack Leaf Blowers for Homeowners, According to a Former Landscaper
Updated: Feb. 01, 2024
Clear your yard of leaves and debris in comfort with the best backpack leaf blower for your lawn.
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If you have a large property or lots of wet, heavy leaves to clear, you could benefit from the best backpack leaf blower. Here is how to use a leaf blower. These heavy-duty machines deliver impressive power and airspeeds, and complete large clean-up jobs much faster than handheld blowers. And while backpack blowers often weigh more than their handheld counterparts, they feel lighter due to better weight distribution across the user’s chest, back and hips.
Although the majority of backpack leaf blowers are gas-powered, battery-powered versions are becoming more common. Regardless of what you’re into, there’s something for everyone. Check out our six carefully-vetted picks below, selected by a former landscaper.
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Best Overall Backpack Leaf Blower
Husqvarna 350BT Backpack Blower
We tested and reviewed the Husqvarna 350BT backpack blower last year, and its dedication to both comfort and performance made it an easy choice as the best backpack blower overall. Husqvarna’s proprietary X-Torque engine—designed for maximum fuel efficiency and lower emissions—generates an impressive 692 CFM of air volume and airspeeds of 180 MPH.
My favorite feature of this blower is just how comfortable it is to use, especially during during extended projects. The ergonomic harness system and hip belt keep the blower snug and secure as you work, and dampeners between the engine and chassis minimize engine vibrations. The offset handle ensures that your hand and arm are at the ideal angle for maximum control, and the throttle trigger is responsive and intuitive to use.
Husqvarna has been producing high-quality power equipment for over a hundred years, and we’ve always found its products—blowers and chainsaws in particular—to be reliable and extremely well made.
Pros
- Ideal combination of power and comfort
- Fuel-efficient engine
- Easy-to-use cruise control setting
- Adjustable handle
Cons
- Smaller fuel tank than similar models
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Best Budget Backpack Leaf Blower
Troy-Bilt TB51BP Gas Backpack Leaf Blower
Despite costing considerably less than the other options on our list, this Troy-Bilt blower still provides tons of useful features. The 51 cubic centimeter (cc) two-stroke engine generates airspeeds of 220 MPH, and a spring-assisted pull start reduces those frustrating startup issues. The harness and chest strap distribute the blower’s weight evenly, and, just like our top pick, built-in dampers reduce vibration. An ergonomic throttle handle and soft grip reduce hand and forearm fatigue, as well.
This blower does have a relatively high 75 dB noise level though, so consider if the money saved is worth you—and your neighbors—having to deal with some moderate noise pollution. If you do choose this blower, make sure to use proper hearing protection.
Pros
- Affordable price
- Ergonomic throttle
- Spring-assisted pull-starter
- Three-year warranty
Cons
- Relatively loud
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Most Powerful Backpack Leaf Blower
Echo PB-9010T Backpack Leaf Blower
If raw power is your top priority, look no further than the Echo PB-9010T backpack leaf blower and its jaw-dropping 1,110 CFM output. This gas-powered beast is ideal for those who need to move large volumes of material, as well as heavier items like wet leaves, trash and yard debris. Echo blowers like this one are popular with commercial landscaping companies that use them frequently, which is a great endorsement for their quality, durability and reliability.
A large 83.8-ounce fuel tank helps extend the runtime, especially when used at full power, and the variable speed trigger easily dials the power down for smaller tasks. We’re also a fan of the main filter and foam pre-filter for use in dusty environments, which increases its overall durability.
Choosing the most powerful backpack blower does come at a cost though, and weighing in at a hefty 27 pounds, this is the heaviest model on our list. At 80 dB, it’s also the loudest.
Pros
- Extremely powerful airflow
- Durable construction
- Metal nozzle ring reduces wear
- Five-year consumer warranty
Cons
- Heavy
- Very loud
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Best Battery-Powered Backpack Leaf Blower
Greenworks BPB80L2510 Backpack Leaf Blower
Lightweight and with a quiet, neighbor-friendly operation, this Greenworks backpack leaf blower is a smart option for homeowners interested in a battery-powered machine. Best of all, unlike many cordless electric leaf blowers, this one doesn’t skimp on power. Its 180 MPH airspeed and 610 CFM air volume outputs are nearly as high as our top pick. This model is also part of the Greenworks Pro 80-volt max system, so you can swap out the battery with other lawn care tools like chainsaws, lawnmowers, string trimmers and edgers. The 13-minute runtime (on high) isn’t practical for larger properties, but if you’re fine compromising runtime for the hassle-free starts and quiet operation of an electric machine, this is a solid choice.
Although we haven’t tested this model specifically, we have had great experiences with Greenworks handheld blowers and consider them at the top of the battery-powered outdoor power equipment class.
Pros
- Battery works with other Greenworks products
- Powerful air flow
- Quiet operation
- Easy to use
Cons
- Short runtime
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Best Four-Stroke Backpack Leaf Blower
Makita EB5300WH Four-Stroke Backpack Blower
This Makita backpack blower uses a four-stroke engine, which provides greater fuel efficiency than its two-stroke siblings, as well as increased durability. Both factors make this model an excellent choice for frequent use, resulting in less money spent on fuel and an engine that’s better suited to withstand wear and tear. The large-capacity air filter also increases durability and engine efficiency.
With separate compartments for fuel and oil, you don’t have to worry about frustrating spills when pre-mixing or accidental damage from incorrect ratios. Its 70 dB noise rating is also the quietest gas-powered option on our list. This model includes three nozzle heads, including a flat attachment for dislodging and lifting heavy debris.
Pros
- Fuel-efficient engine
- No fuel mixing required
- Durable internal components
- Anti-vibration mounts for comfort
Cons
- Not as powerful as similar two-stroke blowers
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Best Splurge Backpack Leaf Blower
Stihl BR 800 X Magnum
It’s not cheap, but if you’re looking for an extremely high-quality machine that’ll last a long time, consider the Stihl BR 800 X Magnum backpack leaf blower. Capable of generating airspeeds of 239 MPH, this commercial-style machine is powerful enough to clear heavy debris, like wet leaf piles and fallen acorns, without being overly heavy or bulky like other high-powered options.
“If you want a professional-grade blower that’s lightweight and easy to use, the Stihl BR 800 packs the power for any backyard job,” Editor (and our tester!) Mary Henn explained.
The adjustable support harness uses ergonomic S-shaped shoulder straps, ensuring maximum comfort and minimal user fatigue, regardless of body size. All operational controls are placed conveniently on the handle, including a built-in stop switch that immediately shuts off the engine. If you’ve got the budget (and a large lawn that you want to clean as quickly and comfortably as possible), Stihl is the way to go.
Pros
- Designed for heavy-duty jobs
- Built to last
- User-friendly controls
- Ergonomic shoulder straps
Cons
- Overkill for light-duty use
What to Look for When Buying a Backpack Leaf Blower
- CFM and mph: Manufacturers rate leaf blowers by the amount of air they move and the speed the air travels. Air volume is measured in cubic feet per minute (CFM) and airspeed in miles per hour (mph). A higher CFM produces more air and is better for clearing large areas quickly, while a faster MPH is better for lifting and clearing heavy debris, like wet leaf piles.
- Power source: Backpack leaf blowers are gas-powered or battery-operated (there are essentially no corded models). Gas motors are two-stroke (requiring a gasoline/oil mixture) or four-stroke (gas and oil are added to separate compartments). Two-stroke engines are lighter and easier to repair, while four-stroke versions are quieter, more efficient and more environmentally friendly.
- Padding and vibration reduction: A backpack leaf blower should be comfortable to use, so look for a padded, adjustable harness to distribute its weight evenly and a frame that limits the transfer of vibrations from the engine to the user.
- Noise: Leaf blowers are noisy, even the “quiet” ones. And electric leaf blowers are quieter than gas-powered models. Most blowers list their operating noise in decibels (dB). Some manufacturers use weighted decibels (dBA), a measurement adjusted for the range of human hearing. It’s not a one-to-one ratio between dB and dBA, but for our purposes, we use them interchangeably.
- Weight: If you’re concerned about comfort over power, a lighter backpack blower is generally always better than a heavier one. The average weight of a backpack blower is around 23 pounds.
- Warranty: Many manufacturers offer different warranty periods for commercial and residential use. Always check the consumer use period to ensure that you’re comparing apples to apples.
How We Found the Best Backpack Leaf Blowers
As a former member of a large landscaping crew, I’ve used a variety of leaf blowers, with the majority of them being backpack versions. This experience has given me a clear idea of what makes some backpack leaf blowers better than others—particularly when it comes to comfortability—as well as the brands, types and models that I’ve come to know and trust.
I kept this experience in mind as I gathered potential options for this list, evaluating them based on power, ease of use, comfort and functionality. With the advancement of battery technology, as well as the rise in gas-powered blower restrictions, I felt it was important to include an electric option, as well. Using these criteria, I narrowed a list of about 20 potential products down to the best six backpack blowers listed here.
FAQ
Is CFM or MPH more important with backpack blower?
It depends on the material that you’re trying to move. According to our experts, a higher CFM is best for moving large amounts of leaves at once. But lifting and moving wet leaves or heavier debris requires more speed, in which case MPH matters more. The best backpack blowers for a variety of tasks have a balanced amount of both CFM and MPH.
What type of leaf blowers do landscapers use?
Landscapers use both handheld and backpack leaf blowers, and stick to high-end brands like Husqvarna, Echo, Stihl and Redmax. These brands provide the reliability and durability needed to ensure that their equipment always works when it needs to. Landscapers also must be prepared for a variety of property sizes and types, so they almost exclusively use gas-powered blowers to ensure they have the power, runtime and portability to tackle any job size.
What is the lightest, most powerful backpack blower?
In our research, the Greenworks BPB80L2510 backpack leaf blower is the best lightweight backpack leaf blower that’s still powerful enough to get the job done. It’s just 14.6 pounds (battery included), and its 180 MPH airspeed and 610 CFM air volume rank right up there with mid-sized gas-powered options. If you’re considering this model, just keep the relatively short 13-minute runtime in mind.
Originally Published: March 31, 2022
