8 Best Tool Backpacks for Easy Transport
Updated: Nov. 12, 2023
We evaluated the best tool backpacks for pros and DIYers to help organize and transport your tools to keep your projects moving
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Whether you need to carry your tools around the house for random DIY projects or you’re a professional in the field, getting your tools where you need them is always the first step. While that may sound oversimplified, in reality, it’s often one of the most difficult parts of many projects.
Organized mechanics tool sets and truck toolboxes are still some of the most convenient methods of carrying multiple tools to a job site. However, if you need to get tools for the job or through a construction site, having something even more versatile is essential. That’s where the best tool backpacks can help.
The best tool backpacks provide practical tool transporting ideas that are easy on your body. Having the right one can even speed up a job by keeping your tools organized and within reach when needed. To help you decide which tool backpack is right for your DIY or professional needs, we’ve compiled this list of the best ones on the market today.
The Best Tool Backpacks
- Best Overall: Klein Tools Tradesman Pro Backpack
- Best Budget: Husky Tool Backpack
- Best Modular: Milwaukee Packout Backpack
- Best for Small Tools: CLC Work Gear Pocket Molded Base Backpack
- Best Multipiece: Klein Tools 4-Piece Backpack Tool Set
- Best for Staying Organized: CLC 75-Pocket Tool Backpack
- Best with Wheels: DeWalt Pro Backpack on Wheels
- Most Compact: DeWalt ToughSystem 2.0 Compact Tool Bag
Best Overall Tool Backpack
Klein Tools Tradesman Pro Backpack
The Klein Tools Tradesman Pro Backpack is our best overall pick for best tool backpacks for a number of reasons. Its long list of convenient features includes adjustable padded shoulder straps with a sternum strap for effortless carrying, an added D-ring to hang at the job site, adjustable front pouches and lockable zippers for security—just to name a few.
This backpack stands nearly 20 inches tall and expands to 11 inches deep, so there are few hand tools that won’t fit. However, the convenient exterior straps can likely handle them if they don’t. A removable tool caddy is convenient for when you need to bring just a few smaller tools and want to leave the entire pack in the truck.
The Klein Tool backpack contains 48 pockets in total with 21 inside the pack. Its construction is all heavy-duty, from the polyester material to the molded bottom and duty-ready carrying handle. Klein Tools stands behind this pack with a limited lifetime warranty.
Pros
- Best features in its class for convenience, comfort and security
- Removable tool caddy for transporting just a few items from your pack
- Contrasting orange color interior makes it easy to locate tools
- Heavy-duty construction
- Limited lifetime warranty
Cons
- Pricier than other options on this list
- May offer more features than most DIYers need
Best Budget Tool Backpack
Husky Tool Backpack
Excellent for DIYers and pros alike who’d rather not spend a bunch of money, the Husky Tool Backpack has nice features and an even nicer price tag. As our best budget pick among the best tool backpacks, Husky’s feature list is impressive. It includes water-resistant construction, a molded base to stand on, 19 internal pockets in three separate compartments and a sturdy carrying handle.
Husky backs the 16-inch tool backpack with a three-year warranty. And while the pack is convenient for DIYers and small projects, its 7-inch depth is a little less than expected from a tool pack. Your pocket hole jig and a cordless drill will fit just fine, but for larger power tools, you’ll likely need something bigger to transport them.
Pros
- Budget-friendly pricing
- Convenient size for smaller projects
- Water-resistant fabric and waterproof base
- Three-year warranty
Cons
- Depth only measures 7 inches
- Not as heavy-duty as more expensive models
Best Modular Tool Backpack
Milwaukee Packout Backpack
The best tools aren’t always stand-alone items. Such is the case with the Milwaukee Packout Backpack. It’s our pick for the best modular backpack and is part of Milwaukee’s premium line of Packout modular storage system components. The Packout line consists of several parts, including toolboxes, a rolling dolly, tool bags and even a cooler.
The Milwaukee Packout Backpack can work just fine on its own, but having the ability to increase its functionality even more is an excellent bonus. The 15-inch backpack carries a five-year warranty, and its feature list includes heavy-duty polyester construction, 48 pockets, shoulder straps with a sternum strap, a hardshell compartment and a convenient external tape measure clip.
Pros
- Modular connectivity with other Packout system products
- Can be used as a stand-alone backpack
- Tear-resistant ballistic material
- Heavy-duty construction
Cons
- Hardshell construction can limit the bag’s flexibility
Best Tool Backpack for Small Tools
CLC Work Gear Pocket Molded Base Backpack
Custom LeatherCraft (CLC) Work Gear has been an industry standard for years, helping professionals and DIYers protect their hands, knees and body, and providing numerous tool transportation solutions. The company’s Pocket Molded Base Tool Backpack continues CLC’s reputation.
While not a large tool backpack, it provides 38 pockets in and around the pack, making it just right for electricians, DIYers, outdoor enthusiasts or anyone else who must carry far more small-sized tools than a handful.
Pros
- Excellent for toting a large collection of small tools
- Compact size maximizes space for smaller projects
- Features external straps for tools that don’t fit inside
- Works great for fishing and other outdoor sports
Cons
- Most pockets will only hold one tool at a time
- Smaller than most professionals will need
Best Multipiece Tool Backpack
Klein Tools 4-Piece Backpack Tool Set
Klein Tools offers more than just a “tool backpack” with this set, which is why it is our pick for the best on-the-go multipiece tool storage system. The Klein Tools Backpack Tool Set is a four-piece set consisting of a full-size tool backpack, two smaller zippered tool pouches with stand-up bases and a tool magnetizer that works with nearly any screwdriver.
The tool pouches and the pack feature a contrasting orange-colored interior, making identifying and finding tools easy. A rigid front pocket protects the contents from damage, but can somewhat limit the pack’s flexibility. Klein Tools’ limited lifetime warranty covers the backpack and its accessories.
Pros
- Consists of four convenient pieces for multipiece organization
- Contrasting orange color interior to easily locate tools
- Molded front pocket protects from damage
- Limited lifetime warranty
Cons
-
Molded pocket may reduce pack flexibility
Best Tool Backpack for Staying Organized
CLC 75-Pocket Tool Backpack
Anyone who’s ever had to make multiple trips to the workbench or work truck to grab a pair of pliers that got left behind can appreciate our pick for the best backpack for staying organized. The Custom LeatherCraft 75-Pocket Tool Backpack consists of six zippered compartments and 75 individual pockets for tools and parts.
While the compartments and pockets generally won’t fit large tools, this backpack has you covered when it comes to keeping track of countless small tools and parts. And if you need even more organization, it includes a plastic parts tray. This offering comes with a limited lifetime warranty.
Pros
- Excellent for organizing many small tools or parts
- Includes plastic tray for added organization
- Made of durable ballistic polyester fabric
- Limited lifetime warranty
Cons
- Not water-resistant
- Dark color interior may make it challenging to locate small tools or parts
Best Tool Backpack with Wheels
DeWalt Pro Backpack on Wheels
Tools are heavy. That’s why there are tools designed to help you transport other tools. While putting wheels on toolboxes and tool bags isn’t anything new, the DeWalt Pro Backpack on Wheels does its job particularly well.
The DeWalt Pro features a pair of wheels tucked into the rear of the pack and an extendable handle—meaning it’s a backpack that you may not have to carry at all. And the removable straps stay out of your way until you need to carry the pack. It also features a dedicated, water-resistant laptop compartment and a place just for power tool batteries.
Few backpacks are as versatile and convenient, and its 21-inch height means a lot will fit into it. The only downside is the extra weight (almost 8.5 pounds) associated with having such excellent extra features.
Pros
- Features wheels for rolling and removable shoulder straps for carrying
- Dedicated battery compartment
- Optimized with 46 pockets for organization
- Water-resistant laptop compartment
Cons
-
Heavier than some competitors
Most Compact Tool Backpack
DeWalt ToughSystem 2.0 Compact Tool Bag
A backpack with compact in its name should be good at being just that. The DeWalt ToughSystem 2.0 is an 11-inch wide and 15.25-inch tall tool backpack that rivals the functionality of larger packs. It does so by incorporating multiple smart storage ideas into one small package. For that reason, it is our pick for the best tool backpack in the compact category.
Its storage features include vertical side pockets for tall, skinny tools, a front bungee cord system for handling larger tools, a personal item compartment and convenient access from both sides of the main compartment. Other features include heavy-duty fabric construction, a padded carrying handle, 25 pockets and a waterproof base.
Pros
- Small pack with smart storage compartments
- Includes external bungee for larger tools
- Made of 1680D dirt-repellent fabric
- Heavy-duty construction
Cons
-
It may be too small for many professionals
What to Look for When Buying a Tool Backpack
When looking for the best hand tools or the best way to get them from place to place, a few factors are more important than others. Whether you’re a professional tradesperson or an avid DIYer, spending any time at all with an uncomfortable tool can make for a long day.
Designed to make work easier, the best tool backpacks are convenient and comfortable. However, they must be capable of doing the job as well. Look for the following essentials when deciding which tool backpack is best for your needs.
- Size: Ensure the backpack you purchase has enough room for the tools you wish to carry. On the other hand, if you need a compact tool transportation solution, ensure it’s small enough.
- Pockets: Decide whether the number of pockets—as well as pocket size—is appropriate for your needs, and choose accordingly. In general, tool backpacks either offer many small pockets or fewer large ones.
- Comfort: A tool backpack is only good if you can stand to take it with you where your tools are needed. It’s not only not fun to drag around an uncomfortable pack, but it can hinder production too.
- Budget: We all still need money for more tools. Ensure the pack you choose fits in your budget and is something you’ll use.
- Durability: Durability is important for making the investment worthwhile over the long run for both DIYers and professionals.
- Versatility: Sometimes needs change and tool backpacks cost real money. If your tool needs vary with every project, ensure your pack can handle the varying demands.
How We Found the Best Tool Backpacks
After more than 30 years of dragging tools in and out of customers’ homes and constantly trying to find the best way to do it, our writer can attest to the importance of finding the right tool backpack to make the job less of a hassle. While this is crucial for professionals, DIYers are also familiar with procrastinating a project just because it’s difficult to get started. We evaluated numerous packs to compile this list of the best tool backpacks available to make choosing yours as easy as possible.
FAQ
Why should I use a tool backpack?
While there are many ways to get your tools from one place to another, a tool backpack makes the task easier than carrying a rigid box or having to take multiple trips to carry one or two at a time. Perhaps the greatest benefits include the ability to organize and keep several of your tools together in a single, easy-to-grab location.
How do I keep my tool bag organized?
Keeping a tool bag organized is a learned skill. Start by keeping your most commonly used tools upfront or in external pockets where they’re easy to grab. To maintain organization, keep the pack zipped up on the job site to avoid getting dirt and debris inside. Refrain from putting items other than tools or parts in the pack, and develop a habit of putting each tool back in its place either immediately after use or after the job is complete.
Are there any tools that I shouldn’t place in a tool backpack?
The only tools that can’t go in a tool backpack are those that won’t fit—and many of those can be strapped to the outside. In general, it’s a good idea to remove protruding saw blades and sharp drill bits from power tools and place them in a side pocket where they won’t sustain damage or puncture the pack.
