Best Backpack Leaf Blowers

Struggling to clear paths, driveways and decks using a brush can lead to draining, long-winded tasks. Even when using a compact leaf blower, certain pieces of debris can be very difficult to remove. The advantage of backpack blowers is their significant power, which can handle any task with ease.

With different power ranges, sizes and power sources, it can be difficult knowing which model you should get. With our countless hours of research, we’ve made it as easy as possible for you. Here we look at the best backpack leaf blowers, by the time you get to the end, you’ll know exactly which one you should get.

Best Backpack Leaf Blower Reviews

1. Poulan Pro 967087101 Backpack Leaf Blower

Let’s face it; leaf blowers are expensive. If you’re looking for one on the lower end of the price scale, then Poulan has been able to make an excellent model. It still has 475 CFM, which will be highly effective for most tasks.

The 2-stroke engine has a high level of build quality with features such as cruise control and variable speed control. It’s lighter than most other models, and it is very comfortable. If you’re looking for a cheaper option, then you’ll still get a lot of quality here.

Pros

• High level of power
• Value for money
• Lightweight
• Very comfortable

Cons

• Hard to control

Our Verdict

You always worry when you are getting a budget product that you’re going to be sacrificing a lot when it comes to quality. You don’t need to have any such fears here as it’s very well made and can compete well with more expensive models. Overall, we rate it very highly.

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2. Husqvarna 350BF Backpack Leaf Blower

Key Features

• 494 CFM
• Padded harness
• Low vibrations
• Large carry handle
• Cruise control function

Husqvarna has been able to make a product that strikes a perfect balance between cost and performance. At 494 CFM, it has a brilliant level of power but can remain comfortable while on your back with a reasonable weight, padded harness, and low vibrations.

It is very easy to start, and you’ll quickly have it on your back. It’s easy to maneuver the nozzle, but when using the controls, it can be too easy to knock it into the off position and have to restart it. Apart from that, it has great usability.

Pros

• Minimal arm strain
• Adjustable tube length
• Easy to control
• Starts easily

Cons

• Poor switch controls

Our Verdict

There is a brilliant level of power with this model that is going to clear debris very quickly out of your path. You’re able to wear it on your back for long periods, and it’s simple to use. Overall, it’s a fantastic blower that’ll make your life a lot easier.

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3. Echo PB-8010T Backpack Leaf Blower

Before you switch this model on, prepare yourself. It’s incredibly powerful with 1,100 cubic feet of coming out of it every 60 seconds. That is a professional level of quality that will make light work of even the toughest of jobs that you have.

With all that power, you’d expect it to be cumbersome, but instead, you’ll be surprised at just how light it is. That is helped by the carbon fiber frame, which also makes it very comfortable to wear. Despite being powerful, it is also fairly easy to control.

Pros

• Incredible power
• Comfy to wear
• Surprisingly light
• Cooling fan system

What we don’t like

• No electric start

Our Verdict

For those who want the highest level of power, you’ll love this model. If it suits your needs, then you’ll find that the premium price is well worth paying. It’s the ultimate leaf blower and one that will get any job done quickly and efficiently.

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4. Schröder Germany Industrial

Schröder is another company that has been able to make a blower with a huge CFM rating, with 920 seen here. It’s able to deliver that airflow at 230 MPH for great performance. The whole unit weighs 19.5lbs, which is heavy but not as much as other models.

When you get the product, the instructions are clear to allow very easy assembly. You also get the choice of two different nozzles, depending on your needs. It has an immense level of quality, and you’ll love the sheer force it can produce.

Pros

• Easy to assemble
• Two nozzles
• High-quality construction
• Clear instructions

Cons

• Gas can leak

Our Verdict

This product is going to be perfect for those who have high demands but don’t quite need the power of an industrial model. The hurricane-force of this product makes it very fun to use. Leaves and debris stand no chance against it.

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5. Husqvarna 360BT

We’ve already looked at a Husqvarna as our best overall pick. This model is effectively the big brother of that model. It’s a little more expensive, a little heavier, but also has a bigger fuel tank and can produce more power.

It has that easy control that you’d expect with an adjustable tube, cruise control, and a simple control system. It may be a little too heavy for some, but the straps make it quite easy to carry where you can control the impressive power it has.

Why we like it

• Easy to start
• Simple control system
• Easy to use
• Immense power

What we don’t like

• Quite heavy

Our Verdict

You need to know what type of power you want, if you’re looking around the 600 mark, you won’t find better than this. The build quality is exceptional and it has excellent durability. It’s a great model and one that will stand the test of time.

6. Makita EB5300TH

Makita has been able to make a backpack blower with a large engine. With a 516 CFM and 184 MPH, it can get through a huge amount of work and is easy to control with the joystick handle.

The shoulders are very wide and will allow you to comfortably carry it for long periods with the padding it has. The only negative is that the cruise control and throttle aren’t separated, and it’s very easy to kill the engine when moving it back to idle. That’s a small inconvenience on an otherwise brilliant model.

Pros

• Quick and easy starts
• Wide, padded shoulder straps
• High durability
• Easy to maneuver

Cons

• Can kill the engine moving back to idle

Our Verdict

Some people will need to use a leaf blower regularly, and if that’s the case, you need one that has brilliant build quality and durability. That’s what you get here as the performance is outstanding and will allow you to get the job done.

7. DEWALT DCBL590X2

Key Features

• Battery fits 40V MAX system
• Brushless motor
• Full variable speed trigger
• 450 CFM
• 142 MPH air speed

If you have other DEWALT tools, then this blower could appeal as it takes the same 40V battery as their other Max products. That battery can give it an impressive 450 CFM, it even has a compartment for a second battery if you run out.

The brushless motor helps to keep the noise down to 63db and gives it great efficiency. It can be a little too heavy for some, but the padded shoulders make it as comfortable as possible. Maintenance is simple, which helps to make this product very easy to use.

Why we like it

• Low noise level of 63db
• Can hold two batteries
• No pull cord
• Easy to maintain

What we don’t like

• Quite heavy

Our Verdict

Battery-powered models often aren’t as powerful as their gas rivals, but this model competes very well. It’s perfect for those looking for an electric model. It performs brilliantly, and the lower noise level makes it ideal for residential areas.

8. Echo 756 CFM

Key Features

• 756 CFM
• 234 MPH
• 28lbs
• Variable speed control
• 2-stroke engine

We’ve already looked at an Echo model as our premium pick. This version doesn’t quite have the same level of power but still has the same quality. At 756 CFM, it still packs a punch with a tremendous amount of wind power.

You need to avoid fuel with ethanol included (like regular gas you put in your car) as it will quickly clog the carburetor. Once you get the right fuel, it’s very easy to use with the comfortable handle and variable speed control.Why we like it

• Flexible tube
• Vented and comfortable back pad
• See-through fuel tank
• High air speed

What we don’t like

• Can’t use ethanol fuel

Our Verdict

If you liked the look of the previous Echo but winced at the price tag, then this could be a good compromise. It still has a brilliant amount of power while being comfortable to wear and containing all the features you could need.

9. Husqvarna 130BT

Key Features

• 360 CFM
• 14.55lbs
• Ergonomic handle
• Padded harness
• Cruise and variable speed control

Want to have more power than a handheld blower but are worried about weight? This is a smaller model, which weighs just 14.55lbs. It can produce 360 CFM; therefore, you can still blow a large volume of air.

It’s extremely comfortable to wear with excellent build quality. The tube is also adjustable to get the exact results that you want. It can be a little hard to start at times which can be frustrating, but overall, it’s a brilliant model.

Why we like it

• Easy to control the speed
• Adjustable tube
• Low weight
• High-build quality

What we don’t like

• Can be hard to start

Our Verdict

Light and compact aren’t usually words that you’d associate with a backpack leaf blower, but that’s exactly what you get here. It’s comfortable to wear while still giving you the power you’re looking for, and that makes it a brilliant option.

10. Greenworks Cordless Backpack Leaf Blower

Key Features

• 580CFM
• 145MPH
• Efficient brushless motor
• Variable speed trigger
• Cruise control

For a cordless model, this blower can produce excellent power. Those batteries charge quickly, but unfortunately, they don’t last for very long. If you’re looking to do large-scale jobs, then this would be a problem.

At those times, when you only need 15-20 minutes of work done, it will work perfectly with the huge force it creates. It’s very easy to use, and you also get the added benefit of their being minimal vibration and noise, making it very comfortable.

Why we like it

• Powerful battery
• Easy to start
• Rapid charging
• Low vibration and noise

What we don’t like

• Low battery life

Our Verdict

The big problem with cordless blowers is the battery life and you have to take that into consideration. If that’s not going to be an issue for you, then this would be a brilliant product to get with excellent qualities and high usability.

Buying Guide

Power

You’ll see two key figures when it comes to power; they are CFM and MPH. You’ve probably heard of MPH (miles per hour), but CFM stands for ‘cubic feet per minute’ and is a measure of how much air leaves the nozzle.

Both are important, and the reason a lot of people choose backpack leaf blowers is that these figures are a lot higher than on handheld modes. You need to take the two figures in mind and also consider the size of a nozzle.

For example, a blower could have a really high MPH and a low CFM as the air is rapid but only coming out of a very thin nozzle. Equally, it could have a high CFM, but a low MPH if the nozzle is extremely wide.

Most products find a good balance between the two with most nozzles being similar in size. While both are important, CFM is usually the more popular figure. This is because to have a high CFM; you need that air to be coming out very quickly. So the MPH, by default, will be high too.

It also depends whether you go for a corded leaf blower or a cordless model.

Weight and Comfort

Just because you have the machine on your back, it doesn’t mean that you can forget about weight. Some of these leaf blowers are very heavy and will be uncomfortable for some, even with padded straps. It’s important to bear this in mind, especially if you’re average (or below) height.

Comfort is paramount with such huge machines. You want to ensure that the shoulder straps are well-padded and on particularly heavy models, you have a waist strap.

Speed Control

In handheld blowers, speed control is a useful feature. For the more powerful backpack models, it becomes very important. You’re not going to use it at full power all the time, and it can be tiring after a while. A nice feature to have is cruise control to prevent you from constantly having to press the trigger.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Should I Get a Backpack or Handheld Blower?

Handheld models have a few advantages with lower weight and more portability. What they lack is power. You have to decide what your demands are as backpack blowers can cover a much greater area and also will quickly move debris that handmade models can struggle with.

How Important are CFM and MPH?

You need to know what your needs are — clearing dry leaves off a driveway? Clearing wet leaves from a large garden or sports club? The more CFM and MPH you have, the more power you’ll get, but a lot of people can get powerful blowers when, in reality, something smaller would have been fine.

Are Backpack Leaf Blowers Noisy?

Yes, they are noisy, with some being worse than others. If you live in a densely populated area, then an electric model would probably be the best idea.

Final Thoughts

All the backpack leaf blowers we’ve looked at here have brilliant qualities, but it’s hard to look past the Husqvarna 350BT. It’s reasonably priced while creating a huge amount of force and being easy to use.

There are some that are even more powerful but others that are more lightweight and easier to carry. Whichever one you get, make sure it’s suitable for your needs. When you get your blower, you’ll love it and find yourself wishing more leaves would fall so you can blow them all away.