Today we’re featuring the ten best backpack leaf blowers on the market that will not only take the strain off your arms but also offer significantly more air velocity and a handy tube-throttle switch to make clearing leaves and debris a “breeze.”
If you’re tired of carrying a Leaf blower around the yard every time you clear leaves, twigs, and other debris, you’ve come to the right place.
The 10 Best Backpack Leaf Blowers (2023)
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Husqvarna 360BT
- Schroeder SR6400L
- Poulan Pro PR48Bt
- STIHL BR-600
- Echo PB-8010T
- EGO- 56 Volt Battery Powered
- Greenworks 80-Volt Battery Powered
- MAKITA – 4-Stroke
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Husqvarna 130BT
Editor’s Choice: Husqvarna 350BT – 2-cycle Backpack Blower
Why We Like It
Combining fuel-saving X-torque technology, excellent ergonomics, and well-known durability, the 350BT leaf blower from Husqvarna tops our list as the best backpack blower for a large yard. Ironically, this model is also rated as one of the best commercial backpack leaf blower models on the market.
If you have not used a “Backpack Leaf Blower,” – Here’s a Backpack Blower Video from Husqvarna:
Specs
- X-torque technology for reduced exhaust and better fuel efficiency
- 631 CFM airflow rating
- 3.8 horsepower
- 65.6cc 2-stroke engine
- 2-year warranty
Our Take Away
Overall, we find the Husqvarna 350BT to be the best backpack leaf blower available. If you’re looking for a durable unit that offers the power you need for large yards, this blower won’t disappoint. In our opinion, the Husqvarna blower also has the most comfortable harness relative to its weight.
HUSQVARNA BACKPACK BLOWER
Runner-Up: Schroeder Backpack Blower #SR-6400L
Why We Like It
The SR-6400L from Schroeder is a contender for the best backpack leaf blower for homeowner use and even for some commercial applications. With a 63cc engine putting out 3.7 horsepower, this blower offers excellent power in an ergonomic, reliable package and is the most powerful backpack leaf blower we’ve reviewed.
Specs
- 63cc 2-stroke engine
- 3.7 horsepower
- 920 CFM airflow rating
- 230 MPH max airspeed
- Industry Leading – 5-year warranty
Our Take Away
You are not alone if you’ve never heard of the Schroeder Group. Schroeder has, however, been around a long time, in fact, since 1949. The Schroeder Group is a German manufacturer specializing in modern machine equipment.
While it comes in a close second to the Husqvarna 350BT, this Schroeder blower is a powerhouse that will hold up to intensive use. For larger yards or those with significant hills, the considerable power of this model will undoubtedly be helpful.
SCHROEDER BACKPACK BLOWER
Best Value: Poulan Pro PR48BT
Why We Like It
True to the brand’s usual form, Poulan has put together arguably the best backpack blower in its price range. While not as powerful as the Husqvarna or Schroeder listed above, the Poulan PR48BT is an obvious choice for Best Value in our backpack blower reviews.
Specs
- 48cc 2-stroke engine
- 475 CFM airflow rating
- 200 MPH maximum airspeed
- Adjustable tube throttle
Our Take Away
While it won’t compete with commercial-level blowers, the Poulan Pro PR48BT is an excellent option for small to medium-sized residential yards.
If you’re relatively new to 2-stroke engines (mixing gas and oil), follow the manufacturer mix ratio closely since the Poulan blower seems particularly sensitive to improper gas/oil ratios. And if you’re looking for one of the best cheap backpack blowers on the market – this is one to consider.
POULAN BACKPACK BLOWER
Best Selling “Stihl” Backpack Blower – BR600
Why We Like It
Like most STIHL products, their blowers rank among the highest-rated you can buy. Favored by many professionals, the STIHL BR600 backpack blower is the go-to blower they rely on.
Specs:
- 63cc 4-stroke engine
- Adjustable Harness
- 677 CFM airflow rating
- 230 MPH maximum airspeed
- Ergonomic weight distribution
- 2 Year Warranty
Our Take Away
Between its built-in stop switch, industry-leading air velocity, easy-start, and multi-function control handle, the BR600 stands out from the pack, especially at its price point. This blower is a versatile tool for any size yard and will help you get the job done “quickly” time after time.
STIHL BR600 – BACKPACK BLOWER
Best “Commercial” Backpack Blower: Echo X-Series
Why We Like It
Regarding raw power, the X-Series from Echo is the champion commercial blower on the market. As a result, it’s also one of our picks for the best commercial backpack leaf blower you can buy.
Courtesy of a 79.9cc engine with an excellent 1071 CFM airflow rating, this blower can easily tackle jobs well out of the reach of most other leaf blowers.
Specs
- 79.9cc 2-stroke engine
- Durable – Lightweight carbon fiber frame and fan case
- Tube throttle
- 1,071 CFM airflow rating
- 211 MPH maximum airspeed
- 2-Year Warranty
Our Take Away
Although this Echo model could be a little more than the average homeowner will need, it is the perfect tool for anyone with a larger property or for professional landscape contractors who need maximum power and reliability.
The Echo PB-8010T is the hands-down winner in our commercial backpack blower comparison.
ECHO BACKPACK BLOWER
Best “Battery-Powered” Backpack Leaf Blower: EGO Power + 56Volt
Why We Like It
Powered by a 56-volt lithium-ion battery, this cordless blower offers reasonably good power and incredible convenience. This blower may be ideal if you’re not a gas tool upkeep and maintenance fan.
Note: The Ego Blower link includes the “tool only” without the battery or charger – which must be purchased separately.
Specs
- 56-volt lithium-ion battery power
- 600 CFM airflow rating
- 145 MPH maximum airspeed
- Quiet operation
Our Take Away
This tool from EGO Power+ is easily one of the best backpack leaf blowers in the cordless category. Although less powerful than some gas-powered models, at 600 CFM, this backpack blower still delivers excellent power and is lightweight enough for practically anyone to use effectively.
Note for buyers: Make sure you already “own” or “buy” the 56 Volt Lithium-Ion battery required for operating this tool.
EGO POWER + BACKPACK BLOWER
Best Value – Battery Powered Backpack Blower – Greenworks
Why We Like It
Thanks to its 80-volt battery system, this unit from Greenworks is easily the best battery-powered backpack blower you’ll find on the market today. Though unsuitable for commercial use, this unit produces power similar to a mid-range gas blower. With its variable speed trigger, this blower is also incredibly user-friendly.
Specs
- The 80-volt lithium-ion battery system
- 580 CFM airflow rating
- 145 MPH maximum airspeed
- Turbo button for added power when needed
- INCLUDES 80 Volt lithium-ion battery
Our Take Away
This Greenworks blower may be the perfect unit for you if you have a small to mid-sized residential yard. Thanks to its battery power source, this blower will save you the trouble of gasoline engine maintenance while providing almost as much power as a traditional gas model.
The lack of a gas-powered engine makes this one of the lightest and most comfortable backpack blowers.
GREENWORKS – BACKPACK BLOWER
Best 4-stroke Backpack Blower: Makita EB5300TH
Why We Like It
Because of its 4-stroke engine (no oil/gas mixing required), the EB5300TH from Makita is as easy to use as it is powerful. This powerful backpack blower lets you forget about mixing oil and gas and get to work.
The Makita model is also one of the easiest starting backpack blowers you’ll find anywhere on the market.
Specs
- 52.5cc 4-stroke engine
- 2.5 horsepower
- 516 CFM airflow rating
- 184 MPH maximum airspeed
- High-capacity air filter
- 1-year warranty
Our Take Away
If you want to avoid mixing oil and gas for your blower, this model is for you. Although its engine isn’t the most powerful in our reviews, the Makita offers more than enough power for most yards.
Thanks to being a 4-stroke unit, this blower is also a bit quieter than comparable 2-stroke models.
MAKITA BACKPACK BLOWER
Best Value “Husqvarna” Backpack Blower: Husqvarna 150BT
Why We Like It
It’s no secret that Husqvarna is one of the best outdoor power equipment industry names, but their tools can sometimes be a bit pricey. The 150BT backpack blower is a blower that brings the Husqvarna quality at a reasonable price.
Specs
- X-torque technology for reduced emissions and increased efficiency
- 51cc engine
- 2.6 horsepower
- 270 MPH
- 765 CFM airflow rating
- 2-year warranty
Our Take Away
The 150BT from Husqvarna is about the perfect combination of power, convenience, and value. Based on its lightweight versatility and capable – but less powerful engine, we can easily rate the Husqvarna as the best backpack blower for small yards.
While it won’t tackle the kind of large projects that the Husqvarna 150BT provides, it does have the advantage of being much lighter and easier to handle.
HUSQVARNA – BACKPACK BLOWER
Frequently Asked Questions: (FAQ)
Q: Which Backpack Leaf Blower is the Best?
A: Though the best model varies based on your needs, the best Gas-powered backpack blower we recommend is the Husqvarna 350BT. This model offers the best combination of power, versatility, and dependability for the broadest range of uses.
We recommend the EGO Power + or Greenworks 80V battery-powered backpack leaf blowers if you’re more interested in a Battery-Powered Backpack blower.
Q: How Do You Start a Backpack Blower?
A: The methods for starting a Gas and Battery Powered Backpack Blower will differ. The method to start a Gas-powered backpack blower is similar to starting a handheld blower, and by following these 6 steps:
- Carefully set the backpack blower upright – on the ground.
- Turn the switch to “On.”
- Prime the carburetor (push the bulb – 3-4 times)
- If the backpack blower is cold, close the choke
- Pull the starter cord (unless, of course, it’s an electric start)
- Once it’s running, open the choke, and you’re ready to blow.
Starting a Gas-powered backpack blower (Video)
Q: How Do you start a Battery-powered Blower?
A: Follow these 3 Steps to Start a Battery Powered Blower:
- Insert a fully charged lithium-ion battery
- Turn the switch to “On.”
- Adjust the speed trigger, and you’re ready to blow.
Starting a Battery-powered Blower (Video)
Q: Can you Vacuum Leaves with a Backpack Blower?
A: Backpack blowers are designed to move leaves and debris as fast as possible while taking the strain off your arms by not having to hold onto the equipment. They are not designed to Vacuum leaves.
If you’re interested in a leaf blower that includes a vacuum – check out our reviews for the Best Leaf Vacuum, Mulchers, and Blowers.
Q: How Do You Use a Backpack Leaf Blower?
A: The operation of backpack blowers varies somewhat with each model; however, these are the 5 most common ways to use a backpack leaf blower:
- Using a Comfortable-easy to wear harness
- Engaging a Trigger-mounted speed control located on the blower tube
- Enjoying a larger Gas Tank (or Battery – if Battery Powered)
- Utilizing Massive CFM (cubic feet per minute) Power
- The simplicity of a Point and Blow technique with enormous Wind Speed
Q: Are Backpack Leaf Blowers Noisy?
A: Gas leaf blowers are noisy; however, battery-operated blowers are much quieter than their gas counterparts. As with most other power tools, hearing protection is recommended when using gas leaf blowers, especially more powerful models like the Husqvarna 350BT.
Q: Are Backpack Leaf Blowers More Powerful Than Handheld?
A: Backpack blowers are much more powerful than most handheld blowers, on average by 30-40%.
For example, the Husqvarna 350BT moves up to 692 cubic feet of air per minute. Compare this with the handheld Husqvarna 125 BVX leaf blower is rated much lower at 495 CFM. You’ll see a similar power gap between all backpack and handheld leaf blowers.
Q: Are Battery-powered or Gas-powered backpack blowers better?
A: While gas and battery-powered blowers serve the same function, it’s important to determine what makes a blower better for your needs. Gas blowers provide more power but are considerably louder than battery-powered blowers.
For instance, the Schroeder gas blower with 920 CFM is much more powerful than EGO’s battery blower at 600 CFM. However, that limited amount of extra gas power may not be as important to some as the convenience of a plug-and-go, battery-operated blower.
Conclusion:
Our extensive reviews show that the Husqvarna 350BT, Schroeder, and Poulan Pro PR48BT are the best backpack leaf blowers on the market today.
Of course, our reviews include what we think are the best blowers for most customers.
Depending on your needs and budget, you may prefer one of the other excellent backpack blowers listed in our reviews above. We hope you can save your arms and try one of these fine inventions today.
References & Further Reading:
- Gas vs. Battery Powered Lawn Equipment – Which One is Right for You? – TakeEasy.Com
- Tips on Noise Pollution and Clean Air from EPA.Gov
- 10 Things You Should Know Before Buying Battery Equipment – Family Handyman.Com
- How do you tell if a lawn mower spark plug is bad? – BesthomeGear.Com
