The backpack vacuum is not as popular as the standard upright that is seen in most households, even compared to canister or stick vacuums the backpack versions are still the least popular. This is something that doesn’t sit well with us as regarding the power, comfort, and usability these vacuums are the best around, maybe they just haven’t caught on yet.
Despite being marvelous machines the best backpack vacuum is still hard to find mainly due to their lack of popularity compared to the upright versions found in the residential vacuum market. This means there just isn’t as much information around about them, making them a hidden gem that could pleasantly surprise you with the features they have, and the power they can produce.
These wonderful cleaning products are great at keeping homes clean, providing high-quality performances that can handle the likes of pet hair, dust, and any other small debris that is found on the surfaces around your home. Unlike the more traditional vacuum cleaners, a backpack vacuum makes cleaning easy and efficient, with their lightweight bodies make them more maneuverable and portable than any standup vacuum could ever be.
Most of the backpack vac that is available comes with HEPA filters which are great as they cleanse the air in your home as you clean, giving you a more purified home as well as a fresh and tidy one.
Our Top Choice
Our top choice is the ProTeam Super CoachVac, it is compact in size, lightweight but packs a punch when it comes to power and performance. Weighing only 9.2 pounds is easy to carry, and overall is a versatile machine that works great on multiple different surfaces such as hardwood floors, carpets, stairs, and upholstery making no job too hard for this little unit. The 4 levels of advanced filtration cleanse the airflow making for a more purified home. This backpack vacuum is the perfect choice for cleaning high traffic areas.
Top 10 Best Backpack Vacuum Cleaners
Below you will find our guide to the best lightweight backpack vacuum products out there. Whether you’re seeking one for home use or want a HEPA backpack vacuum with an adjustable harness, we have you covered. Read on to find the best backpack vacuum cleaners on the market, specifically recommended by the Bower home experts.
1. Hoover Commercial Lightweight Backpack Vacuum
Repeatedly being revered as one of the best backpack vacuum cleaner brands available, the Hoover C2401 vacuum cleaner is exactly what you would desire from a commercial cleaning unit, with the portability that you get from lightweight backpack vacuums.
Initially, we noticed that the Hoover C2401 backpack vacuum has been developed using the most lightweight but durable materials you can find, the entire unit weighs less than 10 pounds, helping you preserve your own energy whilst using it and not causing any back problems over time. This unit has also been specifically designed with people in mind, the ergonomic design has been produced by professional chiropractors reducing the amount of strain that a human body will take to vital levels.
Operating at ultra-quiet levels compared to the traditional vacuum cleaners available, this small backpack vacuum features exclusive cyclonic vacuum technology built into the machine that cuts the noise down but does not compromise on power or performance.
There are lots of different reasons you may want to buy this commercial backpack cleaner, but overall the main selling point in this machine is the ability to provide commercial cleaning standards in a compact and easy to use system that is perfect for both at home, and at the office.
The HEPA filter system is fully utilized in this product, and cleaning is easier than ever with the accessory pack that is including, allowing you to get to the hard to reach areas of the machine, with the added chiropractic designed harness there simply isn’t many products that come close to the Hoover C2401
Overall we believe that there is nothing quite like the power, performance, and price that you can get from the C2401, there are lots of new backpack vacuum cleaning products available every week but this machine still stands tall above the rest.
If compact size and ultimate cleaning performances are what you are looking for then you can stop here with this best backpack vacuum that has a revolutionary system from one of the most trusted brands within this market, you will not be disappointed.
Pros
- Small and light
- Includes HEPA filtration
- lower impact on your body with chiropractor designed harness
- Commercial cleaning abilities
Cons
- Frequent emptying is required with small size
- Takes a while to adjust to fit
2. Atrix – VACBP1 HEPA Backpack Vacuum
For an affordable cost-effective solution for power, fine filtration, and comfort, the Atrix VACBP1 is one of the best backpack vacuums you can buy. It is comfortable to carry with its ergonomic design that only weighs 10 pounds causing no back strain when carrying. This small and lightweight design makes the VACBP1 easy to move around when it is attached.
The filtration system is very efficient, and the HEPA filter bags allow this perfect backpack vacuum to perform in a variety of situations such as schools, offices, hospitals, lobbies, and hotels. This machine is also multi-functional as it can be transformed and used as a blower if that is needed.
This product is one of the more affordable items on our list, making it perfect for the home including lots of different features that will help you get the most out of it making your home cleaner than ever before.
Pros
- The filtration system is highly efficient
- Great price tag
- Comfortable design
Cons
- Not as powerful as other models that are available
3. ProTeam Super Coach Backpack Vacuums
For commercial use, the ProTeam Super CoachVac comes with all the accessories for a better cleaning experience. Cleaning low pile carpets, ceiling fans, floors, and upholstery will be no problem for this amazing professional backpack vacuum cleaner.
Versatility is the name of the game with this vacuum with it being the best backpack vacuum for hardwood floors but also working amazingly on linoleum, and tiles. There won’t even be any problems reaching higher places with stairs, light fixtures, furniture, and vents being easy to achieve. An integrated tool belt helps you keep all your accessories with you while you vacuum as well.
The main advantage of a vacuum like this is; it makes it easier to move around than when using an upright vacuum cleaner, allowing you to reach under tables, chairs, and floor lamps with no strain at all. The tools that are included help you clean under the sofa without moving it and also clean the ceiling fans with ease. Another reason to choose a backpack vacuum over an upright model is the cord situation, they seem to get in the way all the time with the upright models but with the CoachVac cord management is provided giving lots more freedom in your cleaning movements.
It’s hard to not recommend this vac with the comfort and cleaning power it provides, it is made for commercial use so is a little more pricey than some of the others that are available, but the performances that this vacuum will continue to deliver warrant this price tag.
Pros
- Includes loads of accessories such as a wand, dusting brush, crevice tool, upholstery tool, and hard floor tool
- 3-year warranty
- 50-foot cord
Cons
- Made for commercial use.
- A little pricier than other models
4. Powr-Flite BP4S Pro-Lite Backpack Vacuum
If you are looking for the best commercial backpack vacuums then the Powr-Flite BP10S Comfort Pro could be the vacuum for you, it focuses on comfort and cleanliness and will perform to professional-grade standards. This company has made a name for itself in the commercial cleaning world for over 30 years, guaranteeing high quality with every product.
As the name suggests, the Comfort pro offers superior comfort but also delivers when it comes to productivity and cleaning execution. This machine has been engineered to offer exceptional comfort to anyone who uses it, including an exclusively designed harness by Deuter with 7 different adjustment points a custom-fit is created that cannot be matched by other best backpack vacuums available
Loads of accessories come with this commercial backpack vac, providing a tool for every job such as the crevice tool, dusting tool, Powr-Glide Carpet and hard floor tool, an upholstery tool, a crush-proof hose, and a double-bend wand, which all fit conveniently onto a tool belt that wraps around the waist, ensuring a tool for the job is never too far away.
There is a five-stage filtration system that includes a HEPA filter bag, there is a pre and post-motor filter, an exhaust filter, and an SMS shake-out bagmaking emptying quick and easy as well. The benefits of using the HEPA filtration and the specifically designed comfort that this backpack vacuum brings makes a commercial unit such as this one of the best choices on the market today.
Pros
- Quiet operation
- Simple efficiency
- Very comfortable
Cons
- Made for commercial use only
5. ProTeam Backpack Vacuums
If it was not for the smaller bin capacity and larger price tag the Pro Team FS 6 vacuum backpack has compared to others on our list, this machine would be our best pick due to the many amazing features that HEPA backpack vacuums like this contain.
To start is the adjustable harness, this harness is great as it can offer comfortability to short and tall people alike, simply adjust the upper harness attaching it to different holes other than the bottom-most. There is also a belt that has been redesigned to increase the comfort for the user.
This machine is super powerful for its compact size, and although the power is greater than allow of the competitors the volume this machine produces is still very low, only reach 65.8dB which allows you to clean up in the quietest of surroundings.
The long cord that this vacuum has will give you more freedom, especially in larger office spaces with a length of 50ft you will have no problems moving around. This length is only increased when the hose and wand are attached. With HEPA filtration technology used, high performances are always achieved knowing you have a superior filter that you will love.
Pros
- The 50-ft long cord provides long reach and is made even longer once you add the hose and wand
- works on both carpets and hard floors
- Powerful performances
Cons
- One of our more expensive products
- The bin is smaller than some other options
6. Oreck Commercial BB900DGR XL Pro 5 Super Compact Canister Vacuum
If you are looking for the best backpack vacuum for reaching those high and low places that seem to always get away from you then look no further than the ORECK Comercial BB900DGR XL Pro 5 backpack vacuum. At a super lightweight 5 pounds this carry canister vacuums backpack is convenient to carry making cleaning stairs, molding, bookshelves, light fixtures, furniture, and loads more.
These multiple cleaning parameters are helped with the set of amazing detailing tools and accessories that come with this commercial backpack vacuum such as a crevice tool, carry handle, pet hair compatible, upholstery tool, and a floor tool.
The motor is a powerful high vortex motor that provides amazing suction power, and the 30-foot power cord allows you to clean for longer not having to unplug and find a new wall outlet power source. One of the best backpack vacuum cleaners and it contains a stage filtration system for cleaner air in your home as you vac.
Best of all, this unit with all the features comes with a year warranty that gives you the security and satisfaction of knowing that you are protected in your purchase.
Pros
- Built-in handle for easy transportation
- Multiple tools and accessories
- lightweight design
Cons
- Some discomfort felt in the strap
- Not ideal for taller users
7. Atrix – VACBPAI ERGO PRO Backpack HEPA Vacuum
The VACBPAI ERGO PRO backpack HEPA vacuum from Atrix contains a powerful motor that provides high suction power and water lift that is great for fast and easy cleaning. The Atrix features an 8-quart HEPA filter bag that traps unwanted dust and debris particles keeping your home cool and clean with extra purified air.
The long power hose is great for efficiency making it easy to reach the extra places without having to unplug. There are tools that come with this best backpack vacuum making any job easy, and all the while made more convenient with the handy tool belt that each extra accessory attaches to.
Even though there is lots of power, there is no need to worry about noise distracting anyone around you as this backpack vacuum emits only 72 decibels of sound which is super quiet. This makes this industrial backpack vacuum the perfect choice for noise-sensitive areas such as schools, and hospitals.
Warehouse work is made easy cleaning high and low with this commercial backpack vacuum, also great for cleaning offices, entryways, schools, ceilings, lobby furniture, and stairways, showing versatility and the power that this vacuum contains.
Pros
- Long power cord for efficient cleaning
- Quiet and powerful
- Toolbelt for convenience
- HEPA filter
Cons
- Not ideal for commercial use
8. Hoover CH30000 PortaPower Lightweight Commercial Canister Vacuum
This commercial cleaner is amazing, it offers a comfortable cleaning experience that is lightweight and easy to handle. Hoover’s CH30000 PortaPower industrial backpack vacuum cleaners are reliable units that come with loads of handy features that can clean high and low, from large spaces to even the tightest of areas.
This canister vacuum backpack can also be used for detailing stairways, along hallways, and around sharp corners. A good-sized unit being 33-inches in length, and the power cord allows you to extend to distances that are usually hard to reach. Only weighing 8.3 pounds there is no chance of becoming fatigued from doing the housework. The CH30000 also comes with a built-in blower feature that is great for cleaning those hard to reach places such as vehicle interiors, upholsteries, and draperies.
With the CH30000 you can easily switch between cleaning tasks, this is due to the choice of attachments regarding the bags you use. A paper dust bag or a reusable commercial cloth bag can both be used. For sharper objects, you will most likely use a cloth bag, but a paper bag would be great for a dust clean-up.
The unit features a built-in crevice and brush tool, which are easy to interchange when you are cleaning a variety of different surfaces. The crevice tool is specific for cleaning tight spaces, while the brush tool is perfect for cleaning carpets and rugs. Great suction is provided no matter what tool you use, by a high-performance motor and pivoting nozzle that is featured on this one of the best over the shoulder vacuum cleaners.
Pros
- small size and lightweight
- Built-in blower included for strong cleaning
- Flexible hose for extended reach
- A washable dust collection container
Cons
- Lacks an extra storage unit
- The automatic retract function could use some work
9. Oreck Ultimate Hand Held Bagged Canister Vacuum Cleaner
For the ultimate cleaning experience reaching all of those hard to get to areas then the Oreck Ultimate Hand Held Bagged Canister Vacuum Cleaner is the choice for you, making cleaning high to low easier than ever, from the stairs, furniture, light fixtures, curtains, and pretty much any hard to reach area.
Designed for effortless use and portability the entire unit weighs only 5lbs, a handheld unit with a 20-foot power cord that will not get in the way as you are cleaning giving you more time plugged in than unplugged. The 5 feet slinky hose is great for taller users putting suction exactly where you need it to be. You can carry this vacuum around with ease using the two setting shoulder strap providing comfort as you clean.
There is a large floor tool that works perfectly on hard flooring, plus a plush horsehair fiber tool that provides amazing results. All of the accessories included help create a more efficient and productive cleaning experience with a telescope extension wand, upholstery tool, crevice tool, dusting brush, and much more.
The HEPA filtration system traps dust, smoke, allergens, pet dander, and anything else that passes through the filter providing you with a cleaner atmosphere in your home. All of these features come with a 3-year limited warranty that keeps you safe in the purchase you have made.
Pros
- Lightweight
- HEPA filtration system
- Easy-access bag door
- 3-year limited warranty
Cons
- Harder for taller users
- Wand sometimes falls loose
10. Makita XCV05Z 18V X2 LXT Lithium Filter Backpack Vacuum
The Makita XCVO5Z rechargeable backpack vacuum is a cordless unit that has a run time of around 90-minutes, making it a must-have in our backpack vacuum review.
The 90-minute runtime allows large areas to be cleaned on a single charge, ensuring practicality as well as freedom.When it comes to weight, this best cordless backpack vacuum comes in just under 10 pounds, which you won’t notice as paired with the harness this compact device is comfortable to wear.
The small size is also practical making sure you are not knocking any ornaments or decorations over when you are moving around.
This battery-powered backpack vacuum isn’t as powerful as some of the other products on our list so is recommended for home use over commercial. The airflow is lower than some other appliances available at only 53 CFM, and the suction is low at 28.5 inches of water lift, all of this is to be expected with a cordless version rather than a cord powered machine.
Pros
- Flexible hose for hard to reach places
- Long operation time
- Removable batteries
Cons
-
- Needs to be emptied frequently with compact size
- Not as powerful as some other units available
Our Guide to Choosing the Best Backpack Vacuum
Have you reached the end of our pro backpack vacuum guide and are still looking for inspiration or have a few questions? If so, we have you covered with a handy selection of FAQs below so that you can make the right choice for your requirements.
FAQS or Commonly Asked Question
We’ve gathered the most commonly asked questions about backpack vacuums so that you have a complete idea of what to expect. Read on to learn more about this type of product and how it can benefit you!
Are backpack vacuums good on carpet?
In fairness, most of these backpack vacuums will not perform to the best of their abilities on the carpet, especially deep pile carpets. They are made for hard floors, although this isn’t due to the lack of power they produce, it is rather the lack of accessories that come with the vacuums. They really do lack vacuum cleaner heads.
This is because most of the backpack vacuums you will find on the market have been designed for industrial use, and it is very rare that you come across carpets, especially deep-pile rugs situated in an industrial setting. However, there are still some backpack vacuums that come with these powered cleaner heads which work amazingly on the carpeted floor, and these products we truly recommend.
Which is the most powerful Backpack vacuum?
The most powerful backpack vac on our list is the Powr-Flite BP10S Comfort Pro. It has been mainly designed to complete professional-grade tasks providing power in performance in a comfortable manner. The company has been providing the commercial cleaning world with products that have been the highest of quality for over 30 years.
The HEPA filter technology also makes sure that the air is pure and clean as you are using the product, preventing any dust, allergens, and particles from clogging up the air. Comfort is always a must-have when you are doing this kind of commercial cleaning, so the 7 adjustment point Deuter custom-fit harness makes for a comfortable experience every time you are using the Comfort Pro.
Even though this is a really powerful product it doesn’t mean you have to compromise on noise, as this is a super quiet unit making sure you are not disturbing anyone around you, especially if you are using the vacuum in a noise-sensitive area such as hospitals, working offices, or schools.
What is the best vacuum cleaner in 2020?
The best vacuum cleaner available in 2020 has to be the ProTeam Super CoachVac, it has a large bin which means less emptying needed, and there are also lots of different accessories available making it great for a multitude of different tasks. A really strong and durable unit with high suction and airflow which is what you should be looking at first thing ensuring that your machine can clean to the ability that you need it too.
It is also lightweight making it easy to carry around causing no back problems even being used for long periods of time. All together this is something that takes the Super coach above the rest of its competitors providing you with everything you need for easy and efficient cleaning experience.
What is the best vacuum for your car?
The best vacuum for your car is in our opinion the Hoover’s CH30000 PortaPower industrial backpack vacuum cleaner. It is a reliable unit that is comfortable and lightweight which is also really easy to handle. What makes this particular backpack vacuum great for cleaning your car is the length of the power cord which will allow you to power from your home and reach your car, and also the crevice tool.
A crevice tool is a specific tool that has been designed for cleaning tight spaces which is perfect for, inside a small car, this is also helped with the flexible hose that will get around areas that your arms sometimes can’t reach providing you with a thorough clean.
Another feature that isn’t found in a lot of backpack vacuums is the built-in blower, this helps you clean in a different way if there is an area you simply cannot reach. A brush tool comes with the Hoover CH30000 that is designed to specifically work well on carpets, which makes it ideal for cleaning the inside of your car as it will be mostly carpeted surfaces found in the footwells.
Our final reasons for this backpack vacuum being one of the best choices for buying a vacuum that is going to provide you with the best results when you are cleaning your car is the power of suction that is provided, for a unit of its size you do not expect the performances that it will produce, and the pivoting head makes the power work from any angle imaginable.
Why a Backpack Vacs a Good Choice vs Normal Vacuums?
Compared to normal vacuums, why are backpack vacs a good choice? Well to begin with Backpack vacuum cleaners are lightweight making them easy to transport up and down the stairs, they are also great for people who live in small apartments as the compact size makes them good for tidying away and storing as they will not take up loads of rooms.
These types of vacuum cleaners are also really easy to maneuver, making it able to clean places that you were never able to reach before using the more traditional upright vacuum. When it comes to large spaces the backpack vac also works amazingly well, the long cord allows you to have more freedom of movement and also more efficiency in your cleaning not having to look for more plug sockets.
We highly recommend a bagless backpack vacuum for home use. While they may not initially strike you as conventional, the flexibility such products offer is superb and you will benefit from great features such as HEPA filtration too. Overall, they serve all sorts of needs from vacuuming cars to cleaning your upholstery. Wave goodbye to the need for that extension cord, the best backpack vacuum cleaner has you covered.
Important Features a Backpack Cleaner Should have
Wondering what to look out for in a bagless backpack vacuum? Below we have listed some considerations to keep in mind before buying so that you can make the right choice.
Weight
The weight of your backpack vacuum should be an important characteristic of your purchase if you are a person that carries their vacuum around all of the time. Some people with certain disabilities can benefit from a lightweight backpack vac, providing them with the independence to do small things such as tidy the house. Most commercial backpack vacuums for both work and in the home weigh less than 10 pounds which on your back feels like nothing at all.
Power cord Length
The length of the cord is a big consideration, especially if you are using your backpack vac in a larger space. Most backpack vacuum cleaners we have come across have a power cord between 35 – 50 inches which allows loads of movement.
Since the backpack vacuum cleaner is still very much a commercial product they have been specifically designed to clean large business spaces, giving people more time to clean rather than looking for more plug sockets. The main thing to do is choose a vac that has a long enough cord that you can benefit from in your own space, whether that is at work or at home.
Vacuum Tube Length
For people who are a little taller then the length of the vacuum tube is something you want to pay a lot of close attention too. If it is not long enough for you then you are going to be spending a lot of time bending down which defeats the entire purpose of the backpack vac. You want to make sure that you have long enough hose attachments that make the experience as pleasant as can be.
Included Attachments
Most backpack vacuum cleaners come with an array of different attachments included with them, it is all about preference. Make sure that you like what you see regarding the attachments and be sure to check out the possibilities that other options offer so you know what the standard is.
Powerful or Not?
Due to them being mainly designed for commercial uses, the backpack vacuum cleaner is normally very powerful. Make sure that compared to the other commercial backpack vacuum cleaners that the one you are looking at provides a similar power range, if not better, and also be sure to check that your backpack vac cleans as good as you want and need it to.
Top brand or good brand
There are lots of new companies popping up out of nowhere when it comes to the world of backpack vacuums, but it is always better to stick with a reputable source. Most likely the warranty is going to be better, and also the customer service experience.
Easy to Use and Comfortable
Comfort is one of the most important things, you don’t want to dread every time you are fitting your harness onto your body. So make sure that your backpack vacuum has a comfortable harness, if you can put it on before you purchase the product then that is a really good idea, giving you a strong indication of how comfortable it is going to be for you. It is important to know that some models are going to be comfier for certain people, so what is good for someone may not always be the best choice for someone else.
Suction power
Most of the vacuums in our backpack vacuum reviews have great suction, and the rating that it has been given will show this. Don’t buy a product with a low suction rating as you will be disappointed with the results you get when the product is home.
Success stories and Good Reviews
One great thing about buying products online, especially on sites such as amazon, is that you can see everything you need to see before making a purchase. This includes first-hand accounts from buyers who know exactly how the backpack vacuum you’re looking at works for them. These are great as sometimes product descriptions from the manufacturer can lean more towards the product rather than the actuality of its performances.
