Categories
vacuums

10 Best Backpack Vacuums

LAST UPDATED: 21 Nov 2020


10 Best Backpack Vacuums – Reviews & Buyer’s Guide

Top Choice


Global Industrial Backpack Vacuum


CHECK PRICE

Top Value

Top of Line


ProTeam Backpack


CHECK PRICE ON AMAZON

paul hardwick

This product guide is written by Paul Hardwick

The Global Industrial 6/10Q Capacity HEPA Backpack Vacuum tops our list of solid backpack vacuum cleaners. A relatively unknown entity in the household vacuum market, the vacuum is made by Global Industries, a company that carries an entire line of industrial machines. This powerhouse vacuum ticks off all the features most sought in a backpack vacuum and still has a modest price.

Check out our pick for the ten best backpack vacuums - it will change the way you see vacuuming. You can find most of these on amazon and other online market places.

About The Author

paul hardwick

Welcome to Vacuum Picker!

My name is Paul Hardwick. I am passionate about all things vacuum. From very early on I was fascinated with them and after earning an engineering degree in electro-mechanical systems, I have been able to appreciate them even more. Here I will share with you my insights on the options available in the market & help you pick the best for all your vacuum needs! Read more.

10 Best Backpack Vacuums

1

Global Industrial 6 or 10 Q Capacity HEPA Backpack Vacuum 

Top Choice

CHECK PRICE

This industrial vacuum can only be found on Global Industrial’s website. It’s available in a 6 quart or 10 quart canister. You can use it as a wet vac, making it an even more valuable household tool. And even the 10 quart unit is a super lightweight 10.5 pounds.

Show More

The unit has an impressive 143 CFM suction rating and runs at a whispery 63 decibels. The exhaust blows away from the user which makes it cooler, and it comes equipped with a heat sensor. And the power switch placement is conveniently located on the harness' belt.

This HEPA vac has a 50’ cord that can be detached from the unit if you want to change cord length. Also included is an 8-piece toolkit and an uncrushable hose that swivels and extends from 4 to 7 feet. And the unit delivers consistent suction even with a full bag. We can say that this is one of the contenders for the top commercial backpack vacuum cleaner in the market place.

Pros

  • Best buy for its group of impressive features
  • Can also be used as a wet vac
  • Has well-cushioned straps

Cons

  • Very tall canister
  • Hose may come detached from the canister

2

The Hoover C2401 

CHECK PRICE ON AMAZON

The Hoover Commercial C2401 is a solid second backpack vacuum cleaner. It’s very popular among groups who use it on a regular basis because of its useful features. With the 6.4 quart capacity debris container, you can vacuum longer and finish the job faster.

Show More

Costing just a bit more than a pricier upright, the Hoover C2401 was is ergonomically designed via chiropractic input to be a vacuum backpack. TopHomeReview.Com says the Hoover C2401 has a solid comfortable harness for longer staying power to get the job done. At only 9 pounds, it’s one of the lightest you’ll find.

This vacuum is solidly constructed and bagless, but you can also use both cloth and disposable bags for dusty jobs. The 48’ cord is removable for separate storage and the hose’s locking mechanism keeps it in place. 


This vacuum comes with crevice, floor and upholstery tools and a dusting brush and has a 2-year warranty. It has an above average suction rating of 120 and runs at a rather loud 85 decibels.

 

Pros

  • Has long-lasting airflow to provide good suction
  • Can be used with a fabric liner or disposable paper vacuum bags
  • Very user-friendly

Cons

  • Can get warm, possibly too hard to use in the summer
  • On the louder side, like an AC window unit

3

Pro Team Super Coach Vac

CHECK PRICE ON AMAZON

This backpack vac got the Seal of Approval from the Carpet & Rug Institute (CRI). Commercial cleaners use this popular vacuum so it’s definitely a good choice for home use. It has a power motor and at 66 dBa, it’s one of the quietest vacuums around.

Show More

You can choose between a 6 quart and a 10 quart for longer debris pickup and/or larger areas – a potential 7400 square feet of cleaning. The 50-foot cord makes for longer reach, allowing you to vacuum further in your house without having to unplug and re-plug.

The Pro Team’s 159 CFM of suction power is the highest on this list so you can get the job done efficiently with no straggling debris. Check out this YouTube video to see this vac in action.


Pros

  • The construction of the power cord prevents tangling
  • Comes with an above-average 3-year warranty

Cons

  • The telescoping wand can come off easily
  • Can have trouble picking up pet hair

4

Atrix VACBP1 HEPA Backpack Vacuum Corded 8 Quart HEPA Bag 4 Level Filtration & Attachments

Top Value

CHECK PRICE ON AMAZON

Several solid specs and the lowest price point in this group make the Atrix a great value overall. The unit weighs 10 pounds and has a large 8-quart debris cannister. The harness belt has slots for the nozzle, crevice extension wand, crevice and brush attachments for tool-switching convenience.

Show More

Here’s a great feature – the blower adapter. The Atrix’ suction power translates to strong blowing power when used as an outdoor backpack vacuum. The vacuum has a 6-foot hose and can be converted for use by either right or left-handed individuals.

Pros

  • Its strong HEPA system can be used in places that need to be super clean, such as in schools or for an immuno-compromised person
  • The unit stays cool during long periods of use

Cons

  • The cord is 12” long so you would need a separate extension cord
  • At 72 decibels, it’s louder than comparable units

5

Pro-Lux 2.0 Battery Powered 1 Hour Vacuum 

CHECK PRICE ON AMAZON

Many people will want to check out this cordless backpack vacuum. No cord means it's easier to use. This unit is also bagless. It comes with two batteries, each with 30 minutes of charge, so you can vacuum for an hour at a time. The CFM/suction rating is 70, less powerful than many other backpack vacs but it still gets the job done.

Show More

This Pro-Lux unit has a “Vortex Chamber”, meaning it’s cyclonic, making it more efficient. The dust particles are pushed away from the HEPA filter, keeping it from clogging. And you will not lose suction power even if the canister is full.


Without a cord, it weighs in at only 9 pounds so you can comfortably vacuum longer. Your kids may even want to use it! The canister is clear so you can monitor when it needs emptying. And because it’s bagless, it’s also easy to empty.

Pros

  • Solidly constructed
  • No cords to get in the way

Cons

  • Small dust container means more frequent emptying
  • Currently hard to find

6

Powr-Flite Comfort Pro BP10S Backpack

CHECK PRICE ON AMAZON

This powerful vacuum has a backpack made by Deuter, a company who makes equipment for hikers, so you know the harness will be sturdy. The “Aircomfort” material helps you sweat less as you work. You can adjust the combination of straps for a custom fit, even according to your torso height, important for long-time wear.

Show More

The BP10S has a 10-quart capacity canister and a 50-foot cord for maximum reaching power. The vacuum comes with crevice, dusting, upholstery and power-glide carpet attachments which you can keep handy in the harness’ belt as you vacuum.


Also included is a hose that won’t crush and a double bend wand. And according to HealthLink BBC, its 62 dBa rating is about as loud as a normal conversation. And it’s a powerful backpack vacuum for pet hair. Other model from Powr-Flite is bp6s, but bp10s is our preferred model.

Pros

  • Has a comprehensive HEPA filtration system
  • The airflow is a 130 CFM for maximum suckage

Cons

  • Made for commercial use so it’s pricier than many other units
  • A hefty unit at 13 pounds

7

GV 8 QT Backpack Vacuum

CHECK PRICE ON AMAZON

This compact unit is ideal for use in your home. Its 44-inch height makes for easy maneuverability so it works well in small spaces like campers. The GV has a 3-foot hose that can be expanded to an outstanding 11 feet for high ceilings.

Show More

It comes with attachments for all floor types including an extendable metal wand, upholstery, crevice and duster attachments, and small and large GV turbo nozzle for easy deep carpet cleaning. If you connect the hose to the exhaust port to switch it to a blower. 


The GV has an impressive airflow rating of 121 CFM and is relatively quiet for home use. Even if the vacuum bag is full, it will still have quality air flow. And the design of the vacuum keeps the exhaust from blowing at the user. This beautiful ruby red vacuum comes with a 2-year warranty.

 

Pros

  • The adjustable chest and waist straps make it comfy to wear
  • The unit uses HEPA multi-stage filtration 

Cons

  • This vacuum has a short cord
  • Straps could be softer for longer wear
  • At 19.8 pounds, one of the heaviest on this list

8

ProTeam Commercial Backpack Vacuum Cleaner, ProVac FS 6

Top of Line

CHECK PRICE ON AMAZON

This vacuum has a powerful motor (1108 Watts /9.5 Amp /120 Volts) which picks up dirt very effectively and easily moves around furniture; It is very good for cleaning hard floors, carpets, stairs, upholstery, fans, and lights.

Show More

Low noise level of only 69.7 decibels means quiet operation, comes with adjustable harness with padding for maximum comfort during long periods of cleaning.It has a four level advanced filtration withHEPA media filter traping more dust and allergens with less downtime


Multiple helpful tools come with this vacuum including Residential Cleaning Service Tool Kit to tackle the unique challenges of residential cleaning and 50-foot power cord to clean large areas 

 

Pros

  • Has an effective 4 stage HEPA filtration system
  • Is very reasonably priced

Cons

  • The included hose quality is low
  • The filters on back can fall out while vacuuming

9

 Prolux 10 Q 

CHECK PRICE ON AMAZON

The PROLUX 10 QUART Commercial Backpack vacuum’s gem is its powerful suction at 150 CFM air flow. With this kind of suction, you’ll never worry about missing bits in the crevices.

Show More

The great suction also helps with another feature on this vacuum: it can also be used as a wet vac and that provides a deep clean for your floors. The canister is made of aluminum which helps make the unit lighter.


The Prolux 10Q weighs in at 11 pounds, about the average weight of a backpack vacuum. It has an 11-foot cord and comes with a number of helpful attachments, a duster brush, tools for crevices and upholstery and also a mighty helpful the Multi-Surface floor attachment, making it an ideal backpack vacuum for hardwood floors.


And there’s a lot to be said about the Prolux’s HEPA filtration. It has three stages of filtration and This feature is important to the company because allergies are nothing to sneeze at when it comes to the accumulating dust in your home. It comes with a cloth bag for the canister that you can wash for prolonged usage, and 6 filtration bags for the system. The filter is sealed so less dust will escape.

 

Pros

  • Comes with a 2 year warranty and an outstanding 5-year motor warranty
  • ThiPicks up pet hair with ease

Cons

  • Has a higher price than other vacuums
  • The hose can be awkward to use

10

Sanitaire Quiet Clean Backpack SC530a Vacuum Cleaner

CHECK PRICE ON AMAZON

The Sanitaire SC530a, last but not least, is another solid option for backpack vacuuming. It has a generous 50‘ cord and works well in tight spaces such as in a closet or on an RV. Its smaller configuration also makes it an ideal backpack vacuum for stairs.

Show More

Weighing in at 20 pounds, this vacuum may not be lightweight according to poundage but the construction is such that weight is evenly distributed, and that along with the ergonomic harness make the unit seem much lighter than machines of bulkier design.


This unit has a HEPA filtration that goes through 4 stages to better filter out dust and allergens. The HEPA filter will wipe out 99.97 percent of the particles, making for well-cleaned, dust-free areas.


The Sanitaire has a 10-quart capacity and a powerful 120 suction rating, making for a good long efficient suction session. The noise level of this Sanitaire is 69 decibels, about as loud as the noise you would hear in an office, making it an ideal choice for use in your home.

 

Pros

  • Solid construction and well built
  • Comes with a two year warranty and good accessory pack

Cons

  • By far the priciest backpack vacuum out of these ten vacuums
  • The included attachments can be tricky to use

Backpack Vacuums -  Buying Guide


Considerations When Choosing the Best Backpack Vacuum

Everyone has seen the commercials where they show dust and creepy bugs magnified x1000. Makes me want to get a flamethrower, or an industrial team to come in and sanitize my home within an inch of its life. But the thought of dragging out the vacuum is a deterrance, so that gross debris keeps on collecting.

There are industrial teams everywhere that vacuum every day, and they have the advantage of wearing backpack vacuums to do the job. A backpack vacuum for home use may seem unnecessary – they must be too expensive, right? Not so, compared to the nicer solid upright and canister vacuums.

Four Reasons Why You Should Consider A Backpack Vacuum

1. It’s Healthier For Your Body

According to Ohio State University’s Department of Surgery-Orthopedics, the physical structure of a backpack vacuum is healthier than an upright in several ways. Using an upright vacuum causes the user to move in a way that’s abnormal to the body. Bending and pushing causes stress to the body. A canister vac makes you bend down and twist even more.

A vacuum that’s attached to your back has its weight distributed throughout your torso and hips, so the movements you make are more natural. This puts less stress on your back and lessens repetitive use injury. And the less pain you experience, the longer you’ll be able to vacuum.

2. Backpack Vacs Are More Efficient Than Uprights

These vacuums are widely used by janitors and maintenance workers because they get the job done. They are more efficient because they generally have better suction which is the most important part of a vacuum. The faster the dirt is removed, the quicker you’re done. And actually backpack vacs can get the job done at least twice as fast as an upright.

3. They Tend To Be Sturdier Than Most Uprights

Because they are used by industrial cleaning people constantly, they need to be well-constructed, dependable and last as long as possible. If you translate that to your home usage, your backpack vacuum would last much longer than most uprights.

4. Better Footprint

An upright vacuum takes up about three square feet on the floor. Having this big of a space in front of you makes for less maneuvering space. A vacuum on your back leaves the path ahead completely clear so you can see in front of you and see where and what the vacuum is sucking.

You can see why using a backpack vacuum would make more sense in the long run than using an upright vacuum, and even moreso, the canister version. When you’re ready to look for a backpack vac, there are multiple features to take into consideration.

Look for these Features in an Backpack Vacuum


Well-Built - Durability

Since you want to spend as little money as possible on this important machine, you want a vacuum that works well. It needs to be dependable and last a long time, so it should be well-constructed and have few known mechanical and use issues. And it needs to have a well-designed motor to suck dirt in those evasive crevices.

The Fit of The Harness

It’s very important that the vacuum backpack have a harness that fits properly so the vacuum’s weight is distributed evenly across your torso and so that the hips share the weight load. So you want to be sure to find a machine that has a harness with flexibility of adjustment and fit. The belt of the harness should be snug but not tight, whereas the shoulder straps should be a little looser for easier upper torso movement.

The Weight of the Vacuum - portability 

If a backpack vacuum is too heavy, it doesn’t matter how well the harness fits. It will simply be too difficult to use. Backpack vacs that can be used in the household tend to weigh between 8 and 23 pounds, whereas lightweight backpack vacuum are in a much lower range. The amount of dirt that accumulates in the canister should also be taken into account.

Good HEPA Filtration

A large part of the reason you vacuum is to remove as much dust and dirt as possible so it won’t be floating in the air. So many people have allergies and breathing issues so it’s important for a vacuum to have a filtration system that removes the troubling materials from the air for easier and healthier breathing.

Strong Suction

The CFM, or air flow power, is a method used to designate the suction capability of a vacuum. According to the Home Floor Experts, the stronger the suction, the more dirt and debris is removed. Industrial vacs in general tend to have stronger suction but that’s not always the case, so be sure to look at the rating.

The Cost of the Vacuum

When searching for a household item that I want to buy, I usually rotate around between the features I’m looking for while at the same time keeping the price in mind. If the vacuum has some good features about it but it costs over $400, I’ll want to keep looking until I find a compromise with the right combination.

Other Important Considerations

You’ll want to look at the size of the canister to be sure you’ll be able to maneuver properly with it. You have to be conscious of the area added width with the backpack on, so you don’t run into, knock over or break anything.

Attachments and a long cord are important for getting the job done. Many of these vacuums’ harnesses have loops on the belt so you’ll have them at your fingertips and won’t have to stop and look for them. And how many times have you misplaced an attachment, or find the wrong ones for vacuum you’re using? This way the attachments stay together and won’t get lost.

If you have little ones in your house or just generally like things quiet, be sure to look at the decibel rating of the vacuum. Since these vacs are used in hotels and other quieter but high foot traffic areas, most of these vacuums make less noise than household vacuums. The LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) requires that a backpack vacuum cannot exceed a decibel rating higher than 70.

The ability to use a vacuum as both a dry and wet vac is a good plus for those bigger spills and leaks, and several of these vacs have this capability. Another useful but optional feature is being able to convert to a blower and use it as a floor tool if necessary. That way you can use it as an outdoor backpack vacuum to blow the leaves into piles. 

Sometimes the type of carpet being cleaned is also an important factor. For low pile carpets, it doesnt matter much but for shag or high pile ones it effects performance and should be kept in mind. Also having good crevice tools with the system is a big time saver.

Get The Best!

VACUUM cleaner recommedations


Straight to your inbox