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10 Best Backpack Leaf Blower

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Backpack leaf blowers are beefy versions of the standard leaf blower. Not only are they powerful, but they also produce a lot of wind to clear leaves and debris from the land. They are a powerful piece of kit for the landscaper or gardener. A jetpack like device with the force of a hurricane, moving everything from leaves to debris across the lawn. They’re also a blast to use. 

If you’re tired of raking leaves, or have a large plot of land, then backpack leaf blowers are an alternative, and faster, means of cleaning up. These aren’t exclusive to leaves, they are fantastic at clearing everything from sticks to stones. 

There are all sorts of leaf blowers on the market and choosing one isn’t a simple task. We’re here to help and have sifted through the best backpack leaf blower options available. Some will literally blow you away…

Husqvarna 2-Cycle Gas Backpack Blower

Husqvarna 2-Cycle Gas Backpack Blower

Our Top Recommendation for Backpack Leaf Blower!

This 2-Cycle Gas Backpack Blower features a 7500rpm motor, 180mph airspeed, 42oz fuel capacity, and X-Torq Engine. It is lightweight, only 22.5lbs, and is fitted with an ergonomic harness and comfy straps for a better carrying experience.

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Best Backpack Leaf Blower Reviews

We don’t like the idea of anyone tirelessly raking away leaves during the autumn months, or moving around debris with nothing but manual tools. Instead, we want you to find the perfect leaf blower. 

Leaf blowers are fantastic and a modern tool that will take away the chore of clearing leaves. They are a safe option, remove away debris, and keep your garden looking clean as a thistle. 

As leaf blowers are confusing and can be overwhelming, we broke down the best backpack leaf blowers available. In each backpack leaf blower review, we looked at every feature and specification included with each blower, so that you know just what you’re getting. 

It’s not just a case of picking the blower with the best specs however, we made sure to identify what blower is best for which situation. Whether it’s for professional use or just cleaning a small yard, we have one picked out for you. 

Read on and find the best backpack leaf blower for you. 

IMAGEPRODUCTFEATURESPRICE
Husqvarna 2-Cycle Gas Backpack Blower• 180mph air speed
• 7500rpm motor
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Echo PB-580T Backpack Blower• 215mph air speed
• 27.9lbs


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Makita EB5300TH 4-Stroke Engine Tube Throttle Backpack Blower• 184mph air speed
• 19.7lbs


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Poulan Pro PR48BT 2-Cycle Gas Backpack Leaf Blower• 200mph airspeed
• 475cfm air volume


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Schröder SR-6400L Industrial Backpack Leaf Blower• 230mph air speed
• 920cfm air volume


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Greenworks BPB80L00 Cordless Backpack Leaf Blower• 145mph air speed
• 580cfm air volume


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Husqvarna 967144301 360BT Backpack Blower• 232mph air speed
• 631cfm air volume


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HYCHIKA 40V Cordless Leaf Blower Brushless• It comes with a quick charger
• Lifetime sale-after service



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Ryobi 38cc Gas Backpack Leaf Blower• 175mph air speed
• 760cfm air volume


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LawnMaster NPTBL31AB No-Pull Backpack Blower• 175mph air speed
• 470cfm air volume


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#1. Husqvarna 2-Cycle Gas Backpack Blower

Best Backpack Leaf Blower
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Quick Glance

  • 180mph air speed
  • 7500rpm motor
  • 22.5lbs 
  • 42oz fuel capacity
  • X-Torq Engine
  • Low Vib technology

Backpack leaf blowers can be a difficult purchase, not only is it hard to find one that meets your needs, but also one you can physically carry. Turns out, leaf blowers can be heavy. 

Package of Husqvarna 2-Cycle Gas Backpack Blower

The Husqvarna 2-Cycle Gas Backpack Blower is a good solution to this solution, being both lightweight and powerful. Weighing in at just 22.5lbs, this blower is fitted with an ergonomic harness, complete with comfy straps. Wearing this thing will be a breeze.

Despite its compact size, the Husqvarna outputs around 2.1hp, blowing a 7500rpm hurricane out of its jet. This is perfect if you have a lot of debris or sediment to move, even if leaves are wet or covered in soil. 

Unboxing of Husqvarna 2-Cycle Gas Backpack Blower

Through its patented X-Torq engine, fuel efficiency and gas emissions are reduced. In fact, it boasts a 60% reduction to emissions and a 20% boost to fuel efficiency. The tank can hold around 42oz of gas, which can last a few hours, allowing for a long session. 

User convenience is built into this device. The foremost feature for this is its easy start system, removing air from the machine and carburetor so it starts without any hassle. Additionally, there is also a cruise control option so that the focus can be on just aiming the tube. 

An adjustable tube length and positioning make this a joy to carry and use. The buttons and other controls are in an easy to reach location, but the stop switch can be a nuisance at times.

Feedback on the machine is also downplayed nicely. The Low Vib technology is designed to reduce the amount of vibration stress on the arms. Those who fear the power of a leaf blower will find some solace in this feature. On top of all this, it’s fairly quiet in comparison to other blowers. 

Husqvarna 2-Cycle Gas Backpack Blower Review

Overall, the Husqvarna 2-Cycle Backpack Blower hits the right spot for us. We were big fans of its design, which incorporates ergonomics and accessibility to suit a wider range of users. The powerful engine and fuel efficiency is a feature more blowers need, especially when it isn’t at the cost of the overall power. It’s hard to go wrong with this backpack leaf blower if you’re unsure of what product to go with. 

What we liked

  • Lightweight and portable
  • Powerful air speed
  • Reduced fuel emissions
  • Low vib technology
  • Easy to carry

What we didn’t like

  • Finicky stop button
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#2. Echo PB-580T Backpack Blower

Best Backpack Leaf Blower
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Quick Glance

  • 215mph air speed
  • 27.9lbs
  • 58.2cc engine
  • 70dBa

Looking for a backpack leaf blower that can eradicate leaves from your garden? Then this may be for you. 

Starting a Echo PB-580T Backpack Blower

The Echo PB-580T is a powerful leaf blower that is designed for large scale dispersal of debris. The two pipes can jet out 215mph wind speeds thanks to the two-stroke engine. The amount of power here will be more than enough to jet away leaves en-mass. Sticks and stones may break your bones, but this blower will fling them far away. 

With all this power in hand, we were surprised by how comfy the unit was. 28lbs is a lot of weight to bear, but the ergonomic contours on the backpiece and padded straps made it convenient to move. Even after an hour of usage, we barely felt any strain.

Echo PB-580T Backpack Blower Review

Echo has baked usability into this device and it is simple to get going. Unlike other blowers, the PB-580T is ready to go in 2 – 3 pulls. The tube is easy to hold due to the soft grip, as well as not providing too much feedback from the airflow. 

Blowing up the Leaves With Echo PB-580T Backpack Blower

One of our favorite features on the backpack blower was its distribution of air. Whilst using it in the sun, the backpack cycled cooled air up the back piece, making for a pleasant experience. Using backpack leaf blowers in the heat is tiring, so this feature was a fantastic surprise. 

Assembling the Echo PB-508T was a quick and painless process. During the process, we noticed just how premium the blower feels, with a durable backpack and jet tube. We have no doubt that this will hold out over time, and as it is made with all Echo parts, functions perfectly. 

Although nearly everyone could get some use out of a backpack leaf blower like this, it is definitely geared towards professionals. The excessive airflow and weight make it perfect for large stretches of land or post-storm cleanups. If you have a small-medium garden, then there are better blowers for you. 

Surprisingly, even as a powerful unit, operating the Echo PB-580T didn’t result in the same cacophonous hum as its ilk. It will still wake the neighbors, but innocuous use will not be obtrusive whilst using the device. 

For the price and power, this is a solid pick for professionals. It outputs enough airflow to deal with tough jobs but comes with all the accessibility and ergonomics of domestic leaf blowers. There are few complaints to be had with this blower, it’s highly recommended, especially at the current price. 

What we liked

  • Durable design
  • Powerful
  • Easy to operate
  • Cool air cycling

What we didn’t like

  • Plastic body
  • Not for domestic gardens
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#3. Makita EB5300TH 4-Stroke Engine Tube Throttle Backpack Blower

Best Backpack Leaf Blower
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Quick Glance

  • 184mph air speed
  • 19.7lbs
  • 60.9oz gas tank
  • 70 dB
  • Cruise control
  • Four-stroke engine

We like backpack leaf blowers that cater to a wide audience, especially ones that have enough features in place to make it modern. 

Makita EB5300TH 4-Stroke Engine Tube Throttle Backpack Blower Review

The Makita EB5300TH packs a fair amount of power, with 184mph airflow that leaves will stand no chance against. With a wide 516CFM airflow, it’s good at getting a large amount of debris cleared quickly. 

The four-stroke engine was something we really appreciated. The displacement this provides allows for the engine to only require gas to run, rather than micing with oil. Coupled with emission reduction and fuel efficiency, this is a slightly green alternative to other gas blowers. 

Handling the EB5300TH is painless and was light enough to carry aided by a supple harness, more so if you can get the accompanying hip strap. We had no issues aiming the nozzle either, with the handle being easily adjusted on the fly. 

Makita EB5300TH 4-Stroke Engine Tube Throttle Backpack Blower Testing

Once you’re ready to use, this blower could not be easier to start. The engine decompression is perfect and only required a couple of pulls to get going. You can even set the cruise control to make blowing easier. 

Noise levels are around the 70 dB level, putting it on par with most blowers. This is still loud enough to warrant earplugs and will disturb others. However, when using it the Makita EB5300TH reduces vibrations, so that shouldn’t detract from the experience. 

The backpack blower comes with a handful of nozzles and attachments for various requirements. 

Blowing up the Leaves With Makita EB5300TH 4-Stroke Engine Tube Throttle Backpack Blower

The entire thing is durable enough and lasting. The large air filter is also easily replaceable, which is definitely warranted as they often need switching. 

The Makita EB3500TH is not a bad investment and will suit both domestic gardeners and landscapers. It may not be as powerful enough to handle large scale tasks, but it is more than enough to move most debris in hour-long stints. At this price, it is a good choice for the budding gardener. 

What we liked

  • Reasonably priced
  • Lightweight
  • Four-stroke engine
  • Detachable nozzles

What we didn’t like

  • Not that powerful
  • Suited to smaller tasks

#4. Poulan Pro PR48BT 2-Cycle Gas Backpack Leaf Blower

Best Backpack Leaf Blower
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Quick Glance

  • 200mph airspeed
  • 475cfm air volume
  • 22lbs
  • 2-stroke engine
  • 49.2oz tank
  • 96.7dB

The Poulan Pro PR48BT is a powerful, yet stylish, answer to raking leaves. Out of the box, the Poulan Pro can reach an airspeed of 200mph, blowing away any wet leaves or debris. This is alongside a 475cfm, so it does have a wide-enough spread for most jobs but is an overall weak spread in comparison to most blowers. 

With a 2-stroke, 48cc engine, this blower is reliable and powerful. This comes equipped with a 49.3oz fuel tank that requires a 50:1 ratio of gas to oil. 

Poulan Pro PR48BT 2-Cycle Gas Backpack Leaf Blower Review

The first thing we noticed about the Poulan Pro is its satisfying design, with aesthetically pleasing bodywork and colors. The accompanying back support is suitable for a few hours of work, with contoured pieces and padded straps. 

The lightweight design works wonderfully with the comfort pieces. At a weight of 22lbs, this is a very portable device and could be used by nearly anyone. There is a cruise control option and variable airflow also intended for the average user. 

Despite its size, this is one loud leaf blower. With an average noise rating of 96.7dB, this is not a blower you will want to use during the midnight hour. 

The real caveat to this blower is its overall durability. The main body, connecting sections and the tube did not feel all that sturdy. Looking online, it also seems as though quality control and customer service are lacking, so you may want to bear this in mind before purchasing. 

Blowing up the Leaves With Poulan Pro PR48BT 2-Cycle Gas Backpack Leaf Blower

At this reasonable price and with some good specifications, this is a good purchase for anyone who simply needs a leaf blower for the garden. Some caution should be taken in regards to quality control, but overall this is a good pick. 

What we liked

  • Reasonable price
  • Great for domestic gardeners
  • Suitable size and weight
  • Solid specifications for the price

What we didn’t like

  • Loud
  • Quality concerns

#5. Schröder SR-6400L Industrial Backpack Leaf Blower

Best Backpack Leaf Blower
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Quick Glance

  • 230mph air speed
  • 920cfm air volume
  • 3.7hp motor
  • 2-stroke engine
  • 19.5lbs

Power is truly built into the Schroder SR-6400L – even the name sounds powerful. 

Sporting a 3.7hp motor, the SR-6400L boasts a whopping 230mph air speed and a 920cfm spread. Your yard better be wary, when this is raring to go it will move pretty much anything not tied down. 

Schröder SR-6400L Industrial Backpack Leaf Blower Review

With all of this power, it’s a wonder that the entire thing weighs 19.5lbs. The compact nature of the device is perfect for mobility and will be blowing away the leaves in no time. Those venturing far to complete their leaf blowing tasks will get a lot of use out of this compact design. 

Due to the compact nature, the comfort of the device is compromised. With a fairly basic back piece and simplistic weight management, this may be displeasing to those with back issues. The weight does compensate somewhat for this lack of ergonomics, however. 

The engine is around 63.3 cc, with most models featuring a 2-stroke gas and oil engine. This does get pretty loud, with the device hitting around 98dB at the height of use. 

Unlike a lot of brands, Schroder has provided a 5-year warranty and is known for excellent care. The parts however do feel solid and the starter was perfect each time, which we hope stands the test of time. 

Unfortunately, there is little else going on with the SR-6400L. There are few extra features included but despite this it a solid piece of kit overall. 

Unboxing of Schröder SR-6400L Industrial Backpack Leaf Blower

Simplicity and practicality are why we love this leaf blower. The price offers incredible value for money, substituting extra features for incredible power and accessibility. This thing is portable and will get nearly any task done swiftly thanks to its powerful airflow. If you just need a leaf blower and don’t care about any bells and whistles, this is the best leaf blower you could get. 

What we liked

  • Value for money
  • Powerful
  • Compact and lightweight
  • Simple

What we didn’t like

  • Few extra features
  • Basic backpiece
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#6. Greenworks BPB80L00 Cordless Backpack Leaf Blower

Best Backpack Leaf Blower
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Quick Glance

  • 145mph air speed
  • 580cfm air volume
  • 8.12lbs
  • Battery-powered

A lot of the products mentioned in this article have been a backpack gas leaf blower, but Greenworks have created a fantastic alternative. The Greenworks BPB80L00 Cordless Leaf Blower utilizes a battery-powered motor for simple, garden use.

Unboxing of Greenworks BPB80L00 Cordless Backpack Leaf Blower

Although it uses a battery, this leaf blower can still reach airspeeds of up to 145mph, which is great for leaves and debris. The 580cfm spread is enough to rival gas-powered mowers and will be perfect for gardens. 

Greenworks have included a slew of intuitive features for users. The first of which is a speed and turbo trigger that allows for increased airflow when needed. Additionally, this also comes with cruise control so you can just get on with the job. 

Unlike gas-powered options, the battery will drain much faster. After around 30 minutes, expect a required recharge as the force drops significantly. Due to this, the Greenworks BPB80L00 is not suited to large lots of land. 

Without the battery, this leaf blower is light as a feather, coming in at 8.12lbs. Not only this, but it is beautifully compact. With an aesthetically pleasing design and a simple back piece, this thing is a joy to carry around. 

Everything about this mower is designed to be subtle, which includes the noise levels. Only outputting around 70dB at maximum, this will fit in any suburban area. 

Greenworks BPB80L00 Cordless Backpack Leaf Blower Review

The only major caveat surrounding this backpack leaf blower is the options and prices. Some models do not come with their respective battery, in which the price jumps significantly when a battery is factored in. Still, the price is on par with gas-guzzling options. 

It’s best to understand what you are getting with a Greenworks BPB80L00. This isn’t a professional blower, nor is it a blower for those with large lots of land. Instead, this is a nifty, portable option that will suit even the most casual of gardeners. It is expensive, but for convenience, it may be one of the best backpack leaf blowers for casual gardeners. 

What we like

  • Light as a feather
  • Powerful despite being battery powered
  • Compact design
  • Turbo options

What we didn’t like

  • No battery included in the base model
  • Can be expensive
  • Charge depletes quickly
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#7. Husqvarna 967144301 360BT Backpack Blower

Best Backpack Leaf Blower
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Quick Glance

  • 232mph air speed
  • 631cfm air volume
  • 23.2lbs
  • 97dB
  • X-torq engine
  • Cruise control

Moving up the chain, the Husqvarna 360BT is a gas-powered back blower with enough force to blow away the competition. 

Returning with the X-Torq engine, this two-stroke design reduces exhaust emissions by 60% and improves fuel efficiency by 20%. This is excellent for a blower of this magnitude and will surely be useful during a long sweep. 

Airspeed on this is enough to hit 232mph when using the flat nozzle tip, reducing somewhat with a round tip. This is paired with a 631cfm flow, with a wide enough spread for larger properties. This power will work well for any professional or those with acres of land. 

Box of Husqvarna 967144301 360BT Backpack Blower

This power does not compromise the weight of the device, and will only put 23.2lbs of strain on the back. This is offset by an ergonomic backpiece harness, that is ventilated and well contoured for easy carrying. 

Aiming is easy also, with an offset handle aiming and positioning the airflow an absolute breeze. This means you can just keep your arm in a firm position without it being constantly dragged downwards by the force. 

The air purge system removes air from the carburetor, making it easy to start with only a few pulls each time. You will be able to keep it running for long also thanks to a 74.4oz fuel capacity, tailoring it too long periods of use. 

As this is a complex machine, expect to be cleaning the insides and replacing/repairing parts every so often. Maintenance is key with these machines. The 360BT is easy to take apart and clean, so this won’t be much of a chore. 

As mentioned, this is not for your average consumer. With such a powerful engine, this will be a noisy blower to use, so expect noise complaints. At around 97dB, you will need earplugs or covers. 

Blowing up the Leaves From a Garden With Box of Husqvarna 967144301 360BT Backpack Blower

The Husqvarna 360BT is one of the best backpack blowers we’ve used. It is an expensive model, but the features and power are more than worth it to the right customer. This is a  professional-grade leaf blower with all the airspeed and capacity required to make it one. There are few downsides to buying this, if you need a leaf blower for work, this could be it. 

What we liked

  • Powerful
  • Lightweight and compact
  • Comfortable
  • X-torq engine
  • Well priced for these specs

What we didn’t like

  • Can run very hot
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#8. HYCHIKA 40V Cordless Leaf Blower Brushless

HYCHIKA 40V Cordless Leaf Blower Brushless
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Quick Glance

  • 5.3lbs weight
  • 453 CFM airflow
  • 131 MPH airspeed
  • One button to control the speed
  • Run time- 30 minutes on full charged batteries

The HYCHIKA 40V Cordless Leaf Blower is a portable lawnmower that differs from backpack lawnmowers. Does handheld sound daunting? Well, not quite. This device may not appear as comfortable to carry as a backpack mower, but it is designed to be carried with one hand. And guess what? The company claims that even children can carry this handheld cordless mower conveniently.

Blowing up the Leaves From a Car With HYCHIKA 40V Cordless Leaf Blower Brushless

Although it cannot be categorized as a lightweight machine, it is only 5.3lbs. In addition, if being easily carried, you can conveniently switch between 2 speeds by pushing one button. This machine has a maximum airspeed of 131 MPH and a maximum airflow of 453 CFM, sufficient for blowing leaves, debris, dust, and snow. You can even use it for car drying!

The HYCHIKA electric blower comes with two 20V/4.0Ah batteries, each of which may last up to 30 minutes when fully charged. Brushless motors generate twice the power, are silent, and have a long lifespan. This mower also includes a rapid recharge, which takes about 1 hour to reach full capacity.

HYCHIKA 40V Cordless Leaf Blower Brushless Review

Overall, the HYCHIKA electric blower is great for individuals looking for a fast-working turbo lawnmower. This machine is also for those willing to hold their mower for at least 30 minutes to get a clean cut. Nonetheless, keep in mind that your mower must be kept at room temperature because it will not start if the temperature falls below – 15 degrees.

What we liked

  • Hassle-free installation
  • Convenient to be carried by a single hand
  • Powerful
  • Truly works
  • Fast charging
  • High airflow and speed
  • Single push-button speed control
  • It comes with the user manual 
  • Multiusage

What we didn’t like

  • Heavy
  • Batteries tend to run fast, within 20 minutes

#9. Ryobi 38cc Gas Backpack Leaf Blower

Best Backpack Leaf Blower
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Quick Glance

  • 175mph air speed
  • 760cfm air volume
  • 30oz capacity
  • 38cc engine
  • 20.2lbs

For a residential mower, the Ryobi Leaf Blower surprised us with its convenience. The main pull of this blower is its price and airflow. 

With only 175 miles per hour of power streaming from the tube, this is more suited to a homeowner. The Ryobi can maintain a 790 cubic feet per minute, covering a lot of ground in a short amount of time. 

Ryobi 38cc Gas Backpack Leaf Blower Review

The 38cc 2-cycle engines hold up well and worked perfectly in the garden, although it won’t be much use across long spreads of land or in professional lines of work. This also goes for the small tank, with a small capacity of 38oz. 

The Ryobi is only 20.2lbs and designed to be as easy to carry as possible. The basic harness is comfortable and holds the weight nicely, almost making it like carrying a normal backpack. This is portable enough for most people to use, but shorter people may be put off by the volumetric size of the device. 

The variable speed trigger and cruise control options were a pleasant addition, allowing us to simply saunter across the yard unimpeded. The 65dB rating made it peaceful enough in the garden and not too disturbing. 

The whole thing was easy to assemble and quickly started, requiring very little effort. This is something casual users will find beneficial, especially if they aren’t used to leaf blowers. 

Finally, there are a few extra features such as an interchangeable nozzle attachment and anti-vibration adjustments. These are par for the course with leaf blowers, but for a residential blower, this is a nice addition. 

BLowing up the dust With Ryobi 38cc Gas Backpack Leaf BlowerBLowing up the dust With Ryobi 38cc Gas Backpack Leaf Blower

The Ryobi 38cc will not suit everyone and this is not the best backpack blower for the tradesman or landscaper. Those in residential areas who want something powerful, cost-effective, and portable will find a lot of use from the Ryobi. 

What we like

  • Reasonable price
  • Lightweight
  • Portable and convenient
  • Great air volume

What we didn’t like

  • Not intended for professional use
  • Small capacity tank
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#10. LawnMaster NPTBL31AB No-Pull Backpack Blower

Best Backpack Leaf Blower
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Quick Glance

  • 175mph air speed
  • 470cfm air volume
  • 18.5lbs
  • Push-button start
  • Auto-choke system

Last, but not least, we have the LawnMaster NPTBL31AB. This is a simple blower designed to be a gap between electric and gas mowers. 

With a relatively weak airspeed at 175 miles per hour and cubic feet per minute of 470, this will not be blowing up heavy debris. This is still suitable for an average garden, however, especially if you only need it for simple jobs. 

Unboxing of LawnMaster NPTBL31AB No-Pull Backpack Blower

Opting for a button-operated start over a pull-cord, this leaf blower is activated in seconds. The auto-choke system ensures that this works even on the coldest of days. 

The gas-powered engine does still require batteries however, which is a strange compromise for the sake of a button powered start. However, through this, there are multiple options for speed control and throttle. 

The entire device weighs just 18.5lbs, making it one of the lightest backpack leafblowers available. The padded harness is elaborate in comparison to other blowers, with excellent straps and support for the back. One issue we noticed was that the engine was not centered on the harness, so there was a slight bit of strain in that location. 

LawnMaster NPTBL31AB No-Pull Backpack Blower Review

This may not be the best backpack leaf blower we’ve reviewed, but it has certainly found its niche. The lightweight frame and supporting harness make it highly accessible, be it to the elderly or those with compromised stature. There are a few turn offs in comparison to other leaf blowers, but convenience and accessibility put this as a great buy for those who are interested. 

What we liked

  • Very light
  • Reasonable price
  • Accessible to nearly anyone

What we didn’t like

  • Requires batteries
  • Engine centered towards the bottom of the back
  • Not very powerful
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Things to Consider Before Buying Backpack Leaf Blower

It can be easy to fall into a rut when buying a backpack leaf blower; all sorts of features, units, and specifications to factor into the purchase. 

Well, we have you covered. Throughout this guide, we will explain and demystify the leaf blower world so that you can make your choice easier. Don’t worry, we have made it as simple to understand as possible. 

Airspeed

The airspeed is the power at which air will be expelled from the leaf blower. This is typically measured in MPH (miles per hour). Weaker models will start at around 150MPH – 180MPH, with powerful models ranging between 210MPH and 230MPH. 

There is little need to buy a powerful blower unless you truly need it, a lower end airspeed is more than capable of moving dry and even wet leaves. The best backpack blower is the one that suits your needs. 

Air volume

The volume of air is shown as the unit CFM (cubic feet per minute) and is the volume of air that is blown out. A large volume can cover a lot more ground quickly, which is perfect for larger stretches of land. 

Engine Class

The engine class denotes the fuel efficiency and intake of the blower. Most units will come with a 2-stroke, or 2-cycle, engine. These require a mix of gas and oil. Ratios do vary from brand to brand, and it is worth checking it out beforehand. 

The more powerful models will use a 4-stroke engine. These run solely on gas, but do require oil changes and maintenance often. These are tailored towards professionals and won’t suit those with a small yard. 

Noise Reduction

Fun fact: leaf blowers are noisy. It turns out that blowing high speed jets of air can be a cacophony. Most blowers will average between 70dB and 90dB which is loud enough to be a nuisance. 

It’s unlikely that you will find a leaf blower quiet enough to not bother anyone, outside of some electric blowers. Simply use your blower when most people are awake and you will be free from noise complaints. 

Fuel Capacity

Fuel capacity is an important factor in buying a leaf blower. The tank denotes how long you will be able to use the device before refilling. If anything, the best backpack blower models will have the appropriate capacity for their engine. 

Most gas tanks average the 50floz mark, which is a few hours of use. However, the more powerful an engine, the more fuel it will use. Those buying a powerful blower should consider the fuel size before they head to the checkout. 

Battery

Conversely, there are backpack blowers that use lithium batteries. These will be rechargeable and can last anywhere from 30 minutes to 60 minutes. These are designed for small yards, so you are likely to finish up at that time. 

A handful of blowers come equipped with button-based start systems and varying speed settings. These will require battery power separate to the main source of power, even on gas-powered blowers. 

Weight

Weight is an important factor that many overlook. Backpack blowers can be heavy, especially when using them for large stretches of time. It’s not worth picking up a premium blower if you can’t physically get value out of it. 

25lbs is the average weight of a backpack blower and a weight that most able-bodied people will be able to carry for lengths of time. Older people, or anyone with compromised mobility, should consider electric blowers or reduced weight options. 

Harness

To carry all this weight, it’s necessary to have a good back piece to make the weight less straining. 

A good backpack blower will come with a contoured harness, which molds around the back to make it more comfortable. This is in addition to support straps that evenly distribute the weight across the shoulders and back. 

Some blowers come with a waist harness, which alleviates even more of the strain. These are essential for heavy blowers. 

Garden Size

Gardens come in all shapes and sizes and thus require different levels of airspeed. 

Smaller gardens, such as in a suburban area, can make do with even the simplest of backpack blowers. Electric blowers are perfect for these gardens; the task can be finished within one charge, are quiet, and work in tighter spaces. 

Once you move up to rural areas and semi-urban gardens, the more powerful blowers become advantageous. A gas-powered blower will cut through leaves and debris in no time at all, making short work of a tiring job. 

Professional Use

Professionals will tend to opt for premium brands that have plentiful fuel capacity and a powerful airspeed and air volume. 

Debris

If you are only clearing simple, dry leaves, then you won’t need much power. Anything around 150MPH can move leaves at this speed, even getting up wet leaves. 

Wooded areas or areas with constant rain downfall may want to opt for higher-powered options to combat dried leaves, rubble, sticks, and stones. They will also be handy after a storm or heavy winds. 

What are the Benefits of a Backpack Leaf Blower?

The major benefit of a backpack blower is the speed in which areas can be cleared. They may not be best in small areas, but their practicality shines when clearing long stretches. Backpack leaf blowers also get into areas that rakes would otherwise miss, making them a thorough option. 

Professional landscapers and gardeners will often be well versed in these tools, as they are essential for efficiency. 

Leaving leaves on the ground is a dangerous idea, especially in warm climates. They are a serious fire hazard and can even attract all sorts of pests and insects. 

What are the Disadvantages of a Backpack Leaf Blower?

Backpack leaf blowers are not easy to carry around, so they do require some strength and stamina to do so. Most will come with a harness, but even this can only protect for so long. Expect to feel some back strain over a routine clear. 

Due to their portability, backpack blowers are cordless and require a fuel source. Most of these will opt for gas, which needs to be mixed correctly depending on the engine. This limits the amount of time a blower can be used for and depends on the fuel capacity. 

Other blowers may opt for a battery power source. These tend to last less than an hour before depleting and must be recharge as such. Despite this, they are a green alternative to the emissions of a gas-powered blower. 

Conclusion

We hope you enjoyed reading through our guide and that your brain isn’t too overwhelmed by the products available. Regardless, each of the blowers we chose has its own quirks and features that will suit a wide array of gardeners out there. 

Make sure to carefully consider the products you are choosing, their appropriate usage, and the specifications included. With all the information in this guide, we have no doubt that you will find the leaf blower you deserve.

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