One of the more unusual but highly useful types is a backpack vacuum.
Self-evidently, a backpack vacuum is a nifty cleaning device that looks much like a regulation vac but fits neatly on your back.
A harness keeps the unit in place while you carry on cleaning just like you would with a standard canister.
WHY USE A BACKPACK VACUUM?
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Most backpack vacuums are intended for commercial use. When you are undertaking large projects like cleaning offices or schools, having a backpack unit is invaluable.
These vacuums serve up a winning combination of portability, versatility and efficiency.
Since they are designed for large, heavy-duty projects, if you opt for a backpack vacuum at home, you’ll get more than enough cleaning power for even the most stubborn jobs.
At home, they excel on carpets or bare flooring. Hardwood, laminate or tiling presents no problem with a backpack vac. From rugs and stairs through to the basement or the attic, getting the backpack vacuum will enhance any home cleaning arsenal.
WHAT TO LOOK FOR WHEN BUYING A BACKPACK VACUUM
POWER
The core purpose of these backpack vacuums is to maximize efficiency. If you are looking to do the most work in the least time, a powerful motor on your vacuum is essential.
In general, the more potent the motor, the better suction it will deliver. Regardless of the surface you want to get sparkling clean, suction is crucial.
Power is doubly important if you plan to use your backpack vacuum for commercial purposes.
Take your time and make sure you get something with sufficient performance for your needs.
WEIGHT AND PORTABILITY
The other key selling point of backpack vacs is their portable nature.
There’s no sense in buying something for this reason only to have a cumbersome weight burdening you.
Only you know what you can comfortably carry on your back without any undue strain or effort. Think about your own strength and endurance and make certain you buy a vacuum that you can cope with for as long as you feel you’ll be cleaning.
CORD
One of the flaws with most corded vacuums is that the cable is cut far too tight. This leads to very restricted range and the need to regularly unplug and shift power outlets.
Most of backpack vacuums come with pretty long cords so you should be OK to roam around. Just double check that the cleaner you have in mind comes with a cord long enough for your needs.
HOSE
The length of the hose or tube will dictate whether or not you need to keep stooping down.
Particularly if you are tall, shoot for a model with a decent tube to prevent any back issues and to make your cleaning life easier.
ERGONOMICS
Since backpack vacuums sit on your back, make sure that the straps of the harness are comfortable and don’t dig in. If you end up working away in discomfort, you’ll end up leaving the vacuum aside.
The length of the power cable and hose also play a central part in how comfy your cleaning will be.
Think, too, about any extras and accessories thrown in to make your life easier.
Since you’re looking for a stress-free and snug experience, take all these ergonomics factors into account. Get the best of as many elements as you can.
BRAND
It’s not always the case that the big brands are best but it’s certainly a good starting point to buy from reputable manufacturers.
As well as a certain level of quality, more established brands tend to offer decent warranties. This takes a great deal of uncertainty out of the buying process.
Also, it’s not necessarily the case that vacuums by the hard-hitters in the industry cost the earth. If you take your time to look around, you can often find some unexpected bargains.
BUDGET
With any purchase, price plays a role. Make sure it’s not the only role.
Think of value for money rather than simply glancing at the price tag.
Backpack vacuum is not cheap but it represents a superb investment when you consider the benefits of such an effective cleaning machine.
BEST BACKPACK VACUUM REVIEWS
1. HOOVER CV201
Although it’s corded, the cable is 48 feet long. This means you can clean much bigger spaces without needing to switch power sockets
Portability is obviously uppermost with backpack vacuums. The last thing you need is something that will wear you down and tire you. Tipping the scales at less than 10 pounds, you can blitz your house without straining yourself.
The 1000-watt motor generates impressive suction to cope with all cleaning jobs, big or small.
There is a generous pack of extras with the Hoover. You’ll get a turbo floor tool, a crevice tool, an upholstery tool and a dusting brush. This will cover all main bases for you.
The Hoover is technically a bagless vacuum. It has what Hoover refer to as a reusable dust bag. This means there’s no need to buy replacement bags so in that sense is bagless. You will need to clean it pretty frequently so bear that in mind. Also note that the dust bag is very delicate. Take care to avoid ripping it.
You can easily see through the transparent lid when the spacious container needs emptying.
The CV201 works brilliantly on hardwood floors but won’t do such a good job with carpets. Think about what sort of flooring you have in mind.
The hypercone HEPA filter keeps all allergens away. This cartridge filter offers superb air flow without any corresponding loss of suction. There is also an external foam filter so you’re fully covered.
You don’t need to worry about the hose coming adrift while you’re cleaning. There’s a positive lock so you can work away carefree.
The harness has been designed by chiropractors. This will let you work without overloading yourself and makes this vacuum both mobile and comfy to use.
If you are looking for a backpack vacuum for either residential or commercial use, you can’t go far wrong with the Hoover CV201.
2. PROTEAM COMMERCIAL BACKPACK VACUUM CLEANER, 6 QUART SUPER QUARTERVAC
Next up in our backpack vacuum reviews is only solid vac fit for the rigors of prolonged commercial use as well as being delivering fully in the home.
ProTeam are market-leaders in the backpack vacuum segment. They pioneered the first backpack model nearly 30 years ago. This revolutionized the speed of operation for commercial cleaners. You can literally get twice the work done.
The Super QuartVac is designed for cleaning high-traffic areas where there’s limited space so whether you’re working in an office, a school or any large building, you can zoom through your cleaning duties at full clip.
If you want to use the ProTeam at home, there’s a nifty residential cleaning kit. This included a turbo brush perfect for your carpets, a crevice tool and dusting brush, a claw nozzle and floor brush tool and an aluminum wand. You’ll even get a bag to keep everything safely tucked away when not in use.
The 50-foot power cord is expressly designed for cleaning bigger spaces without needing to keep finding a new power socket.
At 10 pounds, this is the perfect combination of portability and performance.
Although the motor generates awesome suction, it’s also exceptionally quiet so you can beaver away without disturbing anyone.
HEPA filtration makes the ProTeam vac a smart choice for anyone suffering from allergies. The four levels of the filter system keep dust, pet hair and other allergens from wreaking havoc in the atmosphere. Everything is nicely self-contained.
As well as making light work of cleaning all surfaces, from hardwood floors through to hight pile carpets, the ProTeam works well in tight spots so you can take care of all your cleaning needs.
The ProTeam Super QuartVac is certainly not cheap but the best things in life seldom are.
3. PROTEAM BACKPACK VACUUM, 10 QUART SUPER COACHVAC
roTeam vacuums are the go-to choice for building contractors or commercial cleaners. Whether you need to clean stadiums or schools, large meeting rooms or offices, the Super CoachVac is more than man enough for the job.
You’ll get adjustable shoulder straps and a reticulating harness so that everything is nice and snug on your back. You even get a built-in tool belt so you can keep everything close to hand. Fitting closely to your body, the harness will safeguard against colliding with the wall and the weight distribution is spot-on.
Just like with the Super QuartVac, you’ll get a 50-foot power cord so your movements won’t be cramped or restricted.
ProTeam give you a healthy dose of attachments and accessories so you can take care of a diverse set of cleaning needs. From blinds and fans through to upholstery, carpets or any type of hard flooring, everything you need is included to keep things immaculate.
With 4-level HEPA filtration, cleaning up is no hassle even if you have allergies or asthma. All allergens are locked well away and do not spew back into the atmosphere.
Although you get first-rate functionality and impressive performance, the Pro-Team is still relatively light at 11 pounds so it won’t weigh you down.
For a solid and dependable backpack vacuum fit for any cleaning work you throw its way, the ProTeam Super CoachVac is well worth popping on your shortlist.
4. ATRIX VACBP1 HEPA BACKPACK VACUUM
This is a cheaper model, you won’t dip out on build quality or performance so you can buy with confidence.
The 4-stage HEPA filtration is in line with the system offered on much pricier alternatives.
The 1400-watt, 12-amp motor kicks out more than enough power for even prolonged commercial use. Take the vacuum home and it will chew through your cleaning in next to no time. Speed and efficiency are order of the day with these backpack vacuums.
With an ergonomic harness and weighing just 10 pounds, you can take care of business without breaking a sweat.
There’s a great telescopic wand so you can access even awkward nooks and crannies with ease. This can be adjusted in 20 different ways for your complete convenience.
This is a real multi-tasking vacuum that simply converts to a blower.
There’s a 1-year limited warranty for peace of mind.
One thing to watch out for is the 2-foot long cord. This is almost an insult and forces you into using an extension cable. There’s simply no excuse for that sort of nonsense.
Overall, if you want a multi-purpose backpack vacuum for even hardcore cleaning projects, think seriously about the Atrix. It’s a winning combination of affordability and raw performance with a shot of comfort for good measure.
5. GV GREAT-VACS BACKPACK VACUUM
Inkeeping with most backpack vacuums, the GV comes in at 10 pounds. This is big enough to contain a powerful motor but light enough not to get in your way.
The power cord is only 25 feet long which is less than ideal. Although you’ll be able to clean smaller areas without much problem, you might need an extension cord if you plan to work in bigger spaces.
As well as a crevice tool for awkward nooks and crannies, you’ll get a dusting brush for a nice finish. There is a highly advanced floor tool that flicks between carpet and hard floor mode. This versatility is a lovely touch.
The 4-stage HEPA filtration comes as a sealed unit. All irritants and allergens are kept inside and you’ll even get 6 bags free of charge. The cloth bag will hold 8 quarts of dust and debris. This lets you get plenty of cleaning done before you need to empty your vaccum.
An air-driven power nozzle drives the brush roll and allows you to deep clean carpets with devastating force. This is equally good for dealing with hard floors so you are spoiled for choice.
The power unit is covered for 1 year while there’s a 2-year limited warranty for the motor.
For a reliable and inexpensive backpack vacuum that’s built to last, check out the GV today. It will not disappoint.
CONCLUSION
We hope you have enjoyed these backpack vacuum reviews. Hopefully finding the right piece of kit for the job will now be a breeze.
If you have any questions or feedback at all, don’t hesitate to get in touch. We are always delighted to hear from our readers and more than happy to help.
Now strap on that backpack!