When it’s time to clean up fallen leaves, using traditional methods can be a huge hassle. Holding a large leaf blower can put significant strain on your arms and shoulders—especially when clearing a large yard—and raking is inefficient and tiring.
Backpack leaf blowers can reduce the physical toll of clearing leaves, and they also have larger engines that will help you get the job done faster. We researched the best backpack leaf blowers available to help you select the best model for your needs. Here are our top picks.
Best Backpack Leaf Blowers: Our Top 5 Picks
- Echo X Series Back Pack Blower: Most Powerful
- Poulan Pro PR48B Backpack Leaf Blower: Best for Medium-Sized Yards
- Husqvarna 360BT Backpack Leaf Blower: Best for Routine Use
- Greenworks Cordless Backpack Leaf Blower: Best Lightweight
- BLACK+DECKER Electric Leaf Blower: Most Versatile
Compare Top Backpack Leaf Blowers
| Product | Air Speed | Cubic Feet per Minute (CFM) | Weight | Power Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Echo X Series Back Pack BlowerCheck Price | 174 mph | 1,110 | 26.5 pounds | Gas |
Poulan Pro PR48B Backpack Leaf BlowerCheck Price | 200 mph | 475 | 22 pounds | Gas |
Husqvarna 360BT Backpack Leaf BlowerCheck Price | 232 mph | 890 | 23.2 pounds | Gas |
Greenworks Cordless Backpack Leaf BlowerCheck Price | 180 mph | 610 | 14.6 pounds | Battery |
BLACK+DECKER Electric Leaf BlowerCheck Price | 250 mph | 400 | 11.1 pounds | Corded electric |
Most Powerful
Echo X Series Back Pack Blower
Good for: Homeowners seeking a highly powerful and comfortable backpack leaf blower that can clear a large amount of debris quickly.
This backpack leaf blower delivers more than 1,100 cubic feet per minute (CFM)—which indicates the volume of air that passes through the leaf blower each minute—ensuring it can clear large amounts of leaves quickly. In addition to being powerful, this blower is also comfortable: It features an intake system that draws in air across your back to keep you cool and has padded shoulder straps. It’s also easily adjustable to match your height.
Pros and Cons of Echo X Series Back Pack Blower
- Features a large fuel tank
- Includes adjustable airspeed control
- Has a top-mounted filter and foam prefilter that protects you during dusty conditions
- Has a very high noise level
- Has a high price point
What People Are Saying About The Echo X Series Back Pack Blower
Our team finds that customers who like this leaf blower are impressed with its ease of use, high power level, and comfortable padded straps. However, some reviewers feel this product is too loud, while others find it bulky.
Best for Medium-Sized Yards
Poulan Pro PR48B Backpack Leaf Blower
Good for: Homeowners seeking a powerful leaf blower for small- to medium-sized leaf cleanups.
This model is a good option if you have a medium-sized yard and need a powerful leaf blower but not the most expensive, heavy-duty model. We like that this leaf blower can blow air at up to 200 mph but has variable speed and cruise control for when you don’t need maximum power. It operates quietly for a gas-powered model and includes padded shoulder straps for comfort.
Pros and Cons of Poulan Pro PR48B Backpack Leaf Blower
- Can blow air at up to 200 mph
- Includes a variable speed control trigger and cruise control
- Is lightweight and comfortable
- Can emit harsh fumes, so may require wearing a mask
- Has a lower maximum CFM than other gas-powered models
What People Are Saying About The Poulan Pro PR48B Backpack Leaf Blower
We find that those who give this backpack leaf blower a positive review like that it works quickly, is lightweight yet durable, and is easy to use. On the other hand, some customers feel it’s too noisy, while others feel the shoulder strap is not comfortable.
Best for Routine Use
Husqvarna 360BT Backpack Leaf Blower
Good for: Those seeking a durable, straightforward backpack leaf blower for routine use on a medium- to large-sized lawn.
This cordless backpack leaf blower from Husqvarna is built with an X-torq engine that can produce air speeds of more than 230 mph with nearly 900 CFM, making it powerful enough to clear large amounts of debris over a wide area. It’s also a great option for routine use thanks to its comfortable shoulder straps, adjustable handle, and sturdy, durable design.
Pros and Cons of Husqvarna 360BT Backpack Leaf Blower
- Can produce higher speeds than similar models
- Includes variable speed control and a cruise control setting
- Has a load-reducing harness for extra comfort
- Has more power than necessary for small lawns
- Has a loud operation
What People Are Saying About The Husqvarna 360BT Backpack Leaf Blower
Our team finds that customers who like this product are impressed by its power level and easy start-up. Others comment on its sturdy design. Some customers say this leaf blower is not ergonomically designed and that it’s challenging to adjust the speed. Others say it’s heavy and hard to maneuver.
Best Lightweight
Greenworks Cordless Backpack Leaf Blower
Good for: Those with small lawns who need a lightweight model for a moderate fall cleanup.
For those with small yards who want a lightweight, easy-to-use model, we recommend this cordless, brushless option from Greenworks. This leaf blower has a low vibration and a variable speed trigger for efficient use. It blows air at up to 180 mph and 610 CFM, perfect for clearing a standard amount of fall leaves.
Pros and Cons of Greenworks Cordless Backpack Leaf Blower
- Is lightweight and easy to carry
- Includes a brushless motor that uses limited energy
- Has a quick-charging battery
- Lasts for just 13 minutes before it needs to be recharged
- Is not a good choice for large amounts of debris
What People Are Saying About The Greenworks Cordless Backpack Leaf Blower
We find that customers who like this product say it’s easily maneuverable, lightweight, and more powerful than expected. However, some others feel this leaf blower’s battery runs out too quickly, and some feel it’s not made from durable materials.
Most Versatile
BLACK+DECKER Electric Leaf Blower
Good for: Those looking for a versatile leaf cleaner to use on small leaf cleanups who don’t mind a corded model.
This budget-friendly and versatile device from BLACK+DECKER can serve as a corded leaf blower, leaf vacuum, or mulcher. Despite its compact size, it can reach a maximum speed of 250 mph and deliver 400 CFM. This leaf blower also features a flexible tube that increases maneuverability when blowing leaves and lawn debris.
Pros and Cons of BLACK+DECKER Electric Leaf Blower
- Includes a Powerboost function for removing larger debris
- Has unlimited run time since it’s corded
- Comes at an affordable price point
- Is not as powerful as some other models
- Can get clogged easily
What People Are Saying About The BLACK+DECKER Electric Leaf Blower
We find that customers who give this product a positive review like that it offers multiple functions, has good value, and has a strong suction power for its size. However, some others feel this leaf blower clogs too easily, and others say that it is ineffective for large leaf piles.
What To Know Before Buying a Backpack Leaf Blower
Backpack leaf blowers are powerful, convenient tools to use for regular leaf cleanups. However, there are key differences among the various models on the market. When choosing a leaf blower, note the product’s power level, power source, weight, and noise level to narrow down your options. Below is our guide to a backpack leaf blower’s most significant features.
Power Level
A backpack leaf blower’s power level is measured in mph and CFM. A leaf blower’s maximum mph indicates how fast air can come out of the nozzle. The higher the maximum mph, the more efficiently the leaf blower will clear debris.
CFM, or cubic feet per minute, indicates a model’s airflow rating. CFM indicates how much air passes through the machine each minute. For example, a backpack leaf blower with 1,000 CFM blows enough air to clear 1,000 cubic feet every minute. The higher the CFM, the more powerful the leaf blower, and the more leaves it can move at once.
Power Source
Backpack leaf blowers are either gas-powered, electric, or corded. Gas-powered models have unlimited run time and a high power level, making them a smart choice for large lawns. However, gas models can be heavy, loud, and expensive.
Electric models run on rechargeable batteries, limiting run time to however long the battery lasts. These cordless, battery-powered leaf blowers are typically lighter than gas models and are good for small- to medium-sized lawns. However, they lack the power of gas models.
Corded leaf blowers are the most limiting and least ergonomic because you can only operate them with a power cord. However, the benefit is that you never have to worry about the battery running out. These are ideal for smaller areas as they have a limited CFM.
Weight
Backpack leaf blowers are designed to reduce arm fatigue and be less strenuous than traditional leaf blowers. However, you still have to carry the weight on your back, so the heavier the machine is, the more difficult it will be to haul around.
Heavier models may have more power, but if you don’t feel comfortable holding a lot of weight on your back, consider a model that weighs less than 30 pounds. Some units also come with features that make it easier to carry the tool on your back, such as padded shoulder straps and hip straps.
Noise Level
Leaf blowers can be loud, especially heavy-duty models. Backpack leaf blowers typically fall between 50 and 120 decibels, which can damage your ears and even cause hearing loss. Lightweight, battery-powered models are the quietest, while large, gas-powered blowers are the loudest. To ensure your ears are protected while using a backpack leaf blower, wear hearing protection, such as wireless headphones.
Tips for Staying Safe When Using a Backpack Leaf Blower
Backpack leaf blowers are heavy-duty outdoor tools designed to clear a large amount of leaves and other debris, such as grass clippings and mulch. As such, they can be dangerous when not used properly. Here are some tips to keep in mind when operating a leaf blower to ensure you’re operating your machine safely:
Wear Proper Safety Gear
Before using a backpack leaf blower, make sure you’re wearing the proper safety equipment, including safety glasses, ear protection, and a dust mask. Additionally, you should only operate a backpack leaf blower while wearing long sleeves, pants, and closed-toed shoes.
Inspect the Leaf Blower Closely
Before turning the leaf blower on, check the device closely for signs of damage, loose parts, and wear and tear. If it looks like your leaf blower may be broken, either have someone fix it or repair it yourself before use to avoid potential accidents.
Keep the Area Clear
Before operating a leaf blower, ensure the area is free of obstacles such as branches, rocks, and other objects that the blower could throw. Additionally, make sure the area is clear of pets and other animals, as well as delicate plants that could be destroyed.
Hold the Leaf Blower Tightly
When operating a heavy-duty leaf blower, hold onto the device tightly with both hands to maintain control. To reduce arm strain, keep the leaf blower close to your body during operation.
Control the Leaf Blower’s Airflow
If your leaf blower has adjustable airflow levels, adjust it based on the objects you’re blowing. For example, use a low setting for lighter debris, such as dry leaves, and a higher setting for heavier debris or wet leaves.
FAQ About Backpack Leaf Blowers
Are backpack leaf blowers more powerful than handheld leaf blowers?
Typically, backpack leaf blowers have more power than handheld blowers. In particular, gas-powered backpack leaf blowers provide the most CFM and highest maximum mph.
Can you use a backpack leaf blower on wet leaves?
Wet leaves are more difficult to move than dry leaves, but most backpack leaf blowers can move them. Light-duty models with a low CFM may struggle with wet leaves, so if it is a concern, look for a more powerful model.
How do you start an electric leaf blower?
Most electric and cordless leaf blowers have a push-button or trigger that starts them, making them more convenient than gas models.
Are gas-powered leaf blowers illegal?
Certain cities and states have recently outlawed the use of gas-powered lawn equipment, including Washington, D.C., Burlington, Vermont, and California. If you’re unsure if it’s legal to use gas-powered lawn equipment in your area, check local laws and homeowner’s association regulations. If gas-powered leaf blowers are banned, you can still use an electric-powered model for your leaf-blowing needs.
What are the top leaf blower brands?
There are dozens of brands that make leaf blowers, but some of the most reliable and well-recognized include the following:
- BLACK+DECKER
- Echo
- Greenworks Pro
- EGO Power+
- Husqvarna
- Makita
- Poulan
- Ryobi
- Schroder
- Troy-Bilt
Who This Backpack Leaf Blower Guide Is For
Backpack leaf blowers make cleaning up leaves considerably easier and less strenuous than traditional leaf blowers. It’s a smart investment for any homeowner who will be clearing leaves and debris from a medium- to large-sized lawn. To help you narrow down the best backpack leaf blowers, our team researched a variety of models, including gas-powered, lightweight, heavy-duty, vacuum, and more.
How We Selected the Best Backpack Leaf Blowers
To provide our readers with the best recommendations possible, we rely on several key sources of information to help guide our selection process.
Initial Research: Our research process began by generating a list of backpack leaf blowers with a significant number of verified-buyer reviews and an average customer review rating of 4–5 stars. We looked at positive and negative reviews alike, focusing on information from both satisfied and critical buyers.
Expert Insights: Through our years of experience, we’ve learned that listening to what others have to say is key to building accurate, well-rounded articles. To complement our in-house expertise, our team looked at reviews and videos from trusted publications and independent testers, spoke with subject matter experts, and drew insights from reader contributions.
Final Product Selection: We then began fine-tuning our list by replacing older models with the latest versions and eliminating any discontinued models. From there, we pared the list down further by comparing each model’s feature set and selecting the best-in-class options for various buyers, budgets, and scenarios.
Why You Can Trust Us
This Old House has empowered homeowners and DIY-ers for more than four decades with top-notch home improvement advice in the form of television programs, print media, and digital content.
Our team focuses on creating in-depth product and service review content. To date, we’ve published over 1,600 reviews on products in the home space, from doorbell cameras and backyard fencing to pool vacuums and snow blowers.
Once we conclude our research, we craft a comprehensive, user-friendly article of recommended products and additional information to help our readers make the right purchase.