[2022] 7 Best Backpack Vacuums Reviewed By A Real Cleaning Company Owner

Welcome to my best backpack vacuum review for 2022. Most web reviews do not take into account the different vacuum cleaner requirements for commercial/residential and high/low volume use.

This is not one of them…

I know vacuums by virtue of having owned and operated residential AND commercial cleaning companies for 11 years. I’m going to be brutally honest and, hopefully, helpful as you look to make the right choice amongst the best backpack vacuum cleaners on the market.

By the end you will know everything you need to know to make an informed decision. Personally, I think you will understand why backpack vacuum cleaners are the best option for daily cleaning of both residential and commercial properties.

Top Picks

Here are my top picks for the best backpack vacuum cleaners on the market.

• Best for Daily Commercial (multi-office) Use – ProTeam Super CoachVac Commercial Backpack Vacuum Cleaner
  
  Read Review ->
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• Best for Daily Residential (multi-home) Use – ProTeam ProVac FS 6 Backpack Vacuum Cleaner
  
  Read Review ->
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• Best Budget Commercial Use – Hoover Commercial Backpack Vacuum Cleaner
  
  Read Review ->
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• Best Cordless Upright Backpack Vacuum Cleaner – PowrFlite Comfort Pro Freedom Cordless Backpack
  
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What are the Best Backpack Vacuums

Here are my reviews for the top 7 backpack vacuums.

1. ProTeam Super CoachVac Commercial Backpack Vacuum Cleaner, with Commercial Tool Kit

Overview

Best for Daily Commercial (multi-office) Use

There is no coincidence that three ProTeam Backpack Vacuum cleaners have found a spot in my view of the best backpack vacuum cleaners on the market.

Yes, they are that good.

Comfort, ease of use, high quality suction power, and DURABILITY define the typical ProTeam backpack vacuum cleaner. Regardless of how you plan to use the vacuum, these are all factors that any “best” in class backpack vacuum needs to have.

And this Proteam model has it.

Let’s jump into the important features of this vacuum.

Top Features/Benefits

• Comfort: Thick shoulder pads + Open weave heat dissipating fabric + fully adjustable harness
• Ease of Use: Integrated tool belt
• Durability: High quality frame and body; 1188 watt motor
• Cord: 50-foot power cord
• Weight: 11 lbs.
• Tools: Yes, multiple included, motorhead not included
• HEPA Filter: Four Level Advanced Filtration with HEPA media
• CRI Certification: Certified Gold
• Noise Level: 65 dBA – good
• Warranty: 3-year warranty on parts, labor and motor; lifetime on molded body parts.
• Power Motorhead Option: Yes
• Capacity: 10 quart

Pricing:

This backpack vacuum cleaner sells for $650. Bags will cost approximately $1.50 each.

Bottom Line

This is a great vacuum for high-volume commercial cleaning use. The tool set on this vacuum makes it ideal for any commercial setting that has hard and low-pile carpet type floors.

When you pair this vacuum with ProTeam’s ProGlide wand and floor tool, you will gain unparalleled efficiency in vacuuming both large uncluttered spaces as well as cubicle filled offices. You definitely need to hear what I have to say about the Proglide.

In terms of rating backpack vacuum cleaners, you can’t go wrong with this vacuum. This is what I’ve used in my commercial cleaning business.

2. ProTeam ProVac FS 6 Backpack Vacuum Cleaner with Wessel Power Motor Head Kit

Overview:

This has been the go to backpack vacuum in our residential cleaning company for several years. We have tried several traditional upright vacuum models and other backpacks and always come back to this model.

Top Features/Benefits:

• Comfort: Thick shoulder pads + Open weave heat dissipating fabric
• Ease of Use: Integrated tool belt
• Durability: High quality frame and body; 1188 watt motor
• Cord: 50-foot power cord
• Weight: 11.8 lbs.
• Tools: Yes, multiple included, Commercial powerhead nozzle (motorhead); hard floor tools with non-motorized wand not included
• HEPA Filter: Four Level Advanced Filtration with HEPA media
• CRI Certification: Certified Gold
• Noise Level: 65 dBA – good
• Warranty: 3-year warranty on parts, labor and motor; lifetime on molded body parts.
• Power Motorhead Option: Yes, jump to details of commercial power nozzle
• Capacity: 10 quart

Pricing:

The ProVac FS 6 is priced at $892.

Bottom Line:

ProTeam hit a home run with this product when it comes to creating the perfect backpack vacuum for residential cleaning.

This has been the go to backpack vacuum in our residential cleaning company for several years. We have tried uprights and other backpacks and always come back to this model.

What really sets this model apart is the motor head. This is a HIGH POWER motor head that digs deep into pile carpet, while still being easy to push. It suctions dirt right up against your walls. The wand lowers flat to allow you to vacuum under low furniture and beds.

We haven’t found a product that is as efficient, maneuvers as easily, and allows the crews to clean with less fatigue. Our cleaners LOVE this vacuum cleaner. .

3. Hoover Commercial Lightweight Backpack Vacuum Cleaner, Lightweight, For Carpet and Hard Floors

Overview

Best Budget Commercial (lower volume) Use

If cost is a primary factor for you, this is a decent product. Expect it to perform well and last the longest in a low stress (for the vacuum!) environment. This Hoover is meant for low pile office-type carpet and hard floors.

Top Features/Benefits

• Comfort: Gets hot after one hour
• Ease of Use: Cord belt holder; Wand size fixed can be challenging for residential; Issues With wand parts nt fitting tightly
• Durability:
• Cord: 48 ft cord
• Weight: 9.2 lbs
• Tools: Multiple included, Motorhead NOT INCLUDED
• HEPA Filter: HEPA media
• CRI Certification: No
• Noise Level: 66dBA
• Warranty: 3-year warranty
• Power Motorhead Option: No carpet motorhead; Hard surfaces only according to reviewers
• Capacity: 6.4 quart capacity

Pricing:

The price for this Hoover backpack vacuum cleaner is $299. Expect bags to cost about $1.50 each.

Bottom Line:

OK, this is a decent product that will work just fine if you are on a budget and also have a low-volume routine you follow. Example: You have a restaurant or office that needs daily cleaning where the vacuum is stored on site.

A backpack vacuum in this price range is not going to have the durability that will allow it to survive high-volume use where it is being carted from job-to-job and banged around.

Hoover makes a great product and getting this vacuum will save you some bucks as long as you use it in the right scenario.

And, because all heavy use vacuums need occasional repairs, you could ALSO use this backpack vacuum as a back-up to your heavier duty primary backpack unit. Keep in mind that you will lose the benefits that standardizing on one model brings, like exchanging parts from older decommissioned vacuums, needing to train your team on one vacuum versus two, etc.

I could see buying this vacuum if my commercial cleaning company was in start-up mode and I was really short on cash. However, once I grew the business a bit and cash flow concerns loosened up, I’d really look to standardize on more durable vacuums that would last longer and perform better.

Then, I’d try to place this vacuum on site at one of my larger customers where I could reduce the wear and tear on the machine. I’d still get the value out of my original investment but I’d take it out of my standard operations.

4. Powr-Flite Premium Comfort Pro Freedom Cordless Backpack Vacuum Cleaner

Overview:

This is the best cordless model of backpack vacuum cleaner I have seen thus far. ProTeam has a competitive model that is on hold due to battery availability issues, but it is also almost $1800, which is too expensive in my opinion. [In 2022, issues with battery availability worldwide has limited sourcing of the most important component for this type of vacuum.]

Top Features/Benefits:

• Comfort: Standard backpack with straps; Air mesh lining on shoulder straps
• Ease of Use: DOES have tool belt
• Durability: 470 watt motor with 70 CFM provides acceptable power for low pile carpet and hard flooring;
• Cord: NONE NEEDED!
• Weight: 18; weighs a bit more than corded versions due to battery
• Tools: Multiple included, Telescopic wand and stretch hose; power motorhead NOT INCLUDED
• HEPA Filter: Yes,5-level HEPA
• CRI Certification: Silver
• Power Motorhead Option: No carpet motorhead
• Capacity: 6 quart capacity
• 55 minute cleaning time
• Recharge battery in 2.5 hours
• Battery status disp;lay
• Can switch battery without taking backpack off
• Battery sold separately
• 3-Year warranty on motor, and materials; battery warranty not specified
• USA made

Pricing:

The price of the backpack is $ 807. The battery, which is sold speate;ly, costs $479.20.

Bottom Line:

The idea of a cordless backpack vacuum makes a lot of sense. If you have a lot of vacuuming experience and are already sold on the efficiency of a corded backpack vacuum cleaner, then it is an easy leap to realize that a cordless vacuum is going to be even more efficient as far as movement and maneuverability go.

Now, it’s got a bit more weight and a little less suction power, but you have no cord to backtrack to to unplug.

But is it worth the investment? Can a cordless backpack be considered the “best backpack vacuum”?

There is definitely an efficiency benefit but I’m just not sold on the ROI when these vacuums cost 2x the price of a high end corded backpack. And that is with one battery, and you might need a backup.

If battery prices came down substantially then I’d be much more excited using a cordless backpack vacuum over a corded version.

I just think that it would be hard to spend this much for routine daily high volume cleaning. I’m thinking you’d have to buy multiple batteries. And I’m worried about the crews losing them or the batteries getting damaged. For these reasons a cordless backpack is not yet the best backpack vacuum cleaner type.

That said, if you are using this in controlled spaces where you can take care of the product and perhaps only need one battery, then a cordless might be a good fit for you.

5. ProTeam Super CoachVac Commercial Backpack Vacuum Cleaner, with Wessel Werk Powerhead

Overview

For Daily Residential (multi-home) Use

I won’t repeat the features of this commercial backpack vacuum because it’s the same vacuum cleaner as in #1. HOWEVER, this model includes the Werk powerhead. This is a motorized head that allows you to handle heavier pile carpet.

Top Features/Benefits

• Comfort: Thick shoulder pads + Open weave heat dissipating fabric
• Ease of Use: Integrated tool belt
• Durability: High quality frame and body; 1188 watt motor
• Cord: 50-foot power cord
• Weight: 11 lbs.
• Tools: Multiple included, Motorhead INCLUDED
• HEPA Filter: Four Level Advanced Filtration with HEPA media
• CRI Certification: Certified Gold
• Noise Level: 65 dBA – good
• Warranty: 3-year warranty on parts, labor and motor; lifetime on molded body parts.
• Power Motorhead Option: Yes
• Capacity: 10 quart

Pricing:

The price of this Proteam commercial backpack vacuum is $679. Bags cost approximately $1.50 each

Bottom Line:

You can’t go wrong with this vacuum cleaner if you need a unit that can handle thicker carpet.

This unit can double as a residential vacuum cleaner given the power head. I do recommend the more durable higher power FS6 with the Wessel Motorhead for high-volume residential, but this one will perform on thicker carpets. You just should not expect the level of deep cleaning on thick carpet that you’d need in a home with pets, for example.

It will last for years. What I like about these proteam models is that you can (in your own shop or garage) make the kinds of minor repairs that ALWAYS come with heavy usage, like replacing the external power cords that get ripped out or cut, and upgrading the backpack harness after a few years of daily use (Usually when your cleaning crews begin to complain).

The drawback ( and the reason the price is similar to the configuration summarized in #1) is that this backpack vacuum does not come with hard floor tools that you see in #1.

HOWEVER, you can use the motor head with the power switched off for any type of hard floor.

If it was me, this is my vote for the best backpack if I was primarily interested in office cleaning, with occasional residential jobs or any job that had thicker carpet where I needed the power of a motorized head. Then I would purchase the ProBlade to supercharge my efficiency when vacuuming hard floors and low-pile carpets.

If you go with the ProBlade (my recommendation) addition, you will be able to handle all types of flooring AND be super fast when vacuuming bare floors, low pile carpet, or just working around a bunch of desks and chairs.

6. Sanitaire EURSC412B Quiet Clean Backpack Vacuum Cleaner

Overview:

If you are set on getting a good backpack (not the best backpack) vacuum AND don’t have the money to spend, the Sanitaire is another low cost option for you. This vacuum has gained a lot of support for its CRI rating (it is CRI Bronze certified)

Top Features/Benefits:

• Comfort: Some reviewers have complained that it gets hot after one hour
• Ease of Use: Cord disconnect device to keep extension cord attached; does not have tool belt capability
• Durability: Most issues center around durability of the motor after a period of use; and some reviewers noted a tendency to overheat.
• Cord: 50 ft cord
• Weight: 11.5 lbs
• Tools: Multiple included, Motorhead NOT INCLUDED;reviewers complain about some tools not fitting together well; tools can not attach to upper end of the wand preventing use in close quarters or steps
• HEPA Filter: Yes
• CRI Certification: Yes, Bronze seal
• Noise Level: 69 dBA
• Warranty: 2 -year warranty parts and labor
• Power Motorhead Option: No carpet motorhead
• Capacity: 6 quart capacity

Pricing:

The Sanitaire costs $328. Bags will cost approximately $2.25 each.

Bottom Line:

71% of reviewers on Amazon rate the Sanitaire at 4-5 stars. (105 reviews). That’s pretty good for a budget backpack vacuum cleaner. However, there seem to be more recent complaints suggesting quality MAY HAVE slumped in the last two years. Most of the issues center around motor durability and tools not fitting together well, or even coming apart.

This vacuum is best suited for open space vacuuming with unobstructed surfaces – the wand does not break down for close quarters cleaning. You’ll want to be careful to keep it focused on shorter jobs as it seems to have a tendency to overheat with prolonged use.

7. Atrix HEPA Backpack Vacuum Cleaner, Premium Bundle

Overview:

This budget backpack vacuum converts to a blower if you are looking to get double duty out of your investment! This vacuum is meant for commercial use; it does not have a power motor head for thick carpets.

Top Features/Benefits:

• Comfort: Standard backpack with straps; acceptable
• Ease of Use: Cord disconnect to keep extension cord attached; DOES have tool belt
• Durability: 1400 watt motor with 106 CFM provides good power
• Cord: does NOT come with an extension cord.
• Weight: 11.5 lbs
• Tools: Multiple included, Motorhead NOT INCLUDED;reviewers complain about quality of plastic tools
• HEPA filter: Yes,4-level HEPA
• CRI Certification: No
• Warranty: 30 day return policy
• Power Motorhead Option: No carpet motorhead
• Capacity: 8 quart capacity

Pricing:

The Atrix sells for $202. Bags are above average in cost at approximately $3.80 a bag.

Bottom Line:

I hesitated recommending this vacuum given the 30-day return period. I don’t think that is enough time to evaluate a product.

But…I have to admit I was very surprised to see a $200 backpack cleaner reviewed as favorably as it is on Amazon. The Atrix made my best backpack vacuum reviews list because of the sheer number of great reviews on Amazon.

Almost 2200 reviews of which >80% are 4-5 stars!

This vacuum has my vote if I were to go with a budget backpack vacuum. I would only do so if I wanted a backpack for intermittent use. I would not subject this vacuum to high-volume daily use as it is just not going to last.

If you buy this baby then evaluate it quickly!

Are backpack vacuum cleaners worth the money?

Let’s answer this question by talking a bit about canister vacuums. Why? Because a backpack vacuum cleaner is essentially a canister-vacuum-on-your-back.

Canister vacuums are great because:

• They have powerful motors with great suction power.
• They have a wand that is light and very easy to maneuver
• The wand gives you great flexibility to use different attachments that allow faster and better cleaning of multiple surface types.

However, canister vacuums can be bulky and, when moving the canister, you have to kinda stop cleaning, or at least revert to one-handed operations as you pull the canister about. Canisters can also be challenging to use on stairs.

A backpack vacuum cleaner has all the best of the canister, while removing the downsides. With a backpack vacuum you have the power and flexibility of a canister without the maneuverability issues.

There is a reason why so many professional cleaning companies use backpack vacuums. Backpack vacuums are faster and provide high quality cleaning which means more jobs at higher quality can be done in a shorter period of time.

If you want to dig deeper then check out Are Backpack Vacuums Any Good? as I dig deeper into the 5 essential criteria I used before standardizing on backpacks as the vacuum cleaner for my companies.

What makes the best backpack vacuum cleaner?

Ergonomics – Ease of use factors including access to the wand and hose as you move about; having the tools on the belt so you can get to them when you end them.

Comfort– Well padded and an adjustable harness with a comfortable waist belt that distributes the vacuum weight evenly so it rests on your hips and not shoulders.

Motor– more powerful motor equates to better suction power; one that does not get too hot and make the person cleaning miserable.

A belt attachment – All commercial backpack vacuum cleaners have a short cord that you attach the longer extension cord to. So you need a strap or hook to hold the extension cord so that when you move about the constant tugging doesn’t detach the extension from the short cord on the cleaner. This is a must have. There is nothing worse than continually dealing with an extension cord that keeps getting pulled out.

HEPA Filter – Pushing clean air back out into the environment is a big selling point for customers. And also for employees as they are exposed to vacuum exhaust all day.

Noise level – most vacuums come in at around 65 dBA which is acceptable for most environments in both home and commercial settings.

Capacity– the most common size is 6 quart and 10 quart capacity. 6 quart capacity is just fine for several days, even up to a week, unless you are cleaning in very dirty environments. Some commercial vacuums come with 10-quart canisters, which is a nice to have in my opinion, unless you are cleaning very large and dirty properties.

Power cord – backpack vacuums come with a 2 foot cord, allowing you to attach a longer extension cord. This saves the vacuum if the vacuum cord itself gets damaged. (although the best vacuums have easy-to-replace short cords). A 50 foot extension cord is essential. Vacuums that came with only a 25 foot extension cord will not allow you to clean most properties without changing the wall plug, too frequently in my opinion. You’re getting a backtracking to save time and time is money. Having to unplug and plug back into the wall is wasted time and slows you down. Not to mention irritating!

Cleaning Attachments and Accessories – having the ability to accessorize your vacuum is critical. Most backpack vacuums come with wand and floor attachments to do hard floors and low pile carpet. Residential backpacks will need a motor head to handle thicker pile carpeting. It is new to be easy to switch back and forth between a motor head for carpet and a hard floor tool.

Warranty- a minimum 2 year warranty is standard on most backpack vacuums.

Durability – There is a huge difference in the potential for wear and tear on your backpack vacuum cleaner depending on how often and how it’s used. A vacuum cleaner that is used once per night to vacuum a restaurant can get away with being less durable than one that is used all day on multiple jbs. Multiple job use also creates the need to have a product that will withstand the extra banging it will get as you load and reload into a vehicle. All these things matter!

Maintenance – You want a vacuum that you can make minor repairs on yourself. This most often includes replacing any cords that come out of the vacuum as they can get caught, cut or otherwise damaged during use. People don’t realize, until they have a vacuum, how long it can take to get your vacuum repaired. I have been to shops where the wait was thirty or more days just to look at the vacuum. In this case, you want to be able to have access to multiple (ideally) distributors who do the repair locally for you. And you should be able to do minor repairs yourself. It’s all about keeping your operation up and running.

What is the difference between commercial and residential backpack vacuum cleaners?

The biggest difference between commercial (office) and residential backpack vacuum is on the floor attachments, and that relates to the type of flooring you encounter.

Most commercial jobs entail vacuuming low pile carpet and hard flooring. Residential cleaning on the other hand, includes thicker carpets and this means you need a motor or powerhead attachment to remove the dirt out of the thicker carpet.

The standard equipment on backpack vacuums are wands and floor attachments that are meant for hard and low-pile carpet flooring. With the exception of the ProTeam models listed here, all the vacuums I’ve received are marketed as multi-floor.

Just understand that means low pile carpet capable. If you are vacuuming thick carpet then you want to make sure your vacuum cleaner has a motor head attachment.

Heavy usage versus off-on usage

While there are many different types of commercial properties, residential cleaning entails doing multiple homes per day. This means the vacuum is being transported about multiple times. This movement introduces a whole level of wear and tear on the machine. (Cleaning crews are notoriously tough on the equipment!).

You want a vacuum cleaner that has a durable shell and will not easily break when it is dropped into a van or trunk of a car.

You also need to make sure the off-on switch can be secured to the belt if it is free standing. In other words, that it is neve left hanging freely so it gets bounced around on hard surfaces every time the vacuum cleaner is put away or lowered to the floor. This constant hitting will damage the sensitive electronics in the off-on switch compartment and cause you to have to replace it.

You’re looking at $40+ cost and a down machine while you wait for the part.

The best attachments for a backpack vacuum

If you purchase a backpack vacuum for residential use, and you made sure to get the motorhead for high-pile carpet vacuuming then also make sure that the tool kit includes a hard floor tool.

There are two different types of hard floor tools.

The first is a hard floor with no bristles that is for use on tile (like kitchen) floors, concrete floors etc.

The second tool is a hard floor tool with bristles that serve to protect a hardwood floor from hard plastic making a scratch. Also, sometimes a chunk of rock or other sharp, hard material can get lodged in the plastic of the hard floor tool and scratch the flooring. A tool with bristles prevents this.

Summary – my preference for flooring tools for residential would be: a motorhead with on/off switch for carpets and general flooring and a deluxe no-bristle floor tool for kitchens and other non-wood hard floors and a deluxe floor tool with bristles for hardwoods.

ProBlade Tool

I ABSOLUTELY could not write this review without mentioning ProTeam’s Proglide tool. Traditional vacuum cleaners use a push-pull method to vacuum. The Proglide tool uses a side-ways arc movement to achieve the same objective, but in much faster time.

When I used this tool for the first time IT BLEW ME AWAY! I vacuumed a 4000 sq. ft. wedding hall. This innovative wand took the vacuuming time from 45 to only 20 minutes!

The “foot” of the wand is also exceptional in its ability to work UNDER and AROUND CHAIRS, so it is great for an office where you have a lot of chairs, or even better, a conference room. My wedding hall had several long tables with about 25 chairs on each side. I found I didn’t even need to move the chairs to vacuum under them, saving me an incredible amount of time.

See this video from ProTeam that shows the way you operate this tool. If you purchase a backpack vacuum for commercial cleaning this an absolute must-have product.

The ProBlade nothing short of REVOLUTIONARY as to the time saved. This wand works on both hard flooring as well as low pile industrial carpeting. It has a telescopic extension that allows you to adjust to your preference, or do high dusting with ease. YOu can quickly remove the wand for the hose to get up large items, and then quickly replace it for floor vacuuming. It also has both bristle and no-bristle floor attachments for different types of flooring. (it is a low pile carpet tool as well as hard flooring).

I can’t say enough good things about this product.

Buy the ProBlade ->

Power nozzle (also called a motor head)

If you’re vacuuming high pile carpets, versus low pile commercial grade carpeting, then you’ll need a motor head attachment. Traditional flooring tools will not reach into the carpet deep enough to get up all the dirt. There is nothing more to say here. If you are in the residential cleaning business you just need to make sure you get a backpack with a power head attachment.

MOST OF THE VACUUM ADVERTISEMENTS ARE MISLEADING. The vacuums do not include a motor head tool ,but they are advertised as multi surface including carpets. You have to read the fine print to see that its low pile industrial grade carpet.

FAQ’s

Are backpack vacuums any good?

Yes, they are. They can be easier to maneuver, allowing you to vacuum much faster than other types of vacuums.. Cordless backpack vacuums are even faster as you don’t have to deal with managing the cord.

How do you maintain a backpack vacuum?

Well, the first thing is you want to keep it clean. It does not have to be spotless but you should focus on keeping the inside of the canister clean. You should be able to wipe out the inside of the clansiter with a dry microfiber cloth once a month or so. Take particular care to make sure all areas where the air flow occurs are free from any obstructing particles. You don’t want the engine to work any harder than necessary and you don’t want to lose suction power which could affect the quality of the work you’re doing.

You want to have a vacuum that you can do minor repairs to yourself. Cords such as the main power cord coming out of the vacuum , or the power cord that goes to the motor head, will need to be replaced over time. Ideally you can do this to save cost and time (avoid long waits at repair shops). I recommend bagged vacuums which are easier to keep clean than bagless, in addition to providing higher air quality.

It’s a good idea to have on hand a few key spare parts, such as a power cord or, if you have a power motor head, then an electrified motorhead cord, so they can be replaced quickly if they get damaged.

What is a good weight for a backpack vacuum?

Most backpack vacuums are in the 9 – 12 pound range, assuming the bag is empty. A 10 quart vacuum is going to weigh somewhat more than a 6 quart vacuum when the bag is full. This is not a major difference,. The more significant difference is between corded and cordless versions of the backpack vacuum since the cordless backpack has a battery on board.

How much does a backpack vacuum cost?

Backpack vacuum pricing is all over the map. The cheapest backpack vacuums will cost you around $$225 and the more expensive versions can cost upwards of $700. A backpack vacuum with a motor head will add another $250, and this is a must for residential cleaning. Cordless vacuums are more expensive, up to $1000, not including the battery which can range from $450 – $1000. [Note: In 2022 lithium batteries are in short supply, so check before buying ANY cordless vacuum of ANY TYPE to make sure batteries are IN STOCK.

What is the capacity of a backpack vacuum?

Most backpack vacuums come in 6-quart or 10-quart sizes. A vacuum with a 6-quart capacity is fine for most needs. Do not choose a backpack based on size alone, unless you are dealing with a very large building!

What is the lightest backpack vacuum?

Vacuums around 9.2 pounds are the lightest we have seen.

Looking for the easiest to use vacuums? Check out this article on lighter weight vacuums.

Are cordless backpack vacuums worth the money?

To justify the difference in cost between a cordless and corded backpack vacuum you need to see an improvement in terms of labor cost going down and revenue going up. The assumption is that faster cleaning times equal lower costs and more jobs in the same time frames. Backpack vacuums are already very efficient, so it is difficult to justify a solid ROI when comparing the two types of vacuum cleaners. However, another factor is convenience, and some would rather spend more to not have to deal with the cords and the need to backtrack to plug them in.

What is the best backpack vacuum for pet hair?

Most backpack vacuums work just fine for pet hair as long as you are vacuuming hard floors.

Recognize that if you are vacuuming pet hair on carpeting, you need to use a motor head. And also that the HAIR WRAP THAT ACCUMULATES will need to be cut away from the brush periodically to avoid loss of suction power and efficiency of your vacuum.

Want to learn more? Read my article on the best stick vacuums for pet hair.

What is the CRI Institute and what does the rating mean?

The CRI Institute is a nonprofit organization that rates vacuum cleaners on their ability to clean carpets. They have a three-tier rating system, with Tier I gold) being the best and Tier III being the Lowest (bronze). The ratings are based on how well the vacuum removes dirt, dust, and hair from carpeting. This is valuable information to have as it shows you the effort e manufacture has gone to to enhance the quality of their product.

Wrap Up

In conclusion, backpack vacuums are a great option for those who need a powerful and highly portable vacuum. They are perfect for cleaning large areas quickly and easily.

When choosing a backpack vacuum, consider the weight, ease of use, and durability based on the type of space you will be cleaning as well as the frequency of use.

Cordless vacuums are more expensive, but offer the convenience of being able to move around without being tethered to a power outlet.

Always choose a backpack vacuum with a motor head for the best results when cleaning thicker carpets or carpets with pet hair.

Finally, keep in mind that most backpack vacuums work well for pet hair, but you may need to clean the brush periodically to prevent loss of suction power.

When choosing a backpack vacuum, the CRI Institute’s rating is a valuable resource to consider, especially if you are concerned about maintaining the best air quality in your spaces..

I hope this article was helpful in your search for the best backpack vacuum for your needs. If you have any questions or comments, please leave them below. Happy cleaning!​