The best backpack leaf blowers combine powerful performance with ergonomic comfort, making them ideal for anyone managing a larger yard or outdoor space filled with trees. If you’ve been struggling with manual raking or the fatigue of using a handheld leaf blower for extended periods, you’re likely in search of a more efficient solution for collecting leaves. Our top pick is the Echo PB-580T Gas 2-Stroke Backpack Leaf Blower, a lightweight and user-friendly machine that features a convenient cruise control option and a vented design for enhanced comfort.
“One of the primary benefits of a backpack blower is its ergonomic design,” explains Ward Dilmore, founder of Petrus Landscaping. “Worn on the user's back like a backpack, it distributes weight evenly, reducing strain on the arms and shoulders. With their increased power and performance, backpack blowers are also efficient at quickly clearing leaves, grass clippings, and other debris from large areas.”
Backpack-style leaf blowers, are available in both gas and electric options, each with its own advantages. Gas blowers typically offer higher air speeds and unlimited runtime, while battery-powered models are lighter, quieter and easier to maintain. When selecting a backpack leaf blower, consider factors such as weight, air speed, air volume and noise level. To make your fall yard work easier, here are the best backpack leaf blowers available right now.
Power type: Gas | Weight: 22.7 pounds | Max air volume: 517 CFM | Max air speed: 216 MPH | Noise rating: 70 decibels
Pros:
Powerful 58cc gas engine
Variable speed with cruise control for large areas
Vented backpack makes it more comfortable to wear
5-year warranty for home use
Cons:
Not the highest clearing power
The Echo Gas 2-Stroke Backpack Leaf Blower is a top pick for homeowners due to its powerful performance and balanced price point. It features a 58.2cc professional-grade 2-stroke engine that can reach air speeds of up to 216 MPH. You control the blower with a tube-mounted throttle that includes a cruise control option—ideal for tackling large areas with ease.
At just over 22 pounds, the Echo PB-580T is designed for comfort, featuring a ventilated back pad for improved breathability, making it suitable for year-round use. The translucent fuel tank allows you to monitor fuel levels easily, and it’s backed by a five-year warranty for home use (two years for professional use), ensuring long-term value.
Most Powerful Backpack Leaf Blower
A High-Powered Blower That Tackles The Toughest Tasks
Echo PB-9010T 2-Stroke X Series Backpack Blower
Power type: Gas | Weight: 26.7 pounds | Max air volume: 1,110 CFM | Max air speed: 220 MPH | Noise rating: 80 decibels
Pros:
Extremely powerful with high max speeds and air volume
Ergonomic throttle for comfortable operation
Padded backpack pad for improved comfort
Cons:
Heavier than many other models
Very loud during operation
If you need to clear wet leaves, sticks or heavy debris, the Echo Gas 2-Stroke X Series Backpack Blower is a powerful option. Powered by a 79.9cc 2-stroke engine, it delivers a maximum air speed of 220 MPH and an air volume of 1,110 CFM, making it capable of handling even the toughest yard tasks. These impressive specs make it suitable for both home and commercial use.
Weighing nearly 27 pounds, this model is on the heavier side, but it compensates with a padded backpack for added comfort. Additionally, its air intake system pulls cool air across your back, providing relief on hot days. The ergonomic tube-mounted throttle allows for easy speed adjustments, and the multi-stage air filter keeps dust out of the engine, enhancing its longevity.
Best Value Backpack Leaf Blower
A Smaller Unit That’s More Comfortable To Wear
Troy-Bilt TB51BP 2-Cycle Backpack Leaf Blower
Power type: Gas | Weight: 20.2 pounds | Max air volume: 600 CFM | Max air speed: 220 MPH | Noise rating: 75 decibels
Pros:
Good value for a mid-sized blower
Harness distributes weight for a more comfortable fit
Spring makes pull starts easier
Cons:
May not be powerful enough for heavy debris
The Troy-Bilt 2-Cycle Gas Backpack Leaf Blower is one of the most affordable models on the market, yet it packs enough power to clear a yard full of leaves. Featuring a 51cc full-crank 2-cycle gas engine, it achieves air speeds of up to 220 MPH while remaining lightweight at just over 20 pounds.
Comfort is a standout feature of this model. It includes a harness with padded shoulder straps and a chest strap that helps distribute weight evenly, while an anti-vibration mount minimizes shaking during operation. The tube-mounted throttle boasts an ergonomic design with a responsive trigger, and the blower incorporates Troy-Bilt’s “SpringAssist” technology for easier pull starts.
Power type: Battery | Weight: 29 pounds | Max air volume: 800 CFM | Max air speed: 190 MPH | Noise rating: 65 decibels
Pros:
Up to two hours of operation on low
High clearing power
Low noise level during operation
Cons:
Heavier than many other models
If you prefer battery-powered tools, the Ego Power+ Commercial Battery Backpack Leaf Blower is an excellent choice for keeping your yard clean. This electric leaf blower operates on two included 6.0 Ah batteries, delivering impressive clearing power of up to 800 CFM—more than many gas models.
Runtime is often a concern with battery-powered tools, but the Ego Leaf Blower offers up to 120 minutes on low speed and 30 minutes on high speed. With a noise level of only 65 decibels during operation, it’s also relatively quiet. The harness features premium straps and back pads, ensuring comfort during extended use in your yard.
Best Gas-Powered Backpack Leaf Blower
An Ergonomically Designed Option That Costs Less Than $350
Ryobi Backpack Leaf Blower RY38BP
Power type: Gas | Weight: 20.2 pounds | Max air volume: 760 CFM | Max air speed: 175 MPH | Noise rating: 75.5 decibels
Pros:
Good value for a powerful gas model
Variable speed trigger has cruise control
Adjustable straps and anti-vibration mount for comfort
Cons:
Plastic components aren’t the most durable
Ryobi is well-known for its electric power tools, but the brand also offers gas-powered options, including the highly rated Ryobi Gas Backpack Leaf Blower. This mid-priced model strikes a great balance between power and value, enabling you to clean your yard quickly without overspending. Powered by a 38cc engine, it delivers air speeds of up to 175 MPH and clearing power of up to 760 CFM, featuring a tube-mounted variable speed trigger with cruise control for added convenience.
The backpack leaf blower is designed for comfort, with a contoured back and adjustable shoulder straps that allow you to achieve the perfect fit. Its anti-vibration mount enhances comfort during use, and its lightweight design makes it easy to handle and maneuver.
Best Lightweight Backpack Leaf Blower
A Compact Battery-Powered Unit That's Ideal For Small Yards
Power type: Battery | Weight: 14.6 pounds | Max air volume: 610 CFM | Max air speed: 180 MPH | Noise rating: Not listed
Pros:
Very lightweight and accessible to use
Cruise control button for easy operation
Rapid charger powers up battery in less than an hour
Cons:
Short runtime with single battery
If you’re searching for a lightweight yard tool this fall, the Greenworks 80V Cordless Backpack Leaf Blower weighs under 15 pounds, making it much easier to handle than many other models. This electric blower comes with a 2.5 Ah battery, which provides around 18 minutes of runtime on high speed. The rapid charger takes just 45 minutes to fully recharge the battery, or you can purchase a backup battery for seamless operation. Additionally, the brand’s larger 5.0 Ah batteries offer extended runtime per charge.
With a maximum air speed of 180 MPH, this leaf blower features a cruise control button on the throttle for steady, continuous operation. The unit also has adjustable padded straps for added comfort, making it a highly manageable tool for anyone with a smaller yard.
Quietest Backpack Leaf Blower
A Gas Blower That’s Less Noisy Than Some Electric Models
Power type: Gas | Weight: 17.8 pounds | Max air volume: 375 CFM | Max air speed: 158 MPH | Noise rating: 64 decibels
Pros:
Extremely quiet, especially for a gas blower
Lightweight design is easy to handle
Backed by a 5-year warranty for homeowners
Cons:
Not as powerful as larger models
Leaf blowers can be quite loud, often exceeding 80 decibels, but if you’re looking for a quieter option, the Echo Gas 2-Stroke Low Noise Backpack Leaf Blower operates at just 64 decibels. While it’s gas-powered, this model features a smaller 25.4cc engine, which reduces noise but also results in lower maximum air speed and clearing power. For this reason, it’s best suited for smaller properties and lightweight debris, such as dry leaves.
Weighing less than 20 pounds, it’s easy to carry for extended periods. The variable speed throttle is conveniently mounted at your hip rather than on the blower tube, enhancing usability. Additionally, it includes a padded backrest and shoulder straps for comfort, and the brand offers a 5-year warranty for consumer use.
The Forbes Vetted home team has extensive experience researching and reviewing outdoor tools for yard maintenance, including the best leaf vacuums, best weed whackers and more.
This article was written by Korin Miller a longtime Forbes Vetted contributor with over a decade of experience covering lifestyle topics.
We consulted with landscaping expert Ward Dilmore, founder of Petrus Landscaping, for this story.
This story is regularly updated for freshness and accuracy. It was last updated in October 2024 by home and kitchen editor Sholeen Damarwala.