![5 Best Backpack Sprayers of 2021 [Reviews]](https://i0.wp.com/handymanprollc.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/field-king-backpack-sprayer.jpg?resize=1080%2C675&ssl=1)
Gardening is a relaxing hobby and a fun, cost-effective way to grow your food. Unfortunately, not every aspect of gardening is easy. For example, lugging large amounts of liquid out to your garden is difficult.
Backpack sprayers are an efficient, comfortable way to transport any sprayable liquid. They are commonly filled with fertilizers, weed killers or pesticides, although they can also safely spray various construction chemicals, such as paint remover.
Backpack sprayers are a bit more complicated than they first appear, and you want to consider a few features before buying one. Not sure which is best for your needs? Let’s take a closer look at what you need to know, including my five favorite backpack sprayers of 2021:
At a Glance – Our Top Picks.
The Five Best Backpack Sprayers of 2021 – Reviews
1) D.B. Smith Field King Professional Backpack Sprayer
An all-around well-made and useful sprayer, the D.B. Smith Field King is worth serious consideration. With a top pressure level of 150 PSI, it’s 65% stronger than similarly-sized pumps. You can cover large areas quickly and thoroughly. Additionally, it allows for precise control, so you spray the areas you want while avoiding unwanted overspray.
It’s made with Viton seals, heavy-duty connectors that resist damage from harsh chemicals. Additionally, it has a four-nozzle system with an adjustable brass nozzle, two flat-fan nozzles, and a unique foaming nozzle. It also accepts the popular TeeJet brand of nozzles.
Using the tank is simple. The pump handle is reversible so you can use it with either your right or left hand. Additionally, a one-way valve prevents accidental spills, even if the tank is turned on its side or completely upside-down.
The 21-inch poly wand is comfortable to hold and delivers premium spray quality at all times. It works well with practically any water-soluble powder or liquid. Overall, the sprayer combines the benefits of both a piston and diaphragm backpack.
2) Chapin International 61500 Backpack Sprayer
Chapin International’s four-gallon backpack sprayer is an easy and effective way to spray any common weed killer, pesticides, and liquid fertilizer. (Later on, we’ll explore the details on how to safely use one sprayer for multiple chemicals.)
It has a two-stage filtration system. One filter is at the top of the tank while another is at the shut-off valve. The two filters block debris from mixing in with the fluid, keeping the spray smooth and even.
An adjustable poly cone and fan tip allow you to adjust the stream for differently-sized gardens and types of vegetation. Twist the nozzle to change the spray pattern instantly. Options range from a fine mist to a powerful, steady stream.
Plus, it’s comfortable. The padded shoulder straps prevent shoulder pain, even when wearing a full tank for a long time. They’re adjustable for a snug, secure fit.
Overall, it’s well-made with reinforced PVC hoses, a 20-inch wand, and a four-gallon tank. The hand pump has a PSI between 40 and 60. The spray has a flow rate of .4 to .5 gallons per minute.
My favorite feature is how quickly and efficiently it covers large areas. It can spray up to 23 feet horizontally, allowing you to reach the edges of large gardens without a lot of walking around. Also, the tank has a four-inch-wide opening, which allows for easy and fast refilling.
3) Roundup Backpack Sprayer
From pest killing experts Roundup comes a four-gallon sprayer perfect for reaching bugs on just about any plant or vegetation.
Roundup comes a four-gallon sprayer perfect for reaching bugs on just about any plant or vegetation.
It’s a durable sprayer with Viton seals and gaskets which withstand long-term exposure to harsh chemicals. They do a great job of staying secure and preventing leaks.
The poly wand is a definite highlight. It’s made from non-corrosive materials and attached to a reinforced hose. With a long, angled design, it’s easy to reach in and around thick and tall plants. The wand has many excellent features, including:
- Comfortable, ergonomic grip
- The lockable trigger for continuous spray
- In-line debris filter
Another bonus feature of the Roundup sprayer is that It’s comfy. The padded straps prevent shoulder pain even when the tank is filled to the max. Built-in lumbar support keeps your lower back from aching. A waist belt and chest cinch strap keep the tank snug and secure.
Finally, I’m a fan of the many spray options. The sprayer includes three nozzles: a high-volume fan, low-volume-fan, and poly-adjustable nozzle. It also fits popular TeeJee nozzles.
4) Field King Max Backpack Sprayer
Durable, efficient, and reliable, Field King’s Max Backpack Sprayer is an excellent all-purpose choice. High-quality brass components help ensure the sprayer has a long, leakproof life.
My favorite feature is the built-in agitator. Pump-action internal paddles keep solutions mixed, so they don’t settle and turn granular over time. Although billed as a pesticide sprayer, it works fine with basically any water-soluble solution, powder, or thin liquid.
It includes four nozzles:
- Two flat fan nozzles
- An adjustable nozzle (made from brass)
- A foaming nozzle
It’s powerful, too. Pressure reaches up to 150 PSI. Depending on the nozzle, spray can reach up to 30 feet.
The nylon harness is comfortable and secure. It’s padded with an adjustable chest clip and lumbar support. I especially liked how it kept the tank level when I walked. Minimizing tank movement, and sloshing, helps the spray stay even.
It doesn’t have an especially complicated design – and that’s a good thing. With minimal high-wear parts, there are fewer components to break down potentially. Also, any necessary repairs are usually minimal and requires no tools.
Finally, it’s easy to store. The pump handle folds down to minimize overall space. You can easily keep it in a cabinet or corner or your garage.
5) Petra Powered Backpack Sprayer with Custom Cart
Petra’s sprayer is a top-of-the-line model built for heavy-duty use. It holds up to 6.5 gallons of pesticides, fertilizers, acids, and bleaches.
It’s a big-time machine with a custom-fitted cart for easy transport. The car has a steel frame and flat-free tires which roll right over rough terrain. You can unlock the tank from the cart to wear it as a backpack.
The sprayer has a whopping 100 feet of commercial-quality hose. It’s one of the longest hoses available on a sprayer. I loved the ability to set the tank in the cart, leave it in one spot, and carry the hose around my garden; I could spray huge areas quickly without even wearing a backpack at all!
A lithium battery with included charger powers it. A single charge lasts about eight hours, which is the equivalent of 200 gallons pumped. The automatic 70 PSI output provides plenty of power without damaging fragile vegetation.
Two wands are included: a stainless steel one and a plastic one. The stainless steel wand is used for the traditional application of pesticides and fertilizer. The plastic one is used for bleach and acidic chemicals. Both wands have quick-change adaptors.
Finally, Petra offers a one-year warranty. They even have a dedicated customer service phone number you can call with questions. They offer far and away more support than most other manufacturers.
How to Select the Best Backpack Sprayer for You
Although they’re relatively simple devices, not all backpack sprayers are the same. When selecting a sprayer, consider the following factors:
Design
Choose a backpack that is not only safe but also comfortable. Look for padded straps and an ergonomic tank that rests comfortably against your back when worn. You don’t want all the weight to rest on your shoulders.
Also, make sure the backpack safely and securely holds liquids. You don’t want pesticides to leak down your back! Look for secure, leak proof construction. A one-way valve is also important because it prevents spills if the tank tips to the side or turns upside-down.
Durability
The best tanks are made from polyethylene plastic. It’s lightweight, durable, and resistant to chemicals. Make sure the tank resists UV damage, as the sun will beat down on it while you work.
Check all hoses and seals. Connectors are the parts of the sprayer most likely to leak, so make sure they’re well-made and fit tight. Threaded bolts are far more secure than cotton pins.
Types of Wands, Lances, and Nozzles
The lance, or wand, is the thin tube that connects to the reservoir via a hose. Nozzles are placed on the end of the wand to create a type of spray (wide, narrow, patterned, etc.). While you can buy nozzles and wands separately for a backpack sprayer you already have, the best fitting ones are usually those made by the same manufacturer.
Manual or Motor
Sprayers are either motorized or manual powered. Motorized sprayers allow for fast spraying over large areas, while manual sprayers are ideal for targeted pest control. Most motorized sprayers are also more expensive than manual ones. Plus, they’re louder, which can be annoying if you’re trying to relax in the garden.
Function
Understand your needs before shopping for a sprayer. They’re not all designed for the same purposes. For example, diaphragm sprayers disperse harsh pesticides more efficiently than piston ones.
You’ll need a sprayer which:
- Holds enough liquid to cover the area you want to spray
- Efficiently, securely holds the type of liquid you want to spray
- Sprays at the appropriate pressure and pattern the liquid requires
Manufacturer
While the manufacturer isn’t the most important aspect of a sprayer, it can signal solid construction. You can find lots of cheap sprayers out there. While you can save a few bucks, flimsy construction can harm your plants and even cause health hazards. When dealing with pesticides and other dangerous chemicals, don’t take risks when selecting a container.
Operating a Backpack Sprayer
A video is worth a thousand words when it comes to using tools. So if you’re looking for a taste of how to actually use a backpack sprayer, we recommend this video below.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Backpack Sprayer?
Backpack sprayers hold basically any sprayable liquid. They’re mainly used in gardening to hold either weed killers or insecticides. However, they can also other liquids such as paint remover. Usually, the liquid needs the consistency of water. You can’t use a sprayer to spray paint, for example (use a specialized pump sprayer if you’re looking to spray paint or deck stain).
Backpack sprayers all have the same basic components:
- Tank – The large reservoir you strap to your back
- Wand – The long attachment which sprays the liquid. It’s also called a lance.
- Pump – The mechanism which powers the spraying action
How Do Sprayers Work?
Sprayers have a motor that propels liquid through the wand. While motorized pumps exist, manual pump-action models are more common.
Don’t worry. You don’t have to pump constantly. Instead, a pressure cylinder creates hydraulic action. Air compresses into pressure chambers for a steady, even spray over a long period. (For additional detail about how this works, check out this info page from the University of Massachusetts Amherst.)
Are the Backpacks Comfortable to Wear?
Comfort is important. A typical backpack holds anywhere from four to six gallons. When full, it can weigh up to 50 pounds or more. If the backpack isn’t comfortable, you’ll struggle to spray large areas. Look for the following features:
- Padded shoulder straps
- Adjustable chest strap
- Lumbar support
Remember, you don’t have to fill the tank to the max every time. If it’s too heavy, try filling it only halfway. You’ll have to stop and refill more frequently, but the overall experience might be more comfortable.
How Far Does the Spray Travel?
Specifics depend on the model. However, most backpacks tend to spray between 20 and 25 feet. A few factors determine spray length:
- The power of the motor
- The type of liquid
- The type of nozzle
The wider the nozzle, the shorter the spray range. For example, fan nozzles have the most limited range. Additionally, heavier liquids don’t travel as far as lighter ones.
Can I Use One Sprayer for Both Weedkiller and Insecticide?
This is one of the most common questions about backpack sprayers. Can you use one to spray a variety of chemicals?
You can, but it’s risky. Done incorrectly, you risk killing your plants with poison. Clean the tank and pump thoroughly before switching chemicals.
Use a 1:25 mixture of ammonia and water. Run the solution through the tank, hose, wand, and nozzles. After cleaning, rinse everything with water.
Consider the order of the chemicals, too. Getting rid of the first chemical used is the hard part. A slight residue typically remains.
For example, switching from a pesticide to a fertilizer usually results in spraying fertilizer with a residue of pesticide. It’s potentially dangerous for vegetation. However, switching from fertilizer to pesticides poses less of a risk, since you’re targeting bugs instead of plants.
What Else Can I Spray with a Sprayer?
It’s mainly a gardening tool. The three most common solutions used in a sprayer are:
- Weedkiller
- Bug killer
- Liquid fertilizer
However, you can also use them for some construction-related chemicals. A backpack sprayer is commonly used to apply water sealant. Check the manufacturer’s specifics. Generally, any sprayer with a brass wand can spray water sealant without a problem.
Is Using a Sprayer Safe?
Generally, yes, although using any dangerous chemicals does, of course, pose safety risks. Always wear protective clothing, including gloves, goggles, and full upper-body covering. If you’re spraying bug killer, consider wearing a respirator or at least a facemask.
Never spray in windy conditions. Also, control the spray carefully. Never let kids or pets hang out nearby while spraying.
Where Can I Learn More About Spraying Pesticides and Weed Killer?
Pesticides help your garden thrive, but they do pose risks. The Pesticide Management News and Education organization, an industry group, is a solid source of information related to pesticide safety and proper use techniques.
Weedkiller also poses a variety of health hazards. For more information on safe use, I recommend this guide from This Old House.
What is the Best Backpack Sprayer on the Market?
I recommend all of the sprayers on the list above, but some of them do have specialized uses. For example, the Petra sprayer, with included cart, is probably too much for the average home garden.
The best all-around choice is the Chapin International 61500 Backpack Sprayer. It has solid, leak proof construction with a variety of spray options.
What stands out most is the two-stage filtration system. It keeps out dirt and gunk, so the stream stays even. Also, it’s comfortable. The shoulder straps are thick and comfortable, even when the tank is full.
A backpack sprayer is an effective way to fertilize and protect against bugs. With a sprayer such as the Chapin International 61500, you can help your garden grow to all-new heights!
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