A dedicated tool backpack is an essential commodity for any professional or busy DIYer. Compared to bulky toolboxes, they are easy to carry around. It helps you to organize and store your tools of different sizes and shapes properly. As tool backpacks are available in different models, it is important to choose the right based on your requirements. Before investing, we recommend you consider the following factors to get your best option.
Standard or Heavyweight –Standard and heavyweight (or heavy-duty) tool backpacks are two main weight classes. Standard or utility backpack is smaller, lighter, and made with thin material. It has interior pockets and loops to carry a wide range of small tools. While heavyweight models are larger and made of durable material to carry heavy or sharp tools. These are expensive and last longer.
Number of Compartments –Ease to carry multiple tools together safely is the main purpose of using tool backpacks. This can happen only if it has enough pockets and loops to well-organize the tools, and to find them easily. However, your profession will decide the number of compartments your bag should possess.
Size –Choose a tool backpack based on the number of tools and their size you carry for work. A smaller one is the best option for those who won’t carry many tools around. While a bigger one is a must for professions who have to carry larger tools. An ideal model is that it is large enough to fit all the tools but not bulky to carry around.
With the availability of several products in the market, it is quite difficult for you to pick the right one. So, we are here with a list of some Best Tool Backpacks and a detailed “Buying Guide” to help you in selecting process. Read on to know how to choose the model that suits best for your requirement.
Best Tool Backpacks 2023:List
7 Best Tool Backpacks Reviews
1. Klein Tools Backpack
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Klein Tools is one of the most popular brands of tool backpacks out there as most of its products have a high user rating because of the features offered by it. The Klein Tools 55421BP-14 is present in the 1st position in this article as it offers various things to the user for the given price. One of the best things about this backpack is that it is quite compact and small. Despite the small size, you get a great rigid build quality with this backpack along with a lifetime warranty that makes it highly reliable and durable. As for the storage capacity, you get a total of 39 pockets in this bag. While it is not the highest, you can expect more at the given price tag. This includes pockets both on the outside as well as the inside of this bag so that you can store tools anywhere you like as per your choice. Best Features:
39 pockets for storage Ballistic weave fabric construction Lifetime warranty Includes pockets on the outside as well as inside
Pros:
Small and compact form factor backpack Offers an excellent build quality with a long warranty Decent number of pockets for the given price tag
Cons:
Comfort could have been better
2. Dewalt Tool Backpack
You can find a wide range of power tool offerings from Dewalt that are generally great performing tools. It also offers a tool backpack for carrying its tools quite easily. Dewalt’s DGL523 tool backpack is present in the 2nd position in this article as it is a great option for industrial usage. It offers a total of 57 pockets to the user for easily storing multiple tools while on the go. While 9 of these pockets are on the outside, 48 pockets are inside this backpack for ease of use. While the build quality offered by this backpack is quite good, you only get a 3-year long warranty with it. Even though it is the same as other Dewalt power tools, it is quite lower than other tool backpacks. Although it comes with an LED light with 3 levels of light for easily working with your tools in the dark. Best Features:
57 pockets for storage Abrasive pads for extra durability 3-year long warranty Comes with an LED light with 3 brightness levels
Pros:
Large-sized backpack for storing multiple tools LED light for using tools in the night Great build quality for durability
Cons:
Only a 3-year long warranty
3. Custom LeatherCraft Tool Backpack
As you can tell by its name, CLC is known for making leather backpacks that also happens to be making tool backpacks out of synthetic cloth material for extra durability. This CLC Custom LeatherCraft 1132 tool backpack is present in the 3rd position in this article as it offers the highest numbers of pockets to the user. You get a total of 75 pockets in this backpack that is much higher than all other options in this article. Apart from this, you also get 6 zippered compartments for safely storing things in this backpack. Even though this bag is quite large and big, it is still highly strong and reliable. This is possible because you get a ballistic polyester fabric construction in this backpack. When combined with its lifetime warranty, you can expect it to easily last for a long time. One of the most unique features of this backpack is that it comes with a plastic tray for storing parts while working with your tools. Best Features:
75 pockets for storage 6 zippered compartments for additional space Ballistic weave fabric construction Lifetime warranty Comes with a plastic tray for storing small parts
Pros:
Highest number of pockets and compartments Offers excellent build quality and a long warranty Comfortable straps and padded back portion for comfort
Cons:
Slightly expensive compared with other options
4. Milwaukee Tool Backpack
If you are familiar with power tools, then you must have heard about Milwaukee that also happens to be making a tech tool backpack for its users. Milwaukee’s 48-22-8200 tool backpack is one of the most unique options present in this article because of one specific feature. If you are an IT professional who wants to carry tools along with a laptop, then this backpack is the perfect option for you. This is possible due to the reason that you get a laptop sleeve in this backpack that keeps your laptop safe even if you are carrying tools along with it. Moving to the storage capacity, you only get a total of 35 pockets in this tool backpack. Since the laptop sleeve takes a lot of space, the pocket capacity of this backpack is quite low. Thankfully, you get a great built quality with this tool backpack for peace of mind. You even get a lifetime warranty that can be expected from any reputable power tools brand like Milwaukee. Best Features:
35 pockets for storage 1680D ballistic polyester fabric construction Lifetime warranty Includes a laptop sleeve for safely storing your laptop along with tools
Pros:
Highly durable and reliable option Quite a comfortable backpack Unique design with laptop storage
Cons:
Only comes with a total of 35 storage pockets
5. Steelhead Tool Backpack
Steelhead is one of the newest brands of tool backpacks out there that offer various features in its tool backpacks for a great user experience. This Steelhead tool backpack is the most reliable and durable option present in this article, especially if you want a value for money. While you can find equally durable options out there, this one can offer the same durability without having a premium price. This is possible due to the reason that you get a heavy-duty construction along with a lifetime warranty in this tech backpack. Talking about its storage capacity, you get a decent 48 pockets in this backpack for easily storing all of your tools inside of this tool backpack. Apart from offering a decent storage capacity, you get rubber feet along with a reinforced bottom in this backpack. This ensures that the backpack retains its strength even if you are storing heavy tools inside it. Best Features:
48 pockets for storage Reinforced bottom along with rubber feet Lifetime warranty Offers padded back support for comfort
Pros:
Excellent durability and reliability Decent storage capacity Comfortable backpack for carrying heavy tools
Cons:
Size is a bit on the larger side
Best Features:
50 pockets for storage 100% 600D polyester fabric construction 1-year long warranty Includes 42 inside and 8 outside pockets for easy access
Pros:
Compact form factor for ease of use Decent build quality for carrying heavy tools Comfortable tool backpack with padded areas
Cons:
Comes with only a 1-year long warranty
7. Rugged Tools Backpack
Rugged Tools is one of the smallest brands of tool backpacks that offer affordable options to its users, which happen to be quite affordable when compared with other options out there. The Rugged Tools Pro tool backpack happens to be one of the cheapest options present in this article. And despite the lower price tag, you get a total of 40 pockets to the user that is quite decent for the given price tag. And as you would expect, some of these pockets are outside while some are inside for ease of use while storing and accessing different tools. Another great thing about this tool backpack that is generally not found in budget options is that it offers a decent build quality. Unfortunately, since Rugged Tools Pro is a small brand of tool backpacks, it does not offer any warranty, which can be an issue for a lot of users. Although the molded hard bottom ensures that all of the tools and parts stored inside this backpack stay safe and secure. Best Features:
40 pockets for storage Uses 1680D polyester for construction Hard molded bottom for extra strength and safety Easy to access pockets and compartments for saving time
Pros:
Affordable price tag for users who are on a budget Decent build quality with hardcovers and strong fabric Multiple pockets in different places for ease of use
Cons:
Does not include any warranty from the manufacturer
Buying Guide for Tool Backpacks
A tool backpack will provide easy access to multiple tools and carry them around without straining your body. You must be careful in its selection, as different professionals have different requirements and these bags are designed accordingly. So, we came up with a buying guide that covers all the essential things about a tool backpack and helps you a lot in selecting the right one. Let’s get into its details.
1. Types:
Based on the profession, the tool backpacks are designed in various types that include backpacks for plumbers, electricians, carpenters, and specialty trades. All these bags offer easy access to the tools to make your work done easily and quickly. Choose your right backpack as per your professional requirement to organize, store and carry the tools. Here is a detailed explanation of its types.
Carpenter –Usually, carpenters have to carry a lot of tools (both lighter and heavier) to perform their carpentry work efficiently. For this, they require a durable backpack with larger compression pockets to organize their tools properly and safely carry them around. Most of these bags are not waterproof or reinforced on the bag’s bottom. They offer comfortable padded backing, shoulder straps, and a chest strap to secure the bag while working or moving.
Electrician –A lot of hand tools are used by electricians while working, in which a tool belt may or may not be sufficient in most cases. So, this backpack will be their best option to carry tools around. Choose a water-resistant backpack having a reinforced molded base to prevent tools from getting any water contact and thereby rusting. This bag comes with several small pockets (both inside and outside) that let you organize well for a quick and easy reach of the tools whenever needed. The elastic bands in its outside pockets will securely hold the tools even while climbing a ladder or moving in the workspace.
Plumber –Plumbers have to work with water-related issues, some things in dark basements. So, they have to use a tool backpack that prevents regular wear of tools and protects them from water. For this, the backpack should be durable and has to be water-resistant and waterproof.
Prefer to choose the backpack made of high-quality polyester (or) heavy-duty vinyl with a rubber-reinforced base. Also, it should feature zippered openings and built-in lighting to lighten the dark workplace without carrying a flashlight.
Specialty –This specialty tool backpack is designed to have a collection of specialized products with one or more features related to a specific hobby or profession, like backpacks for decorators, HVAC techs, whitesmiths, or masons.
2. HVAC Tech Tool Backpacks:
Alike electrician tool backpack, but have fewer loops and pockets on the bag’s outside to store small hand tools. Here, as a substitute, they provide space for a cordless drill and some collection of wrenches, screwdrivers, and pliers.
3. Mason Tool Backpacks:
Since it is a must to wear a helmet while working on a masonry site, this backpack offers a helmet holder. Also, they should be strong, durable, and heavy-duty that won’t get damaged/teared by the sharp edges of the masonry trowel.
4. Decorator Tool Backpacks:
These are tall and can be carried easily on a ladder to do your work. Instead of a lot of loops, they offer a lot of small pockets for holding smaller tools. With their rigid base, these bags can be placed on the ground or ladder.
5. Whitesmith Tool Backpacks:
This bag won’t require several pockets as other trades, yet made of strong material that is heavier enough to hold large tools (like hand scissors, metal shears, and hammers) essential for working in the whitesmith trade.
What Features to Look for in the Tool Backpack?
Apart from the types, there are a lot more things to consider while shopping for the tool backpack. Here we enlisted some of the essential features to take into account when choosing the tool backpack to get your best option.
1. Standard Vs. Heavy-Duty:
Usually, the weight of tool backpacks can be classified into two types – standard size tool backpacks and heavy-duty or heavyweight tool backpacks.
Standard Tool Backpack – Compared to heavyweight models, these are small backpacks that are built with thinner material. It has interior pockets (to carry a lot of small tools) and loops (for wrenches, hammers, and screwdrivers). With its basic design, it is also referred to as utility backpacks. Heavyweight Tool Backpack – Contrary to standard tool backpacks, heavy-duty tool backpacks are larger, and are built with more durable material. They can carry heavy or sharp metal tools without being pierced or cut. They are expensive and last longer. It is the best option for avid DIYer or professionals who want to carry medium-large collections of tools for several jobs.
2. Size:
While buying a tool backpack, you have to check and compare the number of tools you want to carry for working and the size of the backpack. Ensure to pick the large size backpack that you need to carry all your essential tools. A small tool backpack will serve best for those who won’t carry several tools to the site and will do most of the heavy work in the garage or shop. Some backpacks are heavily reinforced which makes them look large. They are padded heavily and come with reinforcing plates (along the sides and bottom) to carry heavy/loads easily without ripping. Based on your profession, you have to select the size of the tool backpack. While some professions need to use larger tools and other use more hand tools to do their work effectively. For instance, an electrician requires a smaller tool backpack, while a mason worker requires a bigger bag. Finally, one has to consider the weight-bearing capacity of the tool backpack, and it should be portable and easy to carry to perform your work quickly. The reason is that no one wants to carry a large bag which is unable to manage for a longer time.
3. Number of Compartments:
A tool backpack having a greater number of compartments and pockets is considered the best option. The reason is that a bag with more loops and pockets will make it easy to organize several tools easily. However, you have to choose the backpack with the required number of compartments based on your particular profession. For instance, a general contractor requires a large backpack with several compartments, along with tight and elastic loops. Moreover, the loops after placing tools have to lock and restrict them from moving around or hitting each other. As mentioned, it also depends on your job, whether you need or won’t need pouches to cover them. For example, carpenters require pouches to store different sizes of screws and nails, while mechanics need pouches for diverse sizes of bolts and nuts. An extra removable bag is essential when doing tasks in close space or in between two adjacent walls. This will prevent the loss of small parts and protect their tools. Also, a plastic trap is a must to keep the gadgets safe inside.
4. Material:
The durability of these backpacks depends mostly on their built materials. Irrespective of your work type, it is a must to choose a sturdy tool backpack to avoid any sudden ripping in the middle of your work. Canvas, nylon, leather, ballistic fabric, or polyester are tough materials used in the construction of backpacks. Apart from the material, you have to check the built quality to ensure its seams are double stitched. Prefer to buy a backpack made of durable materials (like nylon or canvas) when your job requires carrying sharp or heavy tools to prevent a quick tear. Thus, these durable and tough backpacks are the perfect option to hold the tools’ weight while moving and also easily carry piercing tools or any other tools with sharp blades. Furthermore, a tool backpack with either a plastic or rubber base will provide essential strength to stand on their bottom and thereby allow easy access from the top. Its base should be made of water-resistant or waterproof materials that prevent damaging/rusting your tools, even if you work in different surroundings.
5. Comfort:
Comfort is another main factor to consider while buying a backpack, why because you have to carry the tools on your back all day to do your task properly. A tool backpack with an extra chest strap is a must while climbing a ladder or crawling under the home to remain the tools secure when moving. Also, a tool backpack with padded shoulders straps or backing will reduce strain and pressure on the body and thereby add comfort to carry it around with ease.
6. Weight Distribution:
Your required comfort features in the backpack will impact the size and weight distribution of the tool backpack. If you want to carry lots of tools in the backpack, then go with a heavy-duty tool backpack, which comes with an adjustable chest strap, lumbar support, adjustable shoulder straps, and extra padding to counterbalance the weight of all those tools in the bag.
7. Closing/Opening Mechanism:
The opening on a tool backpack will make difference in its ease of use. Prefer to select the backpack as per your profession and working environment. For instance, plumbers working in dark or dimly illuminated basements or crawl spaces can find ease in the backpack usage in Velcro straps or zipper mechanisms rather than buckles or buttons. However, zippers are less durable than Velcro straps, as they won’t get jammed. While Velcro is not strong or durable to securely hold heavy loads, yet an ideal option for smaller tool backpacks.
8. Waterproofing:
Generally, waterproof or water-resistant materials are used to make waterproof tool backpacks. Also, they are comprised of rigid plastic or rubber base to avoid water getting into the backpack when placed on the ground. This feature makes it a bit more expensive compared to non-waterproof models. So, based on your work environment (whether you work around water or not), it’s worth spending a higher price on this waterproof model for the safety of your tools.
9. Price:
The price of tool backpacks should be $100 (or more). However, models under $100 offer more pockets (like 60 pockets at $80 and 30 pockets at $50) that offer a slot to store phones, laptops, and others. While models priced above $100 are bigger in size and offers more than 75 pockets and dual handles for easy to carry.
10. Warranty:
A highly durable and reliable tool backpack will let you use them for a long time without any issues or buying a new one. While having a rigid construction means it can easily last for a long time. In case, if it tears up, you need to have a warranty to fix up all these issues easily. Most manufacturers offer a minimum of a 1-year warranty, while others provide 3 years or even a lifetime warranty on their product. So, check the warranty period on the product before making its purchase.
Care and Maintenance Tips:
One has to take proper care and maintenance to ensure that their tool backpack will last longer for several years. Here we are providing some tips that help you to increase its longevity.
Fill the tools within the manufacturer’s prescribed weight limit of the bag. Don’t go over this limit, as it may tear the bag and affect its lifespan. Ensure that all the tools are properly secured before lifting and wearing the backpack. Or else, the loose tools might damage the bag or injure someone if fallen out of the bag. Check the zippers and Velcro fasteners occasionally. If the zipper is not catching, then rub with paraffin wax or lubricate them with a slight silicone spray. Also, use a brush to remove the dust in the Velcro fasteners. Instead of using strong detergents to clean the bag, you can use warm soapy water to soak the bag for a few minutes. Then gently scrub the bag’s surface with a soft-bristled brush, especially on dirt accumulated areas. Rinse off thoroughly and hang it to dry completely. Avoid over-exposure of the bag to the sun, as it weakens the fibers and while drying the bag, ensure to place it on the shady part. For a yearly additional proofing, melt equal parts of beeswax and paraffin over a double boiler and then use a wide brush to brush it all over the bag. After it dries, keep the bag in an old pillow cover and place it in a clothes dryer. Set it on high for 30 minutes to make it look like a new one. When you want to pack extremely small tools required for your work, then simply keep them in a pouch and then place them in the backpack. Thus, it reduces your searching time and also won’t let you lose any tool. Placing the bag in an upright position will aid in easy and quick access to your tools. Also, it confirms the inner part of the backpack will stay clean and dust-free. It let you keep a record on the list of all tools placed in the bag, which in turn, helps you to identify the missing tools quickly and also makes you complete the task a bit faster.
Why a Tool Backpack is Essential?
Irrespective of your profession, a tool backpack will help to organize your tools and carry them easily along with you on your back. Still, if you don’t know whether it is useful or required for you or not. Then take a look at some of its benefits that help you know why we need to use a backpack. Well Organized Tools – It let you arrange your tools properly in its several compartments to easily find out each tool. Or you can place some kind of tools in one place (or) keep your regularly used tools in one pocket for easy access. Easy to Carry/Transport – It distributes the overall weight of the bag all across the back and shoulders. Thus, it allows you to carry several tools easily compared to a bag carried with one hand. Also, it helps to maintain a natural standing position without hurting your spine. Protect your Tools – With its several compartments, you can place each piece of hardware separately. This restricts its movement or knocking while you move around the workplace. Waterproof – A waterproof or water-resistant tool backpacks are the best option to use. Though they are expensive, yet a worthwhile purchase. The reason is that it effectively safeguards your tools by preventing rust or corrosion, even if your backpack is exposed to water/moisture. Maintain Proper Balance – Unlike a heavy tool bag, which causes accidental slipping in the workspace when you lost balance in carrying it. You can use a tool backpack, which helps to keep proper balance without using your hands for carrying the bag. Carry Tools to Cramped Spaces – A tool backpack is compact and portable that allows you to take them along with you easily into tight spaces (like inside a manhole). Also, do your work with both of your hands by simply fixing the flashlight on the shoulder straps for proper illumination.
Conclusion
One of the biggest issues you have on remote job sites is when you have to manage multiple small tools. Carrying multiple tools and accessories at once is only possible when you have something like a tool backpack. Therefore, we have already mentioned some of the best tool backpacks up above in this article. You can even find their major features and options so that differentiating between them becomes easy. The detailed buying guide mentioned in this article will take you through the various things related to these backpacks that you should know. However, you can save a lot of time by simply picking up one of the following tool backpack recommendations:
The Steelhead Tool Backpack is the most reliable and durable option present in this article. It offers heavy-duty construction for its 48 pocket design along with a lifetime warranty that is usually found in much more expensive options out there. You can go with the Custom LeatherCraft Tool Backpack if you want to carry multiple tools at once. This bag offers the highest number of pockets when compared with other options in this article as you get a total of 75 pockets in it. If you are an IT professional and want to carry a laptop along with your tools, then you can consider going with the Milwaukee Tool Backpack Apart from having a lifetime warranty and a great construction, it offers a total of 35 pockets and a laptop sleeve that is quite unique.
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