The Best Backpack Sprayer for the Professional Results

Do you need to spray some liquids over a medium space? A bottle sprayer will be too small, while an ATV sprayer is redundant. Then, your most suitable choice must be a backpack sprayer.

The best backpack sprayer we review here would meet your expectations or even exceed them. Keep reading, and you will see that right below.

Why use backpack sprayers?

1. Has a lot of power

The best thing about using backpack sprayers is that they are very powerful. This is because the source of their energy comes from a battery supply.

It’s with this that the supply of power remains constant throughout the entire time that you’re using it.

This makes it easier for you to work on your plants and finish spraying them in the fastest time possible.

2. Multi-purpose

Another cool thing about backpack sprayers is that they are very versatile. It’s with this versatility that they remain the popular choice for most gardeners.

They are versatile because they can be used for a variety of purposes, from using them to water plants to spray fertilizers and even insecticides.

You can pretty much put anything you want on these backpack sprayers because they’ll have no problem handling it.

3. Convenient and portable

These backpack sprayers are very convenient to use because you can easily bring them with you.

They’re not that difficult to handle because you simply just strap them to your back. They are very portable.

You don’t have to worry about using them for an extended amount of time because they won’t strain your hands or arms.

Best backpack sprayer on the market: My top 10 recommendations

#1. Chapin International 61500 Backpack Sprayer – Best overall

Basically, the Chapin 61500 is an excellent manual backpack sprayer at a relatively low price. That said, if you just have to spray your little garden/field less than three times weekly, it should be the best option for you.

As you get used to the backpack sprayer, your task will be less tough. Nonetheless, if you have to do this frequently over a vast area, engine-powered models should be more favorable.

It also offers padded straps and lumbar support so you can feel more comfortable, just like wearing a normal backpack. Given that you will not use this 4-gallon sprayer for too long, it will not have much impact.

Furthermore, the wide mouth on the tank helps users fill and mix liquids with ease. The 2-stage filtration system will filter the chemicals you pour into the tank very effectively. There is no need to worry about debris and dirt blocking the nozzles. You are able to remove and clean the in-tank filter when necessary, too.

#2. Field King Professional 190328 No Leak Pump Backpack Sprayer – The Runner-up

The Field King Professional 190328 comes with a leak-proof pump design. Therefore, you will never waste liquids or spill noxious substances on your body.

The pump of the sprayer is also connected to an inner agitator. This tool will mix the components inside the tank when you use the pump. As such, you can both save your effort and ensure the uniformity of the spray solution at the same time.

Perhaps what impresses us most in this product is its nozzles. Apart from the four different nozzles in the box, users can use TeeJet nozzles for more flexibility and functionality.

With the amazing maximum water pressure of up to 150 PSI, you can manage the flow rate, droplet size, and spraying patterns as you wish without effort.

Besides, the shut-off assembly provides a lock-in mechanism to minimize the tension that your spraying hand has to bear.

While the 4-gallon backpack sprayer is built to last, fixing or substituting broken components is a snap. The downsides are an uncomfortable backstrap and a lack of lumbar support and pressure gauge.

#3. Roundup 190314 Backpack Sprayer – Best backpack sprayer for budget

This unique 4-gallon backpack sprayer gets a round shape and uses a bigger pump to generate inner pressure and spray out fluids much faster. Therefore, although it is a manual pump, you will not spend much effort.

The hose system features an integrated in-line filter to eliminate clogging up for continuous working. And the spray wand is corrosion-resistant and can even withstand heavy-duty chemicals for a long time.

The tank has a set of adjustable padded straps and lumbar support for optimal fitting and comfort. More conveniently, the reversible pump handle is appropriate for both right-handed and left-handed people the same.

Its nozzles are also as striking as those of the Field King Professional 190328. The backpack sprayer also accepts extra Tee Jet nozzles.

In the box, there are three nozzles included for you to choose from: poly adjustable nozzle (you can switch between fine mist and solid stream), low-volume flat fan (for restricted areas or foliage), and high-volume flat fan (for wide areas such as fields or lawns).

Still, you will likely be satisfied with the quality and versatility of this product if you do not care too much about customer service.

#4. Solo 425 4-Gallon Professional Piston Backpack Sprayer – Best for versatility

Solo 425 has a good balance between utility and affordability. Behind the eye-catchy design, the piston pump provides a decent pressure of 90 psi.

Like the above products, in addition to its 4 nozzles (Plastic Adjustable, Hollow Cone, Fan Spray, and Jet Stream), this one also accepts TeeJet nozzles, so you can select a wide array of spray patterns.

Although it is not so rare, we still appreciate the interchangeable pump levers for both left-handed and right-handed operations. Meanwhile, the 48-inch nylon-reinforced spray hose is long enough to reach difficult areas.

One more useful function is the lock-on/lock-off feature of the shut-off valve. In detail, you can turn the wand on and leave it spraying without having to use your hand to keep it on constantly.

What we dislike about this sprayer is its back strap. Because the included felt back strap is uncomfortable, you had better buy a harness to replace it.

#5. Rainmaker 708902 Backpack Sprayer – Best for ergonomy

As you can see from the name, the Rainmaker 708902 backpack sprayer will bring about artificial rain in your garden or farm.

The difference is that the components of these rains can include not only water but also other chemical liquids such as fertilizers, herbicides, and pesticides.

There is a built-in filter to remove dirt that may clog up the nozzle. And the wide mouth on the top of the tank lets users fill and mix liquids in the tank effortlessly.

It seems to be quite common on this list, but we cannot help not to talk about its four interchangeable spray nozzles. Needless to say, you will manage to choose any from four different spray modes with the trigger lock-on option at any time you need.

Moreover, the manufacturer improves the comfort of users with shoulder straps. Even when the 4-gallon tank is filled, you can wear the backpack sprayer without fatigue.

Sadly, the 4-foot hose is too short of reaching farther and hard-to-reach spots, although it is more maneuverable and saves more space.

#6. Petra HD5000 Powered Backpack Sprayer – Best battery-powered backpack sprayer

The Petra HD5000 backpack sprayer is a shining figure in the category of custom-molded backpack sprayers. It has a durable steel cart, and the sprayer is customized to fit the cart.

Under the cart are two big flat tires for optimal mobility. Importantly, you have a devoted place to store the wand and the extra-long 100-ft hose.

While the pump capacity of 70+ PSI is moderate, it is adjustable, too. Plus, you will receive two wands: a plastic acid bleach wand and stainless steel one. The good news is both of them are very sustainable and chemical-resistant.

For those who use a sprayer frequently or who are simply lazy, this is not a manual model. It runs on a lead-acid battery that can run for 8 hours consecutively once fully charged with the AC charger.

As a bonus, customers will receive a free 4-ft hose in the package as a gift from the manufacturer of Petra. If you find the 100-ft hose too long, this is a good replacement.

#7. Beaugreen Knapsack Backpack Pump Pressure Sprayer – Best Knapsack sprayer

The Beaugreen Knapsack boasts a high-grade build that can withstand corrosion under the impact of weather and acid chemicals.

The high thickness of the body also guarantees airtightness and is hardly broken due to shock and other impacts. Thus, the locking mechanism and the air chamber inside the tank are merely there to prevent possible leakage.

This product does not come with four nozzles, but its adjustable head allows you to switch between four apertures to create various spray modes. This design ensures performance while reducing the number of nozzles to only one.

Compactness is what everyone loves and is also what this backpack sprayer has to offer. Thanks to the PP and PET construction, it weighs only 6 pounds – perhaps the lightest weight for a 4-gallon backpack sprayer.

While not many brands care about the diversity of their sprayers’ colors and styles, Beaugreen vends a series of variants for its customers. You can pick a 4-gallon or 5-gallon sprayer in blue, orange, or white-blue color.

#8. Greenwood 4 Gallon Backpack Sprayer – Best for durability

Not so different from the products above, the backpack sprayer from Greenwood also features a 4-gallon tank and 4 nozzles used to spray water, fertilizer, herbicides, and pesticides in different applications.

Nevertheless, what distinguishes it from the others is the commercial Polyethylene material. Besides, the Polyethylene tank is further reinforced with chemical-resistant viton seals to safeguard wearers from dangerous substances.

We found the adjustable shoulder strap quite convenient. It can be extended or retracted to fit your body and is long-lasting enough to serve for years.

The funnel top is very large for quick and easy filling and mixing of fluids. All steps, from pouring chemicals into the container, mixing them, operating the pump, and starting to spray, take us less than 5 minutes.

For more convenience, the sprayer has a built-in filter and an anti-overflow top. No liquid will overflow out of the tank, and no solid will clog up the nozzle.

#9. Hudson 13194 Commercial Bak-Pak Sprayer – Best commercial backpack sprayer

The Hudson 13194 backpack sprayer is a monster with commercial power. It has a robust piston pump that can generate powerful sprays of water.

You will not have to move much or meet any difficulties when you have to take care of your vast garden. Just a few footsteps and your spray can reach the end of the area.

Regarding flexibility, the hose has a medium length of 48 inches yet can combine perfectly with the optional fiberglass spraying stick that is 20 inches in length. You can also use this wand to reach difficult areas, such as crevices between leaves and line fences.

Like many standard backpack sprayers, the Hudson 13194 comes with a 4-setting nozzle system. Users can change it in moments to reshape the spraying patterns to wide “fan” spray, stream, cone, or two-coned spray pattern.

No matter what kind of work you are going to do, the sprayer promises to fulfill that well because it is very versatile and provides high performance.

#10. Jacto XP312 Backpack Sprayer – Best for comfort

Last but not least, this product on our list should not be overlooked. The Jacto XP312 has a translucent yet UV-resistant container. As a result, you can observe the level of liquids inside it while they are not affected by the UV ray from the sun and other sources.

This tank is smartly engineered with contours and lower lumbar recess to match the back of users. There are some airflow grooves for the air to circulate through your back, too.

With the padded straps that are also quickly adjustable, you will have an unmatched feeling of comfort. Wearing this 7.7-pound backpack sprayer will be a breeze.

The inline piston pump is inside the container to minimize your exposure to harmful chemicals. Additionally, it has a Santoprene piston seal and can operate for at least 1000 hours or more.

However, despite the fact that the 8 pumps of this backpack sprayer can supply a fairly good pressure range of from 45 to 85 PSI and the tank is only 3.5 gallons. It seems not to be sufficient for heavy-duty jobs.

Buyer’s guide: How to pick the best backpack sprayers

1. Battery-powered pump or manual pump?

As a rule of thumb, whether you need a manual or a battery-powered backpack sprayer must depend on the volume of your daily work.

If your tasks involve spraying for longer than one hour per day, an engine will save your effort dramatically.

The ease of use and extra comfort can be worth every extra penny you have to pay. But if you just have to do this work for around 20 minutes less than 4 times weekly, an electric motor is more to be luxurious rather than necessary.

Besides, an engine-powered backpack sprayer typically supports maintaining pressure, flow rate, spraying pattern, and overall spraying quality without much of your involvement.

On the flip side, manual backpack sprayers are prone to fluctuations in all parameters each time you crank the pump. If you are inexperienced, you can hardly fine-tune the backpack sprayer.

And under circumstances where you need to carry out professional work, an engine-powered backpack sprayer would come in handy.

As such, from our point of view, you should only purchase a manual backpack sprayer if you rarely spray liquids and the sprayed areas are not too large.

2. Spray patterns

If the wand of your backpack sprayer does not feature a nozzle, liquids will merely be emitted in a single stream. When you add a nozzle to the tip of the wand, it will break the stream into smaller droplets.

According to the nozzle design, those tiny droplets will form different shapes to fit various spraying purposes of yours. The most prevalent patterns include flat-fan, extended flat-fan, even flat-fan, hollow cone, full cone, mist, flood, etc.

Besides, the size of the droplets, when they come out of the nozzle, may range from very fine to extremely coarse. To find out the suitable size of liquid droplets for each application, you can look for information on the Internet or the package of the chemicals.

Then, you ought to pick a backpack sprayer that allows you to use the appropriate nozzle and pressure to create the right spray pattern and droplet size.

Usually, too fine droplets will drift, and too coarse ones cannot travel far enough for uniform distribution. It is best for you to buy a backpack sprayer that permits users to calibrate these parameters.

3. Pressure

It is challenging to assess the perfect pressure for optimum accuracy and equal distribution. You are likely to go through a number of different experiments before you find out the best number.

However, we still have some helpful advice. In most cases, the pressure of between 20 and 60 PSI is sufficient. If you have high positions to spray vertically, consider something that can increase the pressure to 90 PSI.

4. Brands

One helpful tip that will aid you effectively in picking a high-quality backpack sprayer is relying on reputable brands.

Therefore, here we give you some famous names in the field that have produced the best backpack sprayers: Chapin, D.B. Smith, Roundup, Jacto, Rainmaker, Petra, Beaugreen, Greenwood, Hudson, SPS, Stihl, Solo

FAQs

How does a backpack sprayer work?

Any backpack sprayer will have a pump that is powered by an engine or human force to draw liquids from the tank to the chamber.

Inside the pressurizing chamber, Viton seals and valves are responsible for holding fluids under a specific pressure (depending on models) until the user presses the trigger to open the valve on the stick.

Once the valve on the stick is opened, the nozzles will spray out liquids in different flow rates and patterns depending on their settings.

How far can a backpack sprayer spray?

When it comes to how far a backpack sprayer can spray, we need to mention both the vertical and the horizontal distances.

Typically, the most powerful backpack sprayer can emit liquids as far as 10 to 40 feet horizontally.

And depending on your aiming angles, a backpack sprayer can reach as high as 6 to 30 feet vertically.

How much does a backpack sprayer cost?

There are several standard price ranges for backpack sprayers that we can divide into the following tiers:

– Low tier: $50 – $70

– Medium tier: $80 – $100

– Higher tier: $100 – $400

Conclusion 

While most of the choices we reviewed and introduced to you here are budget-friendly, the Chapin International 61500 Backpack Sprayer stands out to be the best backpack sprayer.

It has an excellent filtration system, three nozzles, and offers lumbar support and a pressure gauge. It is also comfortable to wear and among the cheapest models.

What if you need more nozzles, a bigger tank, or an engine-powered pump? Just use our buying guide, and you will find what you are looking for!