Handheld vs. Backpack Leaf Blower: Which Is Better for Clearing Leaves?

3 min readIf you’re shopping for a leaf blower, it’s easy to get overwhelmed with all the choices. Handheld or backpack? Gas or electric? Or, which of the dozens of brands should you choose? The process can be daunting, but it doesn’t have to be. Careful consideration of what you’ll use the blower for, your yard size, and the number of leaves will guide your decision.We’ll be focusing mainly on cordless leaf blowers, because for most folks, they’re the right machine for the job. Plus, more and more places are restricting or outright banning gas-powered blowers. But gas leaf blowers still have a place in certain situations.Considering the difference between handheld and backpack blowersTrevor RaabHandheld blowers are best for smaller areas.Handheld pros:Less expensiveSmaller and easier to store or hang in the garageMore maneuverable in small or tight spacesHandheld cons:Can be uncomfortable to use for extended periods. Generally held in one hand, with one arm bearing the weight and resisting the “kick” or back pressure when the trigger is pulled.Handheld Leaf Blowers We RecommendRYOBI Whisper Series 40V Cordless Leaf BlowerNow 20% OffCredit: RyobiECHO 56V Cordless Leaf BlowerBosch 18V Leaf Blower KitTrevor RaabBackpack blowers will limit fatigue on longer leaf blowing sessions.Backpack pros:With weight carried on your back, they’re more comfortable to use for extended periodsEasier to direct the blower tube because your arm doesn’t bear the full weight of the machineUnits usually capable of carrying/utilizing multiple batteriesBackpack cons:More expensiveCan be more awkward to store with the blower tube protruding 4 feet from the backpack frameBackpack Leaf Blowers We RecommendECHO 56V Cordless Backpack BlowerRYOBI Whisper Series 40V Cordless Backpack Leaf BlowerCredit: RyobiBest for Folks on DeWalt PlatformDEWALT FLEXVOLT Cordless Backpack BlowerThe Case for Handheld Leaf BlowersHandheld leaf blowers are ideal for small jobs, like blowing off the patio, blowing out flower beds, blowing grass clippings from walkways or driveways, and clearing light to medium leaf cover from smaller lawns. So, what is a “smaller lawn”? For this discussion, we’re considering it to be any yard or property of a quarter acre or less.If you have a larger yard, but only have leaves covering small, distinct areas, then a handheld blower can still be appropriate. The main issue with using a handheld blower for larger yards is arm fatigue. Also, less expensive or smaller handheld models may not have the airspeed or volume to blow heavy leaf cover.The Case for Backpack Leaf Blowerstrevor raabCordless backpack blowers can often carry multiple batteries, extending their run-time.Backpack leaf blowers often come with multiple, larger batteries and, as a result, they usually have longer runtimes. These machines are often also larger and more powerful, capable of blowing more dense leaf cover, farther. Since the larger or heavier blower is carried on your back, it’s easier to use for long periods. However, backpack blowers can be bulky, making them difficult to use in tight spaces like on a patio or porch. Backpack blowers are helpful for yards of a quarter acre or more.Choosing a BrandWhen it comes to choosing a cordless leaf blower brand, we would strongly recommend sticking with a brand you’ve already invested in. This way you have extra runtime capacity in the batteries you have on hand.Gas or ElectricTrevor RaabFor large properties where leaf removal time is measured in hours, gas-powered backpack blowers may be the best choice.While we appreciate how much quieter cordless equipment is, there are still times we might recommend a gas leaf blower. If you have a lot of big, leafy trees and end up with a thick carpet of leaves covering the better part of an acre or more, then a gas backpack blower is likely your best option. Another way to look at it is if your leaf removal time is measured in multiple hours, then again, a gas blower may be the best choice.There are trade-offs to keep in mind, though. Gas blowers require more maintenance. You should always drain the fuel and run the blower until it burns through whatever is left in the carburetor to prevent it from getting gummed up during long periods of storage. You should also treat any mixed fuel that is going to be stored until next season. All these issues go away with cordless blowers. Still, for big power and long runtime, it’s hard to beat the convenience of a gas blower.Leaf Blowers We RecommendRyobi Whisper Series 40V Cordless Leaf BlowerNow 20% OffCredit: RyobiEcho eForce 56V Cordless Battery Backpack BlowerStihl Magnum BR 800 X Backpack Leaf BlowerNow 8% OffBrad Ford has spent most of his life using tools to fix, build, or make things. Growing up he worked on a farm, where he learned to weld, repair, and paint equipment. From the farm he went to work at a classic car dealer, repairing and servicing Rolls Royces, Bentleys, and Jaguars. Today, when he's not testing tools or writing for Popular Mechanics, he's busy keeping up with the projects at his old farmhouse in eastern Pennsylvania.