7 Best Backpack Sprayer for Your Garden

Last Updated June 25, 2020

Trying to pick the best backpack sprayer can be quite challenging if you’re new to gardening or other agricultural activities.

Even if you’re more familiar, you might still have trouble, thanks to a wide array of models and options.

You will find a guide below the reviews for more information on selecting a backpack sprayer.

Thankfully, I’ve reviewed seven top choices that should guarantee you a great experience. Enjoy!

What is a Backpack Sprayer?

Major Components of a Backpack Sprayer

Just like me, you must have wondered what makes up a backpack sprayer. Usually, it comes with the following parts.

• Tank
• Nozzles
• Nozzle Boom
• Straps
• Safety cap
•  Valve plate
• O-ring
• Pressure chamber
• Protective vest
• Filters (Strainers).

How Safe is a Backpack Sprayer?

A backpack sprayer is generally safe to use.

However, when used with dangerous chemicals, you might be exposed to specific safety risks, mainly due to leakage. (I’ll discuss what leakage is later on).

As such, you might need to rely on protective gear such as goggles, gloves, and body covering.

In case you’re spraying a pesticide, you should consider using a respirator or a face mask. Also, avoid spraying in a windy condition.

Always make sure children are far away from the spray area.

Advantages of a Backpack Sprayer

Growing up, I used a spray bottle for the small garden in my house. Luckily, I moved out to a bigger house with a bigger garden a few years back.

As usual, I tried using my go-to spray bottle. This time, in my bigger garden. Unfortunately, it turned out to be a total hassle.

I spent long hours, had to make several refills, and I was exhausted before I finished.

However, when I replaced my spray bottle with a backpack sprayer, I finished faster.

Now, that’s the advantage of using a backpack sprayer. It affords us ease and speed, whether we are trying to rid ourselves of pests or fertilize our plants.

So, here’s a breakdown of the advantages a backpack sprayer offers.

1. Backpack Sprayers are Easy to Use.

Thanks to the simplicity of its design, you usually don’t need any technical knowledge or expertise to use it. You can also survive without extra help.

It’s light so you can carry it around without any stress on your body. It’s also great as it comes with a soft padded shoulder strap.

2. Durability

It’s a total turn off to buy something and find out it didn’t last as long as you expected it to. Luckily, you don’t have to experience that with a backpack sprayer.

It’s reliable and offers a performance you might not get from other professional broad applicators.

They are also reusable and help you avoid additional costs. You also get a warranty for your backpack sprayers.

3. Low Maintenance Requirement.

Primarily due to its design, this tool doesn’t require so much attention from you. You won’t have to spend long hours as a simple cleaning will do.

Also, its repair is quite easy to achieve. Most manufacturers provide spare parts for their new products. You can also quickly get them from a store.

Even better, you can perform most repairs yourself, so you don’t expend extra cash on hiring a professional.

4. Dual Power Option

Another great feature of most backpack sprayer is that it comes with two power options.

You can use it manually for your smaller gardens, trees, or greenhouse. In case you need to cover more ground, you can switch to its battery mode.

This motorized mode saves time and energy. You also enjoy extended use after each charge, so you won’t have to stop abruptly.

Nonetheless, it’s always best to go for the motorized option.

5. Vast Application

You don’t just get a tool that can spray fertilizers or pesticides. You get one that does so much more.

For instance, you can use a backpack sprayer in your home to keep your walls and wooden furniture fungus free.

You can also use it to water your lawn and keep it fresh.

Potential difficulties when using a Backpack Sprayer

There’s no doubt that backpack sprayers are a valuable addition to your home or agricultural equipment. Still, backpack sprayers are not exactly perfect.

So, you’re aware of what you’re getting, here are some of its more apparent downsides.

1. Leakage

Few months after I got my first backpack sprayer, I usually had stains on my legs after use.

Soon, I discovered it was the chemicals dripping on my backside from my sprayer. This is a common problem called leakage.

It might occur where the hose is joined to the tank or in another place around your container.

So, watch out, you don’t want to get your clothes ruined or get skin irritation.

2. Limitations

A backpack sprayer might not be a great choice if you intend to cover vast areas.

For example, 4-gallon sprayers weigh between 10 to 18 lbs when filled up. I wouldn’t, and you shouldn’t try using it to cover something as big as 3 acres.

Not only will it take longer, but it’ll also get stressful since you need to carry the weight all through.

Factors to Consider when Purchasing a Backpack Sprayer

You might also want to ensure that replacement parts are readily purchasable for when the need arises.

2. Tank Capacity

This is another important consideration if you want to get value for your money. You’ll need to ensure your tank size can cater for your spraying needs.

Consider how large the area, the number of plants or trees you have, and how regularly you intend to spray before making a decision.

Usually, a 4-gallon tank should do the trick. However, if you have a broader area to cover, you can go for a bigger tank.

3. Tank Design

I’m a great fan of structure and designs. If you’re too, then you might want to consider what structure your backpack comes in.

Usually, backpack sprayers come in rectangular, square, and other customized designs. Pick one that you are more comfortable with.

Apart from that, ensure you pick a design that’s relatively easy to assemble, especially if you aren’t a pro with backpack sprayers.

You should also consider picking a sprayer that’s resistant to chemicals. And one that’s designed with high-density materials.

4. Pressure Tolerance

You should consider the pressure tolerance of a backpack sprayer before getting it.

Measured as the pounds per square inch (PSI), this is how much pressure your sprayer can propel from its nozzle. And it’s vital if your backpack sprayer is to operate effectively.

Naturally, a backpack sprayer with higher pressure is better. On the other hand, lower ones will usually result in an irregular spray that makes the content less effective.

Regardless, a sprayer with a pressure between 40 and 6o psi is a satisfactory choice.

5. Type of Delivery System

You need to consider the liquid delivery system that comes with a backpack sprayer before making a purchase.

Generally, these systems are available in two types, namely, diaphragm pump and piston pump.

The piston pump is more prevalent among homeowners, thanks to its simple design, higher PSI, ease of repair. In this pump, the liquid is drawn into a confined room and then pushed out through a nozzle.

However, it is more suitable for non-abrasive solvents.

Backpack sprayers with diaphragm pumps are usually designed for professionals. It operates a system where liquids are moved from one part of the chamber to another through a diaphragm.

In this process, a part is continuously full, and the other is ever empty. Although it has a lesser PSI than the piston, it is more durable and resistant to chemicals.

So, if you’re a pro and more likely to use chemicals, you should go for one with a diaphragm. Contrarily if you stay away from abrasive or ​water -soluble powder, a piston works just fine.

Your best bet is to pick one that has both systems.

6.Other Relevant Features

You should also consider additional features like extra padding of the strap to ensure you’re convenient.

A fold-able pump-handle that allows better maintenance is also an additional advantage.

You might also want to get a backpack sprayer with a pressure gauge. This will enable you to measure the pressure of your sprayer while using it.

Final Thoughts

Although all the seven options are exceptional, the ​Chapin 63924 4-Gallon backpack sprayer would rank first if I were to pick.

This is because although it is expensive, it offers excellent perks in return.

It supports a motorized system that guarantees ease of use. Even more, it has a great battery option that charges fast and lasts long.

It’s durable and chemical resistant. It also has a transparent and marked tank that allows you to monitor the liquid left.

Petra backpack sprayer comes with a high-pressure pump. ​The 3 stage filtration system is a bonus to keep your sprayer from getting clogged.

I believe it’s a great choice that should be worth every dollar paid.