Last Updated on June 19, 2021 by Grow with Bovees
If you have a lawn or a garden, you know how frustrating it can be to get rid of weeds. You have the option of walking around with a small spray bottle, but let’s be honest, that’s an arduous task that takes up a lot of time.
A backpack sprayer is a great addition for homeowners with a lawn or garden. You can use it for numerous applications; commercial and domestic. Investing in a good backpack sprayer is worth it because it significantly simplifies your gardening work.
In A Hurry? Here’s our top picks;
The Field King model we’ve reviewed stands out for its pump action, whereas the Chapin 61500 is the most popular choice if you’re looking for a battery-powered option. Flipping this over and going for an electric backpack sprayer should lead you toward the Petra Electric Fogger.
Best Backpack Sprayers Review
Field King Professional 190328 No Leak Pump Backpack Sprayer — Best Backpack Pump Sprayer
The Field King Professional 190328 is immensely popular for the versatility it offers, as well as it’s affordability. If you’re looking for a backpack sprayer that can house bleach, weed killers, herbicides or insecticides, this is the sprayer for you.
It has a built-in agitator that handles liquids, water-soluble solutions, and powders. No matter which solution used, the pump action activates the internal paddles, keeping them mixed in solution and ready to spray. When it’s time to spray, it has a 4-nozzle system, which includes two flat fan nozzles, an adjustable brass nozzle, and a foaming nozzle.
This backpack sprayer can function both as a piston or a diaphragm backpack sprayer. It can reach a pressure level of 150 PSI, therefore spraying hard-to-reach areas, resulting in precise spray patterns.
Thanks to its “no-leak” design, the user is kept dry and chemical-free. The filtration basket in the large tank opening ensures that large debris is kept out of the way when filling. Also, if you happen to invert the backpack sprayer, the one-way valve will prevent spillage.
It has a locking trigger for a comfortable grip while promoting hassle-free work because it reduces hand fatigue. The sprayer also has adjustable padded straps that are comfortable and secure.
This Field King sprayer has internal parts that are made of brass, increasing the sprayer’s durability. Also, the patented pump design can be repaired in minutes because of the minimal high-wear parts, so you won’t need tools.
Pros
- High quality.
- Comfortable grip.
- Affordable price.
- Durable.
Cons
- Upon installation, the handle may not fully return to its upright position. The sprayer will work properly; however, storage may be an issue.
- You may have to pump to maintain a certain level of pressure.
Chapin 61500 Backpack Sprayer — Best Battery-Powered Backpack Sprayer
The Chapin 61500 has an interesting square-like European design with good mid-range power and comfortable shoulder straps. It also has an adjustable spray tip, removing the need to walk around with different nozzles just to change from a fine mist to a coarse stream.
It has a holding capacity of 4 gallons, which is pretty much the same as the other tanks on our list. The shape, however, ensures that it’s smaller and lighter, even though the holding capacity is similar to other heavier backpack sprayers.
The Chapin is a powerhouse. Firstly, the piston pump system in the sprayer has a good pump to spray ratio, so you won’t have to pump too hard to spray over a considerable distance. It can spray up to 23 feet vertically and up to 25 feet in a horizontal direction. Also, its 4-inch-wide mouth opening helps keep out dirt and debris from entering the sprayer.
It has a serviceable shut-off assembly that can be taken apart for cleaning, providing maximum debris maintenance. In addition, the tank is translucent, which makes for easy filling and cleaning. This also helps you to keep track of the fluid levels as you go about your work.
Pros
- No-leak feature.
- Unique design.
- Lightweight.
- Affordable.
- Great maneuverability and pump-to-spray ratio.
- Easy to use.
Cons
- Sprayer doesn’t come previously assembled. Issues may arise due to improper assembly of the spray.
- The straps, though comfortable, could do with extra padding.
- Narrow mouth may cause chemical spillage as you refill the tank.
Petra Electric Fogger Atomizer Backpack Sprayer — Best Electric Backpack Sprayer
The Petra electric fogger is another powerhouse of a sprayer. It has a large extended commercial hose that’s perfect for ULV misting. This hose can be easily extended above your head to reach garden areas.
Its wide-mouth opening eases the filling process and features a screen filter that keeps debris/dirt out of the tank. You can, therefore, comfortably fill the tank with chemical substances without messing with seals and clamps, as is the case with some models.
It has a premium 1,200W motor that can spray up to 15 feet, operating on 110V AC power. With such power, you can cover your desired area in a very short amount of time.
The adjustable screw on the sprayer enables you to change your fogger’s rate of flow mid-use. If you have ULV spraying needs, this is an ideal tool because of the average particle size of 20-50 microns.
We like the heavy-duty straps, which enable you to smoothly carry around 4 gallons. You can comfortably use it at home as it will give you a professional commercial feel and look to your work.
This fogger can be used by professional pest control experts to deal with ticks, spider mites, mosquitoes, and other pests. It can also be used as a professional mold fogger as it can easily reach into crawl spaces, basements, high up in attics, and other places prone to molding. Do note that these mold control solutions aren’t to be used with bleach, though.
Pros
- Comfortable adjustable straps
- Easy to operate
- Good weight distribution so it’s gentle on the back
- Excellent customer service
Cons
- The on and off switch may be difficult to get to when you’ve worn the backpack
- You may require a very long extension cord if you’re spraying a large area because it is electrically powered. This may lead to wire tangling.
My 4 Sons M4 4-Gallon Battery Powered Backpack — Best Gardening Sprayer
My 4 Sons has created a 60-psi output backpack sprayer here, which is designated for a medium range of gardening applications. Pumping isn’t required because it’s battery-powered and can be used for eight hours when fully charged. We particularly like the lights that indicate the battery life, which is useful when planning how much work you can do before the battery caves in.
The M4 is affordable if you compare it with other high-quality backpack sprayers in the market, without compromising on the quality of the unit. The 60-psi pressure is the average pressure rate for most models. However, the pressure it produces is adjustable so you can still enjoy maximum efficiency while targeting distant branches/ trees thanks to its variable nozzle output.
The capacity — 4 gallons — is useful because you can treat large areas without the garden sprayer weighing you down, making it both comfortable and practical. This is ample enough time to treat a large variety of trees and plants.
The tank-design is rather practical; it has a wide tank opening that facilitates easy refills and makes the cleaning and maintenance process much easier. It’s worth noting, though, that it weighs 14 pounds, which could feel strenuous after hours of use.
Pros
- Features a responsive wand.
- Good value for money.
- Practical harness with supportive straps.
- Powerful pump action.
- Comfortable to wear.
- Resistant to harsh chemicals.
- Covers large distances.
Cons
- Users comment that if you use this pump continuously for 8–12 months, the pump starts to show signs of failure.
- 14 pounds is too heavy for some.
- A few users claim the shoulder straps are too short.
Scotts 190567 Lithium-Ion Battery-Powered Pump — Best for Small-Scale Home Use
This pump is a simple and affordable 2-gallon sprayer. It comes with a lithium-ion battery that powers an air compressor, which pumps to a capacity of up to 12 full tanks per charge. Air pressure above the fluid increases thanks to the pump, with the result being the sprayed liquid through the nozzle.
This sprayer is good for personal use since you can use it for small scale watering, pest control, fertilizing, weed prevention and weed remediation.
The premium commercial-grade shut-off reduces hand fatigue thanks to its brass poppet, which is nickel-plated and boosts precision and strength. The tank’s teardrop shape adds stability because of the lower center of gravity, and its lock-on feature gives the user a comfortable grip on the device.
Its efficient pressure release valves give you the liberty to open the sprayer as it frees up pressure in advance. This helps you avoid having any chemicals sprayed on you. This combines well with the 21-inch poly wand, with high-quality Viton seals for long-term chemical resistance.
It also includes a built-in nozzle protection and storage and an in-line filtration system that’s easy to clean.
The three-in-one nozzle’s settings are:
- Fan: Perfect for large spaces, such as concrete walkways, decks, and siding.
- Stream: This is well-suited for targeting individual weeds and penetrating cracks.
- Cone-shaped: The pattern emitted from the cone spray is great for fertilizing vegetable plants and flowers.
No tools are required during maintenance, and the seals take five minutes to replace by following four easy steps:
- Step 1: Slide back the hose nut, exposing the barb.
- Step 2: Slide the dip tube into the tank.
- Step 3: Align the two notches in the tank with the hose barb and push until resistance is met.
- Step 4: Being careful not to cross-thread, slide the hose nut over the hose barb. Be sure to hand-tighten it.
Of note is that this sprayer has a limited three-year warranty with free replacement parts.
Pros
- Battery indicator light.
- Rubber cap to keep off moisture.
- Durable.
- No need to manually hand pump.
Cons
- On and off button positioned so it’s easy to accidentally turn off the pump mid-use.
- Fairly heavy for its size.
Itisll Portable Yard & Lawn Sprayer — Best Budget Sprayer for Domestic Use
The Itisll garden pump is a portable multi-purpose pressure sprayer. It can be used for home cleaning, cleaning cars, pet bathing, and irrigating plants. However, it shouldn’t use acidic or corrosive solutions.
It has a comfortable 50-inch collapsible hose and extended 19-inch spray stick that helps penetrate inaccessible places. Also, the mouth opening is extra large and bowl-shaped to prevent liquid spillage, making for easy cleaning.
The garden pump’s ergonomic handle, which has a locking trigger, facilitates long-time spray operation and reduces fatigue. It’s also used to lock the handle’s trigger for continuous spraying action with a steady water flow. The 39-inch adjustable shoulder strap eases the sprayer weight on your body and makes it easy to hang on your body, making your movement flexible.
The yard sprayer is made of high-quality polyethylene material that’s transparent, allowing you to see the remaining liquid level. It gives you a visual heads up when it’s time to replenish the solution.
It has a safety valve that has a cutoff. Once the pressure exceeds 2.5 bars, it automatically relieves that built-up pressure.
Maintenance is easy, and assembly doesn’t require tools. This is boosted by the outer structure of the sprayer being of a high quality. It has wear-resistant seals, anti-clogging filters and rings that build upon the sprayer’s durability. The product also comes with a one year warranty.
Pros
- Back straps make it portable.
- Durable.
- Adjustable nozzle.
- Easy assembly.
Cons
- You have to pump and spray, so for all those who prefer automatic spraying, then this could be a challenge.
- Sprayer may leak around the main insert.
Vivosun 1.3-Gallon Lawn and Garden Pump — Best Manual Garden Pump
The Vivosun garden pump is a practical pump that’s multi-functional and can be used both indoors and outdoors. It has an extra-large bowl-shaped mouth and funnel design that facilitates easy filling without making a mess.
All you need to do is unscrew, fill the bottle to your desired level, and close the lid. Proceed to pump the pressure, and you’re ready to work. The valve design stabilizes the pressure in the barrel, so after using it, lift it to let out excess gas to sustain the durability of the barrel.
The bottle is translucent with a calibration scale, which makes it easy to see the fluid level. It has a 56.5 cm watering wand that increases your reach, giving you access to otherwise inaccessible places. The sprayer comes with a heavy-duty shoulder strap.
The bottom of the sprayer is wider than the top, which lowers the center of gravity, thus making it easier and more stable to carry around. This is also thanks to the comfortable grip handle that houses the shut-off valve. You can, therefore, comfortably carry your sprayer over your shoulder and rest your hands while the spraying action continues automatically.
The Vivosun is made with a plastic outer covering that increases the durability of the sprayer. It also has an adjustable nozzle that helps you to comfortably adjust your liquid flow when you rotate the nozzle.
Pros
- Simple to set up.
- Lightweight.
- Easy to use.
- Durable and can survive when dropped.
- Powerful adjustable spray.
- O-rings and seal-kit included.
Cons
- The locking tab is quite small
- Users have complained that it doesn’t come with instructions
Buyers’ Guide For Backpack Sprayers
Before you make the final decision on which of the best backpack sprayers you should go for, there are a few things you should keep in mind. There are many specifications laid out by FAO on backpack sprayer quality that manufacturers should adhere to before placing a product on the market. Ensure that the product you purchase meets these specifications. Note that all the products mentioned in this article are FAO-compliant.
Below is a list of features that will help you decide on what sprayer to purchase.
Size of Your Garden
Technically, you can use any type of sprayer for any type of garden. However, the size will either slow down or speed up your work. A sprayer that has a small tank capacity will struggle on a huge farm. Similarly, a high-powered sprayer with a huge tank will struggle in small spaces, especially if there are many distracting protrusions to bump into.
It’s important to assess the size of your garden or lawn and get a sprayer that fits in it. For instance, if your garden is small-to-medium-sized, the Chapin 61500 will be a good fit. There’s no point in getting a bulky sprayer that you can’t move around with just because it is the most powerful.
Your storage size is also important to look into. Many sprayers malfunction because they were not stored properly. If you don’t have a large storage area, then you’re better off getting a smaller model to decrease the need for repairs.
Type of Sprayer
Backpack sprayers can be categorized into manual and motorized sprayers.
Manual Sprayers
Manual sprayers tend to be cheaper than their motorized counterparts. If budget is an issue, but you still desire quality, you can go for a manual sprayer. Do note that it will involve more work from you in terms of pumping, though.
Motorized Sprayers
Motorized sprayers — battery, charged, electric — are equipped with batteries or are powered by an electric power source. If convenience is your number one priority, then this is an option to go with. Motorized sprayers necessitate more maintenance than manual units.
Type of Pump
Another way of categorizing the backpack sprayers is the type of pump. You have the option of choosing either diaphragm pump sprayers or piston-powered backpack sprayers.
Piston-powered sprayers are high-powered sprayers and can supply large amounts of pressure — approximately 90 psi. They’re more affordable than a diaphragm sprayer but aren’t compatible with harsh chemicals since they can damage the piston.
Diaphragm sprayers, on the other hand, are much more resistant to chemicals and, if needed, facilitate faster pressure. They do, however, require more maintenance.
If a high PSI isn’t your priority and you have harsh chemicals, then a diaphragm pump will do the trick. If you’re buying the sprayer so that you can do a lot of overhead spraying, then a piston pump will do because it’ll give you the required amount of pressure.
Comfort
You can have a powerful sprayer, but if it fits awkwardly on your back and ends up being bulky, the chances are that you won’t get much work done. Carrying 4 gallons of liquid can prove to be tedious work. However, thanks to the manufacturer’s testing, backpack sprayers can be designed in ways that will bring comfort to the carrier.
Look for a model that has adjustable straps that are padded. If you intend to work for hours at a go, it’ll be beneficial to invest in a sprayer that has padded chest, shoulder and waist straps, such as the Field King Professional 190328.
An excellent fit is significant for your comfort and safety. In other words, if you fail to fit the sprayer accordingly, certain incidents may occur, such as spillage. That said, you don’t have to fill up the tank to the brim. Find a liquid level that your back can comfortably support. If the tank is translucent, you can check the liquid level when needed rather than having to fill it up and hope for the best.
Pressure and Capacity
This is dependent on how you intend to use your sprayer, as well as the size of your property. Take note of these elements then check your desired unit’s capacity and pressure. Most average sprayers might supply up to 95 psi. However, a professional backpack sprayer will generate high pressure of up to 150 psi.
Nozzle Types
The three main types of nozzles are:
- Flat fan: Produce a line of spray and are used in cleaning and coating applications.
- Cone sprays: Produces a solid circle of spray. If your main objective is to distribute fluid evenly over an area, this is the nozzle to use.
- Streaming: Concentrates the liquid into a high impact spray. Such nozzles deliver as much impact as possible for cutting or cleaning applications.
Maintenance
A backpack sprayer is a long-term investment. To make the most out of it and use it effectively, you should aspire to maintain it correctly. Read through the manufacturer’s instructions to get maintenance instructions that are specific for your product. There are, however, some guidelines that apply to most sprayers:
- Clean after use: Failing to clean the sprayer drastically reduces its lifespan. Clean water will suffice, but you can also use a commercial cleaner.
- Anti-freeze: This is essential when storing the unit during winter.
- Lubricate: Remember to lubricate seals and O-rings once a year. If you’re constantly using your sprayer, then twice a year is better.
In Conclusion
Searching for the best backpack sprayers can be a simple process if you carefully follow our guidelines.
When choosing yours, ensure that the affordability doesn’t undermine its quality. Features to look out for are: long battery life, spraying capability, ease of filling and comfort on your back.
