10 Best Backpack Weed Sprayers of 2024 [Reviews]

When thistles and dandelions take over your yard, you may want to break out a weed sprayer. The best backpack weed sprayers let you carry a lot of liquid while applying even coats of herbicide to your lawn or garden. But what’s the best weed sprayer for your property?

First, you’ll want to decide what’s most important to you:

• Affordability: If you’re looking to save money, you should decide how much you want to invest in advance.
• Power: If you have a large yard, you might consider power your most important metric.
• Lightweight: Weight could be your most important consideration if you have a hard time heavy-lifting. 
• Tank Capacity: You’ll want to keep a lot of liquid in your tank if you plan on covering a lot of ground in one spraying session.

We’re going to kick off this list of the 10 Best Backpack Weed Sprayers with our top picks for each of the above four considerations. 

You’ll also need to pick a power source. 

We’ll give a more detailed account of each source’s advantages and disadvantages in our buyers guide, but here’s the short version.

• Gas Engine: powerful, heavy, expensive
• Battery: good power, medium price range, needs recharging
• Hand pump: lightweight, affordable, good for the environment, you have to pump it up by hand

In this article we’ll also give you our top two picks for each power source. 

Top 4 Backpack Weed Sprayer Category Champs

1. Most Affordable: Aramox Battery-Powered Backpack Sprayer 

Bargain-hunters will be excited to find the Aramox Battery-Powered Backpack sprayer. At the time of this writing, this was the least expensive model in our survey. We were surprised to find a battery-powered model that beats all the hand-pump weed sprayers. 

This weed sprayer has a mid-range spraying power and useful features like a sealed diaphragm pump to cut down on leakage. We also like the impressive battery life. You won’t have to constantly recharge this sprayer. 

Downsides: You sacrifice a little power for all that affordability and battery life. This backpack sprayer certainly has an electric motor on the weaker side as far as batteries go. However, that shouldn’t be a problem for anyone with a smaller yard or garden. 

Specifications:

• Tank Capacity: 4.2 gallons
• Battery Power: 12 volts
• Maximum Pressure: 85 psi
• Battery Capacity: 8 Ah
• Weight: 11.28 lbs
• Price Range: Inexpensive

Pros:

✓ Very Affordable
✓ High water pressure
✓ Strong battery capacity

Cons:

✗ Low battery power
✗ Could be lighter

2. Most Powerful: Cardinal 1.8HP Gas-Powered Backpack Sprayer 435 PSI Pump 5 Gallon

We had a few contenders for the title of most powerful backpack weed sprayer. In the end, we chose the gas-powered Cardinal 1.8-horsepower backpack sprayer because it reached the most pressure in its stream. With a whopping 435 pounds per square inch, this machine creates a powerful jet of herbicides perfect for covering large areas in a short amount of time.

Bonus points: The tank size is above average, and we also like the adjustable spray wands and the large mouth opening. This machine is also on the lower end of the price range for gas-powered sprayers.

This backpack weed sprayer loses a few points for weight. While 26 pounds isn’t outrageous for a gas-powered sprayer, it’s still much heavier than any of the battery- or hand-pump powered models on this list.

Bottom line: if you want a very powerful jet stream and don’t mind lugging a backpack full of rocks around your yard, this might be the sprayer for you. 

Specifications:

• Tank Capacity: 5 gallons
• Engine Size: 23cc
• Spraying Pressure: 435 psi
• Weight: 26 lbs
• Price Range: Inexpensive

Pros:

✓ Value
✓ Tank Capacity
✓ Versatility

Cons:

✗ A little heavy

3. Most Lightweight: Jacto PJH Backpack Sprayer

The Jacto PJH is an impressively lightweight backpack pump sprayer. At only 5.2 pounds, this backpack weed sprayer would be perfect if you have back problems or just don’t like carrying a lot during chores.

This model also has some nifty features. The internal paddle agitator constantly keeps your liquid or water-soluble solutions well mixed, making this backpack sprayer an excellent choice for evenly spreading herbicides and other chemicals. 

There’s always a tradeoff. This backpack weed sprayer doesn’t have a lot of power, and like all manual pumps, you’ll get a mini workout cranking the handle to build pressure. It’s also in the middle price range for manual sprayers. That said, if you want decent carrying capacity in a low-weight backpack weed sprayer, this one might be the investment for you. 

Specifications:

• Tank Capacity: 5.2 gallons
• Maximum Pressure: 85 psi
• Weight: 5.19 lbs
• Price Range: Medium

Pros:

✓ Very lightweight
✓ Good tank capacity

Cons:

✗ Low power
✗ Could be more affordable for a pump sprayer

4. Most Tank Capacity: PetraTools Battery-Powered Backpack Sprayer

This PetraTools backpack weed sprayer has the largest tank of any model in our survey. If you’re planning to spray a farm or large property soon, this machine can put down a lot of chemicals before running out. We’re also very impressed with the battery life. This machine can really go the distance before needing a refill. 

There are two major drawbacks with this backpack sprayer, though. This model is hefty for a battery-powered sprayer. You can choose whether you’d rather carry this model or drag it on wheels, but either way, be prepared to get a workout. It’s also very much on the pricey side. Only buy this backpack weed sprayer if you’re looking to make an investment. 

Specifications:

• Tank Capacity: 6.5 gallons
• Power: 12 volts
• Maximum Pressure: 70 psi
• Battery Capacity: 12 Ah
• Weight: 46.6 lbs
• Price Range: Expensive 

Pros:

✓ Tank Capacity
✓ Battery Life

Cons:

✗ Very heavy
✗ Pricey

Top 2 Gas-Powered Backpack Weed Sprayers

1. Hudson 18539 3.75 Gallon 2.4 HP 2 Stroke Gas Powered Professional Bak-Pak Power Duster

2. Cardinal 3.5 Gallon Backpack Fogger

1. Hudson 18539 3.75 Gallon 2.4 HP 2 Stroke Gas Powered Professional Bak-Pak Power Duster 

The Hudson 18539 is a powerful backpack weed sprayer, boasting a 2.4 horsepower engine that can move a lot of liquid. We’re also impressed with the weight of this sprayer. While heavy for a backpack sprayer, it’s pretty lightweight for a gas-powered model. 

This Hudson also has several nice features, like a wide mouth for easy filling and adjustable settings for dusting and misting. This backpack sprayer also comes with comfortable shoulder straps and a waist belt to transfer more of the weight to your legs. 

Downsides: This backpack weed sprayer loses a few points for its low tank capacity. If you want to spray a lot with this sprayer, you’ll quickly need a refill. It’s also a little on the pricey side. Overall, if you want a powerful, lightweight gas-powered backpack sprayer, give this model a look. 

Specifications:

• Tank Capacity: 3.75 gallons
• Engine size: 42.7cc
• Weight: 23.2 lbs
• Price Range: Medium

Pros:

✓ Powerful
✓ Lightweight

Cons:

✗ Pricier
✗ Low tank capacity

2. Cardinal 3.5 Gallon Backpack Fogger 

While designed for pest control, this high-powered Cardinal backpack sprayer will serve you just as well with weed killer. We like the heavy-duty engine that can cover a wide area in little time. The high spray pressure will ensure a strong stream to get your herbicides into those hard-to-reach areas.

Bonus points: This fogger does double-duty as a weed sprayer and also has a UV-resistant tank for maximum durability. We like the wide mouth that makes this model easy to refill. 

The two biggest drawbacks? Price and weight. This fogger/sprayer is on the expensive side, even for a gas-powered sprayer. It’s also one of the heavier backpack sprayers on our list.

Bottom line: Consider this backpack sprayer if you’re looking for a big engine and you don’t mind hoisting a piece of heavy machinery on your back.

Specifications:

• Tank Capacity: 3.5 gallons
• Engine size: 65cc
• Weight: 35 lbs
• Price Range: Expensive

Pros:

✓ Large engine
✓ High spraying power

Cons:

✗ Heavy
✗ Expensive

Top 2 Manual Pump Backpack Weed Sprayers

1. Oregon 518769 4 Gallon Multi-Purpose Leak-Proof Backpack Pump Sprayer

2. Oregon 518771 5 Gallon Multi-Purpose Leak-Proof Backpack Pump Sprayer

1. Oregon 518769 4 Gallon Multi-Purpose Leak-Proof Backpack Pump Sprayer

The Oregon 518769 takes the top spot for a backpack pump sprayer with a triple-threat combo of power, affordability, and low weight. This pump sprayer is easy to carry around your yard and sustains a steady stream for a manual sprayer.

We also like the translucent tank which lets you know how much weed killer is left. The no-leak pump also makes life easier. We also like the different nozzles. This model comes with a flat fan and an adjustable cone nozzle so you can control your spray. 

Downside: The carrying capacity of this backpack sprayer is a standard 4-gallon tank, so that could be a little more impressive.

Bottom line: This backpack sprayer wins the hand-pump contest with an even balance of cost, pressure, and weight. If you want the most powerful, lightest, or cheapest, you’ll need to keep looking. 

Specifications:

• Tank Capacity: 4 gallons
• Maximum Pressure: 145 psi
• Weight: 7.75 lbs
• Price Range: Inexpensive

Pros:

✓ Affordable
✓ Lightweight
✓ Powerful

Cons:

✗ Carrying capacity could be higher

2. Oregon 518771 5 Gallon Multi-Purpose Leak-Proof Backpack Pump Sprayer

In the battle of backpack pump sprayers, Oregon steals the No. 1 and No. 2 spots. The 518771 5-Gallon has most of the advantages and disadvantages of the Oregon sprayer that tops our pump sprayer list.

There are just two major differences. This backpack weed sprayer costs a little more, but it holds a whole extra gallon of herbicide. This tank space is ideal for long-spraying sessions, so we’d recommend this model if you have a lot of land. 

Other features we like about this pump sprayer: The 6-foot hose is simple to use and the backpack is easy to wear. We like the ergonomic design, comfortable straps, and lumbar support. You’re unlikely to get a cramp carrying this tank. 

Specifications:

• Tank Capacity: 5 gallons
• Maximum Pressure: 145 psi
• Weight: 7.75 lbs
• Price Range: Inexpensive

Pros:

✓ Affordable
✓ Powerful
✓ Great carrying capacity

Cons:

✗ Costs more than the other Oregon

Top 2 Battery-Powered Backpack Weed Sprayers

1. Visotech Battery-Powered Backpack Sprayer

2. HPDAVV – 4-Gallon – Battery-Powered Backpack Sprayer

1. Visotech Battery-Powered Backpack Sprayer

Out of all the battery-powered backpack weed sprayers, we like the Visotech. This model has a hefty carrying capacity and would be ideal for spraying large gardens without having to refill.

We also love the high-performance battery life. This sprayer can run continuously for six to eight hours without you having to run back for the charger, a plus for anyone looking to spray for extended periods. As a bonus, the padded shoulder straps are pretty comfortable, and the adjustable poly wand makes for a versatile machine.

Bottom line: The spraying pressure is about mid-range, as is the weight. If you’re looking for something especially powerful or especially light, you can always keep shopping. 

Specifications:

• Tank Capacity: 5.3 gallons
• Power: 18 volts
• Maximum Pressure: 87 psi
• Battery Capacity: 8 Ah
• Weight: 10 lbs
• Price Range: Inexpensive

Pros:

✓ Big tank
✓ Long battery life
✓ Comfortable straps
✓ Affordable

Cons:

✗ You can find more powerful models out there

2. HPDAVV – 4-Gallon – Battery-Powered Backpack Sprayer

The HPDAVV 4-Gallon provides a steady jet of weed killer and a powerful battery for a low price. This is a good backpack weed sprayer for someone looking for a reliable machine on a budget. 

This backpack weed sprayer is also easy to use. We like the lockable shut-off valve and different nozzles. The ergonomic shoulder straps are definitely a plus. The 4-gallon capacity is right on target in the middle of the market.

Downsides: This backpack sprayer loses a few points for weight. We don’t recommend this sprayer if you want a lighter load during your weed-spraying chores. We also think the battery could last a little longer, and the spraying stream could be a little stronger.

That said, if you’re looking for a balanced battery-powered backpack sprayer at a decent price, give this HPDAVV a look. 

Specifications:

• Tank Capacity: 4 gallons
• Battery Power: 18 volts
• Maximum Pressure: 65 psi
• Battery Capacity: 4 Ah
• Weight: 11.9 lbs
• Price Range: Inexpensive

Pros:

✓ Affordable
✓ Well balanced and above average

Cons:

✗ Low pressure
✗ Okay battery life

Buyers Guide

Do you need a backpack weed sprayer?

Weed sprayers are excellent tools for keeping out plants you don’t want. These handy machines come in two types, handheld sprayers and backpack. We’ll break down the differences below. 

Handheld sprayers: A small handheld sprayer typically holds 1 to 3 gallons of liquid. A handheld sprayer often has a single shoulder strap and is light and easy to carry around. For example, a handheld sprayer would be a great idea for someone with a small garden or yard. 

Backpack sprayers: Backpack sprayers are much larger because you carry them on your back. Backpack models usually have more spraying power and much larger tanks. You’d want to buy a backpack sprayer if you have a lot of ground to cover. 

Backpack sprayers often come with a variety of nozzles so you can customize your spray pattern. Check out this video of someone trying a few different removable spray nozzles. 

3 types of backpack sprayers

Your backpack sprayer is going to use one of three main sources of power: battery, gas engine, or hand-pump. Now we’ll cover the strengths and weaknesses of each.  

Battery Power

Battery-powered backpack sprayers run on an electric motor connected to a lithium-ion battery. These models offer a lot of portability and power, but without the noise and smell of gas. 

Battery-powered backpack weed sprayers are a little easier on the environment than combustion engines, but not as easy as a hand pump. Battery-powered sprayers typically are in the middle price range. 

The biggest downside of a battery-powered sprayer is you have to keep plugging in your sprayer to recharge the battery. 

Pump Sprayer 

A simple hand-pump weed sprayer requires you to pump up the pressure yourself to keep spraying. Each model comes with a pump handle connected to a piston pump that builds up pressure.

Why would you want to make your chores harder? There are a few key advantages. Backpack pump weed sprayers are very lightweight and ideal if you have trouble lifting. Battery-powered sprayers also usually are less expensive and better for the environment. 

Gas Engine 

A gas-powered backpack sprayer has the most power but it’s the least green of the three power sources. A gas-powered backpack weed sprayer delivers a strong jet stream to spray long distances or cover a wide area at once. 

Internal combustion engines have a few drawbacks though. They’re typically louder, smellier, and worse for the environment. Regular maintenance and refueling also are required to keep these machines running. Gas-powered sprayers are often heavier and more expensive.

Backpack Weed Sprayers: Key Metrics

If this is your first time shopping for a backpack weed sprayer, some of these terms might be new to you. Don’t worry. We’ll run down what each of them means. 

Tank Capacity: Your tank holds all the weed-killer you spray. Models with larger tanks can go longer without a refill. Most backpack weed sprayers have 4-gallon tanks, but you can get as high as 8 gallons.

Battery Power: Every battery-powered sprayer requires an electrical charge to keep its pump moving. We use volts to measure the strength of the electrical charge a battery can produce. Usually more powerful batteries create stronger streams. 

Maximum Pressure: The pressure of your stream lets you know how much force the jet of chemicals will have as it leaves the hose. We measure this in pounds per square inch (psi). The higher the psi, the more power in your stream. 

Engine Size: Your engine’s size goes a long way in determining its power. To assess gas engines, we measure their volume in cubic centimeters (cc). Larger engines usually have a lot more horsepower. 

Battery Capacity: Every battery needs to be recharged eventually. Its capacity lets you know how much energy your battery can put out before needing to be plugged back into an outlet. We measure this in amp hours. One amp hour is simply a battery’s ability to give out one amp of electrical current for one hour. 

Weight: A backpack sprayer’s weight will range from 5 pounds to over 30 pounds. How much you’re willing to carry will depend on your individual needs. 

Price Range: Backpack weed sprayers cost anywhere from $40 to $600. This article omits exact prices because they change — sometimes daily. Instead, we group the sprayers covered by our survey into three categories: inexpensive, medium, and expensive. We have a separate price range for each power source, so an “inexpensive” gas-powered backpack weed sprayer might still cost more than an “expensive” hand pump weed sprayer. 

FAQ About Backpack Weed Sprayers

Conclusion 

Now that you know our picks for the top 10 backpack weed sprayers of 2022, we hope you can pick out the best one to keep your outdoor space weed-free. 

When choosing the best backpack weed sprayer for your property, you’ll want to keep your most important criteria in mind. If you have a lot of land, you’ll need power, tank capacity, and/or battery capacity. 

If you have trouble lifting or carrying weight, you should look at some of our lighter-weight top picks. If money is tight, you should come up with a budget beforehand. 

Also consider the intended use of your sprayer. Are you only spraying weed killer, or do you need one that can hold insecticides, bleach, disinfectants, and other corrosive chemicals as well? Once you’ve determined what matters most to you in a backpack weed sprayer, you can pick the right model for your yard. 

That said, if you decide spraying all those weeds yourself just isn’t your jam, we’d be happy to connect you with a lawn care pro near you.

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