The Best Backpack Sprayers (Review & Buying Guide) in 2023 | Autance

For many of us, our gardens are our sanctuaries. So, it can be very frustrating when ugly, unsightly weeds spring up, particularly during the summer when we spend the most time outdoors. Not only are weeds unattractive to look at, but they are also harmful to other plants. If too many weeds are left to spawn, they will eventually overpower and basically “starve” our flowers of water and nutrients.

In addition to plants, some weeds can be dangerous to animals and humans. Some are poisonous or irritating to both ourselves and our pets. That’s not exactly the relaxing atmosphere we want for our backyards! Pulling them straight from the earth is not the easiest solution; it’s time-consuming, it’s back-breaking work, and a few pesky dandelions always seem to get missed.

Weeds aren’t the only problem in our yards though, unfortunately. There are plenty of other nasty pests that live among the flower beds and vegetable patches and leave nothing but holes in our petals and produce. From slugs to aphids, there’s a plethora of bugs and creepy crawlies in the garden that make it their mission to spoil our scenery. The perfect solution to this is purchasing a backpack sprayer. These are packs with a spray attachment that you wear on your back that is filled with either weed killer or pesticide, making it easier to take care of these annoying issues in your garden. Check out our top picks below.

The Best Backpack Sprayer

Best Backpack Sprayer Buying Guide & FAQ

Things to Consider When Buying a Backpack Sprayer

Before you purchase a backpack sprayer, you should take the time to think about what you actually need from it. There are many different factors to consider when selecting the right one for your garden, such as its function, how often you plan to use it and whether you would like to use it manually or not.

• Durability

Do you think you will be using your knapsack sprayer on a regular basis or will it only be in use a few times a year at most? Ensure that you do your research and if you know you will be getting a lot of use out of it, be sure to choose a reputable brand with good reviews, like one of the options mentioned here. Pay close attention to the pump; it must be able to handle dispensing the liquid over long periods of time. In addition, the tank needs to be crafted from high density, preferably polyethene material, able to handle UV. Always inspect other components such as hoses and seals as these will need to be able to withstand the potential damaged caused by the constant use of chemicals.

• Function

Each backpack sprayer serves its own purpose, and some are better at certain jobs than others. For example, one that is great for dealing with vegetable may not be able to handle woody plant areas. You also need to determine what kind of solution you need to use in the tank in order to get the best result, deciding this will also help you decide what sprayer to choose. For example, diaphragm sprayers typically better for harsher chemicals than piston sprayers. Also, consider the pressure requirements and area before you make your decision.

• Manual or Motor

There is no real benefit to choosing either a motorized or manual backpack sprayer, it all depends upon what you prefer. In general, manual sprayers are best for treating foreign infestations, whilst motorized varieties are recommended for use on larger areas of land.

• Spray Wands and Lances

There are many kinds of lances you can select to ensure that you use your backpack sprayer as safely and efficiently as possible. In order to eliminate the leaking of dangerous chemicals, choose a spray wand that fits on properly and prevents leakage whilst still providing an accurate aim. Be sure that it is fully compatible with the nozzles and caps your sprayer came with.

• Calibration

Things to factor in when calibrating your backpack spraying are walking speed, swath width and output per minute. This is essential to ensure you are using your equipment as efficiently as possible. Be sure to only use water when calibrating your sprayer – never do this when the tank has a chemical in it! To calibrate It properly, follow this method:

1. Perform a pre-operation service on your sprayer and prepare it for calibration by cleaning and inspecting it thoroughly
2. Mark out a 25m2 calibration plot in the area you need to treat using a marker, such as a peg, in every corner (the 25m2 can be any configuration – e.g. 5m x 5m, 12.5m x 2m, 25m x 1m or 16.6m x 1.5m, or any other combination, as long as it equals 25m2).
3. Mark the tank with a permanent marker and then proceed to fill it to the line. Alternatively, fill the sprayer to a level you are aware of.
4. Spritz the chosen plot at the same speed and pressure you plan to use when you complete the job, taking care of not missing any spots, overspray or spill any of the water. You need this to be as accurate as possible.
5. Once you have completed spraying the area, cautiously remove the sprayer, stand on a level spot and measure the amount of water it takes to fill the sprayer back up to the original mark you made in step 3. The amount of water taken to refill the tank needs to be measured in liters.
6. Use the formulae below to work out the amount of water applied to 1000 square meters:

Water rate/1000m2 = Litres used on calibration plot x 40

Water rate/hectare = Litres used on calibration plot x 400

• Well Known Brands

When making your selection, keep an eye out for reputable brand names and always take a look at reviews from previous users. Well know brands often will use high quality materials and provide warranties and guarantees should something go wrong. If the worst should happen, this means the company is liable and is obligated to take care of the problem for you.

• Health, Safety, and Comfort

Above all, your safety is the most important thing to consider when choosing any new tool. Look for sprayers that have the addition of padded straps and ergonomically designed tanks so carrying is more comfortable. Wand grips and pumps handles will also soothe tired hands and of course, will make the sprayers easier to operate.

• Basic Components of a Backpack Sprayer

Although each knapsack sprayer has it’s own unique features, most of them will be made up of the same basic parts. These consist of the tank, the wand, the pump and of course, the spray attachment. The tank is the heaviest part of the backpack sprayer and contains the liquid pesticide or weed killer. The wand, or lance, is the long attachment which helps the operator to the control the stream of spray.

Types of Backpack Sprayers

As has been discussed previously, you can purchase both motorized and manual backpack sprayers. While there are no conceivable advantages or disadvantages between the two, there are many differences to be noted. For instance, motorized varieties are more expensive and weigh more than the manual sprayers. In addition, they also require more maintenance and aftercare.

Once you have made the decision between manual and motorized, you will next need to choose whether you would like a piston or diaphragm pump. Piston pumps use pumping to create pressure in order to spray the liquid and are most noticeable by their upwards and downwards moment when dispensing it. It can render powerful pressure as much as 90 psi.

On the other end of the spectrum is the diaphragm pump. Diaphragm pumps also use pressure to force the liquid through the tank to be dispersed. The main difference between these two pumps is that the diaphragm variety tends to be the best choice for stronger pest and weed infestations, as they are able to handle harsher chemicals. They are also able to pass tiny, abrasive particles through their system for added pest control, making them even more effective. However, these special features come with a price. Diaphragm pumps are significantly more expensive than piston pumps, so before you make your decision, weigh up your options. You might be tempted to splash out on an all singing, all dancing gadget with all the latest features, but consider whether you actually need them all first.

Safety Tips When Using a Backpack Sprayer

When used carefully and according to the safety manual, backpack sprayers are handy, helpful tools for any budding gardeners. However, if you do not take the proper caution when handling them, the consequences could be dire, not just for the environment, but for you too!

• Before using your backpack sprayer, take a moment to thoroughly inspect all its components for any signs of damage. Ensure there are no dents in the tanks and pay close attention to the sprayer hose and attachments to make sure there are no cuts as these could lead to leakages. Always bend with your legs, not your back, and your knees.
• A typical knapsack sprayer will carry between four and six gallons of liquid, meaning a completely filled pack could weigh as much as 35 or 50 pounds. Therefore, this can be extremely fatiguing over prolonged periods of time. Be sure you have chosen a backpack sprayer that has padded straps that are preferably adjustable and if you are sprayers for hours at a time, take time to rest.
• This might seem like a bit of an obvious one, but we are just going to put it out there – do NOT spray in the direction of people or animals!
• Particularly if you plan to spray for a long period of time, you might want to consider wearing protective clothing, such as chemical resistant gloves, eye goggles, and coveralls when operating your backpack sprayers, particularly if using extremely dangerous chemicals. It may even be necessary to use a respirator.
• Never wing it! Follow instructions on the label when mixing any chemicals together for use in your sprayer and only use the amounts recommended by the manufacturer.
• Do not use flammable liquids in your backpack sprayers such as bleach acids or any other caustic chemicals. They are not designed for these.
• Make sure you completely clean nozzles, regulators, spray tanks, hoses, and wands after every use.

Taking Care Of Your Backpack Sprayer

Good, proper maintenance of your backpack sprayer will ensure it lasts you for as long as possible and continues to fulfill its purpose for many years to come. A poorly cared for the sprayer, however, will be lucky if it will make it until the end of the summer!

One of the most important parts of maintaining your backpack sprayer is sufficient cleaning. The tank needs to be thoroughly flushed out in order to remove any blockages or harmful chemical deposits. Your user’s manual should have the recommended tank cleaner to use for the kind of pump you have, or else, simply just use water. However, during the winter months, it will need a dose of anti-freeze in order to battle the frost. Take extra care using this, anti-freeze is an extremely dangerous and toxic compound and should be kept away from children and animals at all times.

Oiling and greasing joints are also necessary to prevent the build-up of rust that could lead to cracks and other damage such as leaks. It is also a good idea to have a stock of spare parts so you are fully prepared whenever anything needs replacing.

Best Backpack Sprayer FAQ: