The Best Backpack Sprayer For Your Lawn And Garden

Introduction

Buying the best backpack sprayer is hard because there are so many different models to choose from. 

You don’t want to buy a low-quality model that will only last you for a few uses, which means you’ll have to spend even more money on another one. It’s frustrating when this happens!

To make sure you get the right one, we’ve put together an extensive guide about how to find the best backpack sprayers and what features they should include. We also included our recommendations for each type of sprayer based on real user reviews and ratings. If you’re in a hurry, here’s our top pick!

The Best Backpack Sprayer – Chapin Backpack Sprayer

One of the most popular backpack sprayers on the market today, The Chapin Backpack Sprayer is a well-known brand that will surely be familiar to many people. The 4-gallon poly tank features a wide mouth funnel to make filling and cleaning easier, which makes this product especially ideal for homeowners who are more comfortable using their own sprayer for general mixing (e.g.: spraying weed killer or herbicide).

When it comes to comfort, the Chapin backpack sprayer features a cushioned grip as well as padded shoulder straps so you won’t have to worry about being uncomfortable while using this device. A hose cap is also included which will ensure that no leaks occur when you are transporting your sprayer.

In terms of performance, this device has a maximum psi of 35-40 and it comes with three nozzles that can be used for a variety of applications. One nozzle is adjustable for precise spraying while the other two are fixed, one which is an orifice tip and the other a fan/shower sprayer. Make sure you know how to operate this device before trying it out, especially if you have never used a backpack sprayer before.

Other Great Backpack Sprayers

Field King Max Backpack Sprayer

The Field King Max Backpack Sprayer is a very durable sprayer with heavy-duty internal seals. It contains fewer moving parts so it stays leak-free. This backpack sprayer is designed to be used for liquid herbicides or pesticides and has a stainless steel wand with an adjustable nozzle that can spray up to 25 gallons per hour and up to 35 feet per minute.

The Field King Max is very easy to use with a convenient carrying strap. It comes with an adjustable brass nozzle that can be adjusted from a fine mist all the way down to a solid stream of liquid. It also comes with 2 flat fan nozzles, 1 foaming nozzle, and even extra Viton seals.

This unit also comes with a shutoff valve that is secured by a lock tab, meaning the nozzle will not accidentally be turned on in your backpack when you are walking around spraying the yard or garden. You can even easily switch out the seals and pump for quick and easy repairs if needed.

Petra 4 Gallon Battery Powered Backpack Sprayer

This 4-gallon backpack sprayer from Petra is battery powered, features 70 PSI, and is perfect for any homeowner that is looking to spray their lawns, gardens, or even commercial applications. It includes a fully automatic AC charger that will charge the battery in 8 hours so you can plug it in overnight while you sleep.

The design of this backpack sprayer includes a translucent tank with gallon markers so you can see exactly how much solution is in the tank without having to open it up and check. It also includes an adjustable pressure valve that allows you to control the exact amount of pressure coming out of the sprayer which will allow you to be extremely accurate with your spraying.

It has an 8AH lead-acid battery which provides 4X the battery life of most lithium models on the market. Even with multiple uses per day, you can expect to get over 200 gallons out of a single charge. You also never have to worry about it suddenly dying because it comes with an LED display that notifies you when there is enough juice left in the battery and when it needs to be charged again so you do not get stuck out in the field.

The sprayer itself is very lightweight at only 8.5 pounds and includes straps to keep it secured on your back while you are spraying, allowing you to get acres done in a single day without even breaking a sweat! It also uses a completely chemical-free pump with ABS construction, making it safe to use in any family or commercial environment! The pump comes standard with a 72″ adjustable wand that allows you to spot spray trees and plants without getting close enough for insects and spiders to run inside the tank.

There is no need to worry about maintenance because this model comes with an easy cleaning feature that will rinse any debris off the wand and through the screen filter so you can spray immediately after cleaning! You also never have to worry about mixing chemicals as this backpack sprayer includes a PETRA High Capacity Acid Bleach Wand that sprays out a bleach solution that is highly corrosive on any mold, mildew, fungus, bacteria, or virus. It will quickly and safely kill any unwanted organisms that are growing on your lawn or in your garden!

Solo 425 4-Gallon Backpack Sprayer

This Solo 4-gallon backpack sprayer is specially designed to provide years of dependable spraying service. It comes with all the features you need in a high-quality unit including an adjustable nozzle, a large tank, and comfortable straps for easy carrying. This model sprays evenly without causing clogging or splashing and the trigger lock handle helps when you have to move around so you don’t accidentally lose your grip on the machine and get soaked in chemicals.

The Solo 4-gallon sprayer is easy to carry around so you can easily spray larger areas. You will not have any trouble spraying even the tall plants or trees in your yard. It also attaches easily to a hose and cleans up quickly for storage.

It comes with detailed instructions on how to set it up, fill it and clean it. It is very sturdy and holds up well to daily use, even when used by someone who carries it multiple times a day. This product is a great budget option that will last for years if you take care of it properly by cleaning it after use.

Jacto 16-Gallon Backpack Sprayer

This 16-gallon backpack sprayer from Jacto has everything you need to get the job done right. It features a 4.0 peak pressure pump with 1680 PSI of pressure, an adjustable SOFT-SPRAY nozzle for spraying all your desired chemicals, and a four-gallon tank capacity.

This sprayer also features a high-quality 1.0″ diameter by 60″ reinforced chemical resistant hose that is easily detachable from the rest of the sprayer with an easy-to-use quick-release coupling, allowing you to move around without dragging a heavy hose behind you. Perfect for when you need to get in and out of tight spaces!

This feature-packed backpack sprayer also comes with an adjustable handle that can be set to 5 different positions, allowing you to comfortably carry it no matter your size or shape. As if all that wasn’t enough, this backpack sprayer comes with a convenient built-in carrying handle so you can easily take it with you on the go.

My 4 Sons 4-Gallon Backpack Sprayer

The My 4 Sons 4-gallon battery-operated backpack sprayer is durable and lightweight, with a maximum pressure of 40 psi. This sprayer is ideal for watering plants or spraying weeds in the garden or yard. It is made up of durable materials that make it long-lasting and worth your purchase price. The backpack sprayer weighs only 8 pounds when full so you can carry it around easily anywhere you want to go.

The sprayer features an anti-leakage design that will not waste any liquid during use. With its adjustable nozzle, you can switch between horizontal and vertical sprays as you like. The sprayer also has a high-pressure trigger for precise spraying at any time. This battery-operated backpack sprayer comes with a comfortable, padded back with a waist belt so you can easily wear it throughout the day.

Designed to be ergonomic, this sprayer allows you to move freely without having to deal with an uncomfortable backpack. It is also light in weight compared to other similar products and features a carrying handle for easy transport. The My 4 Sons 4 Gallon Backpack Sprayer comes complete with a battery-powered motor that is easy to charge.

Other features include a rubber hand grip and metal couplings that make it resistant to wear and tear from frequent use. This sprayer has four wheels so you can roll it around when moving from one place to the next. It also comes with a dual-action, adjustable flow rate nozzle for watering plants and a plastic acid bleach wand that you can use to spray down driveways and patios.

What Is A Backpack Sprayer Used For?

A backpack sprayer can be used for a number of tasks.

Sprayers are used to spray pesticides on lawns, gardens, and many other places. They are used to apply fertilizer or water when needed. They can also be used just to simply water the plants in your yard without putting chemicals into the ground that could contaminate it.

There are many different backpack sprayers on the market and you need to find one that is suitable for your needs. Some backpack sprayers are designed just for liquid, while others are designed for all kinds of chemicals and are adjustable depending on the liquid. It should also come with different spray nozzles that you can connect to your backpack for easy application.

Why Does a Gardner Need a Backpack Sprayer?

A quality backpack sprayer can benefit a gardener in several ways. Backpack sprayers are comfortable and easy to use and can be carried around the yard or garden with ease. There is no risk of over spraying using a backpack sprayer, therefore you can use it on your plants without causing them any harm.

Backpack sprayers allow for easy application of chemicals to get rid of insect pests or weeds that are bothering your plants. Backpack sprayers are essential for anyone that is growing their own produce or anything else in a garden

Backpack sprayers can also be used to water plants that are far away from any source of water, allowing you to get the maximum out of your sprinkler system.

How Does A Backpack Sprayer Work?

The backpack is a two-part system consisting of a tank that holds the chemical solution you want to spray and a pump that pushes it through the hose where it exits out of the wand attached to the top. The pressure of the pump is determined by a piston that is driven up and down inside the pump cylinder. The chemical solution entering into the wand exits out of nozzles at the end of it, depending on which kind you have chosen.

The backpack sprayer pump can be either manual or motorized. A manual pump is operated by a simple lever action that you move up and down repeatedly to pressurize the tank. Some are even hand-cranked for further ease of use

A motorized pump also has an electric motor but instead of being pumped manually, it does everything electronically which means all you need to do is turn it on and everything else happens on its own.

How To Use A Backpack Sprayer

To use a backpack sprayer, you need to first fill it up with the chemical solution that you want to use. Then, place the tank onto your backpack and make sure it is secure. You can do this by wrapping straps around the tank so it does not move when you are using it

When using a manual sprayer, press down on the pump lever repeatedly in order to start pressurizing the tank. Continue pressing the lever and pumping until you reach your required pressure level indicated by a gauge on the side of the sprayer

Next, connect a nozzle to the wand that matches how you want to apply your chemicals. Make sure it is connected properly before starting to use it as there is no turning it off once you have turned it on. Once you have made the connection, place the spray wand into your hand and grip it tightly as you direct it towards the plants that you want to apply chemicals to

When connecting a motorized pump to your backpack sprayer, just double-check that it is tightened properly before turning it on. You will not need to press any buttons or switches to operate it as once it is on, the motorized pump will do everything automatically

As you are spraying your plants, make sure that you follow any safety instructions that come with your backpack sprayer. You should also wear protective clothing and a mask for safety when using any chemicals in your garden. Wear long pants, shoes, and sleeves to protect your skin as well.

Safety Tips

Whether using a manual, battery-operated, or gas-powered backpack sprayer there are a few safety tips to keep in mind.

• First of all, you must never spray your chemicals when it is windy outside. Keep in mind that the pressure of the liquid being sprayed has force and if there is a strong breeze, it could reach areas you were not intending to spray which may cause damage to your plants or ruin some other part of the garden
• Also remember that once you have started spraying your chemicals, you should keep spraying until all the liquid in the tank is gone. If you stop spraying before doing so, you risk clogging the wand or nozzle with a huge amount of excess chemical that will have nowhere to go but back into your container which can cause damage
• Finally, make sure that if you are using motorized pump backpack sprayers, you keep an eye on the pressure level of the tank to ensure it doesn’t get too high. If it does, the liquid will spray out quicker than normal so just turn off your motor and release some pressure before starting again

What Do I Need To Look Out For When Purchasing A Backpack Sprayer?

When purchasing a backpack sprayer, there are several things you need to keep in mind. Before you buy it, make sure that it will be capable of handling the tasks that you want to use it for otherwise it will be a very expensive flop.  

For example, if you want to use your backpack sprayer for greenhouses or irrigation purposes, then make sure that it can handle the pressure and gallons per minute (GPM) required for these applications otherwise it will not work properly. Also, look at the size of the tank and the amount of chemicals it can hold as the bigger ones will obviously be able to do more work for you.

If you are a farmer looking for a backpack sprayer, then remember that there is no point buying one if it cannot handle the pressure of large tanks or gallons per minute (GPM) rates required by some jobs. Also, consider how heavy your chemical solution may be as some backpack sprayers cannot handle the weight of certain chemicals.

If you are just using your sprayer for general garden and lawn maintenance, then lightweight ones may be more suitable as they will allow you to easily carry them for long periods at a time. Remember that if it is too heavy, you risk losing control over where you are spraying which could ruin a lot of your plants.

Backpack Sprayer Design And Components

When shopping for a backpack sprayer you should consider how each component is going to help you achieve your desired task.

Holding Tank

The holding tank is the main storage compartment for your chemicals. Make sure that it is big enough to handle the amount of liquid you are likely to need and also consider if it is easy to remove and clean

Does It Have A Motorized Or ManualPump?

A motorized pump backpack sprayer will save you a lot of time, but be aware that it may not last as long as manual pumps. They also consume more power so you need to have a long extension cord to make sure that you can reach your destination before running out of power.

A manual pump on the other hand is easier to control which helps avoid over-spraying and clogging of the wand or nozzle. These are good if they have enough pressure as well because they can help you spray for longer without needing to stop.

Piston vs. Diaphragm

Backpack sprayers come with one of two different kinds of pumps: piston and diaphragm. Diaphragm pumps do not require as much pressure to spray so they can work when there is a lower amount of pressure available. They are also good for chemical solutions that are thicker and stickier as the movement of the pump’s diaphragms helps their liquid to flow more smoothly

However, piston pumps tend to be better in high-pressure situations and are capable of handling chemicals that are really thick. So the only question you need to ask yourself is: “What am I going to be using this sprayer for?” If it’s just general lawn maintenance, then a diaphragm pump will do fine if it’s thinner liquid. For thicker liquids or for chemical applications involving higher amounts of pressure, a piston pump is probably the better choice.

PSI

PSI refers to pounds per square inch. This refers to how much pressure is required to run the pump in a backpack sprayer. The higher the PSI, the better, as it will mean you won’t need to stop and start your sprayer every few minutes just so that you can use less pressure or different chemicals.

If you are looking for just general lawn maintenance, then you may want to consider PSI of around 3000 though if you will be applying fertilizers or pesticides to your garden and lawn with it, then 6000 PSI backpack sprayers are better because they will not clog up as easily which saves time.

On-Board Chemical Tank

Some backpack sprayers will have an attached chemical tank, others may not. If it does have one, consider how easy it is to remove and clean as well as fill up again with more chemicals while still keeping the tank maintained and pressurized. Also check how heavy it is as if it has a chemical tank attached, then it may end up weighing you down when full.

Applicator Wand

The applicator wand is what will be used to apply the chemicals through the nozzle. Some come with sprayers already attached, others do not. If it does have one in place, find out how easy it is to replace if required and also consider what size of nozzles are available so you can find one that can match the type of work that you need to be done.

Spray Nozzle

Backpack sprayers are also available with different nozzle types and sizes depending on what you need them for. The most common are cone and fan nozzles but others include rotating or floating nozzles as well.

Fan Nozzle – This is the usual nozzle that comes with backpack sprayers and can be used for a variety of uses. They are also easy to clean and maintain whether you use them on liquids or even chemicals that may clog the nozzle.

Cone Nozzle – These big nozzles allow more chemicals to pass through which is very useful for spraying large areas in less time. The downside however is that they are harder to clean and maintain than fan nozzles.

Rotating Nozzle – These are designed for use with liquids as it allows you to spray at various angles depending on the pressure so be aware that some chemicals may clog the nozzle if used incorrectly. The upside is that they are easy to replace when required.

Floating Nozzle – These nozzles are made to distribute chemicals evenly and can be used for large areas. The downside is that they may not work with all chemicals so check if the model you are buying has these available as an option.

Sprayer Nozzle – If you want precise spraying, then a spray nozzle may be more suitable for your use. They come in a variety of sizes and may even be able to spray at an angle depending on the pressure control you have built into your backpack sprayer.

Harness, Straps, And Padding

A good backpack sprayer will come with a belt that has some sort of padding on it so it doesn’t rub against your body. This is important to ensure you do not get any blisters or sores on your back from the straps rubbing against you for long periods of time

If you are buying a large one, then you may want to consider if it has shoulder straps or not. These will help you carry the tank around more easily and will reduce the amount of strain on your arms from lifting it up all-day

Finally, make sure that the harness is well padded so it doesn’t rub against your clothes or skin while wearing it and is not likely to wear out easily.

How To Clean and Maintain Your Backpack Sprayer

Regular cleaning and maintenance will keep your backpack sprayer running smoothly. It will also help reduce the chance of clogging and ensure it lasts longer

Before you start, make sure all the chemicals in the tank are gone. Then take off any attachments that have been connected to the hose or wand. If there is an on-board chemical tank, then this should be cleaned at the same time so make sure you do this first so the chemicals that were in there do not end up mixing with any cleaning solutions

If you are using a bad tank, then remove this next and store it securely. Make sure all connections are well tightened before moving on to the next step.

Now you can take off any nozzle parts if required, remove anything else from the wand or hose, and then you can start the cleaning process. Make sure all parts are properly rinsed before putting them back together to ensure that there is no residue left behind which may cause clogging.

If you find your wand or hose has become stiff or there is a strange smell coming from it, then soak them in warm water and some vinegar solution for a few hours and it will help restore its flexibility. You can also use a long pipe cleaner to reach the nozzle end if you do not want to remove everything.

Once everything is cleaned properly, you can start the drying process. If your wand or hose are made from rubber, then air dry them by hanging them up but make sure they are completely dry before storing them away. If they have metal parts or another type of material, then wipe them off with a cloth and leave them to dry completely. Once everything is dry, you can put it all back together.

FAQ

Is it worth it to spend money on a model with a motorized pump?

Yes. The motorized pump will make your work much easier as it will help you move the liquid around more easily and quickly. This is especially important if you have a lot of weeds to spray or even with chemicals that may clog up other nozzles easily

What is the working pressure of a backpack sprayer, and is it safe to wear?

The working pressure of a backpack sprayer can vary. Most will be about 20 psi but there are some larger models that may go up to 30 psi for their maximum pressure and will have an adjustable control on them so you can change it depending on the job.

Yes, it is safe to wear, but you should follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully. Some models may be best suited to be worn by someone with strong upper body strength as they can get heavy when filled up with liquid

Why do garden backpack sprayers use piston pumps and not diaphragm pumps?

Garden backpack sprayers use piston pumps because they are more reliable. They also have a much longer lifespan than many diaphragm pumps and will not clog up as easily

How should I store my backpack sprayer?

Your backpack sprayer should be stored in a dry place where it won’t be moved around too much and is protected from the elements. It also needs to be out of reach of children

How many square feet does a 4-gallon backpack sprayer cover?

A 4-gallon backpack sprayer will cover 200 square feet on average

Conclusion

We hope this article has helped you find the best backpack sprayer for your needs. Remember that it’s important to have a high enough pressure and if there is any liquid spraying, make sure it continues until you release the trigger or handle on the wand!