Carrying your different tools around for work can be a hassle if you don’t have the correct bag to place them in. And sometimes, even when you carry them in a bag, they’ll still get damaged.
What you need is a good tool backpack! A good backpack will house all your tools safely and securely while giving you the freedom to go about your day.
Are you searching for a tool backpack of superior quality, then the Veto Pro Pac Tech Pac Service Technician bag is the backpack to get.
The Custom Leathercraft 1134 Tool Backpack is the backpack that will be best for you if you’re a carpenter.
If you’re eager for a lighted backpack, then you should grab the DeWalt DGL523 Lighted backpack. Incidentally, it’s also our best overall pick.
We suggest the CLC custom leathercraft 1132 if you’re an electrician.
Looking for a lightweight alternative to the classic tool backpack? Then we recommend the Makita P 72017 Professional Tool Rucksack.
If you’re looking for a backpack that was specifically designed for welders, then the 19-inch Welders Tool Backpack is the one to get.
Want the best value backpack? Then we’d suggest the Rugged Tools Tradesman Tool Backpack.
Reviews for Best Tool Backpack
There are many tool backpacks on the market, but do you know the best ones? In this article, we examine the best tool backpacks around.
Veto Pro Pac Tech Pac—Best Premium Backpack
The Veto has a polypropylene base that’s 0.118 inches thick. This allows it to stand upright unassisted, unlike many tool backpacks on the market. It also helps to keep the tools dry, no matter what’s happening on the outside.
The Nylon body fabric of the backpack is impregnated with PVC and is about 1250 deniers thick. The pocket fabric of the backpack is also impregnated with PVC and is a whopping 1800 deniers thick.
It boasts a robust, patented center panel design that separates the backpack into two main storage bays. These storage bays are then further divided into four compartments that are fitted with an array of vertically tiered pockets.
In fact, the Veto Pro Pac TECH PAC Service Technician Bag has forty-six pockets in all. One of these pockets is 7 inches by 10 inches and can house a small laptop.
There are also added conveniences. These include a tape clip made of stainless steel, a memory stick pocket, a bit extension, and multiple D-rings made of powder-coated steel.
Getting into the bigger tool bay compartment will be a breeze thanks to the innovative quick release handle built into the backpack. It also has an aluminum hook tucked securely on the inside if you ever need to hang your bag up on the job.
The shoulder strap is padded for extra comfort , and the thermo-formed EVA padded back panel is also ergonomically designed to give you ultimate support.
This tool backpack is fitted with a rubber TPV grip, comes with industrial strength double nylon stitching, and the zippers are doubly stitched too. They’re made of heavy-duty plastic coils and also come with oversized zipper tabs.
Pros
- Extremely stable and won’t fall over when standing.
- Lots of space.
- Made of nylon fabric impregnated with PVC, extremely durable.
- Back panel padded and ergonomically designed for back and spine support.
Cons
- No shoulder carry strap.
- Some consumers complained of zipper failure within two years of purchase.
- Very heavy—9 pounds when empty.
- Quite pricey.
- Placement of certain pockets makes them impractical.
CLC Custom Leathercraft 1134—Best for Carpenters
The CLC Custom Leathercraft features abrasion-resistant and water-resistant base pads that allow the bag to stand on its own. These base pads are fitted with rubber feet so it won’t topple over on the job while you’re actively engaged in work.
It boasts handles and shoulder straps that have been reinforced and padded for extra comfort. It also has an expandable storage compartment that’s a whopping 13.25 inches wide, 16 inches high and 8.5 inches deep.
The CLC Custom Leathercraft 1134 backpack boasts an array of 44 pockets and sleeves of various sizes and configurations. Eight of those pockets can be found outside of the bag, while 36 of those pockets can be found inside.
The bag is also divided into two large but sturdy compartments that have zippers for extra security. Most carpenters prefer to use the larger section to house their manual tools, while the smaller pocket is reserved for carrying the smaller bits and equipment they’ll need on the job.
Another remarkable feature of this tool backpack is its adjustable compression pocket. The adjustable pocket will expand to accept tools of almost any size. So if you have cordless drills or other sizeable tools, the CLC Custom Leathercraft will accommodate up to about 50 pounds of equipment and tools without any hassle.
It also boasts two well-padded shoulder straps that will allow you to carry heavy objects comfortably for very long periods of time. It’s also fitted with a chest strap; this chest strap helps to keep your padded shoulder straps in place, as well as disperse the weight of your backpack so that you don’t feel any back pain.
It comes with ergonomically-designed and padded back pads that will make back pain a distant memory. It also comes equipped with padded carrying handles that you can use if you’re tired of carrying the bag around on your back.
So it doesn’t matter what type of tool you’ll need to carry on site. The CLC Custom Leathercraft 1134 will hold them all and keep your hands free to do the work that matters.
Pros
- Abrasion and water-resistant base pads allow bag to stand on its own.
- Has 44 pockets and sleeves of varying sizes.
- Adjustable compression pocket will expand to accept larger tools.
- Padded carry handles and back pads.
Cons
- Many consumers have experienced straps ripping within six months.
- Some consumers have complained of zipper failure within one year of purchase.
- Solid base of bag may cause discomfort when carrying.
Dewalt DGL523 Lighted Backpack—Best Overall Backpack
The Dewalt DGL523 lighted backpack has a height of 16 inches and a depth of 7.5 inches. So you’ll never have to worry about running out of space when you purchase this tool backpack.
The DeWalt DGL523 Lighted Tool backpack has a whopping 57 pockets to carry all that you need and keep you organized when you’re on your feet. There are nine external pockets and 48 internal pockets, and they’re built to last. You can also keep your favorite and most used tools in a zippered pouch located at the front of the tool backpack.
When you’re moving around with heavy tools on your back all day, you may inadvertently hurt yourself if you don’t choose the right tool backpack. You need a tool backpack that’s expertly designed to support proper posture without adding too much strain to your spine. The back padding, padding of the handles, and the sternum strap of the Dewalt DGL523 do just that!
You’ll be at ease while carrying a full load. The webbed carrying handles of this tool backpack are padded too, so you can still walk in comfort if you decide to transport this to by hand.
You also won’t ever have to worry if you decide to place this tool backpack on a rugged surface. That’s because the bottom of the tool backpack is equipped with base pad feet that are extremely resistant to wear and tear.
Last but not least, this backpack comes with a 39 Lumen three-level LED light. This LED allows you to make adjustments for close up or wide area work. You can aim this LED light into your tool backpack, or you can point it at your work area itself. It’s powered by two AAA batteries and will last you for quite a long time.
Pros
- Has 57 multi-use pockets.
- Padded web carrying handles and large back pads.
- Base pad feet to reduce abrasion.
- Comes with built-in 39 Lumen LED system that can be aimed inside of the bag or at your work area.
- Batteries come with LED system.
- Double zipper system
Cons
- Lining of straps tends to crack and peel off quite easily.
- Backpack buckle breaks easily.
- No warranty.
CLC Custom Leathercraft 1132—Best for Electricians
Another impressive backpack from CLC, but this time it’s for the electricians. The Custom Leathercraft 1132 is an electrician’s dream come true, although other professionals may find it useful too.
Premium ballistic polyester fabric makes up the majority of this tool backpack. Ballistic polyester is extremely resistant to wear and tear; it also guarantees durability and protects any product inside.
This tool backpack is also fortified by premium quality, heavy-duty zippers that will not break very easily. You can relax when you lock away your valuables in your backpack because you know they’ll be safe.
This tool backpack has a width of 13 inches, a height of 17.5 inches and a depth of 9 inches. There’s more than enough space to keep your testers, screwdrivers, pliers, electric grills, and other common equipment.
It comes with a whopping 75 pockets, zippered compartments, and sleeves to keep you fully organized. These pockets, zippered compartments, and sleeves all have a variety of shapes and sizes, so you will never have to leave a tool behind. Many of these sections also have a hook and loop flap closure mechanism, which further helps to keep your tools and devices secure.
This tool backpack can hold a 14-inch laptop in an elastic pouch found on the inside of the bag and has back and sleeve padding. You can pack your CLC Custom leathercraft 1132 tool backpack with confidence knowing you won’t be suffering back pain because of bulky items inside.
Although this tool backpack isn’t rated as waterproof, you’ll have very little issue with water intrusion. So if you get caught in the rain while working outdoors, your tools will be safe and dry.
Finally, the material that the CLC custom leathercraft 1132 backpack is made of is quite rigid. So when you receive your backpack for the very first time, do consider filling it to the brim. Then zip it shut and allow it to stand for a day or two to loosen the fabric a bit.
Pros
- Water and abrasion-resistant base pads allow the bag to stand by itself.
- Has 75 pockets and sleeves of varying sizes.
- Padded carry handles and shoulder straps to reduce back pain.
- Pocket for 13-inch laptop or tablet.
Cons
- Reports of straps ripping within six months.
- Solid base may cause discomfort by pushing into your lower back.
- A few consumers have complained of zipper failure.
- Bag does not expand much.
- Better suited for multiple smaller items than multiple larger items.
Makita P 72017 Professional Tool Rucksack—Best Lightweight
The Makita P 72017 Professional rucksack is a lightweight alternative to classic tool backpacks, and although it may not be big in size, it’s definitely big in terms of utility.
The Makita P 72017 Professional Rucksack has a length of 11.6 inches, a width of 9.4 inches, and a height of 16.1 inches. It’s made of polyester 600D and polyester 1680D, two of the strongest and most widely used fabrics in the world. These fabrics are tear-resistant, puncture-resistant, lightweight, and can withstand the rigors of daily harsh treatment with little to no damage at all.
It’s also fitted with suede leather in strategic positions to protect against any damage that may be caused by your tools. Premium 3D mesh material also lines the walls of this tool backpack.
The base of the Makita P72017 Professional Rucksack boasts a zippered compartment that’s large enough to hold the plastic organizer the company gives to you at no extra cost. This organizer has 17 different sections to house bolts, nuts, screws, and other little items safely.
The base of the Makita P 72017 professional Rucksack is also reinforced by rubberized feet that significantly improve the stability of the bag. So you can be confident knowing that your tool bag won’t topple over when you put it down.
The bag also has a double zippered system. This allows you to open up the bag fully and easily select your tools.
When you do open up the tool backpack, you’ll see an array of 13 internal pockets. These pockets are quite robust. So you can use them to store all the tools that you need without fear.
Its rubber top handle is quite easy to grip, and It’s also sturdy enough to support the full weight of the tool backpack without any problems whatsoever.
Pros
- Lightweight.
- Comes with a plastic organizer.
- Double zippered system.
Cons
- Material used isn’t as thick or as durable as the others.
- Backpack may be too small for some people.
- Zipper easily gets stuck.
19-inch Welders Tool Backpack—Best for Welders
One of the most impressive features of the 19-inch Welders Tool Backpack is the Integrated HelmetCatch five-point rigging feature. It was created to accommodate and safeguard welding helmets of various sizes. It’s also sufficiently padded to protect the lenses of the helmets from accidental scratches and bumps.
The tool backpack is 17 inches wide, 19 inches high, and 13 inches deep. This gives you sufficient space to store all your welding tools, and you’ll probably still have space leftover too. It’s made of a high denier fabric that can weather the rigorous day-to-day life of a welder.
On the inside of the bag, you’ll find six sturdy pockets to help you keep your items organized and secure. You will also find a flap pocket, which is 19-inch too. You can keep your small tools and documents in this flap pocket, then zip them up and lock them inside the flap pocket for extra safety.
Externally, this tool backpack also has two pockets with drawstrings. You may choose to carry cups or small tools in these outside pockets.
The padded, anti-slip, and adjustable shoulder straps of the 19-inch Welders tool backpack provide comfort when you’re walking long distances. Instead, you may opt to use the rivet-reinforced carry handles that are also padded for extra comfort.
You get a free lunch cooler when you purchase this tool backpack. The lunch cooler is 7 inches in length, 2 inches wide, and 9 inches high. This lunch cooler is extremely efficient and will keep your food at a steady temperature for a long time.
Pros
- Fire retardant.
- External helmet storage feature.
- Free lunch cooler.
- Very large.
Cons
- Stitching needs improvement.
- Some customer bags are shipped without the helmet catch latch.
- Rivet reinforced handle detaches quite easily.
- Dark fabric of interior makes it hard to see what’s inside the bag.
Rugged Tools Tradesman Tool Backpack—Best Value
It’s made of 1680D polyester that offers durability like no other. It also has a height of 18 inches, a width of 12.5 inches and a depth of 8 inches.
The bag also comes with several zippers and pockets that have been engineered to thrive in the toughest conditions. The padded back and shoulder straps of this tool backpack will provide great support for your back and spine. The tool backpack also comes with an optional sternum strap that will help you to balance the weight in the tool backpack better.
There’s also a top handle that you can use for short bouts of carrying and lifting. This handle is not padded.
This tool backpack takes organization to the next level by providing you with 28 different pockets to supercharge your arrangement goals. There’s one big inside pocket that can hold your phone or a small tablet. There are also two outside pockets and a whopping 25 interior tool pockets.
The base of the bag is made of a semi-hard shell case. This molded bottom will help keep your bag standing tall and proud and prevent it from tumbling over. It also helps to elevate the tools you’ve stored inside, so that no matter where you place them, they’ll remain dry and safe.
Finally, this bag is extremely affordable. So whether you are a cable and audiovisual installer, electrician, welder, framer, plumber, or another professional: this bag will be of great benefit to you.
Pros
- Stands upright even when completely open.
- Comfortable to carry.
- Straps have loops that you can put keys or keychain on.
Cons
- Bottom padding may rub into your back while walking and cause discomfort.
- Zipper quite difficult to close if bag is full.
- Not enough pockets on the outside.
Buyer’s Guide for Tool Backpack
The tools you use on a day-to-day basis are indispensable assets you’ll need to do a remarkable job at work. You’ll need to protect them at all costs, and having a great tool backpack in your possession makes that job so much easier!
They are large with enough compartments to store all the tools you’ll need and still have space to spare. The best tool backpacks are also relatively lightweight with an ergonomic design to help lessen the load on your back and support your spine.
The tool backpacks worthy of being called the best are also made of abrasion-resistant and tear-resistant material that is water-resistant too. These backpacks usually boast warranties that span one calendar year or more.
And finally, they usually have at least one other useful feature. But don’t worry, this quick guide will take you through the most important characteristics to look out for while shopping for the Best Tool Backpacks. These were the main characteristics we looked out for when we were investigating the best tool backpacks on the market to share with you.
Size and Number of Compartments
The best tool backpacks on the market will be large enough to house all the tools you’ll need for the job. They will also be compartmentalized to separate the tools and prevent them from damaging each other.
The supreme tool backpacks on the market will take things a step further. They’ll have latches or hooks in place to further secure your tools, thereby ensuring that they won’t fall out of place whenever the tool backpack is moved.
Lightweight and Ergonomic Design
Many professionals have to wear tool backpacks all day—sometimes while climbing ladders, utility poles, and other dangerous jobs. An ergonomic design is a must, or else the tool backpack will cause pain and discomfort.
The best tool backpacks have padded back panels. They also have padded shoulder straps that have been specifically engineered to displace load and lessen the perceived weight on your shoulders.
This ergonomic design will encourage proper posture, and it won’t strain your spine either. That’s why it’s also essential for the bag to be lightweight.
Finally, it’s crucial for the straps to be anti-slip and adjustable too.
Material
Tool backpacks will be out there with you in the rough, so they need to be built to last. They need to be made of abrasion-resistant and puncture-resistant material that won’t tear when it’s treated roughly.
It’s equally important for your tool backpacks to be water-resistant, the best tool backpacks on the market will keep your tools dry no matter what external weather conditions prevail. They will also be able to withstand the rigors of rough handling like a pro.
Stability
Stability is another way in which the best tool backpacks on the market outperform their competitors. When you put down your bag on the ground or any other surface, you expect it to remain in that position. If it’s constantly falling over, then the delicate tools inside may become damaged.
Another option that you may want to consider is a portable toolbox, these can offer some extra security.
Warranties
If a tool backpack manufacturer doesn’t offer a warranty for his/her product, then it’s safe to believe they aren’t very confident in their product. Wouldn’t you agree?
Manufacturers will only be confident enough to issue a warranty if they are certain their product is built to last. That’s why the presence of a one year+ warranty is another quality we look out for in the best tool backpacks on the market.
Additional Useful Features
Finally, the best tool backpacks on the market usually boast at least one additional feature that makes them irresistibly useful.
Many of the best tool backpacks on the market are shipped with an adjustable light that can be aimed into the bag itself or at your work area. Others come equipped with lunch coolers, and hooks to hang your bag upright, among other things.
The best tool backpacks on the market always aim to wow their potential customers by going above and beyond and providing additional features that would not be found on the average tool backpack.
Conclusion
Gone are the days of misplacing your tools because you don’t have a particular spot to keep them. Tool backpacks have arrived and completely revolutionized the game of tool storage and transport, so you’ll never have to struggle with them again.
