There’re a lot of problems that tradesmen have to deal with in regards to their tool backpacks, such as:
- Lack of space and pockets for storing tools of all sizes
- Backpacks (or tool bags) designs that make storing tools in an organized manner fairly difficult
- Most tool backpacks aren’t durable (especially for storing heavy tools). They’re made with cheap and low-quality materials that substantially reduce their lifespan, leaving the worker with a useless backpack and a mind full of regret!
After getting tired of looking on the internet I took it upon myself to research and experiment with lots of tool backpacks to arrive at the following list of the best tool backpacks for convenience and portability.
The 5 Best Tool Backpacks For Convenience and Portability
The following is a list of 5 tool backpacks that were personally tested and selected by me:
- 1) Custom LeatherCraft 1132 75-Pocket Tool Backpack
- 2) Klein Tools 55421BP-14 Tradesman Pro Tool Backpack
- 3) DeWalt DGC530 USB Charging Tool Backpack
- 4) DEWALT DGL523 Lighted Tool Backpack
- 5) CLC Custom Leathercraft 1134 Tool Backpack
1) Custom LeatherCraft 1132 75-Pocket Tool Backpack
Effective Durability
There’s no worse feeling than seeing the tool backpack you bought six months ago break down as if it was a piece of paper… I don’t wish that even to my worst enemy!
In that sense, I was really satisfied with this Custom LeatherCraft tool backpack as it’s made with the so-called “Cordura” fabric. This material effectively dealt with tough exterior conditions preserving the bag’s structure while also carrying a considerable amount of weight.
Surprising Convenience
Nothing beats the pleasure of using a product that makes your life easier, right? Well, at least that’s what this tool backpack did for me…
It allowed me to store and protect all my tools and bits thanks to its 6 zippered compartments and 75 pockets, plus its sleeves and loops.
It also came with a useful multi-compartment plastic tray that became ESSENTIAL for me (yes.. essential is the correct word!) as it would allow me to carry parts that I use daily.
Padded Comfort
One of the worst pains you can have while carrying tools is when your backpack’s straps sink deep into your shoulders causing you unbearable pain. It’s the worst.
That’s why, during the testing period, I fell in love with this backpack’s adjustable padded shoulder straps and handles that cushioned those vital body parts that get so much discomfort when carrying heavy tools around.
Pros
- 6 Zippered Compartments and 75 Pockets, Plus Sleeves & Loops.
- Interior Panels to Hold Big Tools
- Multi-compartment Plastic Parts Tray
- Adjustable Padded Shoulder Straps
- Padded Handles
2) Klein Tools 55421BP-14 Tradesman Pro Tool Backpack
Life-Changing Convenience
“I don’t mind carrying three backpacks and two tool pouches” said nobody ever…
In that sense, this Klein tool backpack let me gather all my tools (regardless of their weight or size) safely in one place thanks to its 39 pockets and front zipper, making my life much simpler.
It also allowed me to store my long screwdrivers as the bag had an appealing tall design, which isn’t something I can say about the rest of the backpacks out there.
99% of tradesmen who use tool backpacks have the common inconvenience of not being able to find a certain tool they need fast.
That’s why I loved this backpack’s orange interior color which made finding my tools easier. At first, it seemed a little too much, but after a couple of days, I began to love the color!
I also loved how the functional hard front pocket made my life easier, letting me store and protect vital personal accessories such as my safety glasses.
Functional Durability
I can’t tell you how many times my tool backpacks have broke in the base. It’s really frustrating to see your money getting wasted that way, that fast!
This tool backpack guaranteed me that it would endure my tools’ weight thanks to features such as:
- Molded bottom engineered to resist a lot of weight
- and the so-called “1080d Ballistic” weave that’s insanely rugged and durable
Pros
- 39 Pockets
- Front Zipper Pocket for Small Parts
- Tall Design and Interior Pockets
- Orange Interior
- Molded Hard Front Pocket
- Fully Molded Bottom
- 1680d Ballistic Weave
- Shoulder Straps With Extra Padding And Handles
3) DeWalt DGC530 USB Charging Tool Backpack
Smart Convenience
I was able to save huge chunks of time thanks to this tool backpack as I charged 2 devices simultaneously (usually my phone and tablet) with its USB charging battery dock. This dock came with low-battery cut-off protection that made it last more as it shuts off when the electronics are done charging.
Most workers complain about the time they lose when looking for a certain tool they need in their backpacks.
Thankfully, this didn’t happen to me with this Dewalt tool backpack as it comes with 20 internal and 3 external multi-use pockets. This feature lets me store my most used tools and have them easily accessible during the testing period.
I also felt really confident that my tools weren’t getting damaged thanks to the vertical tool walls that securely organize and protect all tools regardless of their weight and size.
Provides The Necessary Comfort
I’m used to trying not to carry around many tools as I hate the pain that causes on my shoulders.
Luckily, I had the chance to avoid this thanks to comfort features such as:
- Padded shoulder straps
- Cushioned handles
- Large pads on the back of the backpack
Those features would provide me with the support and comfort I needed when it was time to carry around dozens of heavy tools.
Pros
- USB Charging Battery Dock
- 3 Internal Charging Wall Pockets
- Low Battery Cut-off Protection
- 20 Multi-use Pockets Inside And 3 Outside
- Vertical Tool Wall
- Large Pads on Back
- Padded Web Carrying Handles and Adjustable Shoulder Straps
- Base Pad Feet
4) DEWALT DGL523 Lighted Tool Backpack
Convenience To Avoid Painful Irritation
There’s this painful irritation that comes out from deep inside of me every time I waste 15 minutes looking for a tool.
That’s why it felt awesome how fast was to spot my tools in this tool backpack. This was possible thanks to its led light that could be directed at different dark areas illuminating everything and making the tools easy to see.
Really cool stuff!
I also saved a lot of time thanks to its 48 internal and 9 external multi-use pockets which not only stored ALL my tools but also prevented them from falling into each other, preventing damages.
Essential Comfort
If a worker comes to me and asks “what’s the first thing I have to look for in a tool backpack?” I don’t hesitate to answer “Comfort, you should look for comfort”.
That’s why I liked the comfort this backpack provided me thanks to features such as:
- large paddings on the back
- and padded handles and shoulder straps
which were responsible for helping me carry all the weight of my tools without suffering it in my shoulders and back.
Endurance Even In Tough External Conditions
When I think of the best pleasures in life, one of the things that pops in my head is “when you buy something useful that lasts you for decades”.
That’s why I loved how this backpack endured tough external conditions. This happened thanks to amazing attributes such as its resistant padded base, which substantially reduced wear even when carrying around lots of heavy tools.
Pros
- Led Light
- 48 Multi-use Pockets Inside And 9 Outside
- Large Pads on Back
- Padded Web Carrying Handles and Adjustable Shoulder Straps
- Base Pad Feet
5) CLC Custom Leathertcraft 1134 Tool Backpack
Carrying a few tools around doesn’t seem such a big deal. But the truth is that you’ll start to feel it on your back and shoulders very soon.
This is why features such as:
- Comfortable padded back
- Shoulder straps with adjustable chest strap
were vastly appreciated by me during the testing period as they kept my back and shoulders protected from receiving all the weight of my tools without nothing in the middle to stop it.
Moreover, in terms of convenience, this tool backpack surpassed my expectations as it comes with two main zippered compartments big enough to store power tools (such as a cordless drill) and 36 pockets inside and 8 pockets outside that kept all my tools and parts organized for easy access.
Pros
- Two main zippered compartments: one for tools and parts, one for a cordless drill and battery
- 36 pockets inside and 8 pockets outside
- Adjustable compression pocket accepts bulky items
- Comfortable padded back
- Shoulder straps with adjustable chest strap
- Convenient exterior pocket and dual handles
- The tool bag has feet on the bottom designed to keep your tools dry in wet conditions
My Verdict: And The Best Tool Backpack Is…
Klein Tools 55421BP-14 Tradesman Tool Backpack
If you want to know why I think this is the best tool backpack of them all… Then you should check out its review by clicking the button down below…
Quick Comparison Table
| Convenience | Comfort | Durability | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
3 Must-have Features for The Best Tool Backpacks
Mind-Freeing Convenience
I need it to have lots of pockets of different sizes to able to store all my tools in various pouches and zippered pockets. Those compartments should be easy to spot and access, which should save me the hassle of losing time when I’m in a hurry.
I also look for enough space to store ALL my tools and personal belongings. This is particularly essential for workers that are used to carrying dozens of tools around (i.e. HVAC technicians or even plumbers!)
Lasting Comfort
To prevent back and shoulder injuries I look for tool backpacks designed to evenly distribute the weight of the tools I’m carrying.
To give you an idea, as of right now, I’m used to carrying around at least 30 tools ranging from light to really-heavy.
Moreover, to avoid shoulder and back pain (which is what I regularly suffer from with other tool backpacks by the way), I also look for cushioned handles and shoulder straps designed to make carrying around the tool backpack comfortable regardless of the weight I’m carrying around.
Smart Durability to Complement Weaknesses
It’s much more gratifying for me to know that I spent my money right than having to constantly replace cheap tool backpacks. It drives me completely nuts!
This is why I always look for backpacks manufactured with top-quality materials. These must-have extra-protection in those annoying areas that get damaged quickly: the bottom and handles/shoulder straps.
Secondly, to be able to enjoy the satisfaction of having maximized my money, I take a good look at what type of stitching the tool backpack has. If the backpack uses double stitching and is made following a great construction method, then I’d have the guarantee that the bag is gonna last me for a couple of years, to say the least!
How Did I Test The Best Tool Backpacks?
For those curious as to what tests I did to choose the best tool backpacks, this is for you:
First, I placed all my tools (yeah.. all of them) inside the backpacks to see if it’d resist their weight. Then, I paid close attention to how easy the tools were to spot and to be accessed.
I also tested how comfortable the handles and shoulder straps were, even after carrying heavy tools around for long hours.
Then finally, after a couple of months doing these tests, I made to closely analyze what conditions each backpack ended, examining how they endured my daily use and if they were properly priced.
If the tool backpack being tested got along well with these tests, then I would review it and list it in this article.
