Top 5 Tool Backpacks
Best Tall Bag: Klein Tools Tool Backpack Most Pockets: CLC Custom LeatherCraft Tool Backpack Best Hanging Hook: Klein Tools Durable Electrician Backpack Best Small Bag: DEWALT Lighted Tool Backpack Best USB Port: SWISSGEAR Work Pack Pro
Best Tall Bag: Klein Tools Tool Backpack
This 39-pocket tool bag is made from water-resistant woven fabric. The molded base and hard front pocket make it durable enough to store delicate items, such as safety glasses. With a 20-inch height, this tool backpack can carry tall items, such as hammers, pliers, and screwdrivers. Additionally, it has two front pockets that close with zippers to secure small items.
Most Pockets: CLC Custom LeatherCraft Tool Backpack
This heavy-duty tool backpack features a total of 75 pockets, with six of them having zippers for additional protection. The bag is made from durable ballistic polyester and comes with a plastic tray for even more organization. The plastic interior tray included with this tool backpack is 7 by 5.5 inches, making it perfect for organizing small pieces, such as drill bits and nails. The backpack’s shoulder straps also feature an extra layer of padding to make them more comfortable to wear.
Best Hanging Hook: Klein Tools Durable Electrician Backpack
Featuring 48 pockets, this tool backpack is optimized for electrician’s tools with thicker fabric and extra waterproofing. The included removable tool carrier has carrying handles and a D-ring. The top handle of this tool backpack is reinforced with aircraft cable to prevent snapping or tearing. Each of this backpack’s zipper pulls is lockable to keep your tools safe from theft. The back of the bag also has a built-in hook that attaches to a table or another surface for easy access to your tools and protection from the ground.
Best Small Bag: DEWALT Lighted Tool Backpack
For those who want a smaller bag, this tool backpack is more compact. However, it still features 57 pockets—48 on the inside and nine on the outside. The padded feet on the base of this bag also keep it propped up. This backpack comes with a rotating LED light, allowing you to illuminate both the interior and exterior of the pack. You can choose between three brightness settings, with the highest giving off 39 lumens.
Best USB Port: SWISSGEAR Work Pack Pro
This backpack has a total of 60 pockets and tool slots, ensuring that it will comfortably fit all of your items. The USB port on this backpack also allows you to keep your devices and tools charged at all times. This tool backpack includes a removable caddy in its main compartment, allowing you to carry a few tools over to your workstation. The shoulder straps are padded with mesh to allow for airflow, which minimizes sweating while this pack is on your back.
Buyer’s Guide
A backpack is a convenient way to transport your tools. This buying guide covers all the important factors you should consider when purchasing a tool backpack.
Size
A tool backpack should be large enough to fit all of your frequently used tools but not so large that you can’t carry it comfortably on your shoulders. Also make sure that it can fit in your garage, shed, or workspace when it’s not in use.
Pockets
Tool backpacks can have anywhere from 20 to 80 pockets of varying sizes and shapes. These pockets are designed to hold different types of tools and keep them from knocking against each other. Some pockets may also close with a zipper or hook-and-loop fastener to secure smaller pieces, such as nails and screws.
Straps
A tool backpack should have padded shoulder straps to make it comfortable to carry even when it’s full and heavy. Some tool backpacks may also have a carrying handle on the top or side.
Material
A high-quality tool backpack should be made from a waterproof, tearproof material. Polyester is a popular material, though leather and faux leather are also common. Molded plastic is sometimes used to create a firm outer coating, especially on the bottom of the backpack to keep tools safe when the bag hits the ground.
Other Features
Additional features that can make a tool backpack more useful include:
Laptop sleeves USB ports LED lights Padded handles Removable bases Hanging hooks
Why should I keep my tools in a tool backpack?
Moving your tools around by hand is a tedious task, as you can only carry a few of them at once. A tool backpack helps cut your transportation time down while also keeping your tools organized in separate pockets.
Do I need to clean my tool backpack?
Most tool backpacks don’t require frequent cleaning. However, if you’re working in dirty or dusty conditions, your tool backpack may require some cleaning. You can wipe it with a damp cloth to remove caked dirt. Don’t put it in the washing machine unless it’s specifically labeled as machine-washable.
Are there any tools that I shouldn’t keep in a tool backpack?
Pretty much any tool in your tool kit can go in a tool backpack as long as it’s not too large to fit. However, if a tool has a sharp blade, you may want to wrap the blade or put it in a holder so that it doesn’t damage your backpack. In the case of power tools, make sure that they are turned off and have their safety locks engaged before loading them into your backpack.
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