The Evolution Of The Toolbox To The Tools Backpack

The tools backpack has had a long journey.   

Toolboxes were first made out of wood.

These early toolboxes may have been light but I doubt very durable.

Next came metal toolboxes.

As a child I remember my Dad having a metal toolbox. 

It had all of his tools and was heavy to pick up. 

My Dad’s toolbox had been through a lot and it showed with scuff marks and scratched paint.

It even had some rust. 

Later metal gave way to plastic making a lighter toolbox that was easier to carry.

Some plastic toolboxes were more like plastic tackle boxes for fishing.  Kind of the same idea.

But now there are many options. 

One option is the tool bag. 

The tool bag works well especially for the job site.  It’s easy to carry and it holds all or most of the tools needed for the job. 

Klein makes a very nice canvas tool bag that holds up well.  It’s straightforward with 2 straps and a handle.

There are also toolbags with a handle and a shoulder strap. 

These toolbags have plenty of pockets and compartments to hold tools.  They also have zippers to keep everything secure and safe.  These are easy to carry strapped over the shoulder to keep safe in the car or jobox.

Another option is a bucket organizer. 

It’s usually a tough fabric or polyester that fits inside and outside of a 5 gallon bucket. 

A bucket organizer has many pockets located inside and outside of the bucket. 

It’s a simple way to carry tools. 

The bucket organizer is organized to the owner’s liking.

They’re easily visible for an easy grab. 

The tools are on display and it is very easy to work with. 

But since all of the tools are visible and accessible, it can also be a security concern on a job site where things can disappear. 

It’s also not protected from the elements if left outdoors.

So after having toolboxes, toolbags, toolbags with straps, and the bucket organizer, it’s finally evolved to the tool backpack. 

The tool backpack provides all of the functions of the previous tool carrying varieties but now makes it easier. 

It comes with countless pockets and compartments to easily fit tools into. 

It has durable zippers to keep securely closed. 

It has padded shoulder straps to relieve the strain from the weight of the tools. 

Some tool backpacks have a tough plastic bottom for added protection and extended life.

But one big advantage, besides being able to keep everything secure in one place, is that the user has full use of his or her hands.

So it’s easy to carry to and from the jobsite. 

The most valuable feature is when wearing a tool backpack it’s possible to climb up and down ladders. 

Toolboxes has come a long way and it’s easy to see how things can evolve by need and function over time. 

The tools backpack is a good example of this. 

It works well for many trades including carpenters, electricians, HVAC repairmen, and specialists or technicians.  

Today it has many different names.

These are backpack tool bag, tool backpack, or a tool bag backpack.

It all means the same.

What’s Features Does The Best Tools Backpack Have?

Several tool brands have really tried hard to create one that covers everybody’s needs.

It doesn’t matter what’s your trade, as long as the tools backpack can take care of the job it’s needed for.

Here are some important features:

Durable

It needs to be tough and able to handle the beating of a job site.

A strong fabric or material is important.

It should have heavy-duty zippers to withstand the constant opening and closing and keeping the compartments tightly sealed.

Being waterproof can be an added bonus to protect tools from nasty weather.

It’s easy to waterproof is necessary.

Compartment/Pocket Organization

Different trades have different tools.

It needs to have different sized pockets for the different types of tools.

A well planned out and organized one makes finding tools easier, less time consuming, and easy to unpack.

Also, a compartment for a laptop or tablet may be a necessity.

Often times a hard shelled pocket is needed to protect fragile items or to hold sharp objects or tools.

Padded Shoulder Straps

When completely filled with tools, a tools backpack can weigh between 30 and 40 pounds.

It’s important to have shoulder straps that can handle the weight.

Padded shoulder straps prevent the straps from digging into the shoulders.

It needs to have padded straps so it can be carried comfortably.

Padding For The Back

It can carry a hefty amount of tools.

Not only can this be heavy, but tools bumping into the back can be a problem.

It needs ample padding to protect the back from the load being carried.

A Rigid Molded Base

Many tools backpacks have a heavy-duty molded plastic base.  The molded plastic base is attached to the strong material to make up the body of the backpack.

The molded base does a few things.

One thing it does it create a strong bottom.

Tools can’t create friction or wear a hole into the base like it could if it was a fabric material.

Another thing the molded base does is the rigidity permits the  backpack to stand up straight without having to be leaning against anything.

This makes it possible to set it down vertically and unload it.

The last thing the plastic molded base does, besides protecting the outside of the bottom of the backpack from any physical abuse, is to make the base waterproof.

If for any reason it ends up in a puddle, the tools are left unharmed.

Extra Strapping For Added Support

Additional strapping like a load-bearing harness can be beneficial to help relieve the stress of carrying a heavy load.

With a loaded backpack, the load-bearing harness helps to distribute the weight more efficiently.

Who Are Making Tools Backpacks?

There are many popular brands today that are designing and selling them.

Some of these popular brands make tools while others are known for their tool belts or tool bags.

Custom Leathercraft, Dewalt, Klein Tools, Milwaukee, and Carhartt, all have their own versions.

Some have similar features, but some have their own unique ones that set them apart from the others.

We’ve included our best ones that are above all of the rest.

Also included is our honorable mentions that shouldn’t be overlooked.

We’ve listed the features for each backpack to help making choosing one easier.

The Best Tools Backpacks

Best Tools Backpack For Electricians – Milwaukee Tool Backpack

Milwaukee Ultimate Jobsite Backpack

The Best Tools Backpack for Electricians is the Milwaukee tool backpack.

There are many nice ones for electricians on the market today.

But the one that really stands out as the best is by Milwaukee called the Ultimate Jobsite Backpack.

This is the second Milwaukee by this name and the Ultimate Jobsite Backpack has evolved from the first one.

Milwaukee has really listened to the needs of its users.

They added features like pockets for water bottles, a tape measurer clip, and an attachment strap for a dolly since that was missing on the first one.

Milwaukee also designed the Ultimate Jobsite Backpack so that it can carry many different types of tools.

It is designed to hold both hand tools and power tools.

There are many features that put this Milwaukee above the rest.

First off, this Milwaukee is more rugged than it’s predecessor and was designed to be incredibly durable for the jobsite.

The Ultimate Jobsite Backpack is made from a tough tear resistant 1680D ballistic material.

The rigid base is both impact resistant and water proof and enables it to independently stand without any assistance.

It has many pockets, 48 to be exact, and these pocket are used to carry and store both hand tools and power tools as mentioned before.

There’s even 2 special hard shell pockets to hold and protect sensitive electronics and equipment or can be used to hold sharp tools to prevent it from puncturing.

The load bearing harnesses on this Milwaukee tool backpack has double the padding of the version before.

There’s also a sternum strap to make carrying it easier as it evens out weight distribution.

The Milwaukee Ultimate Jobsite Backpack also has 2 straps on top for hanging it on hooks on the wall plus heavy duty zippers for the everyday abuse that it encounters.

The Milwaukee weighs 6.95 pounds and measures 19 1/2 inches tall by 14 inches wide by 7 4/5  inches deep.

As mentioned before, it also has an attachment strap for a hand dolly.

The Milwaukee Fold Up Hand Truck works perfectly with the Milwaukee and is a nice addition for walking long distances.

Milwaukee Fold Up Hand Truck

Honorable Mention #1

Klein Tool Master Tools Backpack

The Best Tools Backpack For Electricians – Honorable Mention #1 is the Klein Tool Master.

Klein makes high quality tools for electricians.

In fact, electricians swear by them.

In the business a pair of Klein side cutters are commonly just called “Kleins”.

It was a matter of time until Klein created its own version.

This Klein is a beast.

It’s the nasty big brother of the Tradesman Pro Organizer reviewed below.

It’s bigger and has more features.

The Klein Tool Master has 48 pockets to hold all types of tools. 

Throw in a cordless drill, hand tools, drill bits, and meters because there’s lots of room. 

There’s even a removable tool caddy that has 11 pockets that can be used for times when only a handful of select tools are needed. 

It has a handy metal hook and the tool caddy has a handle that can be easily hung on something to hold up for easy access.

Just like the Tradesman Pro Organizer, the Klein Tool Master is made from a tough and durable 1680d material to put up with the jobsite hazards that might be encountered. 

This Klein tools backpack also has a hard molded plastic base to protect its contents if placed in the mud or water. 

The hard pouch on the front of this Klein is actually very thick and works well for protecting eye glasses and safety glasses.

Klein has done a very nice job with the padding.

The combination of the padded shoulder straps and the padded back support makes carrying a heavy load easier.

Also, to make it easier to locate tools , Klein has made the interior orange for more visibility when searching for tools.

Klein did a nice job on this one.

It’s big and spacious with lots of features.

This is Klein’s most expensive backpack.

It may be Klein’s attempt to be like the Veto below.

This Klein weighs 13 pounds and measures 19 1/2 inches tall by 13 1/2 inches wide by 11  inches deep.

Amazon customer reviews have been good.

Unfortunately Amazon has mixed the Klein Tool Master reviews with all of the other Klein tool backpacks, but the available Tool Master reviews that could be found were positive.

Klein has made a very useful and well designed backpack that would work well for carrying an electrician’s tools.

Honorable Mention #2

CLC Tools Backpack – 75 Pockets

The Best Tools Backpack for Electricians – Honorable Mention #2 is the Custom LeatherCraft 75 Pocket backpack.

Custom LeatherCraft, or CLC, makes a variety of accessories for the construction trades.

CLC also makes tool bags, tool belts, and tool carriers.

They’ve been around and have earned their reputation when it comes to carrying tools.

The 75 pocket CLC is a large backpack that can carry lots of tools.

It measures 13 inches wide by 17 1/2 inches high by 9 inches deep and weighs 5 pounds.

This CLC is durable and is made from a ballistic polyester fabric.

It has a total of 75 pockets and sleeves so that it can hold a variety of different types of tools.

With the added weight of so many tools, it also has 2 padded handles and adjustable shoulder straps that are padded to make carrying easier and more comfortable.

There is also a 7 inch by 5 inch plastic compartment parts tray to keep screws and bits in for easy access.

This backpack also boasts heavy duty zippers to handle the day to day wear and tear.

But what did the Amazon reviewers have to say?

Overall buyers have been impressed with the durability and toughness.

It’s a tough backpack and can handle the stress of a job site.

Also, another positive quality that was mentioned in reviews is that the 75 pocket CLC is comfortable to be worn as a backpack and that it is easy to carry by the 2 padded handles.

The 2 padded handles are also strong enough to support the weight when hung on a wall hook.

Amazon buyers also liked the number of pockets available on the CLC.

But some of the buyers also had some complaints.

One complaint was even though it has 75 pockets and sleeves, the pockets are all the same size and are relatively small.

It has a hard time holding larger items like drills, large tape measures, or label makers.

It works well for holding a large quantity of small tools that will fit easily in the pockets and sleeves.

If you’re looking to pack one with larger tools of different sizes then one of the other backpack tool bags mentioned with bigger pockets would probably be a better choice.

But again as a whole, most of the reviewers have been very happy with the 75 pocket CLC.

Some of the trades that have enjoyed the CLC include welders, crane techs, clinical engineers, data center engineers,  facilities and operations managers, building security specialists, and electricians.

Out of 451 reviews, 70% gave it 5 stars, 15% gave it 4 stars, 7% gave it 3 stars, 3% gave it 2 stars, and 5% gave it 1 star.

Honorable Mention #3

Klein Tools Backpack – Tradesman Pro Organizer

The Best Tools Backpack for Electricians – Honorable Mention #3 is the Tradesman Pro Organizer by Klein.

This Klein has many features.

It has a total of 39 pockets to store different sized tools.

It has a protective hard molded pocket to take care of glasses or other sensitive objects.

There is also a zippered pocket in the front for smaller tools like unibits, wire nuts, or tech screw container.

This Klein is tall and can hold longer tools like screwdrivers and Channel Locks.

It is made from 1680D ballistic nylon.

It has a plastic molded bottom that is waterproof and can handle the abuse of the job site.

This Klein weighs 6.05 pounds and measures 20 inches tall by 14 1/2 inches wide by 7 1/5  inches deep.

Overall, most people that have purchased this Klein have been happy with it.

The Amazon customer reviews have been predominantly positive.

Out of 264 reviews, 78% gave it 5 stars, 13% gave it 4 stars, 5% gave it 3 stars, 2% gave it 2 stars, and 2% gave it 1 star.

Unfortunately there have been a small amount of buyers that have not been happy with the zippers.

They have left reviews stating that the zippers are weak and break, or get dirt in them and no longer work properly.

This Klein may work well for an electrician that doesn’t fill the tools backpack to capacity.

Filling it with too many tools may create unwanted stress on the zippers.

Best Tools Backpack For Welders  

Revco GB100 BSX Extreme Gear Pack With Helmetcatch

The Best Tools Backpack for Welders is the Revco GB100 BSX Extreme Gear Pack with Helmetcatch.

Designed specifically for welders.

The Revco GB100 is a durable constructed multi use bag.

It is spacious and can hold all the essentials.

Looking for a backpack to hold your welding hood, torch, soapstone, grinder, tig rig, and gloves?

No problem, the Revco GB100 can hold it.

This welder’s backpack is made out of heavy duty Cordura nylon.

It  has heavy duty corrugated plastic inserts for rigidity.

The Revco GB100 has side pockets inside and outside of the tools backpack, including two pockets for welding gloves.

Also, the height and body is very spacious.

It was designed to hold a grinder, helmet, gloves, jacket, and your tools.

The Revco GB100 will hold two 6″electric grinders and some small hand tools.

If packed correctly, two 4 1/2″ grinders plus a rolled up PPE, discs, and some hand tools can be fit into this tools backpack.

Basically, the Revco GB100 can hold a lot of tools and equipment needed for welding.

The padded Helmet catch can also hold many types of welding hoods including the Esab Sentinel A50 welding hood, Miller Infinity Digital, Lincoln, Jackson, and Optrell Vegaview.

In fact, the Revco GB100 can hold many different types of helmets in addition to a welding hood including a motorcycle helmet or safety helmet.

The Helmetcatch is adjustable and detaches with 3 buckles.

This welder’s backpack also has a padded back and padded straps for easy carrying.

The Revco GB100 weighs 1 2/5 pounds and measures 19 inches tall by 12 inches wide by 9 inches deep.

The Amazon customer reviews have been overwhelmingly positive.

Out of 214 reviews, 81% gave it 5 stars, 10% gave it 4 stars, 4% gave it 3 stars, 3% gave it 2 stars, and 2% gave it 1 star.

Best Tools Backpack For Carpenters

CLC 1134 Carpenter’s Tools Backpack

The Best Tools Backpack for Carpenters is the CLC 1134 Carpenter’s tools backpack.

This CLC is spacious and durable.

It has 44 pockets inside and outside of the backpack.

The pockets are different sizes to accommodate all types of tools and accessories.

As far as zippered compartments, there are 2.

There is also a large exterior pocket that is adjustable.

This CLC also comes with 2 large back pads to make more comfortable and help reduce stress from the weight of the backpack.

It has padded and adjustable shoulder straps made from slip resistant material.

It also has sternum strap that is adjustable.

The CLC is large and it’s measurements are 13 1/4 inches wide, 16 inches high, and 8 1/2 inches deep and weighs 4 3/5 pounds.

It also has 2 reinforced handles for easy carrying.

The bottom has base pads that are resistant to abrasion.

It is a very durable and tough bag, made from heavy ballistic nylon.

It is very large and can hold many tools with the 44 pockets.

It’s our choice as the best tools backpack for carpenters but would also work well for other trades.

The pockets will hold screwdrivers, torx bits, sockets, levels, hammers, or any other tool that is needed.

The Amazon customer reviews have been overwhelmingly positive.

Out of 776 reviews, 70% gave it 5 stars, 17% gave it 4 stars, 6% gave it 3 stars, 3% gave it 2 stars, and 4% gave it 1 star.

The majority of the buyers of the CLC 1134 have loved it and rave about how well it works.

But there are also a small percentage of buyers who have been unhappy with it.

One problem has been that the stitching has come apart.

Another problem has been that the zippers have broken.

Another complaint has been that the CLC actually digs into the lower back when carried and is very uncomfortable.

The stitching and the zippers may be a quality control problem.

Possibly missed and slipped through.

The fact that some people experience the backpack digging into their lower back may be due to body size or build.

Can’t conclusively say but thought those reading about this CLC should know.

There are some options though.

The Milwaukee Ultimate Jobsite Backpack is a large tools backpack and can hold a variety of tools.

It’s the second edition.

Milwaukee made a lot of additions to make the consumer happy.

It’s actually our best tools backpack for electricians above.

A smaller tools backpack that buyers have given many positive reviews about is the Toolpak Original.

Carpenters or electricians can use it.

It boasts that it has 106 pockets.

They are smaller pockets.

To make pockets larger for larger tools the stitching can be removed with a seam ripper.

There are videos at their website to show how to enlarge pockets.

The Toolpak Original is actually very durable and is made from black polyester nylon 1200 denier.

It can also hold a laptop.

It can take a beating and buyers love how easy it is to carry and how well it works.

Also, if a problem does occur like a broken zipper, sellers are good to take care of the issue to satisfy the customer.

The Toolpak Original weighs just under 6 pounds and measures 19 1/10 inches tall by 14 2/5 inches wide by 4 1/5 inches deep.

Out of 45 reviews, 82% gave it 5 stars, 2% gave it 4 stars, 5% gave it 3 stars, 7% gave it 2 stars, and 4% gave it 1 star.

Best Tools Backpack For Technicians

Veto Pro Pac Tech Pac Tools Backpack

The Best Tools Backpack for Technicians is the Veto Pro Pac Tech Pac. 

Actually, this Veto is flat out the best on the market.

It is the gold standard, the best of the best, the top of the line when it comes to comparing it to other ones available today.

It is also the most expensive available today.

But Veto has done a tremendous job creating and designing this.

They’ve pretty much thought about everything.

The Veto Pro Pac Tech Pac is perfect for technicians working in the field.

It not only looks impressive but helps make a technicians job easier. 

It uses Veto’s own patented technology that allows the tools backpack to not fall over. 

It is very sturdy and will not tip over, making it easy to open both compartments to get to tools. 

It also has a thick plastic base that is both waterproof and heavy duty.

The Veto has two large compartments. 

One compartment is in the front and one is in the back. 

Outside the large compartment in the front there’s a large pocket that can hold items like manifold gauges and hoses. 

There is also a smaller pocket for quick access that is velcro.

In the front large compartment there are many pockets for hand tools.

This Veto has a total of 46 pockets on the inside and outside.  

There’s also a handy strap that connects the top of the flap to the top of the pockets holding the tools to form a nice work tray to lay tools on when tightened.

In the back large compartment by the backpack straps, there’s a lot of storage for tools and accessories like testers, meters, and cordless drills.

There are pockets for bits, a laptop or iPad, and also zippered pockets.

The Veto uses a comfortable foam panel made from EVA that gives ergonomic support and cushions the back for easy carrying when loaded with tools.

The Veto also has a useful aluminum hook for hanging it where needed.

It was also designed to be easily taken off and have access to tools. 

The handle on the top of the tool backpack has pivot pins.

The top of the adjustable shoulder straps have the pivot pins attached.  

This creates a handle that is quick release for easy access into the back compartment for access to tools.

Some backpacks end up putting too much weight on the lower back making it uncomfortable to carry. 

This Veto has adjustable shoulder straps that can be pulled down.

This brings the overall load up higher on the shoulders to prevent strain on the lower back. 

There is also a chest strap that keeps the shoulder straps in place and holds it securely on the chest.

Veto designed this with heavy duty zippers and stitching to handle everyday use.

This Veto weighs 9 pounds and measures 21 1/2 inches tall, or about 18 inches tall with the handle down, by 9 9/10 inches deep by 14 1/2 inches wide.

The Veto Pro Pac Tech Pac is covered by a 5 year warranty and they even offer a loaner until the customer’s is returned back to them.

This Veto must be purchased from 5 specific authorized dealers on Amazon for the warranty to be valid.

These 5 authorized Amazon dealers are Ace Electronics, Coastal Tool, Tool Nut, Ralph’s Industrial Electronic Supplies, and Acme Tools.

Buyers of the Veto Pro Pac Tech Pac absolutely love it.

Some comments include “One of the best buys I’ve ever made” to “Best on the market” to “Great backpack a Must have for service techs” to name a few.

Check out the comments on Amazon because there are many more.

Out of 198 reviews, 82% gave it 5 stars, 12% gave it 4 stars, 4% gave it 3 stars, 1% gave it 2 stars, and 1% gave it 1 star.

Veto has gone all out to create the Veto Pro Pac Tech Pac which is definitely the best  for technicians and it shows.

Honorable Mention #1

Milwaukee Low Profile Tool Backpack

The Best Tools Backpack for Technicians – Honorable Mention #1 is the Milwaukee Low Profile.

The Milwaukee Low Profile is smaller than the Milwaukee Ultimate Jobsite but still has lots of character.

This Milwaukee has plenty of pockets to hold tools and equipment that a technician would need in the field.

It can also hold a tablet in the front or a laptop in the padded sleeve for electronics.

The Milwaukee Low Profile is made out of a tough and durable 1680D ballistic material to handle jobsite conditions. 

It also comes with heavy duty metal zippers for easy opening and closing. 

This Milwaukee has a reinforced base and a handy clip for a tape measure.

It has 4 external pockets with 18 internal pockets for a total of 22 pockets to store tools and equipment.

Milwaukee designed this to be lighter and smaller.

It does hold less tools and equipment than the larger Veto Pro Pac Tech Pac but works well for technicians that work with less. 

Milwaukee also made it more durable and added more padding and a weight distributing harness that is load bearing to make carrying easier. 

Like the Ultimate Jobsite, the Milwaukee Low Profile has a strap that can be attached to a dolly for easy transport on and off the jobsite. 

The Milwaukee Low Profile weighs just over 5 pounds and measures 19 1/2 inches tall by 11 4/5 inches wide by 7 9/10 inches deep.

Honorable Mention #2

Klein Tradesman Pro Tech 2.0 Tools Backpack

The Best Tools Backpack for Technicians – Honorable Mention #2 is the Klein Tradesman Pro Tech 2.0.

Just like the Klein Tradesman Pro Organizer and the Tool Master, the Tradesman Pro Tech 2.0 is made out of a tough and durable 1680D ballistic material with a thick molded plastic bottom to protect what’s inside from water or mud.

There’s also a hard protective pocket in the front that can hold clear safety glasses and tinted safety glasses.

And like the other Klein the interior is orange to make finding tools easier.

The Tradesman Pro Tech 2.0 has a total of 25 pockets. 

There are 20 pockets inside and 5 pockets on the outside.

The one advantage that the Tradesman Pro Tech 2.0 has over all other technician tools backpacks, including the Veto Pro Pac Tech Pac, is that it can hold up to a 17 inch laptop that can be as thick as 3 inches. 

That’s it’s selling point.

Based on Amazon reviews, buyers have been overall positive with their Tradesman Pro Tech 2.0 purchase.

Most buyers are very happy with the fact it can carry their large laptop and the rest of the tools they need to get through their day.

There’s a couple reviews from a PC network technician and an automated technician and they say it is perfect for carrying their daily tools and their laptop.

It’s sturdy and well thought out.

However, some buyers were not happy with some of the pocket sizes for holding medium size screwdrivers and larger meters.

TheTradesman Pro Tech 2.0 weighs just about 5 1/2 pounds and measures 18 1/2 inches tall by 14 inches wide by 7 inches deep.

Best USB Charging Tools Backpack

CLC Custom E-Charge Lighted USB Charging Tools Backpack 

The Best USB Charging Tools Backpack is the CLC Custom Leathercraft ECPL38 E-Charge.

Today technology is changing and the need for a charger for your tablet, laptop, or phone is just as much a reality in the field as it is at home.

So CLC  took a tough and durable backpack with lots of pockets for tools and then added a rechargeable power bank which has 2 USB ports and added an LED light with an adjustable neck on top of that.

What a creation and buyers have been raving about it.

This USB charging backpack has many features.

For one, the power bank is removable for an easy charge in any receptacle. 

The CLC can charge 2 devices at the same time even with the LED light on.

There are 4 designated pockets to hold phones, small laptops, or tablets while they’re being charged inside the tool bag backpack.  

The CLC USB charging backpack has a total of 36 pockets with 31 on the inside and 5 on the outside to hold hand tools, drills, meters, bits, and other needed accessories.

Inside there is a sleeve for a laptop that can hold up to a 15 1/2 inch laptop.

There are 4 loops to hang clips or carabiners on with an additional clip for a measuring tape.

It has padded shoulder straps and also extra padding for added back relief.

The reviews on Amazon have all been 3 stars or above, with most of the reviews being 5 stars.

It looks like CLC picked a high quality power bank.

The power bank really holds a nice charge and recharges devices quickly, even with the LED light on.

One reviewer mentioned that the its material and seams are very strong and durable and that the hard feet on the base pad work well to prevent wear.

Overall, it’s impressive.

The CLC USB charging backpack can carry your tools, have a light for searching through your tools backpack or doing paperwork, and a power bank to charge your phone, tablet, or small laptop.

Looks like CLC did it right because the buyers are very happy.

On a side note, the DEWALT DGCL33  was also going to be reviewed.

But after researching the Dewalt Lighted USB Charging backpack, it turns out it’s received bad reviews because the straps rip apart and the zippers are faulty.

When choosing between the CLC and the Dewalt USB Charging backpacks, the CLC is the way to go.

Backpack Care

Taking care of your backpack is vital.

Get the most out of it by doing a few things.

The zipper coils are very important.

They help keep the backpack closed and sealed shut.

After some time with repeated uses, dirt and crud will start to collect in the zipper coils.

When the zipper coils become dirty,  they won’t stay shut or closed.

Clean out and treat the zipper coils with lubricant every 6 months, more often for an excessively dusty and dirty work environment.

Cleaning the zipper coils is easy.

Use soapy water and a toothbrush to scrub the zipper coils.

Next use an air hose to blow out the fine crud or tiny particles that the toothbrush missed.

Then apply a lubricant to the zipper coils.

A nice beeswax, lubricant for zippers, or silicone spray will work well to keep the zipper coils lubricated and functioning correctly.

Zipper safety is another thing to keep in mind.

A sharp tool or something that is hot can damage the zippers permanently.

A lacerated or burned zipper coil will not work correctly.

Usually repairing damaged zipper coils isn’t possible.

So a couple things to keep in mind.

Keep the backpack far away when drilling, cutting, or welding.

Do not burn it, especially the zippers, in any way.

Often times sharp tools stored inside pointed upward will damage the zipper.

It’s important to face the sharp side of the tool down so it won’t come in contact with the zippers.

The last thing to keep in mind is to not overstuff it.

An overstuffed backpack puts unwanted stress on the zippers.

Over time the zippers will break down and not function properly, causing them to separate and open.

Pack your backpack with the appropriate tools, meters, and accessories and don’t overstuff.

Purchase a larger one if needed.

Waterproofing Options

There are a couple ways to make a backpack waterproof.

One way is to use a wax like beeswax or Otter Wax.

The process is pretty simple.

Clean the outside of the desired backpack thoroughly.

Get off any string or anything sticking to the material.

Also make sure it is completely dry before starting the wax waterproofing process.

It’s important to not be in a cold location when starting the process because the wax will harden.

If needed heat up the wax by putting it near a warm air vent.

First do a small test with the wax on the material.

On some materials the wax will make the material darker.

In a spot hidden from normal view, apply the wax to see how it looks.

If not happy with the results then stop or try another method.

Take the wax bar and spread it on the backpack material with long and even strokes keeping it consistent and going from side to side to create friction to warm up the bar of wax.

For hard to reach places on the material use the edge of the bar.

For waxing seams, spread the seam with your hand behind the material to open it up so there is access to wax it completely.

Cover the whole backpack with wax.

Next rub the wax into the material.

When rubbing the wax into the material use a massaging motion similar to kneading dough for pizza.

Next use a hair dryer to heat the material.

Move the hair dryer from side to side slowly blow drying all of the surface area and gently heating it up.

As the wax heats up it seeps into the material.

Massage the material one more time to finish the waxing process.

Lastly, hang the waxed backpack in an area that is warm and dry.

Let it hang for a day or two.

Wax it once a year.

Another way to waterproof it is to use Scotchgard or Camp Dry by Kiwi.

This method is much easier than using wax.

First hang it up for easy access for spraying.

Spray it with one heavy coat of Scotchgard or Camp Dry by Kiwi.

When spraying include the seams and zippers also.

Next give it another good coat of Scotchgard or Camp Dry including the seams and zippers.

Then hang it outside or in the garage for a day or two to dry.

I need to mention the reviews for the wax, Scotchgard, and Camp Dry were overwhelmingly positive but there were some buyers who were unhappy how their items turned out.

Some complained that the treated material ended up smelling, had a chalky color, or had a yellowish color when finished.

So keep this in mind when considering waterproofing your backpack.

Always pick an inconspicuous spot and test out the wax or spray to see the finished effect.

Amazon Reviews

Amazon reviews are very helpful for determining which backpacks are truly the best and how well they function and perform on a job site.

Actual customer feedback is always useful for determining what tools and accessories are useful and how they stand up in the real world.

It’s easy to see how customers felt about their purchases by looking at Amazon reviews.

We’ve listed overall review rating for most of the backpacks.

The ratings help give an idea how happy customers are.

Because we list Amazon review breakdowns, it’s also important to take in consideration Amazon’s return policy.

Some items get a majority of wonderful reviews, but still have some bad reviews from unhappy customers.

It’s hard to say the reason why.

Perhaps some items made it past quality control when manufactured and have faulty parts.

Amazon’s return policy needs to protect against this.

Amazon’s return policy says the buyer has 30 days from receipt of shipment to return an item.

If it’s a third party seller, or someone that fulfills and ships their own inventory, their return policy may be the same as Amazon.

But the returned item would go to the seller not Amazon.

Also, some seller’s return policies can vary.

It’s important to check the seller’s return policy first before purchasing an item by checking the Returns and Refunds Policy section on the seller profile page.

For more information on returns, check out Amazon.com Return Policy.

Here at BestToolz.com, we hope you enjoy our reviews and are happy with your purchase if you happen to buy something.

We just want everyone to know their options in case a zipper or a seam for example breaks or rips.

We all spend our hard earned cash.

Items need to last like they’re supposed to.