Tool backpacks are a safe, convenient way for electricians to carry tools around a job site. You can use heavy-duty backpacks to organize manual tools, safety gear, and high-tech tools like circuit analyzers, and they’ll be much easier to carry around than a big toolbox.
Backpacks are ideal for carrying tools around for several reasons:
Carrying tools on your back leaves your hands free to hold guardrails.
Backpacks are more comfortable and ergonomic.
Multiple pockets help keep your tools organized and protect them from damage.
Here’s a brief comparison of some of the best tool backpacks for electricians on the market.
We’ll now compare these backpacks in more detail and share tips on what to look for when choosing one.
8 Best Tool Backpacks for Electricians
The ideal backpack for you will depend on what tools you carry, how heavy-duty you need your backpack to be, and how much you’re willing to spend.
In this article, we’ll cover eight of the most popular backpacks built specifically for electricians:
Klein Tools Tradesman Pro Backpack
CLC Work Gear PB1133 Tool Backpack
Veto Pro Pac Tech Bag
DEWALT PRO Backpack
Milwaukee Packout Backpack
Welkinland 77-Pockets Tool Backpack
STEELHEAD Tool Backpack
AWP Extreme Tool Backpack
Read on for our detailed breakdown of each one.
1. Klein Tools Tradesman Pro Backpack
Source: Home Depot
This heavy-duty and water-resistant backpack has a fully molded rubber bottom that keeps it upright and protects tools from the elements. It also has a hard-molded pocket for safety glasses and 39 different tool pockets, mainly on the inside.
It’s deeper than most bags, so many longer tools will fit inside. While many bags have tool pouches on the outside, this one is ideal for electricians who prefer to carry most of their tools inside their backpacks. It also has padded shoulder straps and a sternum strap, making it extra comfortable to carry.
Specifications:
Weight: 6 pounds
Dimensions: 20 x 14.5 x 7.5 inches
Material: 1680D ballistic polyester
Max. recommended carrying weight: No official load rating
Number of compartments: 3
Key features:
39 tool pockets with space for longer tools
Fully molded rubber bottom—sits upright
Front pockets designed for safety glasses and smaller tools
Pros:
Heavy-duty design ideal for construction sites
Lots of space for a variety of tool sizes
Comfortable, ergonomic fit
Cons:
Doesn’t have many exterior pockets
Ideal for: Electricians who need a heavy-duty bag to protect tools from rough conditions on job sites.
Price: $99 – $130
2. CLC Work Gear PB1133 Tool Backpack
Source: CLC Work Gear
CLC Work Gear’s PB1133 Tool Backpack is more compact, with 38 pouches for smaller tools. It also has a molded base, but its material and design are a little less heavy-duty than the Klein Tools backpack. However, electricians who don’t need to carry large tools may find it suits them better.
Its outside tool pouches and tape measure loop make it easy to grab tools you need without digging through your bag, and it has a rain cover to protect tools from the elements when you’re working outside.
Specifications:
Weight: 6.66 pounds
Dimensions: 18 x 13 x 7 inches
Material: 1680D ballistic polyester
Max. recommended carrying weight: 84 pounds
Number of compartments: 2
Key features:
Fully molded rubber bottom and rain cover
External pouches for small tools, tape measure, wires
Inner compartments for digital tools
Pros:
Less bulky than the Klein backpack
External compartments and pouches
Rain cover to protect from elements
Cons:
Longer tools may not fit inside
Tools in external compartments are less secure
Ideal for: Electricians who prefer to keep tools within reach and don’t need as much space.
Price: $130 – $175
3. Veto Pro Pac Tech Bag
Source: Amazon
The Veto bag is one of the best electrician backpacks on the market. It’s larger and tougher than the two we’ve covered so far. It has 56 interior and exterior pockets for all your tools, including neoprene pockets for meters and testers. Unlike the others, it has a center panel with two zippers for an extra storage compartment and can carry up to 100 pounds of equipment.
Like the others, it has a molded rubber base that keeps it upright to prevent tool spills, and thickly padded straps for extra comfort. It also features an extra heavy-duty handle with an ergonomic molded grip, making it more convenient to hold by the handle even when heavy.
Specifications:
Weight: 9 pounds
Dimensions: 21.5 x 14.25 x 8.88 inches
Material: 950 and 1250 PVC-impregnated denier nylon
Max. recommended carrying weight: 100 pounds
Number of compartments: 4
Key features:
Neoprene pockets explicitly designed for meters and testers
Center storage panel with zippers on both sides
Back and straps with extra-thick padding
Pros:
More storage pouches for a wide range of tools
Several ergonomic features for improved comfort
Locking zippers for extra security
Cons:
At nine pounds, it’s heavier than many other tool bags
More expensive than most bags
Ideal for: Electricians who want a premium backpack to protect high-tech tools like meters and testers.
Price: $480 – $550
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4. DEWALT PRO Backpack
Source: DEWALT
This backpack has unique features, including pockets for water bottles and a water-resistant pouch for your phone. It’s the same size as the CLC Work Gear bag but with a more open inner compartment for power tools and straps to hold longer tools on the outside.
It’s also slightly lighter than the other bags we’ve reviewed so far, at five and a half pounds. It’s not built to hold more than 55 pounds of gear, so it’s a good job site backpack for electricians who don’t want to carry a heavy work bag. Like the Klein bag, it comes with a limited lifetime warranty.
Specifications:
Weight: 5.5 pounds
Dimensions: 18 x 13 x 7 inches
Material: 1680D nylon fabric
Max. recommended carrying weight: 55 pounds
Number of compartments: 3
Key features:
Water-resistant phone pouch with separate zipper
Backstrap to attach the bag to a telescopic handle
Larger zipper pulls for unzipping bag with gloves on
Pros:
More options for carrying oversized tools
Lighter than many other options
Lower price than many other tool bags
Cons:
It won’t hold lots of heavy tools
Ideal for: Electricians who prefer a lighter, versatile bag that can still hold bulky tools like large drills.
Price: $85 – $150
5. Milwaukee Packout Backpack
Source: Milwaukee
The Milwaukee Packout bag is unique on this list as it’s part of Milwaukee’s modular tool storage system. Its shock-resistant base has interlocking cleats that snap onto Milwaukee toolboxes so that it will stay secure on a hand truck. It also features a hardshell construction to protect tools from impact damage.
It’s slightly wider than other bags, with 48 pouches, including a plastic-reinforced jab-saw pocket and space for your water bottle. Its straps and back are reinforced with thick padding for extra comfort.
Specifications:
Weight: 7.34 pounds
Dimensions: 19 x 15 x 10.3 inches
Material: 1680D ballistic material
Max. recommended carrying weight: No official load rating
Number of compartments: 2
Key features:
Modular connectivity to Milwaukee Packout toolboxes
48 pockets with room for larger tools
Hardshell electronics and equipment pocket
Pros:
Larger bag with a protective hard casing to protect tools
Convenient to use with Milwaukee toolboxes
High-volume interior
Cons:
Stitching at seams isn’t as durable as other bags
Hardshell case makes it less flexible
Ideal for: Electricians who already use Milwaukee toolboxes and like their modular construction.
Price: $129
6. Welkinland 77-Pockets Tool Backpack
Source: Amazon
This bag has the most pockets on this list, with 77 for various wrenches, screwdrivers, and other tools. It’s designed for electricians and features a unique pull-out tool organizer for Allen keys and drill bits and a USB charging port to keep high-tech tools charged.
It has a reinforced rubber bottom and water-resistant casing, and its outer sleeve keeps a smaller toolbox within easy reach. This makes it an excellent bag for electricians who want an affordable, practical backpack for carrying many smaller tools.
Specifications:
Weight: Not listed
Dimensions: 20.7 x 14.6 x 7.5 inches
Material: 1680D nylon fabric
Max. recommended carrying weight: 77 pounds
Number of compartments: 4
Key features:
77 pouches for small and mid-size tools
USB charging port for high-tech tools
Laptop compartment
Pros:
Easy to organize small tools so they don’t get lost
Ability to charge electrical tools from anywhere
The exterior pouch fits a small toolbox
Cons:
Not as much space for larger tools
There is less padding on straps than on other bags
Ideal for: Electricians who want to carry around many smaller, lighter tools.
Price: $109
7. STEELHEAD Tool Backpack
Source: Amazon
Like the DEWALT bag, this backpack is lightweight and built to carry small and medium-sized tools. It features a center panel with zippers on either side, a laptop compartment, and seven external pockets with utility clips.
It has rubber feet and a reinforced HDPE synthetic bottom that enables it to stand up on its own. However, the bottom isn’t fully molded, so it’s less ideal for placing on wet ground. Like the Welkinland bag, it has an exterior sleeve that fits a small toolbox.
Specifications:
Weight: 5.64 pounds
Dimensions: 16.75 x 15 x 7 inches
Material: 1680D nylon
Max. recommended carrying weight: 100 pounds
Number of compartments: 2
Key features:
Center panel with tool pouches on either side
Laptop compartment and utility clip
Reinforced dual handles
Pros:
Lightweight, versatile backpack
Affordable price
Convenient outer pocket for carrying cables
Cons:
It is not as robust for larger tools or rough conditions
Ideal for: Electricians who want a light backpack to carry a variety of small and medium-sized tools.
Price: $65 – $75
8. AWP Extreme Tool Backpack
Source: Amazon
This is a more compact backpack with 23 tool pockets and a large space for bulkier tools. At 4.8 pounds, it’s the lightest backpack on this list but still holds up to 50 pounds of tools.
Although the primary material isn’t as thick as some other bags, it provides excellent back and waist support with thick padding. Thus, it’s a good option for electricians who want a lightweight backpack that’s comfortable to carry for long stretches.
Specifications:
Weight: 4.8 pounds
Dimensions: 17.5 x 14.5 x 7 inches
Material: 600D polyester with 1680D reinforcements
Max. recommended carrying weight: 50.7 pounds
Number of compartments: 4
Key features:
Thick padded supports on straps and back
Solid waterproof base
Laptop compartment
Pros:
Good balance between lightweight and durable
Lots of external loops for quick access to small tools
Built for comfortable wear over extended periods
Cons:
The main material is thinner, so may not hold up to rough conditions
Ideal for: Electricians who spend a lot of time on their feet and need a comfortable backpack for fewer tools.
Price: $69
Now that you’ve seen a few options, it’s worth doing a cost-benefit analysis to decide which features matter most to you.
What Are the Benefits of a High-Quality Electrician Tool Bag?
High-quality electrician tool bags help electricians stay organized, efficient, and comfortable while working. Each backpack has unique benefits, but they all make it easier to carry tools around the job site.
Some benefits include:
Durability: Strong, weatherproof materials will hold up better on the job site, so you don’t have to replace your tool bag as often.
Ergonomics: Tool bags with back support, padded straps, and a sternum strap prevent back and shoulder issues.
Comfort: On larger job sites, it’s much more comfortable to carry tools around on your back than it is to lug around a bulky toolbox.
Cost-effectiveness: High-quality bags help keep tools secure and protected, so you won’t need to replace them as often.
Organizational efficiency: When all your tools have a designated spot in your bag, you’ll spend less time searching for what you need.
However, it’s worth pointing out that some backpacks are built to prioritize some of these benefits over others. An extra heavy-duty backpack may be more durable but less comfortable to carry for long stretches.
What to Look for in an Electrician’s Tool Backpack
What’s ideal for you will depend on what tools you want to carry, what conditions you work in, and how heavy you’re willing to let your bag get. Some bags are made for professionals, while others are better for home DIY projects.
Generally, it’s a good idea to consider the following:
Size and capacity. How many tools do you need to carry with you? Think about the tools you need on hand and what’s better to leave in your truck or toolbox.
Storage pockets. Most bags will have space for pliers and cutting tools, but if you have specialized equipment like meters, ensure the bag can keep them safe and separate from your other tools. Remember that you can also get a separate tote or tool belt if your bag doesn’t have enough pockets.
Durability. Most tool bags are more durable than a regular backpack, but how tough yours needs to be will depend on the conditions in which you usually work. You’ll probably need a bag built for rougher conditions if you work on construction sites a lot. If you do primarily residential repairs indoors, you might opt for a lighter pack.
Security. Your bag should balance easy access to necessary tools and the ability to lock away expensive gear. If you frequently work at unsecured job sites, ensure your bag lets you lock up valuable tools.
Safety. Just like electricians need uniforms made of safe materials, bags with features like molded rubber bottoms and fire-resistant material can help keep tools safe on the job.
Other features. Do you regularly carry a water bottle or a utility clip? These are small details, but when you’re spending all day with a tool bag, they can make a big difference.
Another important consideration is price. Quality backpacks tend to be pricey, but you may also risk paying for features you don’t use. On the other hand, buying a cheaper bag might cost you in the long run if you have to buy another one because you need more features.
If you’re buying backpacks for a team of techs, use electrical contractor software like ServiceTitan to check their equipment history on each job.
If none of the bags on our list seem to meet your needs, take a look at some electrical contractor magazines. These magazines often feature insights on the latest products and tools for electricians.
Beyond Just Backpacks: Streamline Your Electrician Business With ServiceTitan
Having the right tools is the first step to a job well done. But as Best Quality Electric discovered, having the right tools in the office is just as important.
As co-owner Vicki Gibiault said, “Until we started ServiceTitan, we didn't know that there was money on the table.” After a year of using ServiceTitan, the firm’s annual revenue soared from $1.5 million to $2.8 million.
Gibault found that ServiceTitan’s communities and events gave her the support she needed to thrive. Gibiault said, “We kind of owe our success to ServiceTitan and to the community that ServiceTitan built for us.”
Best Quality Electric also found ServiceTitan’s dispatch and scheduling tools to be a game-changer, taking the business from whiteboards to a fully streamlined electrical service business.
Here are some key ServiceTitan tools for your digital toolbox:
Fully informed CSRs: As soon as the phone rings, CSRs get a full customer history on their screen so they can greet customers by name and spot new opportunities to sell.
Data in the field: The Field Service App keeps techs fully informed with job histories, paperwork, and property details on mobile. They can even create estimates from pricebooks and collect customer payments.
Quick, accurate estimates: Pricebooks are effortless with ServiceTitan’s integrated solution that delivers regular content updates to keep pricing and images current.
Optimal stock levels: Keeping every truck and warehouse stocked with inventory management that automates purchase orders is easy.
Performance metrics that work: With Field Reporting software, each tech and CSR gets their own scorecard for insights on the whole team's performance.
With ServiceTitan, you can give techs all the information they need, along with the tools in their backpacks, to help them deliver their best work every time.
Over to You!
Your backpack will help you bring your best tools to the job—and information is the most valuable tool in your backpack.
With ServiceTitan’s all-in-one platform, you can transform your business with tools for:
Your front office: From proposals to scheduling and dispatch, lead generation, and more, ServiceTitan gives you the tools to make your front office more efficient.
Field operations: Inventory, equipment history, crew management, truck replenishment, and more give field staff all the information and tools they need for the job.
Client experience: Client portals, technician tracking, SMS communication, self-scheduling, CRM, and more keep your customers happy even when you’re pressed for time.
Management insights: Project tracking, accounting, payroll, job costing, and more give management all the details they need to keep the whole business profitable.
Having the right tools on the job starts with the right information. ServiceTitan is your partner for all the digital tools you need to make your electrical contracting business a success.
ServiceTitan is a comprehensive electrical business software solution built specifically to help service companies streamline their operations, boost revenue, and achieve growth. Our award-winning, cloud-based platform is trusted by more than 100,000+ contractors across the country.
ServiceTitan Software
ServiceTitan is a comprehensive software solution built specifically to help service companies streamline their operations, boost revenue, and substantially elevate the trajectory of their business. Our comprehensive, cloud-based platform is used by thousands of electrical, HVAC, plumbing, garage door, and chimney sweep shops across the country—and has increased their revenue by an average of 25% in just their first year with us.