Backpack vacuum cleaner
Innovative vacuum cleaners: back-friendly backpack vacuum cleaners for flexible and thorough cleaning
Vacuuming belongs to the most frequent and often strenuous cleaning tasks in both domestic and professional environments. However, handling large conventional vacuum cleaners can put a lot of strain on your back when vacuuming large areas or difficult to access spaces. A back-friendly solution is definitely needed. Compact backpack vacuum cleaners designed with your back in mind provide such a solution. This type of vacuum cleaner allows you to carry it on your back, giving you complete freedom of movement without having to deal with an annoying cable. Discover below what's important for making vacuuming enjoyable again without damaging your back.
The advantages of backpack vacuum cleaners
A backpack vacuum cleaner is useful in a variety of environments and is a convenient alternative to conventional models. It can, for example, be used in high-traffic areas without the appliance or cable creating tripping hazards. Vacuuming in shop, classroom or office environments becomes quicker, more flexible and, above all, kinder to your back. Staircases and hard-to-reach corners are also easy to tackle using a backpack vacuum cleaner. And even tight spaces are easier to clean because the appliance doesn’t take up a lot of room and so doesn’t get in the way. Backpack vacuum cleaners are consequently popular for staircases, trains, buses and aeroplanes, wherever other appliances are difficult to use. And it isn't just in large areas that you can save the hassle of unplugging the cable and searching for suitable sockets. These vacuum cleaners are perfect for cleaning halls and large buildings. But they can also make work more enjoyable and considerably easier at home. Once you have put on your rechargeable vacuum cleaner, you can clean the entire house without having to constantly pull the unit along behind you and unplug the cable. This avoids unnecessary bending and eases the strain on your back. Back pain after vacuuming simply doesn’t have to happen. It is, however, important that the backpack vacuum cleaner meets certain criteria to ensure it is a benefit rather than a liability. Many factors play a role here, including its weight, good padding and ease of use.
Is a backpack vacuum cleaner good for your back?
There are now a whole range of backpack vacuum cleaners to choose from, each with very different features. Unfortunately, many of them are quite heavy and difficult to manage and therefore not necessarily easy on the back. For this reason, you should find out which models are good for your back and optimally support you during your work before making a purchase. Comparing different vacuum cleaner models is particularly worthwhile here. The trusted AGR seal of approval is there to offer guidance.
What aspects are important when choosing a backpack vacuum cleaner?
How easy is it to carry the backpack vacuum cleaner? How well can it be adjusted to fit your body? Is it ergonomic and effortless to work with? These are the key requirements that a good backpack vacuum cleaner should be able to meet. There are also a number of other aspects worth considering. Good ventilation where it touches your back can prevent excessive sweating, for example. Non-slip material is important for shoulder straps to prevent tension caused by an unnatural posture or discomfort when working.
To give you a better idea of what is available, we have compiled an overview of vacuum cleaners that meet these requirements below. They have all undergone thorough testing and have been approved as back-friendly by doctors and therapists.
Checklist
- Your backpack vacuum cleaner should be as light as possible (but still robust) so that you can wear it over longer periods of time without discomfort.
- The vacuum cleaner should have an ergonomic fit and sit close to your body. It mustn’t slip or cause an uncontrolled shift in the centre of gravity while you work, and especially not when you are bending down. Features that help here include adjustable shoulder straps, a compact design, and chest and waist straps to keep the cleaner in place against your body.
- Shoulder straps should be well padded, sufficiently wide and ergonomic in shape. There shouldn't be any seams rubbing uncomfortably or pressing against your shoulders or other areas where there is contact with your body.
- All straps need to be easily adjustable so that the vacuum cleaner fits different body shapes and sizes.
- There shouldn’t be any heat build-up on your back. This can be prevented, for example, through a carrying frame that allows air to circulate.
- Putting on and taking off the vacuum cleaner should be a comfortable process and possible without the help of another person.
- The backpack vacuum cleaner should be equally ergonomic for right and left-handed users.
- All functions should be easy to use when vacuuming. A belt control panel, for example, makes it possible to operate the vacuum cleaner with ease.
- Battery performance and management need to be fit for purpose. The battery should be easy to change and quick to charge. This allows the vacuum cleaner to be used for long periods of time.
- The length of the suction pipe should be adjustable so that an ergonomic working height is possible for all body sizes.
- The grip area should be ergonomically shaped to ensure a comfortable hold.
- It should be possible to use the suction pipe and vacuum attachments with less effort, e.g. through reduced force required to push.
- The vacuum bag should be easy and convenient to remove.
- Front lights for dark areas are practical but not essential. It is also helpful if the suction pipe can be stood upright.
Discover products with the AGR seal of approval now!
Minimum requirements
- Product weight should not cause discomfort
- A secure fit against your back
- Air circulation between the vacuum cleaner and your back
- Shoulder/carrying straps: well padded, sufficiently wide, easily adjustable
- Comfortable to put on and take off
- Good battery management
- Suitable for left and right-handed users
- Convenient use of functions
- User-friendly removal of the vacuum bag
- Ergonomic hold
- Individual adjustment of working height in relation to body size
- Energy-saving use of suction pipe and attachments
Also appropriate
- Upright stand-by position
- Front lights on floor attachment
Products in this sector with the AGR seal of approval
Kärcher
Manufacturer
Alfred Kärcher SE & Co. KG
Alfred-Kärcher-Str. 28-40
71409 Winnenden
Tel. 07195/9030
Fax: 07195/9032980
www.kaercher.com