As an electrician or HVAC technician, you know that you need about 5,000 jobs in your arsenal. Okay, maybe that is an exaggeration but I think you get the point. It’s crazy that you are expected to stay mobile, be organized and not lose any of your tools. Even Houdini couldn’t accomplish such a feat. Well over the years power tool manufacturers have come up with creative ways to help with a daunting task. So speaking of creative ways, let check out the Milwaukee Backpack Review.
Milwaukee Backpack Review Overview
When it comes to backpack there is certainly a lot to choose from. Besides Milwaukee, the two manufacturers that stand out are Klein and Veto Pro Pacs. While both have a lot to offer, I think the Milwaukee 48-22-8201 is my new favorite backpack.
The Milwaukee backpack offers a durable solution, that keeps you mobile, keeps you organized and protects your tools. Milwaukee does a nice job with the layout of tools and how easy it is to identify your tools and access them, which we all know how important this is on the jobsite.
So next time you have to climb a ladder or just be mobile, just remember there is a solution for you in the Milwaukee backpack.
Milwaukee Backpack Review Features
On the front of the backpack, there are two hardshell pockets that offer protection for your tools or electronics that you access often. The backpack is constructed of 1680D Ballistic Material which means this is built for the jobsite. There are a total of 48 pockets.
The bottom hard shell pocket has external storage for various items. When you open up the zippered pocket, the hard shell can be put down and used as a quick table to maybe store screws while working. There are pockets on both the front side and back side of this hardshell pocket.
The top pocket is also a hard shell pocket. This is a single pocket and would be great for a meter or something else you access often and needs protection.
Milwaukee didn’t stop there. Even on the side, there is extra storage. On one side you can store electrical tape and there is another pocket. On the other side is where you can store your tape measure, plus a pocket below.
There is a lot happening on the backside. First, you have your shoulder straps to carry it as a backpack. While I wish the straps were a little wider, they offer plenty of padding for comfort. You also have a chest strap which is key if you are climbing ladders. If you just want to attach it to your Milwaukee Packout system, there is a strap for that also as you can strap it around the handle.
The bottom of the backpack has an impact resistant hard base which protects from drops and also protects against water. So if you set this down where it’s wet, you don’t have to worry about the water traveling up and into the bag to ruin your tools.
There is a top carrying handle if you want to carry it around. While I wish this was padded as it can get heavy when full, the strap is strong and won’t break even when you have it fully loaded.
I am loving how Milwaukee also uses a thick large zipper, They are quality zippers which means they will last. Best of all, it’s easy to open and close the backpack, even with gloves.
One item I love about this backpack is when you open the pack up, the whole front comes down so you can easily identify and access any tool inside.
There is a Velcro pocket on the top and plenty of storage for hand tools. You can even store a drill or impact on the bottom of the bag.
On the flap side, there isn’t any shortage of storage. There is a clear pocket and a bunch more areas to store hand tools.
As you can see, this backpack is extremely easy to identify and access tools, even when full.
Compared to other backpacks on the market, this seems just as durable, if not more durable. However, the weight of this backpack is much less than the other backpacks we have tested such as the Veto ProPacs.
Milwaukee Backpack Review Value
The bag retails for about $120 on The Home Depot website. This is in line with other bags of this caliber and even a little less than other bags we have tested.
Considering this protects your tools, keeps you mobile, keeps you organized, $120 is a great value for this backpack.
Milwaukee Backpack Review Final Thoughts
Milwaukee did a great job and really improved on their earlier backpack. This backpack is well thought out and the layout is awesome. You can easily identify tools, access your tools and still be mobile. The backpack offers solid protection and a perfect solution for electricians and HVAC tradesmen.
I really, really wanted to like this backpack when it came out over a year ago. It’s solid quality, but I am just not organized enough to place all my tools back in each pouch when I perform up to 6 plumbing service calls in a day. I could see it being more useful for remodels or construction where you don’t travel as much.
Good point and thanks for the feedback
I really like the Milwaukee tool backpack also. Remember it’s the 2nd version from Milwaukee and I think they listened to the consumer. They made some nice changes for the better and it’s reasonably priced. Milwaukee is what I use at work and I’ve always been happy with them, especially their cordless drills.
This pack is definitely solid quality, but i just can’t get over the pocket design. They don’t seem to really fit anything well. The pictures always make it look like it stocks nice, but I have not found that to be the case. Maybe I just carry too much? Guess thats probably why I went with the Veto Pro Tech XL