Quick verdict
Among Stihl backpack blowers the BR 600 is the sensible pick. It uses Stihl's 64.8cc 4-MIX engine with low vibration levels and an adjustable blower tube, making it a professional-grade gas backpack blower built for clearing large areas.
Husqvarna 150BT Gas Leaf Blower
The Husqvarna 150BT is a gas backpack blower with a 51cc 2-cycle X-Torque engine rated 765 CFM and 270 MPH, and it uses a padded ergonomic harness with a hip belt and weight-leveling system. An air purge system and variable-speed throttle with cruise control make it straightforward to start and run.
The best Stihl backpack leaf blower compared, led by the BR 600 with a 4-MIX engine, plus the higher-force BR 700 and honest gas alternatives on power and
Why you should trust this guide
I research backpack blowers by reading each listing for its stated engine size, airflow in CFM, air speed in MPH, weight and comfort features, then I judge them against what a professional backpack is for: clearing large areas while carrying the load on your shoulders. For Stihl I focus on the 4-MIX engine, the anti-vibration system and blowing force where the maker publishes it.
I have not personally run each of these units for a season. What I can do honestly is separate the genuine Stihl backpacks from the Husqvarna and Thalorus gas units that appear in the same search, and note when a Stihl listing does not publish CFM or MPH, so you judge each tool on the facts it actually states.
How we evaluated
My criteria are engine displacement and airflow for clearing power, weight and harness design for comfort over long sessions, and vibration and starting features, since a backpack you wear for an hour needs to be manageable. Stihl’s 4-MIX engine and anti-vibration system are central to how its blowers feel to use.
I read runtime and force claims in context, note that heavier professional units are more than a small yard requires, and clearly label the other-brand alternatives. That keeps the comparison honest about which tools are actually Stihl.
What to look for
- Engine displacement and airflow, since a backpack blower is chosen to move large volumes over big areas
- Weight and harness design, because you carry a backpack unit on your shoulders for long stretches
- An anti-vibration system and soft grip to reduce fatigue during extended clearing
- An adjustable blower tube so the tool fits your height and reach
- Starting features like an air purge or primer for reliable gas startup
- Variable-speed throttle with cruise control so you can hold a pace without holding the trigger
- Brand and platform, so you know whether you are buying a genuine Stihl or an alternative
How we test
We base every pick on real-world use, published manufacturer specifications and verified owner feedback. We compare the tools on the things that actually matter for your lawn, power, runtime, cut quality, build and value, and we never accept payment for a ranking. When we have not used a specific model first-hand, we say so.
The picks at a glance
| Tool | Best for | Score | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Husqvarna 150BT Gas Leaf Blower | Best Overall | Check price | |
| Stihl BR600 Backpack Blower | Best Value | Check price | |
| Stihl BR 700 back | Best Premium | Check price | |
| Thalorus 52cc Backpack Leaf Blower | Best Budget | Check price | |
| Husqvarna 360BT Gas Leaf Blower | Also Great | Check price |
The picks, reviewed
Husqvarna 150BT Gas Leaf Blower
The Husqvarna 150BT is a gas backpack blower with a 51cc 2-cycle X-Torque engine rated 765 CFM and 270 MPH, and it uses a padded ergonomic harness with a hip belt and weight-leveling system. An air purge system and variable-speed throttle with cruise control make it straightforward to start and run.
Reasons to buy
- Husqvarna 150BT Backpack Leaf Blower Gas Powered combines a high powered gas leaf blower w
- Powerful Clearing Performance: The 2-cycle, 51-cc, 2.16-HP engine within these backpack le
- Ergonomic Harness System: This leaf blower backpack features a padded harness, hip belt an
- Easy Operation: Air purge system removes air from carburetor, fuel system for trouble-free
- Gas Blowers for Lawn Care: Gas leaf blowers simplify the process of regular yard maintenan
Reasons to avoid
- It is a Husqvarna, not a Stihl, so it is a cross-brand alternative
- As a 2-cycle gas unit it needs a fuel and oil mix and produces engine noise and emissions
Stihl BR600 Backpack Blower
The Stihl BR 600 is a professional gas backpack blower built around Stihl's 64.8cc 4-MIX engine, which runs on a fuel mix but with valve-based efficiency. It is designed with low vibration levels and an adjustable blower tube, so it stays comfortable during longer clearing sessions on large properties.
Reasons to buy
- Low Vibration Levels
- 64.8cc 4-MIX Engine
- Adjustable Blower Tube
Reasons to avoid
- The listing does not publish CFM or MPH figures, so exact airflow is not stated here
- As a gas backpack it still requires fuel mixing and regular engine maintenance
Stihl BR 700 back
The Stihl BR 700 is a professional back-carried blower with an adjustable blow tube and a maximum blowing force listed at 88 m/s, which Stihl positions as ideal for large areas. It uses the Stihl anti-vibration system, a soft grip, the 4-MIX motor and wide shoulder straps for comfort during extended work.
Reasons to buy
- The professional leaf blower BR 700 from STIHL
- The particular advantages of this leaf blower are the high blowing force and low weight (1
- This professional leaf blower is ideal for comfortably removing lawn and hedge cuttings, l
- Other features of this leaf blower include the soft grip, the Stihl anti-vibration system
- The wide shoulder straps allow a particularly high level of comfort, especially during lon
Reasons to avoid
- At about 10.8 kg it is a heavier backpack unit to carry
- It is a professional-grade tool, so it is more blower than a small yard needs
Thalorus 52cc Backpack Leaf Blower
The Thalorus 52cc gas backpack blower is rated 550 CFM and 230 MPH and weighs about 13.6 pounds, with the listing citing up to 45 minutes of runtime from a 1-liter tank. It uses a cushioned harness and adds thumb throttle and cruise control, making it a lower-cost gas backpack option.
Reasons to buy
- Unleash Weekend-Winning Power: Obliterate wet leaves & stubborn debris with 550 CFM & 230
- Lightweight Design, Heavy-Duty Comfort: At just 13.6 lbs—25% lighter than many pro units—o
- Finish the Job in One Go: The large 1-liter tank and hyper-efficient carburetor deliver up
- Year-Round Reliability: Built with a rugged housing and sealed engine to perform from 14°F
- Starts Without the Struggle: Forget endless pulling and frustration; our reliable engine i
Reasons to avoid
- It is a Thalorus unit, not a Stihl, so it is a budget cross-brand alternative
- Its 550 CFM airflow trails the higher-output gas backpacks in this group
Husqvarna 360BT Gas Leaf Blower
The Husqvarna 360BT is a gas backpack blower with a 65.6cc 2-cycle X-Torque engine rated 890 CFM and 232 MPH, the highest airflow figure here. It uses a ventilated load-reducing harness, an air purge system for easy starting and LowVib technology to cut vibration.
Reasons to buy
- Husqvarna 360BT Backpack Leaf Blower combines a high powered gas powered leaf blower with
- Powerful Leaf Blower: Gas backpack leaf blower with 2-cycle, 65.5-cc, 3.81-HP X-TORQUE Eng
- Ergonomic Features: This gas leaf blower backpack features a ventilated, load-reducing har
- Easy Starting and Operation: Air purge system removes air from the carburetor and fuel sys
- Gas Blowers for Lawn Care: Backpack gas leaf blowers feature cruise control for easier ope
Reasons to avoid
- It is a Husqvarna, not a Stihl, so it is an alternative brand
- Its larger engine and high output come with more weight, noise and fuel use
What to look for
Engine and airflow
Backpack blowers live and die on power. The gas units here range from a 51cc Husqvarna to a 65.6cc one, while Stihl's BR 600 and BR 700 use the 4-MIX engine. Match the displacement and airflow to how large and leaf-heavy your property is.
Comfort and harness
You wear a backpack blower, so the harness matters as much as the engine. Look for padded straps, a hip belt and weight-leveling, features called out on the Stihl BR 700 and the Husqvarna units, which reduce strain over an hour of work.
Vibration control
Long sessions are where vibration wears on your hands and arms. Stihl highlights low vibration levels and its anti-vibration system, and Husqvarna cites LowVib technology, both of which help you keep working comfortably.
Weight
A powerful backpack can be heavy. The Stihl BR 700 is listed around 10.8 kg and the Thalorus at about 13.6 pounds, so weigh the extra capability against how much mass you want on your shoulders for a full cleanup.
Gas maintenance
Every backpack here is gas powered, so plan for a fuel mix, occasional plug and filter care, and engine noise. That is the trade for the sustained, refuel-and-go power that makes gas backpacks suited to the largest properties.
Our verdict
Among Stihl backpack blowers the BR 600 is the sensible pick. It uses Stihl's 64.8cc 4-MIX engine with low vibration levels and an adjustable blower tube, making it a professional-grade gas backpack blower built for clearing large areas.
FAQs
The Stihl BR 600 is the balanced choice with its 64.8cc 4-MIX engine, low vibration and adjustable tube. For the biggest properties, the BR 700 steps up to a higher listed blowing force of 88 m/s at the cost of more weight.
The BR 600 listing does not publish CFM or MPH figures, focusing instead on the 4-MIX engine and comfort features. The BR 700 states a maximum blowing force of 88 m/s. The Husqvarna and Thalorus alternatives do list CFM and MPH.
The 4-MIX is Stihl's engine that runs on a fuel mix like a 2-cycle but uses valves for cleaner, more efficient operation. Both the BR 600 and BR 700 use it, and it is central to how those Stihl backpacks perform.
No. The Husqvarna 150BT and 360BT and the Thalorus 52cc are separate gas backpack blowers included as alternatives. They publish their own CFM and MPH numbers, with the 360BT posting the highest airflow at 890 CFM.
They are substantial. The Stihl BR 700 is listed around 10.8 kg and the Thalorus at about 13.6 pounds. A padded harness and hip belt help carry that weight, but it is more than a small yard typically needs.