Heating, Ventilating, and Air Conditioning, simply known as HVAC, technicians are often called upon for a variety of jobs. It may be either plumbing, repairing, having to work with electricity or PVC, cutting out sheets of metal, ductwork, etc. For such different jobs, a number of different tools are also required.
To ensure that all these tools, for each specific job, are always on hand, one definitely requires a strong, high-quality tool bag. HVAC bags are specially designed to store all such tools and gear and therefore, are 100% job site necessity.
This article includes an in-depth review of the top 8 HVAC backpacks available today.
Comparison Chart of the Best HVAC Tool Bags
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What Makes a Great Backpack or Tool Bag?
There are several choices available today when it comes to buying a tool bag. However, it is important to find one that is strong and durable and truly serves its purpose. Mentioned below are a few factors that must be considered when buying a backpack.
Material
A bag that is able to withstand the toughness and wear and tears of an HVAC work environment is said to be the most suitable. Such bags are usually made of a strong material that will not easily wear out and last you a long time.
Quality
High-quality bags are essential for carrying heavy work tools to keep the bag straps from snapping off. HVAC bags are usually suspended over the shoulder, which means it is important that the shoulder straps are durable and tough enough to support the heavy weight of the bag. In addition, it is also necessary for the bag to be ergonomic to ensure that the technician does not find it strenuous to carry the bag and tire out easily.
Capacity
From screwdrivers to pliers, wrenches to tape measures, there is simply too much gear that a technician needs to keep in person to avoid going back and forth to the truck all the time. This means that their tool bag should have ample space for them to store all their tools in one place, saving them time.
Layout
The effective layout of a professional-grade HVAC bag is the number, arrangement, and size of pouches on the tool bag, both inside and outside. These pouches allow more tool compartment as well as easy access to the tools. Therefore, it is important that you look for a bag that has many pockets as well as is efficiently compartmentalized.
At a Glance: Our Top Picks for HVAC Tool Bags
- OUR TOP PICK: CLC Custom LeatherCraft Multi-Compartment 50 Pocket Tool Bag
- RUNNER-UP: CLC Custom Leathertcraft Carpenter's Backpack, 44 Pockets
- BEST BUDGET OPTION: DEWALT Technician's Tool Bag, 41 Pocket
Review of the Best HVAC Tool Bags
Now that you know what to look for when purchasing a tool bag mentioned below are the top picks for the best HVAC bag that you should consider investing in.
Best Overall
CLC Custom Leather Craft 1539 Multi-Compartment 50 Pocket Tool Bag
Specifications
Dimensions: 18 x 14 x 7″
Material: Polyester, Polypropylene
Number of Pockets/Compartments: 50
Waterproof/Resistant? Water-Resistant
Convenience Features: Includes a large carabiner and a tape-measure clip on the exterior, equipped with a textured, padded, adjustable shoulder strap, as well as padded handles
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Review
As required, this bag has plenty of space with its 50 pockets feature that allows you to organize all of your tools and accessories. These pockets are also vertically arranged to make sure the tools are in sight and easily accessible. Not only this, this tool bag supports large hand tools as well with its large center compartment. Not only does this compartment allows you to store power tools but also separates them from outside pockets.
Moreover, this is an extremely durable backpack that features strong straps and heavy-duty zippers to keep your tool secure and safe during transit, preventing any spills or missing tools. To further maximize comfort, it also contains padded and adjustable shoulder strap as well as padded handles to allow firm, secure grip.
Bottom Line
In all, this CLC tool bag is a great choice. Not only is the bag spacious, but it is also sturdy. It serves its purpose well and gives you value for your money.
Pros
50 pocket design provides a lot of storage space
Padded handles and shoulder straps are also present to enhance user experience
Strong straps and zipper make the bag spill-proof, meaning it keeps the contents of the bag safe
A large center compartment is also present for larger tools and keeps them separate from the other outside pockets
Cons
Backpack is not waterproof and hence is not suitable for use on the rainy days
Weight of an empty bag is quite much, and when filled with tools and parts, it only gets heavier
Runner-up
CLC Custom Leather Craft 1134 Carpenter’s Tool Backpack
Specifications
Dimensions: 8.5 x 13.27 x 16″
Material: Polyester, Polypropylene
Number of Pockets/Compartments: 44
Waterproof/Resistant? Water-Resistant
Convenience Features: Padded shoulder straps, large main compartments, and reinforced padded carrying handles
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Review
Having your tools neatly organized and in place are very helpful in improving efficiency and overall productivity. This CLC tool backpack comprises of many pockets and is effectively compartmentalized to keep all your tools and accessories in place and in sight. In total, the bag comprises of 48 pockets; 41 of them being on the inside and the remaining 7 on the exterior.
It also has two large main compartments. One has numerous small pockets and compartments for handy tools such as screwdrivers, pliers, etc. while the other holds a lot of space for bigger tools such as a cordless drilling machine and batteries. All of these pockets are adjustable and can be compressed to accommodate all items, even the heavier, bulkier ones.
Due to tool backpacks often getting too heavy to carry, this CLC bag features padded back support as well as shoulder straps along with an adjustable chest strap to eliminate discomfort. To make handling further easy, the bag also has dual handles at the top, making this strong and durable backpack a perfect choice for HVAC technicians. An added benefit of this backpack is that it has feet at the bottom to keep its contents safe even in wet, rainy days.
Bottom Line
This CLC tool bag can turn out to be a great investment. Not only does it have a lot of space for all your tools, but it is also a high-quality, durable backpack that will surely stay in perfect condition for a long time.
Pros
All pockets are adjustable and compressible to accommodate all kinds of items
The feet present at the bottom of this backpack makes it ideal for any kind of weather conditions
Two large compartments are also provided, one with pockets for smaller tools and the other for larger, heavier ones
Has a number of pockets and compartments to make sure one is able to store all of their tools in one place
This durable bag also ensures user comfort with its padded back support, shoulder straps as well as an adjustable chest strap
Cons
Heavy even when empty, filling it only makes it heavier and strenuous
Although there is plenty of space for regular sized items, there isn’t enough place and pockets for irregular and odd-sized items
Best for the Money
DEWALT DGL573 Lighted Technician’s Tool Bag
Specifications
Dimensions: 10 x 8.25 x 7.5″
Material: Polyester
Number of Pockets/Compartments: 41
Convenience Features: Padded web carrying handles base pad feet and adjustable shoulder straps
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Review
This backpack by DEWALT is one that is strategically designed to make sure you find all your tools in the right spots at the right time. It consists of 41 pockets in total, 13 on the outside while the rest 28 multi-purpose pockets on the inside.
These pockets are variable in size to allow easy access to all small and large tools. There is also one large central compartment where you can store your bulky tools. On either side of the bag, there are small Velcro pouches for placing frequently used tool.
Despite so many pockets on all sides of this bag, comfort is still assured with its padded web carrying handles, large pads on the back as well as adjustable shoulder straps. It also guarantees high quality with its strong material built and base pad feet to reduce abrasion and wear.
Not to forget about its most unique feature that is the presence of LED lights with an output of 39 Lumens. These lights can easily be directed at and around workspace or inside the bag with their 3 levels of light output. They can be adjusted for a wider area illumination or even close-up concentrated work.
Bottom Line
In all, this bag is a great bag for HVAC technicians who need to store all their items in an organized manner. It is a strong, durable bag that is comfortable and also looks good to carry.
Pros
Strong, durable built along with base pad feet
One large central compartment is also present for bigger, heavier tools
Also has LED lights with variable intensities to lighten up dim places
The comfort of the user is looked after with its padded handles, back support, and shoulder supports
Many pockets that are in different sizes to allow tools and accessories of variable sizes and shapes to be accommodated safely
Cons
The bag is much larger than expected and may cause some inconvenience for people who do not need such a large backpack with them
Veto Pro Pac TECH Service Technician Bag
Specifications
Dimensions: 14.25 x 9.88 x 21.5″
Material: 950 and 1250 PVC Impregnated Denier Nylon, Polypropylene
Number of Pockets/Compartments: 56
Waterproof/Resistant? Waterproof
Convenience Features: Veto Pro Pac’s patented center panel, heavy duty construction and stabilizing injection molded waterproof base that keeps tools dry
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Review
This tool bag by Veto Pro is an all nylon backpack that features a single large central compartment with further 56 more pockets, both inside and outside. These pockets are patented to provide a non-tipping and a stable environment. It also consists of 2 storage bays and 4 side storage compartments.
To make access easier to the back storage bay and reduce strain on the shoulders, the product comes with a quick release metal hasp. It is also ergonomically designed with padded EVA thermal-formed back padding to make sure the user is comfortable during use.
Unlike other bags that tip over when left standing, this Veto Pro Bag is equipped with a 3 mm thick polypropylene base that keeps the contents of the bag safe and in place without letting the weight of the bag tip it over, providing structural support.
Bottom Line
This is a fairly good bag that serves its purpose well. Apart from the slight issue with the pockets, it is an otherwise good tool bag that is worth buying.
Pros
All pockets are patented to prevent spilling
Also carries 2 storage bays as well as 4 compartments
3 mm polypropylene base keeps the contents of the bag safe
Quick release metal hasp makes access to the rear bay much easier
Ergonomic bag with a padded back and shoulder straps, increasing comfort
Consists of 56 pockets in total, making it a very spacious storage bag for your tools
Cons
A few pockets are also too small for regular items, making them almost useless
Although there are many pockets, a few pockets are too deep, resulting in the user having to fish for their tool for a while
CLC Custom Leather Craft L255 Tech Gear 53 Pocket Lighted Back Pack
Specifications
Dimensions: 14.5 x 11 x 22.5″
Material: Polyester
Number of Pockets/Compartments: 53
Convenience Features: Built-In LED light, 2 Cinch straps for cordless drill/driver and battery charger, padded shoulder straps
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Review
The CLC tool bag is one fairly strong backpack that can withstand wear and abrasion. It is also quite spacious with its 53 pockets, all of which allow easier and efficient organization of tools. The dual compartment design also calls for better-organized tool storage.
For larger tools, however, it has separate 2 straps. Apart from this, it is also quite convenient and comfortable with padded back and shoulder straps along with an adjustable sternum strap. This product also features a built-in LED light to brighten up darker workspaces.
Bottom Line
Despite there being many pros, there are a few cons that need to be addressed. Aside from that, it is a good backpack for lighter, indoor works.
Pros
Looks after the comfort of the user with padding all around
53 pockets for a neat, organized tool bag for numerous tools
Also has a built-in LED light for when working in darker spaces
Cons
Poorly built bag that is flimsy and cannot take a lot of abuse
Lacks base feet due to which it keeps on toppling over and does not stand upright on its own
Klein Tools Electrician Tool Bag 39 Pockets and Molded Base
Specifications
Dimensions: 14.5 x 7.25 x 20″
Material: 1680d Ballistic Weave
Number of Pockets/Compartments: 39
Waterproof/Resistant? Water-Resistant
Convenience Features: Molded front pocket, molded base, extra padding for shoulder strap
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Review
This backpack features 39 pockets providing plenty of tool storage space. It also has a hard, molded front pocket for fragile items and loose parts. Its bright interior helps in finding tools. Its durable molded base provides structural support as well as protects the contents of the bag.
Bottom Line
The weak zippers are the biggest failure of this bag, causing the user to overlook the rest of its qualities and features.
Pros
Structural support is provided by the molded base
Bright, orange interior makes looking for tools easier
Has 39 pockets to provide ample space for tools and accessories
Front molded pocket can be used to store safety glasses or loose parts
Cons
Zippers of this bag don’t last long, resulting in the bag not closing at all
WORKPRO 16-inch Wide Mouth Tool Bag with Water Proof Molded Base
Specifications
Dimensions: 15.75 x 8.66 x 9.84″
Material: 600D Polyester, Metal, Rubber
Number of Pockets/Compartments: 21
Waterproof/Resistant? Waterproof
Convenience Features: Extra padded handle and adjustable shoulder strap
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Review
The material of this bag is 600D polyester that means immense durability while its fine stitching makes it extremely tough. With pockets both on the inside and outside as well as belts for storage, the bag keeps your tools organized and secure.
Moreover, its wide open mouth and double-pull zipper allow easy access when you need your tools. It is also waterproof, and abrasion resistant to keep your tools dry and rust free as well as protect it. Extra padding on the shoulders and handles increase user comfort.
Bottom Line
The pockets on this bag are almost useless except for a few, which makes it a not-so-user-friendly product.
Pros
Waterproof and fall-resistant to protect your tools
21 pockets and 8 belts for the organization of tools
Increased comfort with padding on shoulders and handles
Strong, sturdy material guarantees durability and long-lasting
Cons
Inside pockets are too shallow and floppy
Veto Pro Pac TECH-LC Tool Bag
Specifications
Dimensions: 14 x 14 x 10″
Material: 100% Denier Nylon
Number of Pockets/Compartments: 53
Convenience Features: 5 year warranty, 8 new small Neoprene pockets for drill bits and bit extensions
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Review
This 100% denier nylon bag is a rugged construction backpack that can definitely take a beating. It also has maximized storage capacity with its 53 pockets. Along with that, there is separate space for meters, impact drills, and other bulkier items.
Bottom Line
This is a bag that can take a beating and look as good as new. A strong, durable backpack that can last a long time.
Pros
Very tough and perfect for HVAC worksites
Ample pocket space for all kinds of tools, small as well as big
Cons
Fairly smaller than bags from other brands
Why a Good Bag or Backpack is Important
Honestly, a quality bag and backpack can legitimately make you money. It cuts down on trips back and forth to the truck and ensures that all your tools are on your person at all times. Having a bag or pack in close proximity makes work safer and it helps with job efficiency – knowing you always have the proper tool instead of succumbing to the temptation to ‘make do.’ Backpacks also allow you to climb ladders in a much safer manner.
Conclusion
Being an HVAC technician, a tool bag is compulsory. However, it is important that this bag is convenient, easy to use, and durable. Consider this list of the best HVAC bags when making a purchase to make sure you get only the best.
