How to Build a Better Backpack Sprayer

By Lon Drake

Last week I met friend Reed on his way out the door to spend the day herbiciding weeds, utilizing a backpack sprayer. He already knew how to manage drifting mist by operating at very low pressure, as I outlined in my recent blog about precision spraying.

But he commented that backpack spraying was a darn uncomfortable experience because the hard plastic tank grinds into his back all day, especially the shoulder blades, and wearing heavy enough clothing to pad his back is even more miserable on a sticky summer day. I had solved this problem long ago and hastened to share with him, which made me think the topic also blogworthy. Here is my solution:

Some 30 years ago I purchased two heavy duty universal pack frames made by Coleman. They have padded shoulder straps and a taunt webbed breathable back mesh. Universal means that they have slots around the entire perimeter, as well as in the upper middle, where you can attach whatever you want, wherever you want, with cord, wire, bungee cords, small bolts, “S” hooks, or cable ties.

So I simply removed the cheap straps from my backpack sprayer and tied the sprayer tank directly onto the universal pack frame in three places with multiple wraps of nylon twine. It has been secure there for many years and has not worked loose.

I also reduce my load by filling the tank with three instead of four gallons if I’m going to be walking in difficult places. So between the relatively comfortable quality pack frame and the lighter load, this old man stays in a good mood while spraying herbicide, and can focus on precision without being in a hurry to finish, or wishing I didn’t have to do the spraying at all.

Photo caption: Lon’s backpack sprayer (white and red), tied onto universal pack frame (black). Note the wide flared base on the pack frame, which makes it easy to stand upright with a load, by leaning it against a tree or vehicle without toppling over sideways. Also note some of the slots, which are visible against the white tank.