Buying the Best HVAC Tool Bag [2021 EDITION]
What is the best HVAC tool bag on the market in 2021? That’s what we will look at today.
Whether you’re an HVAC technician, electrician, plumber, or other professional that needs tools while out on the road, a quality tool bag is vital.
To help you select the right one for you we have taken 5 top-rated HVAC tool bags and rucksacks and conducted some in-depth analysis of each.
For our findings at a glance, just head to the table below; for a comprehensive review of each tool bag, plus a dedicated buyer’s guide, keep on reading.
Best Tool Bag for HVAC
Best HVAC Tool Bag – The Reviews
HVAC tool bags can be rated based on their ergonomic design, load-free weight, durability of bag materials, and layout style, specifically the number of pouches.
The following 5 HVAC tool bags are in our opinion some of the best on the market today.
1. TOP PICK: Veto Pro-Pac Tech-Pac Service Technician Bag, Single-Pack
This is a high-quality, heavy-duty HVAC tool backpack made of weatherproof body fabric that rests on a non-tipping bottom platform.
It features the patented center panel of Veto Pro Pac which divides the internal space of the bag into 2 storage bays, the Front Inside and the Back Inside storage bays.
Each of these storage bays features 2 storage platforms, the front and back platforms hence giving this bag a total of 4 storage platforms.
The tool pouches are distributed among these 4 storage platforms, and in total, this bag has 56 tool pouches (or pockets).
The bag is made by Veto Pro Pac of course, a leading manufacturer of durable, long-lasting, and high-quality HVAC tool bags.
The Tech-Pac Service Technician Bag has a load-free weight of 9 pounds, which makes it quite a relatively lightweight bag considering the materials it is made from, and the fact that its non-tipping bottom is a 3mm-thick polypropylene base.
Even so, this load-free weight makes the bag unsuitable for carrying a few tools as the bag weight would feel heavy even though the tools weigh very little.
On average, the base of this bag is 14.2 inches long and 9.9 inches wide, while its average height is 21.5 inches; and its size is rated as Large by Veto Pro Pac.
These dimensions give the bag an average internal (storage) volume of 3,023 cubic inches, which is compartmentalized into 2 storage bays with 4 platforms, and this increases the carrying capacity of the bag well beyond its average internal volume.
This tool backpack is designed for professional technicians who need to have their hands free while carrying their service tools as this allows them to climb ladders, or navigate easily through a densely-packed street.
Likewise, it allows the technician to walk for long distances without tiring quickly.
This is possible because the firm back padding of this bag, along with its straps allows for optimal weight distribution.
This is further made achievable by the stiff backplate of the backpack which reduces drag when the technician is walking or climbing.
This not only allows for comfortable transport of working tools, but also makes it safe to carry them when climbing cage ladders and other spaces that require the technicians to use both hands to navigate easily.
The internal organization of the Tech-Pac Service Technician Bag allows for 56 tool pockets which are well distributed among the 4 storage platforms in the bag.
These pockets vary in size from small pockets to large ones, and the technician is expected to fit HVAC tools to pockets that closely approximate their respective sizes.
This prevents small tools from being fitted into large pockets, hence causing the tools to knock against one another as the technician is on the move.
Likewise, it allows for delicate tools to be safely carried around.
In summation, its internal organization allows for the safe transport of various hand tools including meters, cordless drills, impact drivers, and parts boxes; as well as bulky items like manifold gauges, cable wires, and hoses.
The technician can also safely include a tablet or lunch-box among the items carried.
The tool pockets in the front-inside storage bay are made from weatherproof fabric and 1800-PVC impregnated denier nylon. Delicate tools can be placed here.
Meanwhile, the tool pockets in the back-inside storage bay are made from neoprene which makes this bay much more wear-resistant than the front-inside bay, and thus bulky tools and items with either sharp or jagged edges can be placed here.
The back-inside storage bay is larger than the front-inside storage bay. This backpack also features D-rings, memory stick, and bit extension pockets; as well as a stainless-steel tape clip.
This HVAC backpack also features unique and well-designed closures. It features both bucket-style closures and zip closures, and some of its pockets also feature Velcro closures.
Its innovative quick-release handle allows the technician to easily access the back-inside storage bay.
The heavy-duty construction of this backpack features water-resistant fabric, back padding, and tough fastenings that cannot become undone by the heavyweight of the tools carried.
Its thermoformed EVA (ethylene-vinyl acetate) padding allows for molding of an ergonomic back pad, which is then be connected to adjustable shoulder straps.
The EVA-padded back panel also cushions the back of the technicians from being stumped by the tools being carried in the bag.
Furthermore, its base is constructed from an injection-molded non-tipping platform that not only stabilizes the backpack when it is placed on the floor, but it also creates a waterproof casing that allows tools to be kept dry regardless of the surrounding conditions.
The load-displacing shoulder strap system is well-padded and features multiple strap-adjustment points that allow the technician to tighten or loosen the backpack across the shoulders when necessary.
Also, this strap system features an ergonomic thermoplastic rubber (called thermoplastic vulcanizate or TPV) grip.
Moreover, there is an extensible aluminum hook, which is normally internally stored, but can be easily extended when required.
This HVAC tool backpack comes with a 5-year (60 months) limited warranty guaranteed by Veto Pro Pac.
This warranty only covers bag defects caused by normal use, and hence any unauthorized modification of the bag voids the warranty.
- Features a center panel that compartmentalizes the storage space into 3 storage bays.
- Heavy-duty construction.
- Has a non-tipping injection-molded bottom platform.
- Has dual storage bays and four storage platforms.
- Has 56 tool pockets.
- Ergonomic design.
- Well-designed shoulder strap system.
- Supported by a 60-months limited warranty.
- It is large. Not suitable for carrying only a few tools.
Bottom-Line
The Veto Pro-Pac Tech-Pac Service Technician Bag is a black high-quality and heavy-duty HVAC tool backpack made of weatherproof body fabric that rests on a non-tipping bottom platform. The ample storage compartment is compartmentalized into two storage bays by a proprietary center panel; making it very easy to organize your tools.
The superb ergonomic design, relatively lightweight load-free weight, heavy-duty construction using durable and long-lasting materials, and exceptional layout style that features 56 pouches make (in our opinion) the Veto Pro-Pac Tech-Pac Service Technician Bag the best HVAC tool bag in our top 5.
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2. BEST BUDGET: Klein Tools 55456BPL HVAC Tool Backpack
This is a heavy-duty HVAC tool backpack that is described as a Tradesman-Pro Tech Backpack by its manufacturer.
Its non-tipping base is made from a highly-durable 1680D ballistic weave that protects the HVAC tools from water, moisture, and environmental elements.
Its weatherproof body fabric features a hard-molded front pocket for the storage of fragile items such as safety glasses.
Its internal organization allows for the creation of a laptop compartment, as well as a storage compartment for cables and adapters. It has 25 tool pouches that are well-distributed inside the storage compartments.
This bag is made by a U.S-based company, Klein Tools, Inc. This model has a black and orange color scheme.
The Klein Tools 55456BPL has a load-free weight of 5.8 pounds, which makes it a relatively lightweight bag as compared to the Veto Pro-Pac Tech-Pac Service Technician Bag.
Therefore, in contrast to the Veto Pro-Pac Tech-Pac Service Technician Bag, the Klein Tools 55456BPL backpack can be used for carrying a few tools as the bag weight would not feel as heavy.
The base of the 55456BPL is 14 inches long and 7 inches wide, while its average height is 18.2 inches.
This makes it smaller in size when compared to Veto Pro-Pac Tech-Pac Service Technician Bag.
These dimensions give the bag an average internal storage volume of 1,784 cubic inches, which is compartmentalized into several storage bays.
Like our top pick from Veto, this design increase the carrying capacity beyond its average internal volume.
The Klein Tools 55456BPL is also designed for professional HVAC technicians who need to carry a tablet or laptop to the workplace.
Featuring an organizer pouch for phones and pens, the bag also allows technicians to use both their hands while carrying their service tools.
This of course allows for important tasks such as climbing ladders and accessing hard-to-reach areas while at work.
The firm back padding of this bag, alongside its straps, allows for optimal weight distribution.
This is further enhanced by its stiff backplate that reduces drag when the technician is walking or climbing.
The internal organization of the Klein Tools 55456BPL allows for 25 tool pockets which are well distributed among its storage platforms.
These pockets vary in size from small pockets to large ones, and the technician is expected to fit HVAC tools to pockets that closely approximate their respective sizes.
Its internal organization allows for the safe transport of various HVAC job-site tools including meters, electronics, and cables; as well as a laptop (including a 17-inch laptop), tablet, phone, and pens.
The 55456BPL features unique and well-designed closures. Its innovative top-placed lever placement handle allows the technician to easily access the different storage bays. There are 3 such handles in this backpack.
The heavy-duty construction of this backpack features water-resistant fabric, back padding, and tough fastenings that can bear weight without becoming loose.
Its padding allows for the molding of an ergonomic back pad, which is seamlessly connected to its adjustable shoulder straps.
Its base is constructed from a waterproof non-tipping platform that allows for tools to be kept dry regardless of the surrounding conditions. Its load-displacing shoulder straps are well-padded.
- Storage space is compartmentalized into separate storage bays.
- Heavy-duty construction.
- Has a waterproof non-tipping bottom platform.
- Has 25 tool pockets.
- Ergonomic design.
- Relatively cheap when compared to other options in our top 5.
- Cannot carry as many tools as Veto Pro-Pac Tech-Pac Service Technician Bag.
- Some customers have commented that the zips can malfunction.
Bottom-Line
The Klein Tools 55456BPL is a heavy-duty and high-quality HVAC tool backpack that is rated as a Tradesman-Pro Tech Backpack.
It features a waterproof non-tipping base made from durable 1680D ballistic weave, as well as a weatherproof body fabric that has a hard-molded front pocket for storage of fragile items such as safety glasses.
The durability of the design alongside great functionality at a very competitive price make for a highly recommended tool bag.
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3. Custom LeatherCraft 1132 Technicians Backpack
This is a high-quality backpack that has 75 pockets that are well arranged inside this multi-compartment tool bag.
Its weatherproof body fabric is made from the patented DuPont Cordura-Plus fabric. It has 6 sectioned-off (that is, isolated) compartments, with each of this compartment featuring a zipper as well as being fully padded.
This bag is made by Custom Leathercraft. This model has a multi-color scheme.
The Custom LeatherCraft 1132 has a load-free weight of 5 pounds, which makes it a relatively lightweight bag as compared to either of the options reviewed above.
Also, unlike these 2 aforementioned tool bag models, the Custom LeatherCraft 1132 model does not feature a non-tipping base platform. Even so, it can be used to carry a few on-site HVAC tools.
1132 has a base that is 13 inches long and 9 inches wide, while its average height is 17.5 inches.
This makes it smaller in size when compared to Veto Pro-Pac Tech-Pac Service Technician Bag.
The dimensions of the Custom LeatherCraft 1132 give it an average internal storage volume of 2,047 cubic inches, which is compartmentalized into multiple sectioned-off storage bays.
This tool bag also features sleeves and partitions that help organize the work tools properly.
It has a dedicated interior panel for holding a 14-piece wrench set. Its zippered compartments keep the tools well secured inside their storage platforms.
Like all good HVAC backpacks, the Custom LeatherCraft allows technicians to use both their hands while carrying their service tools.
The firm back padding of this bag, alongside its straps, allows for optimal weight distribution.
This is further enhanced by its stiff backplate that reduces drag when the technician is walking or climbing.
The 75 pockets vary in size from small pockets to large ones.
In short, the bag’s internal organization allows for the safe transport of various HVAC job-site tools including a wrench set, meters, electric drills (usually cordless drills), screwdrivers, extension cords, hoses, and pliers among other essential HVAC tools.
It also features a multi-compartment parts tray that measures 7 inches by 5 inches.
This HVAC backpack features unique and well-designed closures. It features both hook-and-loop flap closures and zip closures, and some of its pockets also feature Velcro closures.
It has 2 top-placed lever placement handles that allow a technician to easily access the different storage bays.
Just like the Klein Tools 55456BPL, the heavy-duty construction of 1132 features water-resistant fabric, back padding, and tough fastenings that can bear weight well.
Its padding allows for molding of an ergonomic back pad, which is seamlessly connected to its adjustable well-padded shoulder straps.
- Has 75 tool pockets.
- Features multiple storage bays.
- Heavy-duty construction.
- Ergonomic design.
- Well-designed shoulder strap system.
- Has a multi-compartment parts tray.
- Affordable.
- Most of its pockets are relatively small for fitting bulky work tools.
- Many pocket tools can tempt the technician to overload the bag.
Bottom-Line
Custom LeatherCraft 1132 is a multi-colored high-quality and heavy-duty HVAC tool backpack made of the weatherproof DuPont Cordura-Plus fabric.
Its clever design sees the bag made up of 6 sectioned-off and padded compartments that contain 75 tool pockets. These are well arranged inside this multi-compartment tool bag, providing a comprehensive HVAC tool storage solution.
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4. Veto Pro-Pac Tech-LC HVAC Tool Bag
Here we have another a high-quality, heavy-duty tool bag from Veto Pro-Tac that features a rugged construction and optimized storage capacity.
Its weatherproof body fabric is made from high-quality denier nylon. It is rated as the HVAC-technician service version of the LC model.
It has 53 pouches for tools, with 8 of these pouches being small neoprene pockets for drill bits and their related bit extensions.
The Veto Pro-Pac Tech-LC has a load-free weight of 7 pounds, which makes it quite a relatively lightweight tool bag that can be carried around easily, either by strapping it on the shoulder or by carrying it by hand using its top-placed padded handle.
Even so, this load-free weight makes the bag unsuitable for carrying few tools as the bag weight would feel heavy even though the tools weigh very little.
Just like Veto Pro-Pac Tech-Pac Service Technician Bag, this Tech-LC version features a non-tipping injection-molded bottom platform that is both waterproof and weatherproof.
The base of Veto Pro-Pac Tech-LC is 16.5 inches long and 9.5 inches wide, while its average height is 13.5 inches.
This shows that the length of the base is greater than the height of the bag, which allows the bag to rest on a wide base platform, unlike backpacks whose height is greater than the lengths of their bases.
These dimensions give this tool bag an average internal volume of 2,116 cubic inches, which is compartmentalized into multiple storage bays with each bay featuring 2 storage platforms.
Ultimately, this increases the carrying capacity of this bag well beyond its average internal volume.
This tool backpack is designed for professional technicians whose job does not entail climbing ladders or walking long distances.
Its top-placed handle is well-padded for the comfort of handling, as well as to reduce the strain placed on the hand carrying the tool bag.
There is also an option of a shoulder strap, whose tough strap cannot snap under the recommended weight load and whose padded shoulder section can comfortably rest on a shoulder without placing undue strain on it.
Its base is constructed from an injection-molded non-tipping platform that stabilizes the tool bag when it is placed on the floor, as well as creates a waterproof casing that allows tools to be kept dry regardless of the surrounding conditions.
The internal organization of Veto Pro-Pac Tech-LC allows for the incorporation of 53 tool pockets that are well distributed among the multiple storage platforms in the bag.
These pockets vary in size from small pockets to large one, and the technician is expected to fit HVAC tools to pockets that closely approximate their respective sizes.
This internal organization allows for the safe transport of various hand tools including meters, cordless drills, impact drivers, and parts boxes; as well as bulky items like manifold gauges, cable wires, and hoses.
The Veto Pro-Pac Tech-LC comes with a 5-year (60 months) limited warranty guaranteed by Veto Pro Pac.
This warranty only covers bag defects caused by normal use, and it can be voided if the owner makes unauthorized modifications.
- Has multiple storage bays.
- Heavy-duty construction.
- Has a non-tipping injection-molded bottom platform.
- Has 53 tool pockets.
- Ergonomic design.
- Well-designed shoulder strap system.
- Supported by a 60-months limited warranty.
- Cannot be carried on the back.
- Expensive.
Bottom-Line
Veto Pro-Pac Tech-LC is a high-quality, heavy-duty tool bag that features rugged construction and optimized storage capacity, and whose weatherproof body fabric is made from durable denier nylon.
It has 53 pouches for tools, which are well distributed among its multiple storage bays. If a tool bag configuration is what you are after (rather than a backpack), this is the one to buy.
5. DeWalt DGL523 HVAC Tool Backpack
This a high-quality LED-lighted HVAC tool backpack manufactured by the ever-present DeWalt. Its LED lights allows the technician to either illuminate the work area or illuminate inside the bag when seeking for a specific tool.
This backpack has a total of 57 tool pockets, with 48 pockets being placed internally, while the remaining 9 pockets are outside-facing.
The DeWalt DGL523 has a load-free weight of 5 pounds, which makes it a relatively lightweight bag when compared to either the Veto Pro-Pac Tech-Pac Service Technician Bag or the Klein Tools 55456BPL.
It can be used for carrying a few tools as the bag weight would not unduly alter the overall weight of the load.
The base of the DGL523 is 8.5 inches long and 4.5 inches wide, while its average height is 7.4 inches.
This makes it smaller in size when compared to either the Veto Pro-Pac Tech-Pac or the Klein Tools.
The dimensions of the DeWalt DGL523 give it an average internal storage volume of 283 cubic inches, which is compartmentalized into several storage bays.
This tool bag also features an organizer pouch. The ergonomic design of this HVAC tool backpack allows technicians to use both their hands while carrying their service tools.
The firm back padding of this bag, alongside its straps, allows for optimal weight distribution.
This is further improved by its stiff backplate that reduces drag when the technician is walking or climbing.
The featured LED lighting is graded into 3 levels. This allows for the light output to be adjusted as necessary, and this allows the technician to illuminate either a wide work-area or a narrow close-up work-area.
Because it uses battery-powered LED lights, this backpack comes with 2 AAA-size batteries that can be easily replaced. The maximum light output of the LED lighting system is 39 lumens.
The DeWalt DGL523 also features unique and well-designed closures, with its 2 top-placed handles allowing the technician to easily access the storage bays.
Likewise, its heavy-duty construction features water-resistant fabric, back padding, and tough fastenings that can bear weight without becoming loose.
Its padding allows for the molding of an ergonomic back pad, which is seamlessly connected to its adjustable shoulder straps.
Its base features base pad feet which are designed to minimize wear caused by abrasion. Moreover, its load-displacing shoulder straps are well-padded.
- Storage space is compartmentalized into separate storage bays.
- Heavy-duty construction.
- Has 57 tool pockets.
- Ergonomic design.
- Well-designed shoulder strap system.
- Most of its pockets are relatively small for fitting bulky work tools.
- Cannot carry as many tools as Veto Pro-Pac Tech-Pac Service Technician Bag.
- Its zips have been known to malfunction.
Bottom-Line
The DeWalt DGL523 is a high-quality LED-lighted HVAC tool backpack that has a total of 57 tool pockets.
Ample storage space at a good price makes the DGL523 a viable option for all manner of service technicians and is a worthy addition to our top 5 list.
Best HVAC Tool Bag Buyer’s Guide
Why buying the right HVAC tool bag is so important
Heating and air conditioning systems need to be properly installed and maintained so as to ensure that the building, home, or indoor facility is well ventilated, as this not only guarantees that the indoor air quality is good, but it also promotes thermal comfort.
Normally, HVAC (Heating, ventilation and air-conditioning) technicians are expected to properly install and maintain HVAC systems.
This means that an HVAC technician can be called to perform different duties including installation, troubleshooting, repair or even routine maintenance procedure on an HVAC system.
Each of these duties requires the HVAC technician to use a specific set of tools, and because the technician does not know the exact scope of work required to keep the HVAC system in an optimal working condition, then there is a need to carry all the basic tools required for standard HVAC system installation and maintenance work.
This necessitates the HVAC technician to acquire the right bag or pouch to carry the tools. Fortunately, there is a bag purposely built for carrying HVAC tools around the workplace, and it is called the HVAC tool bag.
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The different types of HVAC tool bag
There are different types of HVAC tool bags, with each type having a specific layout style for placing tools in the bag.
For this reason, the HVAC technician needs to acquire the right HVAC tool bag that can carry the essential HVAC tools that he or she owns.
This is important because having all the necessary HVAC tools at the workplace ensures that the job is done quite efficiently as there is no need for the technician to go back and from their vehicle or home to pick tools, and it also reduces the temptation that the HVAC technician can have to improvise some procedures or working tools because the right tools are far away.
Even so, the HVAC technician needs to acquire a quality HVAC tool bag as it is long-lasting and does not wear out quickly, thus preventing the technician from losing some HVAC tools.
In the modern HVAC market, there are different brands, models, styles, and qualities of HVAC tool bags.
Even so, HVAC tool bags can be broadly categorized into 2 groups; backpacks and tool-bags.
Backpacks can be strapped across both shoulders and then carried on the back, while tool-bags can only be suspended on one shoulder by a padded shoulder strap.
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What to look for when buying an HVAC tool bag
There are 2 key factors that any HVAC technician needs to consider when purchasing an HVAC tool bag; its layout style and materials/build quality.
Layout Style
The layout style is important as it determines how many tools can be carried because it defines the effective carrying capacity of the bag.
The most important aspect of the layout style is the number, size, and arrangement of pouches inside the bag as well as on its external surface.
These pouches determine how tools are placed in the bags, and this also limits the number of tools that can be carried in the bag.
Materials and Build Quality
The quality of the bag is judged based on 3 main criteria; durability, design, and load-free weight.
Durability is determined by the quality of material used to build the bag, and durable materials ensure that the bag does not wear out quickly, while also retaining its unique appearance.
The design determines how the bag is carried around.
The best way to carry an HVAC tool bag is to suspend it over the shoulder, and this requires the bag to have strong and durable shoulder straps that are wear-resistant and can bear the weight of a fully-loaded tool bag.
Apart from the strap design, a high-quality tool bag needs to be ergonomically-designed as this ensures that the technician does not tire easily while carrying the bag.
Likewise, the load-free weight of the bag is important as it determines its portability scale, and a high-quality tool bag is designed to be as lightweight as possible.