Harbor Freight has come out with a new Hercules Extreme Duty jobsite backpack.
At the time of this posting, the new Harbor Freight Hercules tool backpack is priced at $140. Harbor Freight says that you “save $59” on this backpack, compared to Klein Tools’ 55484, which is priced at $200.
The new Hercules tool backpack appears to draw inspiration from several makes and models of tool backpacks, including Milwaukee’s $99 15″ Ultimate Jobsite backpack.
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The backpack features 1680D tear-resistant fabric construction, and a molded base that’s impact-resistant and waterproof.
There are 51 pockets for holding various types and sizes of tools and accessories.
The bag also has a 14-pocket removable tool panel, for increasing the access and portability of your most-used tools.
Additional features include padded shoulder straps, a chest strap, metal hanging hook for mounting the tool bag on “everything from ladder rungs to pipes for easy access,” and a tape measure clip.
The main compartment can hold bulkier tools, such as cordless drills or impact drivers, hammers, or power tool accessory cases.
Harbor Freight’s website says that the tool bag has a 90-day warranty covering defects in materials and workmanship.
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Price: $140
Discussion
There are plenty of tool backpacks already on the market. Why buy this one?
Some of the features look well-thought-out, but they could have also been copied from other brands. That’s the biggest hesitation I have about the new Hercules tool bag – is it an original design, or an amalgamation of other brands’ original designs?
At $140, this is surely in premium tool bag territory.
Many tool bag brands, such as CLC Custom Leathercraft, Dewalt, Klein, Milwaukee Tool, and Husky, have multiple options and configurations, as tool bags and backpacks are rarely “one size fits all.”
Is this “Extreme Duty Jobsite Backpack” just the start for Harbor Freight’s Hercules brand? Or is it simply meant to be a more premium option compared to the $75 “Heavy Duty Jobsite Backpack” from Harbor Freight’s Bauer line?
Franck B.
I noticed in the Walmart app today that there’s a Hart hard bottomed tool backpack as well. The bottom is just for shape and water resistance, it does not mount to the Hart storage system.
It might be more comparable to the HF Bauer though, without seeing things in hand it’s hard to judge “ruggedness”.
It’s not really useful for me but if the quality is decent and the price is right, it might be suitable for others.
I’m hoping to hear more about the Dewalt Toughsystem 2.0 half-width backpack!
Franck B.
p.s. the Hart is lower profile too, so maybe the reduction in size is responsible for lower cost. It does have a somewhat interesting external mount for clip on items.
Derek
Seems like Harbor Freight as the manufacturer as Husky for some of these pages.
https://www.harborfreight.com/tool-storage-organization/tool-boxes-bags-belts/tool-bags/16-in-large-mouth-tool-bag-58572.html
https://www.homedepot.com/p/Husky-16-in-Large-Mouth-Tool-Bag-with-Tool-Wall-67126-02/306052559
https://www.harborfreight.com/tool-storage-organization/tool-boxes-bags-belts/20-in-tool-tote-with-21-pockets-58502.html
https://www.homedepot.com/p/Husky-20-in-Pro-Tool-Tote-with-Removable-Tool-Wall-67129-02/306052568
Stuart
It’s possible, but there are enough subtle distinctions that they could have been made from different OEMs.
fred
Some Husky toolbags are sourced through Big Time Products. Those will bear UPCs like 731919671264
Some other ones came from Union Rich Plastics (UPCs starting with 829676) or Pull’R Holdings (UPCs starting 644323)
Derek
That makes sense. I just bought the Husky 16″ large mouth bag and I only see a few small differences between it and then Harbor Freight one.
Robert
“…metal hanging hook for suspending the ladder on “everything from ladder rungs to pipes for easy access…”
Should probably read:
“…metal hanging hook for suspending the backpack on “everything from ladder rungs to pipes for easy access…”
Franck B.
I would prefer somewhere to hang my ladder… if the backpack has a solid bottom, it’s good to go on the floor. 😀
Stuart
Thanks! *fixed*
Jp
I got the milwaukee one long ago. I don’t like it. Doubt I will try this one. It’s a good idea, but I am not a tool organizer when I travel with tools. I throw what I need into something and off I go. Never an issue, so there are better options than these for a tool shower. These benefit organized folks.
blocky
“Know thyself.”
Will K.
Plumber here. I’ve tried tool bags and rolling organizers such as Milwaukee Packout and ToughBuilt.
I still use my Packout for large tools, but for hand tools I’ve found that a 5-gallon bucket with a bucket organizer works best: I can carry most of the tools/glue/parts I’ll need, and it doubles as a chair as well as a receptacle for trash and other material when it’s time to clean up.
This obviously won’t be best for everyone, but it works well for me!
fred
It was something like 10+ years ago when I last looked – but I’d say that at least 50% of our plumbers never asked us to buy them much of anything for carrying hand tools. You would see various 5-gal pails in their trucks. Power tools back then might have been in plastic or metal cases – some in tool bags. Nipple caddy trays were perhaps the only other thing they used regularly.
In our remodeling business cloth tool bags seemed more popular.
We had some crews that were organized – almost to the point of OCD – others who kept their trucks a bit more disorganized yet functional. When we’d be buying some new trucks – some guys would like to become involved with our upfitter (Dejana) – while others would take what they got – not interested to get involved in any extra work.
Ernie
I agree Mr. Will. Keep it simple and save money 🙂
Mike (the other one)
I’d rather have a quality tool bag with NO branding at all. Branding is just a “steal me” sign.
blocky
If my name were Hercules, this would be my bag.
fred
My wife feels the same way about folks who go around with LV or other initials/logos emblazoned everywhere on their handbags. She may appreciate and carry some well-made French, Italian or German handbags – but prefers the advertising to be a bit more subtle. She says that if she had been born into one of the famous designer families (Hermès et. al) she might feel differently – but then she might not have married a plumber-at-heart like me.
MT
If the branding is Harbor Freight’s, you’d probably be safe.
Matt
I bought this bag because of the extreme number of pockets and compartments but I hate backpacks so I cut all the straps off and use it on a pull cart. I have serviced clinical laboratory instrumentation in hospital labs for over 45 years and this is the best tool bag i’ve ever used. CLC Custom LeatherCraft 1132 75-Pocket Tool Backpack. $139 Amazon
Albert
Looks decent but is too expensive for me. Here is my current favorite:
https://www.homedepot.com/p/312420749
It was $40 during the holidays. I like that it doesn’t have loud colors that attract thieves. I also like that is has few unzippered external pockets. I would fill in the white letters with a Sharpie.
Addicted2Red
I use the $29 husky holiday special one. Looks like this one but more red.
https://www.homedepot.com/p/Husky-16-in-Tool-Backpack-H-68003-03/312420750
Personally, it gets too heavy very quickly, is unwieldy and my screwdrivers just fall out when I open the front area. It’s also not very stable, it tips over easily when open.
John S.
The very short lived Craftsman one at Sears was outstanding
David Z
“That’s the biggest hesitation I have about the new Hercules tool bag – is it an original design, or an amalgamation of other brands’ original designs?”
Unless it’s an exact copy and you don’t want to reward them for that behavior, why would this cause hesitation? Grabbing positive features from different brands and models would be a good thing generally, no?
MT
Yeah, that’s what I was thinking. Companies incorporate good features of competitors’ products into their own all the time.
Stuart
The problem with imitations is that sometimes they’re not exact copies.
“That looks good, let’s copy it” is different from “how do you solve a user frustration?,” and can lead to poor implementations of features.
It’s like the difference between a recipe and a list of ingredients. Unless you know the how and why, copying can result in a flawed product. Sometimes these flaws aren’t obvious at the start, but can emerge down the road.
For instance, one brand sought to make their own Pliers Wrench, but they either didn’t take into account the opening width ranges, or didn’t test sufficiently, because the tool couldn’t be used in the same manner as a Pliers Wrench for turning fasteners. It looked like a Pliers Wrench, but its functionality was heavily compromised.
When something is designed from scratch, or reverse engineered, as opposed to just copied, there’s less risk of compromised feature implementations.
Sid
I’m not interested in saving money when it’s for quality on stuff I use on the daily. I do not like how HF steals IP and basically discounts it $15-20 lower than the real deal. Fuck ’em.
Koko The Talking Ape
Folks, help me out. Why do people use tool backpacks? I don’t ever have to carry my tools very far, so bags work fine. If I have to go farther, I use a cart or hand truck.
Frank D
A tool backpack could possibly be handy for a certain small selection of tools and having to go up a ladder or stairway while carrying something else. I could perhaps see that for my electrical testing stuff. But since I’d like it to lock into my toolbox stack …
Also not going to reward HF for copying other people’s designs and charging $5-10 less.
IJK
I work at a Data Center. Backpacks are the go-to for most people, if all they’re hauling are typical tools. Between moving between buildings, long walks through multiple doors, stairs sometimes more convenient than an elevator (or elevator not an option for rooftop on the older buildings), the backpack is just easier. Especially when you factor in all the badging in and out. Nice to be able to keep hands free.
Andy
I like mine when I’m working on my boat. I can’t really bring a tool cart on the the docks leading to my slip, and tool bags get a little out of hand when I have more than a few tools. Sure, I keep a toolbox on board, but for larger jobs, the backpack is really nice.
Matt
Multiple story bldgs, fire escapes, cat walks etc. Keeps my hands free for balance or to carry ladders, materials, other tools
Sid
We’ve been working off/on at this tower downtown. The only place to park is in a parking garage a block away. There is no ramp for a cart. Backpack is a huge benefit.
Stuart
Let’s say you’re a repair tech in a big city. Or a maintenance tech in a townhouse complex with 3-story buildings and no elevators.
What if you also need to carry a cordless vacuum?
A backpack allows for hands-free carrying. Many also have high storage density and lots of pouches and pockets for easier access and quick retrieval.
Bruce
The biggest complaint I hear about tool backpacks is how easy they are to load up beyond reasonable carry weight. They aren’t wrong.
I went with a very nice Milwaukee with a lifetime warranty that cost me $100. Unloading my regular tool box into it was very straight forward and all the tools pretty much filled it up. It’s heavy. Not stupid heavy, but heavy enough that I’m careful about how I throw it on. If I stick a drill in the bottom it’s approaching hard to pick up.
I’m glad I didn’t go for a bigger unit with an extra panel or a laptop sleeve. Bigger would have made it hard to take along.
David Z
That’s why we at Wei-Go ™ are introducing our ergonomic bag line with built-in weight scales in the bases and handles of all our bags. For just $495, you can know how much crud you’ve piled in your backpack or toolbox and adjust to a safe level*. Simple interface switches between units** and sets maximum weight alarm.
Availability delayed due to global supply chain issues.
*Not OSHA approved. They’ve never heard of us.
** User selectable between Britsh stones and carats.
Joe Hanson
Maybe someone needs to make a backpack like this but with an external frame and hip straps like on a hiking bag or hunting bag so that the weight is carried on the hips and legs since tool bags can be heavy. Some hiking bags have a rotational suspension system to keep the bag upright and your hips can turn kind of like the flex of the suspension of a rock crawler. I have a bag with a suspension system that does that and it really helps. It would help going up a ladder. I normally carry about 30 pounds in that bag and it feels like nearly nothing. Even at 70 pounds, it feels ok for miles on hilly terrain and I’m short 5’6” and 170 pounds. I think a healthy guy bigger than me would easily be able to carry 80 pounds of tools, which is a decent amount of tools, in a bag with a good frame and suspension system up a building or ladder and probably not miles at a time anyways. When I worked for park maintenance, I considered robbing the suspension system from my backpack and attaching it to the Stihl backpack blower we used but I didn’t own the backpack blower. Why companies don’t do that, I don’t know.
Koko The Talking Ape
That’s an excellent idea.
I carried a 60-lb plus backpack all day for over a week, no problem, because it had a proper hip belt, and a frame to transfer the weight to the belt. It more than doubles the weight you can carry.
I suppose you could just lash some flattish toolboxes like Packout or ToughSystem to a frame. If that’s inconvenient, you could attach the wall plates from a system like Packout or Ryobi’s LINK to a backpack frame, so attaching the boxes is quick.
You’d have to think about a good way to attach the plates to the backpack frame, because those frames are light, and aren’t overbuilt. Screwing into the frame without some kind of reinforcement wouldn’t be a good idea, I think.
fred
One size fit all does not work well for a backpack being used for trekking. I thought that the backpack (with external frame and hip belt) that I had for general camping would be fine – until I was out on the trail at Philmont for a weeklong trek. The next time I went I had invested in a pack that fit my body much better. The difference was dramatic – my shoulders, back and legs all thanked me for the change.
Koko The Talking Ape
That’s true, and packs vary in how adjustable they are too.
Still, for a tool backpack we’re talking about carrying maybe up to 80 pounds, but only for a quarter mile at most, maybe 30 minutes of walking. And not on rough terrain either.
I would think adding a hip belt and even a rudimentary frame (like the sheet of plastic you find in some internal frame packs) would increase comfort and carrying capacity.
fred
Internal frames would also seem better suited for carrying up stairs or ladders – or maneuvering around obstacles.
Joe H
Why I bring up an external frame is they can be very modular. The Alice packs have frame shelfs available and I did know of people who would throw tools in a bucket with a lid and strap it to the pack on the shelf. One might be able to swap bags/boxes/pouches/lashing systems on the same frame and configure it potentially better for even bulky tools such as a large rotary hammer drill and a pouch for bits and accessories and have hands free for climbing terrain if they were blasting rock on a site for example.
Koko The Talking Ape
Internal frames are less bulky and probably easier to add to existing designs. But external frames are probably sturdier and more modular, as Joe H says.
I wonder just how modular a pack needs to be. Existing packs aren’t, and neither are existing toolbags. I guess those storage systems like Packout and ToughSystem are modular.
Modularity adds flexibility, but if you only need the one setup, then that flexibility doesn’t help you. The people who do need it might have unusual or extreme use cases. That happened with me when I bought a bookshelf system. It was easy to buy standard bookshelves, but it was hard to find bookshelves that could be configured to go floor-to-ceiling in my particular space. I ended up paying somewhat more for that ability, even though the actual bits and pieces wouldn’t cost more to make.
Joe H
I feel like pack systems for tools in general are a bit of a niche so having the flexibility of being modular makes sense in that market. It might be possible to have a external frame that is modular in size and configuration might make it configurable to be small enough to compete with an internal frame or could be made larger for bigger loads or more suitable for different jobs. The modularity of the sizing might also help accommodate people of different sizes for better comfort. External frames carry heavy loads better which is why people commonly use them to haul out animal carcasses during the hunting season.
rob
This is a bag for electricians and the electricians already have a Veto pack because they get paid like electricians.
SteveP
The mark-up on these must be huge
Ryan
I thought the Klein price was high back when it first came out. I thought the Harbor Freight price was insane and insulting.
Hey Freight. Bring down the prices.
FYI: Eric Smidt Net worth is $4 billion. He has a Gulfstream G650 jet. His 300′ yacht costs $150 million and takes 10 to 15 million a year to run it. His house costs 45 million.
So Eric sure isn’t helping us out except taking peoples money. He’s good at that apparently.