Changing from Tubs to Backpacks

Why Backpack Beats Tub: The Case for Pacvac Velo & Superpro

If you’ve been in the cleaning game long enough, you’ll know the classics – Numatic Henry, Hetty, or the Karcher tub vacs. They’ve been the workhorses for years, trundling behind cleaners and doing the job. But just because something’s familiar, doesn’t mean it’s the best tool for the job today.

That’s where Pacvac backpack vacuums step in. At Source, we’ve seen contract cleaning customers moving away from traditional tub vacs and switching to Pacvac’s Velo and Superpro ranges – both corded options. And once you try them, it’s easy to see why.

1. Comfort & Safety – Backpacks Designed for Humans

Dragging a tub vacuum behind you can be awkward at best, dangerous at worst. Ever caught a cable around a chair leg? Or had a tub topple over while you’re trying to manoeuvre through a busy office?

Pacvac backpacks solve this instantly:

Ergonomic harness design spreads the weight evenly across your back and hips.

Improved posture – you’re upright, not stooping or twisting.

Hands-free movement – no more dragging, tugging, or reaching back for a toppled tub.

For cleaners covering long shifts or large sites, this isn’t just about comfort. It’s about reducing strain, avoiding trips, and making the working day safer.

2. Timesaving – Clean Smarter, Not Harder

Let’s be honest, speed matters. Whether you’re working to contract times or need to cover a lot of ground in a school, office, or venue, every second saved adds up.

Pacvac backpacks give you:

Faster movement through spaces – no wheels snagging on thresholds, carpets, or cables.

Efficient cleaning around obstacles – weave between desks, chairs, or tight corners with ease.

Up to 4x quicker compared to traditional tub vacs in certain environments.

Our customers tell us that the first time they use a Pacvac, they’re amazed at how much quicker they can finish the job – with less effort.

3. Pacvac Velo (corded) – Lightweight & Agile

The Velo is the perfect entry point for contract cleaners who want to move away from tub vacs but don’t want anything too heavy.

Just 4.6kg – light enough for almost anyone to carry comfortably.

Compact design – ideal for tight areas, smaller sites, or staff who need something less bulky.

Great for daytime cleaning – quiet enough and discreet.

Think of it as the backpack equivalent of a Henry – but smarter, faster, and kinder on the body.

4. Pacvac Superpro (corded) – Built for Big Jobs

The Superpro is the heavy hitter. If you’re running teams across large commercial sites, this is the one you’ll want in your arsenal.

Bigger capacity (5L) means fewer trips to empty.

Powerful suction – no compromise on performance, even for deep carpet cleans.

Tough harness system – built for long shifts and daily use.

It’s designed to handle the big spaces where time is money – offices, schools, universities, stadia, and more.

5. Why Switch from Tub Vacuums?

Henry, Hetty, and Karcher tubs have done their time. But if you’re managing contracts and want your team to:

Work faster without rushing,

Stay safer with fewer trip hazards, and

Feel better at the end of their shift…

…then the move to Pacvac backpacks is a no-brainer.

Backpack vs Tub: Quick Comparison

Final Word

At Source, we’re big believers in giving cleaners the best tools to make their job safer, faster, and more enjoyable. The Pacvac Velo and Superpro are proof that a small change – swapping out a tub for a backpack – can make a huge difference to both cleaners and contract managers.

If you’re still pulling a Henry around site, maybe it’s time to let him retire gracefully – and let a Pacvac take the weight off your back.