Is a backpack or handheld gas leaf blower better?

For yards under a quarter acre or quick driveway/patio work, handheld units like the Husqvarna 125B or Echo PB-2520 are lighter, cheaper, and easier to store. For larger properties, wet-leaf piles, or any commercial use, the consensus across specialist subreddits is that a backpack blower is worth the upgrade for the harness comfort and dramatically higher CFM.