I have be look for a vacumn cleaner for year that work well on hardwood floor , and do not leave my back in agony for several day afterwards . I have a home with about 3,000 . square foot and dreaded each time I have to undertake this project because I know the outcome . this vacumn be a answer prayer . it have eliminate the pain and I could not be more pleased . the canister that you wear on you back do have some weight to it , but it counterbalance the weight I carry and actually make my back feel better . the long metal vacumn hose be long enough and its design prevent I from have to bend over while I be cleaning . I be 5feet 6 inch tall , and it be perfect for I . the extra-long cord make it possible to cover the entire house without have to keep move the plug from one outlet to another . I be so glad I spend the money and buy this vacumn for myself .