I’ve been within the drone trade for properly over a decade. I’ve gotten tons of drone backpacks shipped to me to evaluate, and I’ve packed drones with me in all places, from enjoyable holidays to Hawaii to trekking by the Arctic Circle on a drone expedition.
I’ve discovered that the precise drone bag relies upon solely in your setup and the way you fly. Whether or not you want a rugged all-weather pack for mountain hikes or simply wish to maintain your gear organized for weekend journeys, I’ve suggestions for each kind of drone pilot. And sometimes, the very best drone backpacks don’t even must value you something further.
Right here’s The Drone Woman’s information to the very best drone luggage:
Finest for many folding drones
I’ve reviewed varied kinds of LowePro backpacks on and off for almost 10 years. Their fashions fluctuate in tandem with ever-changing drone designs. Lately, some of the in style kinds is the Lowepro DroneGuard BP 250. It strikes the proper steadiness between safety, capability and luxury. Its semi-rigid FormShell exterior gives affect safety with out the majority of a tough case, whereas customizable padded dividers allow you to configure the inside in your particular gear.
This backpack suits folding drones just like the DJI Mavic sequence together with a controller, as much as 5 spare batteries, a 15-inch laptop computer, and a 10-inch pill. The bag consists of moisture-wicking again panels and adjustable chest and waist straps for consolation throughout prolonged put on.
What units the DroneGuard aside is its considerate design. The compression-molded FormShell know-how retains weight down whereas providing excessive safety ranges, and regardless of making no waterproof claims, the bag efficiently retains contents dry throughout prolonged rain showers (discuss underpromise, overdeliver!). The impartial black and grey camouflage colorway doesn’t scream “costly drone inside,” which is a safety bonus.
The backpack additionally contains a zippered prime compartment for sundries like snacks, sun shades, and a jacket, plus a detachable waist belt for further assist when wanted. The PhoneZone pocket on the shoulder strap retains your smartphone accessible with out having to take away the pack.
At round $230 relying on gross sales, it’s a major funding. However given how properly it holds up throughout common put on, it’s price it.
Cons: The DroneGuard is particularly sized for folding drones. If you happen to fly conventional “X” body racing drones or bigger cinema rigs, this isn’t for you.
Finest for DJI pilots who solely must tote their drone (and nothing else): DJI Fly Extra Combo
Finest worth in the event you’re shopping for a brand new DJI drone (and don’t want a case in your laptop computer or different cameras)
If you happen to’re buying a brand new DJI drone, the Fly Extra Combo bundle is nearly at all times the neatest purchase. Briefly, DJI will promote you simply the drone and primary equipment for one value, or you possibly can decide to pay a better value for higher equipment and, sure, a drone case.
Fly Extra Combos range by really drone, however usually you get three batteries as an alternative of 1, a charging hub, spare propellers and a custom-fitted carrying bag designed particularly in your drone mannequin. The Fly Extra Combo usually prices only a few hundred {dollars} greater than the drone alone. Do the mathematics on shopping for these batteries individually and the combo virtually pays for itself. Or it at the very least will get you a “free bag” assuming you had been going to purchase the batteries anyway.
The Fly Extra luggage are constructed from high quality supplies and designed to carry the drone, batteries, cables, and controller in exactly fitted compartments. Every part has its place, which makes packing up after a flight session fast and arranged. The luggage work properly as both shoulder luggage or could be transformed to backpack model, although some pilots discover the backpack mode much less snug for prolonged put on.
DJI has refined this components throughout a number of drone generations. Current fashions just like the Mavic 3 and Air 3 sequence include significantly well-designed luggage that steadiness safety with portability. The luggage match simply below airplane seats as carry-on baggage, making them ideally suited for journey.
Cons: The most important limitation is measurement. The luggage you get with the Fly Extra Combo usually are not giant sufficient to carry any laptops or different cameras. The truth is, as soon as the bag is full with the drone, batteries, cables, and controller, there’s little room for anything — not even a pockets.
Many pilots, myself included, find yourself tucking all the Fly Extra bag into a bigger backpack to hold further gadgets like water bottles, private belongings or digicam gear. The luggage additionally lack the inflexible safety of purpose-built backpacks. They’re positive for regular journey however not ideally suited in the event you’re frightened about impacts.
Some pilots additionally discover the inner group a bit fiddly. The luggage have a number of layers and tight areas that may be time-consuming to pack, with restricted room for further batteries past what’s included.
Equally, many different drone makers make their very own variations of “Fly Extra” Combo backpacks, like this one pictured above from Autel.
For pilots who need fire-resistant battery storage and most flexibility
The DronePack represents a contemporary strategy to drone luggage, developed by direct collaboration with the drone pilot neighborhood over 12 months of prototyping and suggestions. It comes from an organization referred to as Immerse Optics, the makers of DroneMask, a intelligent goggle system that turns just about any drone into an FPV drone.
And in main the way in which in equipment, Immerse Optics has additionally developed a brand new form of drone bag. DronePack is designed to be the Swiss Military knife of drone backpacks, accommodating every thing from DJI digicam drones to small FPV racing quads.
The characteristic record is spectacular: waterproof supplies, customizable Velcro dividers, a 180-degree suitcase-style opening for straightforward entry, fire-resistant inside pockets particularly for battery storage, anti-theft TSA locks and zippers, aspect straps for carrying smaller drones externally, a charging port for powering units on the go and closely padded straps for consolation throughout lengthy hikes.
At €149 (roughly $165), the DronePack positions itself competitively within the premium backpack class. DroneMask claims it suits all digicam drones together with DJI and Potensic Atom fashions, with sufficient customization to adapt to your particular setup.
The massive caveat: This can be a model new product that I haven’t been in a position to take a look at personally. Whereas the corporate developed it with neighborhood enter and the characteristic set seems complete on paper, I can’t vouch for real-world sturdiness, climate resistance or how properly these customizable dividers really maintain up throughout every day use. The hearth-resistant battery compartment is a great security characteristic, however I’d wish to see some hands-on testing earlier than making sturdy claims about its effectiveness.
If you happen to’re prepared to take an opportunity on a brand new product from an organization that’s been aware of its neighborhood, the DronePack might be a wonderful alternative. Simply bear in mind you’re primarily an early adopter.
Finances decide: Any backpack you already personal
For pilots who don’t wish to overthink it
Right here’s a secret the drone accent trade doesn’t need you to know: you in all probability don’t want a specialised drone backpack in any respect.
Trendy folding drones are remarkably compact and sturdy. A DJI Mini or Mavic suits simply into any normal backpack with primary padding. Wrap your drone in a giant microfiber material or smooth case, tuck your batteries right into a small pouch (possibly even a fireproof pouch?!) and also you’re good to go. This strategy prices nothing in the event you already personal a backpack, and it typically gives extra space for non-drone gadgets than specialised luggage.
The actual profit? Flexibility. Utilizing a daily backpack means you possibly can carry every thing else you want for a time out, whether or not that’s water, snacks, a jacket, digicam gear or private merchandise. Plus, you gained’t play Tetris with a bag that was optimized just for drone gear. Many pilots discover {that a} generic digicam backpack with configurable padded dividers affords the proper center floor.
And sure, I’ve been identified to throw my drone in my school-sized Child Yoda backpack.
This strategy works particularly properly for informal pilots who fly sometimes and don’t want most safety for every day skilled use. If you happen to’re climbing to scenic viewpoints or touring internationally, an ordinary journey backpack attracts much less consideration than one thing clearly drone-specific.
Drawbacks however not dealbreakers: You sacrifice some safety and group. With out custom-fitted compartments, your gear may shift round extra throughout transport. You’ll additionally want to determine your individual system for preserving batteries separate and arranged. And in the event you fly in harsh circumstances or fear about impacts, a purpose-built bag affords extra peace of thoughts.
How I picked and examined
I evaluated drone backpacks based mostly on safety, capability, consolation, group, climate resistance, and (maybe most critically) worth. The perfect bag protects your drone from impacts with out pointless bulk, holds your full flying equipment together with spare batteries and equipment, stays snug throughout prolonged put on with correct weight distribution, affords intuitive group so you possibly can entry gear rapidly, resists climate with out requiring a totally waterproof design that provides weight, and gives good worth relative to the price of the gear it’s defending.
As drones get smaller and flight occasions lengthen, I anticipate luggage to evolve towards lighter weight and extra versatile use circumstances that accommodate each drone gear and on a regular basis carry gadgets.
Different luggage I thought of:
Peak Design On a regular basis Backpack: {Many professional} drone pilots swear by Peak Design’s digicam luggage for drone use. The On a regular basis Backpack affords glorious construct high quality, weatherproofing, and adaptability. Nonetheless, at $300+, it’s costly, and also you’ll must configure your individual divider system somewhat than getting drone-specific compartments.
Manfrotto D1 Drone Backpack: Goal-built for DJI drones with good safety and group. It’s a strong choice however doesn’t provide important benefits over the DroneGuard whereas usually costing extra.
Arduous shell backpacks or circumstances: Corporations like MC-Circumstances make inflexible waterproof backpacks and rectangular circumstances with {custom} foam inserts. These present most safety however are heavy, cumbersome, and overkill for many leisure pilots. They make sense for professionals transporting costly gear in harsh circumstances.
Generic digicam backpacks: Choices from Amazon Fundamentals, AmazonBasics, and comparable manufacturers provide configurable padding at funds costs ($40-80). These work properly for informal use however lack drone-specific options and usually use lower-quality supplies that gained’t final as lengthy.
Steadily requested questions on drone luggage
Do I would like a specialised drone bbag or ackpack? Not essentially. Many pilots efficiently use common backpacks or digicam luggage (sure, myself included!). Specialised luggage provide higher safety and group however aren’t important for informal flying.
Will my drone’s Fly Extra bag slot in these backpacks? Most often, sure. Many pilots place their whole Fly Extra bag inside a bigger backpack for further safety and to hold further gadgets.
Are drone backpacks TSA-approved? Backpacks themselves aren’t the problem — it’s the lithium batteries inside. TSA laws require drone batteries in carry-on baggage solely, not checked luggage. Most drone backpacks are sized to work as carry-ons, however at all times examine your airline’s particular measurement necessities.
What number of batteries ought to my bag maintain? Plan for at the very least 3-5 batteries for a full day of flying. Most specialised drone luggage accommodate this simply. Keep in mind that spare batteries want particular person safety to stop quick circuits.
Do I would like a water-proof bag? Most pilots discover waterproof is ample. Really waterproof luggage are usually heavy and costly. If you happen to’re flying in heavy rain, you in all probability shouldn’t be flying in any respect. A rain cowl in your bag affords good safety for the occasional bathe. Typically — if a downpour comes out of nowhere — I’ll simply wrap my bag in a poncho (if I’ve one) or only a trash bag.
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