If you have just entered the wonderful world of droning, then congratulations, you are about to have a very good time indeed. But you will soon realise you are going to need something to safely move that expensive bit of technology around with you.
And as you know, there is something for everything nowadays – it is no different for your drone – so we have compiled a list of 7 of the best drone backpacks of 2019, to give you a little nudge in the right direction.
How to choose the right one
First things first. You buy your backpack for your drone. Do not buy a backpack and then expect the drone that you purchased to fit it perfectly. Drones come in all different shapes, sizes and weights, and so backpacks tend to be designed with certain drones in mind.
Some backpacks are designed specifically for one single model of drone from one manufacturer, so if other drones happen to fit these bags, it is only by chance. Carefully read the labels or product descriptions to determine whether or not the backpack has been specifically designed with your model in mind. This will ensure perfect fits, enabling you to carry more gear while being assured that your drone is not moving around inside your backpack.
Do I need a multipurpose pack?
If you are a professional photographer, or even an aspiring amateur, then you may need to carry around your DSLR camera, as well as your drone and other essential photography items.
You are going to need slots for your spare lenses, cool little square pockets for your memory cards and spare batteries, and a place to strap that tripod comfortably to the outside of your pack. If this is the case, then I would suggest beginning with Lowepro’s range of products. The company sprung up from Colorado in 1967 and have been making exceptional quality photography equipment ever since.
If you are a traveling professional, then look for the backpacks that have slots for your laptop, tablet and other on-the-road office essentials.
Where are you flying that thing?
This is an important one, because different backpacks come with varying levels of carrying comfort, and you should choose your pack accordingly. If you plan to carry that thing on a 12-hour dawn-to-dusk hike, then choose a backpack with comfortably padded shoulder straps, or at least something that looks like it should be on an outdoor trail.
Other packs offer a variety of different carrying techniques, such as the traditional laptop case, or a cross body setup, which will work great around town, or if you just plan to park the car, sit the pack on the trunk and fly from there.
Need a bigger bag?
A lot of the bigger brands feature a size range for their different models, so carefully work out how big your pack needs to be. The Lowepro DroneGuard range, for instance, begins with a tiny 6-liter capacity bag in the BP 200 model, but the PRO 450 model in the same series expands to nearly three times that size.
There is not a whole lot more annoying than having to jam your bag shut every single day, severely decreasing the life expectancy of your brand-new toy.
These are 7 of the Best Drone Backpacks:
Smatree Phantom 4 Backpack
As the name suggests, this backpack was designed with the Phantom 4 in mind. The large main compartment protects the original styrofoam casing that this drone comes in. It is an awesome feature because you know your Phantom 4 is not going to move an inch.
The well-placed pocket at the top has padded spots for 4 spare batteries, while there will still be room to hold your 9.7” tablet. The backpack has plenty of space to put your propellers, and has extra compartments dotted around the place for all those little things that you will inevitably need when you are out droning.
Pro:
- Everything a DJI Phantom 4 connoisseur could ask for.
Cons:
- Many reports of seams coming unstitched after little usage
- Requires manufacturers original packaging (if you threw it away already, tough luck!)
- Not laptop compatible
- Not DSLR compatible.
Vanguard Alta Sky 49 Bag Nation Diaper Bag Backpack
This backpack from Vanguard is a strong, safe, tech-carrying workhorse, reflected in the fact that it weighs in at 5.69 pounds, which puts it firmly on the heavier side. So please take that into account if you are planning to fly your drone from the top of a mountain. It may end up being too hard to drag it up there.
Related: Best Underseat Carry On Luggage for 2019
That being said, it has room for your 14-inch laptop or tablet, it will fit your drone (certain types only) and DSLR camera and your lenses and spare batteries and charging cables and propellers and control panels and kitchen sink. It is a spacious and tough travel accessory.
Pros:
- More space and compartments than you can poke a stick at
- Lifetime warranty
Cons:
- Main storage flap does not stay open by itself
- Heavy, not ideal for hiking/ trekking.
DJI Original Phantom Backpack
If you are a bit of a DJI freak, then why not just skip the middleman and go right for one of their backpacks as well, like this Original Phantom, which has been designed especially for DJI’s quadcopter range. And yes, although it was only designed for the models as late as the Phantom 3, it will also comfortably accommodate your Phantom 4 as well.
The pack comes with the ability to hold your drone, flight controller, range extender, five spare batteries, the charger, as well as a slot for your laptop, up to 15” in size. You can thank DJI for making this backpack water resistant, and for then throwing in a waterproof cover as well. Because we hate a wet drone, don’t we?
Pros:
- Versatile for the DJI range
- Many useful pockets
- Comfortable straps for hiking.
Con:
- A little less padding than some of the other packs.
Lowepro Slingshot Edge 250 AWHapTim Multi-Function Diaper Bag Backpack
Are you the minimalist explorer or that ultralight backpacker? That person who only needs that one single lens on their compact DSLR to go with their little DJI Mavic Pro? Then I might have the pack for you. Enter the Lowepro Slingshot.
It is an ultralight-weight backpack at just 1.54 pounds, and has an easy-access side entry pocket to get to your drone quickly, when you need it the most. There is a thoughtful front pocket to easily stash or find your smartphone, and typically comfortable straps that are well padded, making this an excellent outdoors companion.
Just bear in mind that this is one small backpack. It is even smaller than it looks in the photos, so if you need something with more room, buy something bigger!
Pro:
- High quality backpack, well designed.
Cons:
- Small, small, small.
- Only fits compact DSLR cameras
- Only for the Mavic Pro and Pro Platinum
Lowepro DroneGuard BP 250
The DroneGuard range comes in a number of sizes, but we are looking at the BP 250, a little less than 3 pounds in weight and with a carrying capacity of just 10 litres. It puts this into the smaller, lighter category than most of the packs that we feature, and is ideal for smaller drones and for people looking to seriously cut down on the extra pounds.
Related: 9 of the Best Wheeled Backpacks for Travel for 2019
That being said, it is a Lowepro. So, of course, it is ridiculously well designed, with their typical flexible dividers than allow you to essentially tailor your own compartment to whatever you happen to be carrying at the time. I am an avid photographer and will not go anywhere for a photography shoot without my Lowepro backpack.
Pros:
- Lightweight
- Hard shell for extra protection
- Can carry 15” laptop AND a 10” tablet
Con:
- Consider a larger pack in the range for larger drones.
Manfrotto MB BP-D1Sensyne Multi-Function Waterproof Nursing Backpack
From Manfrotto comes this professional series video equipment carrying bag, with a full black exterior and two bright red seams that shoot vertically up the bag. I love the spacious and well protected top pocket, designed specifically for your DSLR camera, and sitting in the most easy-to-reach of places.
You can sneak your laptop in an external pocket and it will sit safely behind your back, while the roomy main compartment will comfortably fit the DJI Phantom range. The coolest thing about this backpack, however, is that you can extend the front pocket, enabling you to carry your drone safely around on the outside of the pack without having to take everything apart again.
Pros:
- You can carry your drone in many different ways
- Switch from drone to DLSR photography with ease
Cons:
- It only comfortably houses one lens when you are carrying all of your drone equipment
- Not designed to work with Phantom 4 (although you can make it work)
- Small laptop space
Lykus M1 Water Resistant Travel Backpack
There is so much to like about the M1 from Lykus, so let’s get to it! This lightweight 3.2-pound pack can be carried in 4 different ways: as a backpack, case, shoulder bag or a cross-body bag.
It features a side water bottle holder and a front pocket for all those extra bits and pieces, while the main compartment is designed to fit a huge range of drones, from the Mavic all the way through to the Phantom 4. The straps are comfortable and it comes with an enclosed waterproof cover.
The interior compartments are foam and removable, and therefore similar to a Lowepro pack in that you can redesign the interior according to your requirements.
Pros:
- Can fit huge range of drones
- Inexpensive
- Lightweight and great for hiking
- Tablet/ iPad compatible
Cons:
- Small – so can be used for a camera, or drone, but not both
- Not laptop compatible.
Conclusion
When talking about diaper backpacks, there are more than a few factors to consider when choosing the most suitable one for yourself and your little one.
Aspects such as available space, portability, affordability of the products, as well as any additional features it provides can greatly impact the overall quality of the bag.
Out of the 4 diaper backpacks we reviewed today, we’ve found that Bag Nation’s Diaper Bag Backpack meets all the requirements in terms of value, variety and convenience.
The users agreed that the backpack is compact and lightweight, but it doesn’t lack in storage availability. People were also pleased with the complimentary sundry bag and changing mat that are included in the purchase.
Aside from some quality issues relating to an old batch of products, most users recognized the overall value this backpack provides, as well as the plethora of handy features included in the purchase.
Bag Nation’s Diaper Bag Backpack also comes with an unlimited lifetime warranty which is another aspect that made users choose this product over the rest.
Best for DJI Phantom range: DJI Original Phantom Backpack
Best for DJI Mavic range: Lowepro Slingshot Edge 250 AW
Best for pro photographer: Lowepro DroneGuard range
Best all-round backpack: Manfrotto MB BP-D1