Best Drone Backpacks

1. Smatree Phantom 4 Backpack

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Editor’s Rating: 4.8/5

You can’t go far wrong with the Smatree DP3000 if you own a DJI Phantom 4 drone. It’s a perfect fit at an affordable price, and it offers much more than first meets the eye.

• Best feature 1: Accommodates Phantom 4 original styrofoam case
• Best feature 2: Extra storage for electronic devices and personal items
• Plus points: Excellent travel bag, quality materials, spare battery, spare props storage
• Minus points: Could use more pockets, no rain cover

The Smatree DP3000 fits a DJI Phantom 4 drone in its original polystyrene case like a glove. It has a few extra pockets and compartments for the drone accessories and personal items. At the top are protective compartments for up to four batteries. The backpack also has a compartment for carrying a tablet up to 9.7-inches, or other smart mobile devices and personal bits.

The exterior of the bag has pockets for carrying a few spare propellers. The overall build, materials, and stitching seem fit for purpose, though not all owners are happy (see below). The bag is water-resistant—not to be confused with waterproof.

The Not So Good

The problem with custom backpacks is that it’s impossible to please everyone. This product is no exception. Reading the user reviews there are the usual—and often unavoidable—gripes. Folks complain that the bag’s too small for their needs or that it doesn’t have enough compartments. These things are legitimate complaints but ones that people could have avoided.

Another criticism is with loose stitching and the bag tearing in places. These are not widespread complaints, so it’s possible those with space issues overload or over-stuff the bag (see intro).

2. Vanguard Alta Sky 49 Backpack

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Editor’s Rating: 4.4/5

The Vanguard Alta Sky 49 is my Best Value pick for drone backpack. Its universal design makes it a good choice for camera setups as well as housing popular quadcopters.

• Best feature 1: Excellent build quality
• Best feature 2: Ergonomic comfort
• Plus points: Breathable back panel, ergonomic harness, sternum strap, waist belt support
• Minus points: No lower zip access, space issues

Vanguard designed this high-quality, versatile bag for carrying heavy loads. That alone tells us plenty about the build quality and what it’s capable of. You can customize the interior so that it’s a 100% gear-carrying backpack or a personal travel pack. Try not to let the simple, unassuming design trick you. It’s a feature-packed product that offers lots of working solutions, including drone setups.

It’s important to check the product specs as the backpack is not for a specific drone model. The large flexible pockets provide lots of extra space for personal stuff too. People like the secure zipper pockets for valuable essentials like wallets and keys, etc. There’s also a dedicated phone pocket with a useful headphone extraction port and a sleeve for a 14” laptop or tablet.

You get many ways to arrange your load both inside and out. Vanguard looked at all kinds of load scenarios when they designed this versatile drone-carrying backpack.

The Focus on Comfort

Vanguard’s Alta Sky 49 bag has several features to make it as comfortable as possible for the wearer. The breathable back panel is a blessing on long sweaty hikes as it allows the air to circulate freely. An ergonomic harness prevents strain and thus contributes to the carrying comfort. And the bag’s sternum strap also plays a significant role by distributing some of the weight across the wearer’s chest.

The waist belt support also adds to the comfort level. All these things combined add to the never-tire carrying experience. It’s an excellent choice if it’s within budget and has the space and storage capacity to match your needs. That last point is especially significant.

The Not So Good

The Vanguard Alta Sky 49 is a sturdy, versatile backpack with heavy-duty zippers. No one disagrees with that. The main problem for some is that there’s no lower zip access. That’s a disadvantage as lower zipper compartments make it quicker and easier to access buried items.

Other gripes derive from typical buying blunders. Some complain that the bag is far too big for their needs. Others say it doesn’t have enough space for their drone setup. However, it clearly states in the description: “Please check to verify the best fit for your specific model size requirements.”

Those who complain about the space issues must have skipped this advice.

3. Original Phantom Backpack for all DJIs

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Editor’s Rating: 4.7/5

It makes sense to buy this Phantom backpack if you own a drone from the Phantom series. Being ‘purpose made’ means your quad and its accessories will fit this knapsack like a well-tailored glove.

• Best feature 1: Use as a shoulder bag or backpack
• Best feature 2: Made especially for DJI Phantom series
• Plus points: Comfortable, efficient, practical, durable, large interior space, room for extras
• Minus points: Shoulder bag padding issue, complicated layout, no guide

This Phantom Backpack isn’t cheap, but then neither is the gear it stores and protects. DJI paired with the Italian camera and lighting company, Manfrotto. Together, they came up with a stylish, well-made multifunctional knapsack for Phantom drones. It checks all the essential boxes too. These include comfort, efficiency, practicality, and most importantly, a durable build.

The Phantom Backpack Storage capacity

Inside the bag are specially designed straps and padding to secure the Phantom during transit. There are specific compartments for the drone’s accessories, spare batteries, and personal items. There shouldn’t be any buying blunders here for pilots who buy this backpack for their Phantom model.

The interior of the Phantom backpack houses the following items:

• A DJI Phantom drone (aerial system)
• Dedicated remote controller (RC) plus range extender
• Up to five DJI Phantom smart batteries
• Four pairs of Phantom propellers
• Dedicated DJI Phantom charger
• One 15” laptop/tablet, cables, and other accessories

Other Features

Not everyone is comfortable carrying a backpack, and they’ve thought of that too. You can just as easily use this smart knapsack as a shoulder bag if that’s your preference.

Other design features worth a mention are the six exterior pockets for added storage convenience. The fixed belt and tripod bag are others. A tear-resistant ultra-lightweight protective fabric withstands the rigors of everyday travel. This backpack is also water-resistant and comes with a protective rain cover.

The Not So Good

There are not too many complaints with this bag as it’s everything it claims to be in the description. However, there are a few smaller gripes that some reviewers share. One is with the extra padding used for the shoulder straps. The problem is the filling affects the adjustment of the main backpack straps. It’s an issue more so for people with smaller frames as they can’t fully tighten the backpack straps.

Some people find it difficult to work out where everything fits inside. It’s for this reason that many bag owners say a simple guide would be useful.

4. Lowepro Slingshot Edge 250 AW Drone & DSLR Bag

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Editor’s Rating: 4.6/5

The Lowepro Slingshot Edge 250 AW is a purpose-design bag. This one is for the DJI Mavic Pro/Mavic Pro Platinum drones. It may also work for other brands so check the specs against your set up.

• Best feature 1: Comfortable sling bag design
• Best feature 2: Fast and full access to equipment
• Plus points: Lots of extra storage for travel essentials, secure and compact, built-in AW cover
• Minus points: Front compartment too deep and narrow, room for more pockets

A lot of people prefer sling bag designs these days for all kinds of reasons. The main attractions are the way you carry the bag and the fast access to everything inside. With backpacks—especially those with no lower zipper compartments—you must rummage around inside to access your stuff. The Lowepro Slingshot Edge is also an excellent choice for entry-level DSLR setups.

Instant Access, Better Security

Just rotate the sling bag to the front and unzip its pockets when you need fast access. There’s no need to take it off and place it on the ground as you do with most backpack designs. Another feature to consider is content security. The main zipped compartment is bodyside, and deters opportunistic thieves when you’re mobile. Inside the bag is a padded, fully adjustable divider system for your gear.

The bag also comes with two removable exterior straps with fast-release buckles. These are handy if you need to carry items that won’t fit inside. A camera tripod or light raincoat are a couple of examples. Another nice touch is the built-in all-weather (AW) tethered rain cover to protect against the elements. The integrated cover means you never forget to pack it or get caught out in a storm.

The Slingshot Edge’s Storage Potential

Sling bags usually carry more than people think. Despite this, never assume it has the storage capacity you need. Always, always, always check your equipment can fit before you make a buying decision.

Here’s a guaranteed list of what the Lowepro Slingshot Edge can carry:

• DJI Mavic Pro/Mavic Pro Platinum drones and accessories
• Compact DSLR with an attached lens & accessories
• Compact tripod or monopod
• Quick-Stash for smartphone, headphones, and other small essential items
• CradleFit pocket for tablet

It’s a superb bag with a smart design that’s ideal for many drone and photography enthusiasts. It makes full use of Lowepro technologies for ultimate comfort, security, and longevity.

The Not So Good

The Lowepro Slingshot Edge is a favorite bag among many and enjoys mostly positive reviews. There is some criticism, most of which is about what could be better. For example, not everyone’s a fan of the front-most storage compartment. A few users say it’s too narrow and too deep. Other gripes suggest there’s room for extra pockets and that the bag is smaller than some thought it was.

5. Powerextra Hard Case Backpack for DJI Drones

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Editor’s Rating: 4.5/5

This is a waterproof hard case backpack for DJI Phantom 3 and 4-series drones and related accessories. It’s for anyone who wants extra protection for their beloved quad at an affordable price.

• Best feature 1: Hard shell design
• Best feature 2: Purpose case for DJI Phantom 4 and Phantom 3 drones
• Plus points: Durable, lightweight, EVA protection, water-resistant, carry-on aircraft luggage
• Minus points: Hard to close the lid with a controller inside; foam deteriorates, no extra space

Don’t let the hard-shell design put you off this lightweight, comfortable backpack. The rear of the case—the part that rests against your back—has a padded, breathable mesh. The cushioned support feels just like any other quality backpack. It’s a smart looking case that’s big enough for your DJI drone yet small enough to carry on any plane as hand luggage.

Inside are the molded high-density foam compartments for DJI Phantom series quadcopters. The double EVA protective adds further to the defensive quality of this durable case. The cutouts house the main drone body, remote controller, propellers, charger, and three batteries. It’s also water-resistant, though I’d still buy a rain cover for full weather protection.

The Not So Good

There are some shared complaints about how fiddly it is to fit the controller inside and close the lid. It’s possible, but it’s not easy for the uninitiated. There’s no quick guide either. Power Extra has since posted a diagram, so at least that’s something. Another complaint is that the foam insert deteriorates over time. It’s tough, but it’s still only foam. It’s going to last much longer if you treat it with care.

The final disadvantage is the space restriction. That’s where it loses out to fabric backpacks and sling bags. It’s just not practical to add exterior straps and extra pockets to the outside of a hard-shell.

6. Manfrotto MB BP-D1 DJI Drone Backpack

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Editor’s Rating: 4.9/5

This is the Manfrotto MB BP-D1 DJI Professional Backpack. It’s an excellent choice for carrying all configurations of the DJI Phantom series quadcopter drones. It also works for a DSLR setup.

• Best feature 1: Ultra-protective drone pouch
• Best feature 2: Flexible storage
• Plus points: Purpose DJI Phantom case, exterior carrying ability, top handle, laptop sleeve
• Minus points: No exterior water bottle holder, heavier than alternatives

There is a lot of interior and exterior storage potential with this drone backpack. It doesn’t have the hard-shell of the previous pick, but it offers excellent protection for a fabric bag. It’s versatile too, even though it sells as a DJI Phantom series product. It comfortably holds a Digital-SLR setup and a tripod. There’s also a 17” laptop slot and a compartment for tablets and smartphones.

It can be a pain dismantling your drone and packing it away each time you change location. Well, with this backpack you don’t have to. You can strap a fully-assembled Phantom to the outside when you’re not ready to store it. Overall, it’s a gorgeous looking, comfortable backpack with heaps of storage potential for its size. It also comes equipped with a protective rain cover as standard.

The Not So Good

There’s no water bottle holder with this backpack. That’s a shame because all they had to do was make one of the side pockets deeper and—Voilà! Another complaint is that it’s heavier than some people thought it would be. An empty bag weighs 5lbs making it the heaviest in this guide.

7. Lowepro DroneGuard BP 250 Drone Backpack

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Editor’s Rating: 4.7/5

The Lowepro DroneGuard BP 250 is a rugged drone backpack. The company designed this bag to accommodate DJI Mavic Pro and Mavic Pro Platinum quadcopters, plus a few other essentials.

• Best feature 1: Specific design for DJI Mavic Pro/Mavic Pro Platinum drone
• Best feature 2: Compression-molded FormShell™
• Plus points: Lightweight, rugged, CradleFit™ pockets, removable organization panels
• Minus points: No tripod straps, restricted space

Drone enthusiasts designed and created Lowepro’s DroneGuard BP 250. That’s fantastic news as it means they haven’t missed a trick with this drone-specific bag. All the intended gear fits in a way that makes it super easy to pack. It also provides the ultimate protection (see below).

Here’s what you can expect to carry in a DroneGuard BP 250:

• One DJI Mavic Pro or Pro Platinum drone
• One dedicated DJI transmitter
• Five DJI batteries plus charging cords
• One laptop up to 15″ and a tablet up to 10″
• Smartphone or phablet
• Two GoPro cameras plus a mirrorless kit, or a DJI Osmo camcorder

Lightweight, Sturdy, Protective

Drones and electronic items are costly and precious. They can also be fragile, so it’s vital to provide the best protection possible. Notebooks, chargers, and phones, etc., can add considerable weight to any drone bag setup. That’s why it needs to be as lightweight as possible yet sturdy and protective. Lowepro’s DroneGuard BP 250 checks all those boxes and not at the cost of comfort.

This purpose-built bag uses the latest technology to protect its contents. The Compression-molded FormShell™ is tough yet light and stands up well to accidental bangs and knocks. The overall defense systems provide abrasion, moisture, and impact resistance.

CradleFit™ protection is the ultimate system for safeguarding valuable laptops and tablets. It works by suspending the compartments to shield the devices from impact. There’s also the PhoneZone shoulder strap pocket designed to hold a modern smartphone or phablet. The breathability factor of this backpack is also an excellent and a welcome feature. There’s lots to like and plenty to explore.

The Not So Good

There isn’t anywhere to carry a tripod on the exterior of the backpack. Tripod straps are useful for other things as well, so it’s a definite negative. There are some complaints that the bag’s smaller than some people expected. All I can add here is that it houses everything it claims. Anyone who wants to load extra gear should look for a multipurpose solution that has more of what they need.

The backpack is great value for money, though it’s not a budget buy. It should have a separate or built-in rain cover at this price, but it doesn’t. It’s not a major issue but still a disappointment.