I recently upgraded to the DJI Air 3 Fly More Combo, and while I love the drone, the included shoulder bag feels a bit tight for all my gear. I’m looking for something more robust for hiking and travel. Ideally, I need a case that securely fits the RC 2 controller and has dedicated slots for extra batteries and my ND filter set. I’ve been debating between a rugged hardshell case or a more compact tactical backpack, but I'm worried about weight versus protection. Does anyone have a specific brand or model they swear by for this setup? What’s the best carrying case you've found that balances portability with solid protection?
> Ideally, I need a case that securely fits the RC 2 controller and has dedicated slots for extra batteries and my ND filter set. yo, i totally feel u on that included bag... it's basically a sardine can once u try to jam the DJI RC 2 Remote Controller and those extra batteries in there. i've been flying since the original phantom days and i've learned the hard way that "tight" usually means "scratched gear" eventually lol. it's super frustrating when u spend that much on a Fly More combo just to feel like you're gonna snap a joystick every time u zip it up. If you're doing a lot of hiking, ngl, the big chunky plastic hardshells are a pain in the butt to carry for miles. They offer the best protection, sure, but the weight is killer. Tbh, I've had the best luck with the Lykus HC-3320 Hard Case for DJI Air 3. It's a rugged hardshell, but it's compact enough to actually fit inside a larger hiking pack if u need to, and the foam is precut perfectly for the RC 2 sticks so they dont get crushed. Plus, it has dedicated spots for the ND filters which is a huge plus. But if u want the *perfect* balance for travel and hiking, look at the PGYTECH OneMo 2 Backpack 25L. It’s basically designed for exactly what ur describing. It has dedicated slots for the batteries and filters, plus it's way more comfortable for a long trek than a shoulder bag. I've used PGYTECH stuff for years and it lowkey holds up better than the official bags anyway. So yeah, go with the Lykus if u want pure protection on a budget, or the PGYTECH backpack if u actually plan on walking more than a mile. hope that helps! peace.
Seconding the recommendation above! Distance is key cuz weight distribution literally ruins ur back on long trails. I unfortunately bought a heavy hardshell once that was way too bulky... such a letdown for hiking. If your looking for a budget win, the Lykus Titan MA300 Hard Case for DJI Air 3 is honestly GREAT. It fits the RC 2 and all ur extra batteries perfectly for a solid price. gl!
Jumping in here because im absolutely obsessed with keeping my gear pristine! Honestly the Air 3 is a huge investment so I totally get the anxiety about protection. Before I give my full two cents tho, are you hiking in really wet conditions or just dry trails? That makes a massive difference for what kind of seal you need... If you want the absolute best safety, I've compared a few brands and here is why I lean towards the premium stuff:
In my experience, you really cant beat a hardshell if youre worried about your gear getting smashed. I actually had a minor scare recently where my bag tumbled in the trunk and i thought for sure my gimbal was toast. Since then, i've been all about that safety-first life. I ended up going with the FPVtosky Waterproof Hard Case for DJI Air 3 and im super happy with it. It was only about $55, which felt like a steal for the protection you get compared to the high-end brands. Here's why it works well tho:
- The foam is cut exactly for the RC 2 so the sticks are totally safe and dont get squished during travel.
- It has dedicated slots for 4 extra batteries and your ND filter set, so youre basically set for a full day of flying.
- The hard shell is basically crush-proof, which gives me peace of mind when im packing other heavy gear on top of it. Lesson learned: it's better to carry a tiny bit more weight if it means your expensive drone stays in one piece! Safety over convenience every time for me. Peace!
Quick question - what's ur typical hiking distance?
- Bulk distribution affects center of gravity
- My old setup literally killed my back
High protection often means high fatigue, so distance is huge, ngl! 👍