^ This. Also, I disagree on the single-bag approach. For O'Hare baggage handlers, you need a tank like the Nanuk 915 Case for DJI Air 3. PowerClaw latches are way more secure than GPC. For the hike, I just put the drone in a Lowepro DroneGuard CS 300 Case inside a standard backpack.

• Nanuk: MIL-SPEC protection for flights.
• Lowepro: Semi-rigid shell prevents squishing. Dedicated drone backpacks usually have terrible ergonomics for long miles.

^ This. Also, if you are looking for that middle ground between a heavy hard case and a flimsy bag, check out the PGYTECH OneMo 2 Backpack 25L. I have put some serious miles on mine and the internal H-frame structure is solid. It basically prevents the bag from compressing and putting pressure on the drone gimbal or the RC 2 sticks when you cram it into an overhead bin. I used it on a trip through the Olympics last year and it handled the rain and brush fine. The technical advantage is the high-density EVA foam and the multi-layer dividers. Unlike the Lykus, these dont shift around because they have a much stronger velcro attachment surface. It is definitely more rugged than a sling but keeps the weight centered on your back for those 6-mile hikes. Just keep an eye on the weight distribution... putting the spare batteries at the bottom helps with the center of gravity. It hits right around $150 but the build quality justifies the price for technical use.

Re: "^ This. Also, I disagree on the single-bag..." - honestly i am in the exact same boat with my Air 3 right now and it is driving me nuts. Trying to find that perfect balance between tank-like protection for the airport and something that wont kill my back on a 6-mile hike is basically the holy grail of drone gear. I am flying through OHare next month too so i totally feel your pain about those baggage handlers... they treat suitcases like they are in a wrestling match. I have spent way too much time comparing specs for my own trip and keep landing on two very different philosophies, but i cant pull the trigger on either.

• Shimoda Action X30 V2 Backpack is incredible for the actual hiking part because of the adjustable torso height. The internal core units are great for organization, but it is way over the $150 mark which is a massive bummer.
• Manfrotto Pro Light Backloader Backpack M has that M-Guard protection system which is super high-density and actually laboratory tested for shock resistance. It would survive the flight for sure, but the straps feel a bit thin for a full day on the trail. tbh i am still paralyzed by the choice. I want the protection of a hard shell but my spine says no way for a PNW trek... basically just staring at my cart and hoping for a sign at this point.

Honestly, that DJI bag is basically just a glorified lunchbox. I've gone through so many setups over the years trying to find the sweet spot for long hikes, and it's always a balancing act. If you're hitting PNW trails for 6 miles, do yourself a favor and skip the hard shell case as your primary carry. Carrying a briefcase up a mountain is a special kind of misery... even if it protects against those baggage handlers at O'Hare. In my experience:

• Hard cases belong in the trunk or the plane belly.
• Dedicated drone backpacks are great for your back but often skip on space for water or a jacket.
• Slings are fine for a park walk, but the Air 3 is a chunky boy and will kill your shoulder on a real trail. Before you commit, are you planning to carry a tripod or a hydration bladder on these hikes? Also, does it need to be a one-bag-fits-all solution for your gear and your hiking stuff?

tbh the Lykus M1 Water Resistant Backpack for DJI Air 3 was a letdown. I had issues with the internal dividers shifting under the weight during a trek last month. It wasnt as rigid as I expected. If youre worried about O'Hare, just grab the Smatree DH1000M3 Waterproof Hard Case for DJI Air 3 and toss it inside a standard 30L hiking pack. The high-density EVA foam is way better for the gimbal than those flimsy soft bags.

> I cant exactly hike with a briefcase in my hand the whole time. Like someone mentioned, carrying a briefcase on a trail is a total nightmare. In my experience, the best way to handle this is to just go DIY. I actually stopped buying dedicated drone bags years ago because they are never quite right. Instead, I take a high-density pluck foam block and custom-cut it to the exact dimensions of the Air 3 and the RC 2, then slide that block into a lightweight dry bag. It weighs almost nothing and I can shove it into any hiking pack I want. Plus, the dry bag gives you that extra layer of waterproofing you are definitely gonna need in the PNW... been there, done that, and seen enough electronics die from a sudden drizzle. It takes a little effort with a bread knife to get the fit perfect, but it is worth it for the weight savings.