In my experience, I once clipped my rig on a granite ledge... scary stuff!! 1. SmallRig Cage for Leica Q3 4216: High impact protection and fits thumb grips perfectly—love it!! Tho it adds weight.
2. Peak Design Camera Cube V2 Extra Small: AMAZING high-density foam damping for backpacks but kinda bulky. Lesson learned: dont prioritize aesthetics over technical damping if you wanna keep ur glass mint! GL!

Respectfully, I'd consider another option. Leather lacks technical impact damping, which is CRITICAL for internal optics. Grab the Think Tank Photo Mirrorless Mover 5 for superior protection and thumb grip clearance!

Ok so, I've been shooting with these setups for years and the "Leica tax" on accessories is totally real. Honestly, you dont need to spend $200 to keep ur Q3 mint. In my experience, if you really want that leather look without the crazy price tag, grab a TP Original Leather Half Case for Leica Q3. It's usually around $55 and fits great even with the Leica Thumb Support Q3 (19504) attached since the grip just sits in the hot shoe anyway. It gives you decent protection against those annoying baseplate scuffs when you're setting it down on coffee tables or stone walls. But if you want a truly minimalist travel setup for a daypack? A padded wrap is literally the best move. I swear by the Tenba Tools 12-inch Protective Wrap. It's basically a $15-20 padded square with velcro corners. You just wrap it around the camera—thumb grip, lens hood, and all—and toss it into whatever bag you’re already carrying. It saves way more space than a bulky dedicated case and keeps the body scratch-free. Also, lowkey, I'd suggest picking up a B+W 49mm 010 UV Haze MRC Nano Protection Filter. It’s about $40 and stays on my lens 24/7. It's much cheaper to replace a filter than to fix the actual glass if you bump into something while hiking. Anyway, save your cash for the actual trip and keep it simple... it works way better in the long run. Good luck! 👍

Saved for later, ty!

So basically, we've seen everything from the classic leather aesthetics to heavy-duty cages and padded cubes. It really boils down to whether you prioritize impact damping or just scuff protection. As a DIY enthusiast who obsesses over technical specs, I think many off-the-shelf cases actually compromise the Q3's ergonomics by adding unnecessary bulk. If you want a high-protection, self-service setup, I recommend a "skin and sleeve" approach. I applied a precision-cut Alphagvrd Camera Skin to my body; it's automotive-grade 3M vinyl that handles surface abrasions without affecting the thumb grip or button tolerances. For the travel portion, instead of a dedicated camera bag, I use a Op/Tech USA Soft Pouch - Digital D-Series. It's high-quality neoprene which provides decent moisture resistance and enough padding for a daypack without the weight of a SmallRig. Plus, you can easily DIY-trim the neoprene opening with a pair of shears to perfectly clear your specific thumb grip. It’s a great way to keep the setup minimalist while ensuring the magnesium alloy stays mint.

TL;DR: Watch out for grit getting trapped inside cases and avoid excessive side-pressure on the EVF eyecup during long-term storage. Honestly, having owned every iteration of the Q, I’ve become pretty cautious about the "half case" life. Tbh, I'm not 100% sure if the Q3’s weather sealing changed the internal airflow, but I’ve heard from other pros that tight leather cases can sometimes trap moisture or even fine grit that ends up sanding down your baseplate finish over a few years. It’s basically the opposite of protection if you aren’t cleaning under there weekly. IIRC, the thumb grip adds just enough height that most "minimalist" pouches end up putting weird lateral torque on the hot shoe when they're zipped up. I’m always worried about those electrical contacts failing long-term. My go-to is usually just a high-quality padded wrap or a generic neoprene sleeve. It’s more flexible for packing and doesn't squeeze the EVF housing—I think I remember seeing someone’s eyecup get totally deformed from being shoved into a tight bag day after day. Just something to think about before you commit to a rigid setup for a long trip!