New Phantom 4 Backpack

John Locke · Apr 30, 2016

When selecting a backpack, one of my requirements is the pack needs to look like a plain backpack. I don't want anything fancy that looks like there's something expensive inside. I don't want any logos or writing on the outside that let's people know there's a drone inside. It needs to look mundane, but comfortable when backpacking. It turns out the foam insert type of backpacks offer the most protection, and they are the most restrictive. They also have the least room for extra stuff, like iPad, hood, harness, windsurfer, Itelite, MarcoPolo receiver, GoPro, etc. The re-configurable "wall divider" type of backpack is what I settled on from Think Tank for $249, but Pro Craft ($119-129) makes an almost identical pack for less money that looks like the best value. These reconfigurable type with movable walls, attached with Velcro, offer the most flexibility IMO.

ryantrax · May 1, 2016

John Locke said:
When selecting a backpack, one of my requirements is the pack needs to look like a plain backpack. I don't want anything fancy that looks like there's something expensive inside. I don't want any logos or writing on the outside that let's people know there's a drone inside. It needs to look mundane, but comfortable when backpacking. It turns out the foam insert type of backpacks offer the most protection, and they are the most restrictive. They also have the least room for extra stuff, like iPad, hood, harness, windsurfer, Itelite, MarcoPolo receiver, GoPro, etc. The re-configurable "wall divider" type of backpack is what I settled on from Think Tank for $249, but Pro Craft ($119-129) makes an almost identical pack for less money that looks like the best value. These reconfigurable type with movable walls, attached with Velcro, offer the most flexibility IMO.
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Good point going incognito

Hadn't thought of it from that angle before. When I go out with my P3 hardshell backpack everyone seems to know whats inside.

llbr22 · May 1, 2016

After much debate I went with the Think Tank. I didn't really see much value in buying a backpack that I couldn't reconfigure. Yes I know I need to be more careful but I'd rather have a pack I can swap my drone out with say next year's P5 or what ever it may be.

Another factor was weight. The Think Tank is 4.5 lbs. the Lowepro 6. The others with molded foam come in at 8ish (I think). I plan to ride my bike on some hilly rides and weight and comfort to me is a big factor.

FYI think tank has a $40 rebate right now, or 199 if you buy direct.

All that said, I'll probably buy the GPC compact hard case .

all depends on the need

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ryantrax · May 3, 2016

llbr22 said:
After much debate I went with the Think Tank. I didn't really see much value in buying a backpack that I couldn't reconfigure. Yes I know I need to be more careful but I'd rather have a pack I can swap my drone out with say next year's P5 or what ever it may be.

Another factor was weight. The Think Tank is 4.5 lbs. the Lowepro 6. The others with molded foam come in at 8ish (I think). I plan to ride my bike on some hilly rides and weight and comfort to me is a big factor.

FYI think tank has a $40 rebate right now, or 199 if you buy direct.

All that said, I'll probably buy the GPC compact hard case . all depends on the need

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Just looked up the Think Tank on B&H, looks well made, post some pics when you get it!

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bigstalks · May 4, 2016

This is same as the think tank but cheaper on the cost (procraft)

llbr22 · May 5, 2016

I thought this video explained the Think Tank well. I also bought because it's made locally here in Northern California. I like the D1 as well, but really wished it was updated a but to fit the P4 (batteries, etc)

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Phantom-Four · May 5, 2016

llbr22 said:
I thought this video explained the Think Tank well. I also bought because it's made locally here in Northern California. I like the D1 as well, but really wished it was updated a but to fit the P4 (batteries, etc)k

I suspect they will. A friend of mine wanted to pick one up in a store in the UK but they told him they couldn't get them at the moment. Obviously, that could be a coincidence. But it would make sense if they are planning to release an updated version.

llbr22 · May 5, 2016

Oops, here's that video I meant to post.

Phantom-Four · May 5, 2016

llbr22 said:
Oops, here's that video I meant to post.

Looks cool. Think I suggest we'll do a review on it as well. Not sure when though as we already went way over our budget last month

ryantrax · May 16, 2016

Just ran across this P4 case (I know not a backpack) on Amazon, I like it cause you can keep the props on, It's the #1 New Release on Amazon right now in camera cases: Amazon.com : Case Club Waterproof DJI Phantom 4 Drone Wheeled Case with Silica Gel (Propellers On) : Camera & Photo
Anybody own this one yet?

Altaman · May 16, 2016

I have ordered the compact one that holds 6 batteries, plus one in the drone. It can be used as carry on for flights.

ahoj · May 16, 2016

I got my think tank airport helipak last week. Very nice backpack where all my stuff fits without problems.

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ryantrax · May 16, 2016

Altaman said:
I have ordered the compact one that holds 6 batteries, plus one in the drone. It can be used as carry on for flights.

Wow, you had enough room for your DSLR? Sweet! Does the tablet go in the outside pocket?

ryantrax · May 16, 2016

PhantomFourDotCom said:
We did a short review of it. If you don't need to be able to carry it on while flying it's a good case.

I was wondering about the carryon size. Nice review. I'm still on the fence between backpack and case. Still wondering if DJI will come out with a hardshell backpack like the P3 one I have. I think that would be the best of both worlds for me.

Phantom-Four · May 16, 2016

ryantrax said:
I was wondering about the carryon size. Nice review. I'm still on the fence between backpack and case. Still wondering if DJI will come out with a hardshell backpack like the P3 one I have. I think that would be the best of both worlds for me.

Latest rumor on that is they now plan to start shipping at the end of July. So it'll take some more waiting I guess.

Jim Bercik · May 16, 2016

Since the P4 DJI backpack has been delayed, at least according to a seller on Amazon, I was convinced to take the DJI/Manfrotto backpack as an upgrade at no additional cost. The only problem is that when I received the Manfrotto my P4 does not fit. What makes it worse is that it was a combo deal including two batteries. I am currently waiting on the vendors response to my return request.

Phantom-Four · May 16, 2016

Jim Bercik said:
Since the P4 DJI backpack has been delayed, at least according to a seller on Amazon, I was convinced to take the DJI/Manfrotto backpack as an upgrade at no additional cost. The only problem is that when I received the Manfrotto my P4 does not fit. What makes it worse is that it was a combo deal including two batteries. I am currently waiting on the vendors response to my return request.

How does it not fit? The only thing that didn't fit when we tried it were the battery sleeves but there is enough space for those elsewhere in the bag for those.