aerial photography buying guide

Aerial Photography
Buying Guide

A Guide to Drone Bags, The Best Drone Bags for Travel and Adventure

Drones are one of the hottest technological forces of the 21st century. These incredible marvels have democratized perspective, taking exclusive ownership over that unique slice of airspace sandwiched between the reach of the longest selfie stick and the lowest hovering helicopter. Unmanned aerial vehicles help to contextualize our vast and gorgeous environments. In that way, they’re an artist's dream medium, allowing creative minds to soar. The ancient human desire to take flight and see the world from a towering view is now available to the masses.

Drones are my obsessive addiction and it's been that way ever since we first met. These devices beckon to me both as a tech nerd and as a visual storyteller. I’ve now been fortunate enough to explore much of the world with my flying UAV companion in tow. Whether it’s hiking through rugged peaks along the Italian Riviera or driving across the North American continent, I know first-hand how difficult it is to transport your drone to worthwhile locales. No matter where you are on the globe, you have to find a way to protect your fragile friend from all the elements as you explore mind-blowing angles of new destinations near and far. What you need is a drone bag that is practical, versatile, comfortable and durable. Drones are one of my most invaluable storytelling tools, so it’s essential that I protect my expensive, electronic baby with the utmost care. There are two types of cases that you should consider for your aerial photography toolkit.

First, there are the over-the-shoulder bags:
Compact and lightweight, these are the perfect cases for adventures with smaller drones.

The Aviator Sling bag M1

Collapse your DJI Mavic Pro and the Aviator Sling Bag M1 can organize your essential drone equipment in a package that is highly accessible and relatively flexible. Whether you want to have the drone slung over you, primed at your waist for quick access, or tucked away in a pouch that can be stored in a larger bag, the Aviator Sling M1 gives you many options to move about with your drone. That’s why it’s a solid choice for short and easy outings with your UAV.

Key Features:

  • UV Protection
  • Water Repellant
  • Cabin Luggage
  • Rain Protector
  • Interchangeable Dividers

 

Key Specifications:

  • Holds the DJI Mavic Pro/Platinum, DJI Spark
  • 2 lenses and a CSC camera body

Pro Light Camera Messenger Bumblebee M-10

The Pro Light Camera Messenger Bumblebee M-10 is a more traditional and sleek camera bag designed for slightly longer jaunts. It has even more generous space for carrying the crucial equipment that you need.

You can organize this light messenger bag any way you like, with space for your laptop or other gear in addition to your usual UAV gadget. It even has a handy tripod connection to stow away your Manfrotto travel tripod or monopod as well.

Key Features:

  • Tablet Compartment
  • External Tripod Connections
  • UV Protection
  • Water Repellant
  • Cabin Luggage
  • Trolley Connection
  • Camera Protection System
  • Laptop Compatible (13”)
  • Flexi Dividers
  • Rain Protector
  • Interchangeable Dividers

 

Key Specifications:

  • Holds the DJI Mavic Pro/Platinum
  • Carries professional DSLR, DSLR, Mirrorless & up to 4 lenses depending on the dimensions

 

There are also drone backpacks that enable you to comfortably carry all of your needed equipment on longer and trickier hauls.

 

The Street Medium Backpack

For one, there’s the Street Medium Backpack. Ideal for urban adventures, this backpack can fit everything from your small drone (such as DJI Mavic Pro, DJI Spark or Breeze Yuneec) to a DSLR kit (or CSC kit plus storage for personal items), laptop or tripod in an attractively designed and low-key package.

Key Features:

  • External Tripod Connections
  • Water Repellant
  • Cabin Luggage
  • Trolley Connection
  • Laptop Compatible (15’’)
  • Interchangeable Dividers

 

Key Specifications:

  • Holds the DJI Mavic Pro/Platinum, DJI Spark and Breeze Yuneec
  • 3 lenses and a DSLR, CSC camera body

The Aviator D1 Drone Backpack

Meanwhile, the Aviator D1 Drone Backpack is a more professional option for taking your drone, and much more, on the go. This tall, thin bag can handle all of the DJI Phantom Series drones while leaving extra space for your laptop, tablet or even your DSLR body.

The Aviator D1 can be carried in two ways: inside the backpack (dissembled drone) or outside (with assembled drone and propellers attached). Better yet, it has pouches to store spare drone batteries, a power punch that will prove indispensable while exploring distant scenes from the air.

Key Features:

  • Tablet Compartment
  • External Tripod Connections
  • Water Repellant
  • Cabin Luggage
  • Laptop Compatible (17”)
  • Rain Protector
  • Interchangeable Dividers

 

Key Specifications:

  • Holds DJI Phantom Series
  • 1 lens and a camera body

The Pro Light 3N1-36 Backpack

The Pro Light Camera Backpack is built for your most equipment-intensive journeys, and is able to safely juggle a Phantom drone, a beloved DSLR, or some of your most precious lenses. It also has a zippered compartment where I like to store my extra propellers - a part that I’ve replaced more than my fair share of times.

These backpacks are for more hard-core and adventurous outings when you need just one bag to accommodate a full range of equipment-carrying needs. Also, the Pro Light 3N1-36 has three carry options that allows you to choose the best way to grab your camera: backpack, sling or cross backpack.

Key Features:

  • External Tripod Connections
  • UV Protection
  • Water Repellant
  • Cabin Luggage
  • Trolley Connection
  • Camera Protection System
  • Laptop Compatible (15”)
  • Flexi Dividers
  • Rain Protector
  • Interchangeable Dividers

 

Key Specifications:

  • Holds DJI Phantom Series
  • 7 lenses and a camera body

Ultimately, I think your drone would be happy to call any of these bags its home. With padded interiors, Manfrotto drone bags can protect and organize all of your UAV’s parts in a practical and simple-to-maneuver manner. These cases are built to handle far more than just a drone itself, which is why they can all be used as a stand-alone camera bag as well. Lastly, all of these packs can be carried onto your next commercial flight, so you can keep your most important valuables close to the chest at all times while you’re on the go.

So, hit the road with the knowledge that your most cherished gear is being coddled even when you aren’t.