I’ve been through a few bags, in search of the right all-round pack to carry my Mavic. While I’ve not found one that works entirely (although, each time I say “the next one will be IT!”), I have found numerous posts of other’s experience really helpful.
When I first got the Mavic, the single most important thing was protecting it, given how much I’d just spent. I’d bought the Fly More Combo and while the shoulder bag is impressive for what it can fit, I couldn’t help thinking that the overriding design criteria had been to show how small a bundle it could all be packed into. Things were just a bit too snug and the way the props would catch on the bag, when pulling the MP in and out bothered me. So…
Case #2. I found a relatively cheap,
hard shell case, with the tailored-cut foam insert. Nice. Snug. Good protection. That said, I quickly realised a couple things. Firstly, that while it fits the entire Fly More Combo contents with ease, ownership of a Mavic comes with significant “accessory creep” — ND filters, tablet, tablet holder, landing gear extender… — and once the initial contents of the Fly More are in there, you’re quickly out of space (even if you jettison the charger and a few other things). The second thing is that most of my use involves either walking or cycling to use the MP and a suitcase type case — even a small one — isn’t ideal. The end result is that I’ve used this fine case just about never.
On to Case #3. I did more googling and searching and found excellent reviews for the
Lowepro Slingshot Edge 150 AW. It really is a great case. Surprisingly roomy. Very well made. The magic of this case is that there’s not a hundred pockets, where you can’t find things (or assume you’ve left something at home, only to have it turn up in a pocket you’d missed). You open the main compartment and you’ve got the Mavic, all the batteries, and the RC. The other compartment holds filters, tablet, tablet holder. It’s all there, but all with cushioned bumpers to protect things. I created a strap to join the twin zips on the bottom to make the main compartment on the bottoms easier/quicker to open. I can also pack the MP without having to use the landing gear extenders, which I need for the majority of flights I do. But on anything other than a short walk, the fact that it’s a sling case, with all the weight on one shoulder, makes it uncomfortable. So, a new criteria for the next case was something that evenly distributes the weight — a back pack!
Case #4. So, I’ve got a few backpacks. All I needed was a bit more protection, so I bought a
pair of EVA cases, one for the RC, the other for the Mavic. They cost next to nothing! All that was needed was to find protection for there rest of the gear (the mounting collection of accessories) and all set.
After having used this for awhile now, it’s not without it’s drawbacks. Frequently when I’m using the MP, I want to be able to get it up in the air, then packed asap. This is by far the most fiddly of the options I’ve tried as there’s lots of zippers and then nestling things into the tight EVA cases. The cases are snug, so I also have to remove the USB cable and stow it, then remove the landing gear extenders.
So, the search continues, but the criteria for my ideal pack is…
- One pack that holds everything (otherwise I’ll forget stuff).
- Easy to carry and evenly distributes the weight (a backpack)
- Not fiddly - easy access to a couple central compartments, with bumpers
- Good ventilation on the back (it gets very hot here in summer).
- Good quality build
- Waterproof (or with an included rainproof shell)
- Lightweight
So, that’s the criteria…until I get my next pack (probably another LowePro, based on some of the comments in this thread).
