Lowepro Droneguard BP 450 AW Backpack Review
It can be quite tricky to transport a drone when it does not come with a carrying case. Sometimes, even when it does, it might just not offer enough protection or it is just not right for you. Thankfully, the Lowepro Droneguard BP 450 AW Backpack comes to the rescue and offers a great option for transporting not only your drone, but also other personal items like sunglasses, a flashlight, even a light jacket, keys, phone, and many others.
| External dimensions | 34 x 26 x 56 cm |
| Internal dimensions | 31 x 22 x 41 cm |
| Weight | 2.81 kg |
| Tablet compartment dimensions | 27 x 2 x 17 cm |
| Color | Black |
Design
This seems like a backpack that fits all the criteria. While it has a hard, shell-like exterior, it also has elements that you usually encounter in traditional backpacks, like a soft, padded back, zippered sides, and top pockets. Therefore, it not only keeps your drone safe, but it also feels comfortable to wear. It has a double function too. Besides using it to carry your drone, you can also use it as a launching pad.
As for the originality of the design, we could not say that it holds a significant spot, as it is quite basic and usual. Maybe a good advice would be to diversify the color palette a little bit. The Lowepro logo has a beautiful orange in it!
Compartmentalization
Even though most drone backpacks tend to offer a multitude of pockets and compartments, this one seems to be more minimalistic. This is kind of a logical decision considering the fact that you carry something rather fragile, so you would not want many things around it. Therefore, there are a few and very small side pockets for things like maps and keys and a top compartment that proves to be useful for carrying sunglasses, or extra batteries and is also easy to access. You can also notice a few attachment loops on which you can fasten any other equipment. This concludes the ”extra” space we get with this backpack, which can be rather confusing given the size of the backpack, but bear with us.
Going inside, we see four total pieces of rearrangeable dividers: two zippered pouches attached via Velcro and two protective dividers. They work together to shape the space for your drone, which can be similar in shape and size to the DJI Phantom. Once your quadcopter is in place, there is a small elastic strap that will come over it, which is not something absolutely necessary, as the drone will remain in place as soon as the back is zipped up. The two zippered pouches are specifically designed to hold any additional batteries and your transmitter. On the top of the main compartment you will find eight slots for your blades: four for the required ones and four backups. It is very important to note that they do not come in contact with anything in the main compartment, as this has been an addressed issue before. Also on top of the bag is a zipped sleeve for your tablet, where you can fit one as big as a full sized iPad.
Comfort
The two things that matter the most when it comes to a drone backpack are the way it fits and holds all of your possessions and also how easy it is to wear. In the case of the Droneguard BP 450 AW, it seems to successfully tick both of these categories. Even though you can not customize it for your shoulders, it fits well over the back and it does not feel uncomfortable in any way. Also, because the contents are usually quite lightweight, you will not end up with back pain at the end of the day. Also, the way the padding is placed assures a constant flow of air, so you do not need to worry about sweating too much while you are wearing it.
The only downside might be the waist clasps, that do not necessarily do too much. They are rather limp, so a stress relief from the shoulders would have been much appreciated. You also have a sternum strap that seems to do a better job at taking away some weight from the neck area.
I would like to know…
What is the difference between the Pro 450 and the BP 450 AW?
The Pro 450 is a 38 cm backpack, while the BP 450 AW is a 25 cm one. Everything else is the same. You just get a little more room for the gear.
Does it work with a Phantom 4? Is the interior adjustable?
Yes, and everything comes out of the backpack and is adjustable.
Can the bag be tossed around while the Phantom is inside?
Yes, as it is very sturdy and rigid, almost like a sunglass case. It can withstand anything from TSA inspections, hikes, and even the trunks of taxis.
Does this backpack accommodate a water bottle holder for easy access?
A small water bottle could fit on the top zippered compartment. Other than this there is no other designated space. You could also attach the bottle to a shoulder strap with a carabiner.
Can it be fit into any commercial plane overhead bin?
Yes, except for the smaller commuter flights.
Does it come with a rain cover?
Yes, you can find it inside the zipper pocket on the bottom of the bag.
Conclusion
In conclusion, this backpack represents a great option if you have been looking for one. Most customers claim to be impressed by the overall design and functionality. Thanks to the ingenious organization, it is fairly easy to set up your drone and lift it in less than two minutes, which is extremely important when an amazing shot takes you by surprise. Also, your equipment will be protected no matter the weather, as it is water-resistant. Even with all these great features, some people tend to complain about the price, but do not worry! You can find it on Amazon for more than a fair deal.
