An FPV drone backpack is completely value it if you happen to fly usually. Whereas you should utilize a daily backpack, FPV-specific backpacks are purpose-built to retailer, shield, and arrange your gear effectively. They arrive with padded compartments to maintain your gear secure. I’ve been utilizing Auline FPV Backpack for the previous 5 years and cherished it. Now they’ve launched the brand new V4, and I couldn’t wait to test it out and share my expertise.
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The place to Purchase
You should buy the Auline FPV Backpack V4 from these distributors:
It comes with 11 velcro dividers of varied sizes, a waist strap, 4 buckled straps, a entrance cowl, and a rain cowl (not proven within the photos).
Specs and Options
- Chest and waist straps for load distribution
- Water resistant materials with exterior rain cowl
- YKK waterproof zippers
- 11 Velcro detachable inside dividers
- Adjustable chest assist buckle place
- Laptop computer pouch on the again
- Strengthened stitching
- Devoted radio high pouch with strengthened partitions
Dimensions
- Exterior: 52 × 30 × 24 cm
- Fundamental Compartment: 35 × 28 × 20 cm
- High Pouch: 28 × 19 × 14 cm
- Laptop computer Pouch:
- Max opening: 39 cm
- Max width: 29 cm
- Min width: 25 cm
- Matches as much as 16″ laptops
- Entrance Cowl: 18 × 14 cm
- Weight: 2.65 kg
Entrance
One of many options that units an FPV backpack other than a digicam bag or some other generic backpack is the straps on the surface for mounting drones.
On each model of Auline backpack, together with the brand new V4, you get 4 buckle straps on the entrance. Nevertheless, the V4 introduces a brand new buckle design: they’re not magnetic, however they work simply as properly—and arguably even higher—since they’re much less more likely to pop open unintentionally if you happen to stumble upon one thing. The straps are additionally detachable if you happen to choose a cleaner look.
A entrance cowl is offered to additional safe your drones. I solely want the duvet had been a bit wider so it might double as a solution to conceal your drones and keep away from drawing undesirable consideration.
The bag itself is comprised of water resistant materials, which is able to preserve issues comparatively dry in mild rain. For heavier rain, a devoted rain cowl is included.
High Pouch
One other function that basically defines an FPV backpack is the highest pouch. This extremely accessible area is sufficiently big to carry each your radio controller and FPV goggles. After all, you’ll be able to put no matter you need in there—equivalent to your pockets, passport, or Bluetooth headphones when going via an airport.
Within the V4, the highest pouch has been redesigned. As an alternative of a set compartment, the pouch partitions at the moment are connected with Velcro, so you’ll be able to take away them and merge the highest pouch with the primary compartment. This offers you way more flexibility in the way you configure your storage.
Nevertheless, one essential element was misplaced on this redesign: the Velcro strap that beforehand secured your radio. For one thing heavy, I’d actually choose to have that additional strap to maintain it from rocking round whereas carrying the bag.
Facet Pouches
Each side of the backpack function the identical pouches: an higher zipper pouch and a decrease open pouch. Contained in the zipper pouch, you’ll discover further organizers for holding smaller equipment neat and accessible. The decrease pouch with elastic opening is nice for carrying water bottles or umbrella.
A pleasant contact: on both sides of the higher pouch, there are hooks that allow you to run a buckle strap throughout. This lets you safe longer gadgets like a tripod, and even mount a small drone equivalent to a cinewhoop.
The Fundamental Compartment
Open up the entrance flap to entry the primary compartment. These zippers are prime quality and retains your bag dry from water splashes.
Auline contains Velcro dividers of varied sizes so you’ll be able to configure the format nonetheless you want. The dividers are barely stiff, which helps them maintain their form, however nonetheless versatile sufficient to bend by hand. They’ve nearly no padding—on the plus facet, this maximizes usable area, however it does imply much less cushioning to your gear. Personally, I don’t suppose that’s a serious difficulty.
Some individuals choose backpacks that open from the again, so the facet that touches your physique doesn’t get soiled if you set the bag down. Personally, I don’t thoughts the entrance flap design. I often set my bag on a tenting mat anyway, which retains it clear.
With the dividers eliminated, the compartment is roomy sufficient to suit a 5-inch FPV drone with props on.
It’s additionally deep sufficient to retailer your FPV goggles (together with DJI Goggles V2/2/3) and your radio (just like the TX16S/TX16) sideways—essential for making full use of the accessible area.
You’ll additionally discover that Auline has eliminated all zipper pouches on the partitions inside the primary compartment.
The Flap
One change I actually dislike is that Auline fully eliminated the pouches on the within of the flap.
It looks like wasted actual property. They may have at the very least added device slots for screwdrivers or pliers, and even slim mesh pouches for small gadgets. Leaving it fully naked looks like a step backward.
On the earlier variations, there have been two giant zipper pouches the place I might stash props, cables, or small equipment. With out them, I’ll in all probability want to make use of separate zipper baggage inside the primary compartment, which eats into precious area.
The Again Facet
The again makes use of a brand new materials, it feels firmer and fewer versatile than earlier variations, however it’s extra breathable and noticeably extra snug in sizzling summer time climate. I’m additionally glad to see thicker lumbar padding, which makes carrying a heavy load simpler on the again.
The backpack features a zippered laptop computer pouch that opens from high to backside. It ought to be sufficiently big for 16-inch laptops. The draw back is that there’s little to no padding on the backside—so if you happen to drop the bag onerous, your laptop computer might take successful. To be secure, I’d advocate including a little bit of padding your self for additional cushion, I’d in all probability slip the rain cowl on the backside of the pouch.
That stated, my older V2 backpack had related design, and after a number of years of use I haven’t had any points. Nonetheless, it’s value being conscious of if you happen to’re carrying an costly laptop computer.
Straps
The shoulder straps are detachable and include an built-in buckled chest strap.
Every strap additionally has a pocket, which is surprisingly roomy—sufficiently big to carry your smartphone or perhaps a small water bottle.
A waist strap is included as properly. Personally, I don’t use them, however they may help stabilize the load if you happen to’re carrying heavy gear. The waist strap additionally has small pockets for storing quick-access gadgets like SD playing cards or keys. And if you happen to don’t prefer it, you’ll be able to merely take away it.
Backside
The underside of the backpack hasn’t modified a lot from earlier variations. It nonetheless has the identical sturdy rubber bumpers, that are nice for shielding the bag if you set it down on tough surfaces.
One new addition, although, is the hooks on each facet. These are meant for attaching the entrance cowl or additional straps, which provides flexibility for a way you safe and arrange your gear.
Evaluating V4 to V2
I’ve been utilizing the Auline FPV Backpack V2 for the previous three years and actually appreciated it. The brand new V4 brings some enhancements, however I additionally discover myself lacking just a few options from the older model.
Left: V4; proper: V2
Within the V2, there was a big zipper pouch, however on the V4 it’s been changed with a smaller one. Positively one thing I’ll miss.
They eliminated the strap within the high pouch, which I discovered actually helpful for securing the radio.
Additionally they eliminated the zipper pouches on the wall of the primary compartment, which I used usually for instruments and cables.
The again strap that allowed you to slide the backpack over a suitcase deal with is gone as properly. Not a dealbreaker except you journey so much on aircraft along with your FPV gear, however it was a pleasant comfort that I want they stored.
Conclusion – Combined Emotions
Once I first noticed the brand new V4 backpack, the aesthetics instantly stood out.
The design seems extra refined and streamlined than the earlier variations. The construct high quality feels stable, with harder supplies and higher construction that give me confidence my gear is properly protected. On high of that, it’s very snug to hold because of the ergonomic strap design and breathable again padding.
You should buy the Auline FPV Backpack V4 from these distributors:
That stated, I do have blended emotions about a number of the modifications. It’s clear Auline needed to make the V4 extra glossy and minimalist, however within the course of, they oversimplified and sacrificed usability.
After utilizing it for some time, it grew to become clear that the removing of zipper pouches (each on the flap and inside the primary compartment) and the downsizing of the facet pouches are actual drawbacks for me. I used to depend on these areas for small instruments, props, and cables. Now I would like to purchase additional zipper baggage, and find yourself taking on valuable area in the primary compartment. The lacking strap within the high pouch is one other annoyance—with out it, the radio tends to maneuver round. I in all probability have so as to add my very own velcro strap or additional padding.
So, am I going to exchange my trusty V2 with the V4? Truthfully, in all probability not. The V2 nonetheless serves my wants higher. However if you happen to don’t thoughts the problems I discussed and like a cleaner, sleeker design, the V4 could possibly be a great backpack. It’s well-built, protecting, and comfy to hold—simply not fairly the improve I hoped for.
