An FPV drone backpack is completely value it for those who fly typically. Whereas you should utilize a daily backpack, FPV-specific backpacks are purpose-built to retailer, defend, and manage your gear effectively. They arrive with padded compartments to maintain your tools protected. 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 assorted 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
- Waterproof materials with exterior rain cowl
- YKK waterproof zippers
- 11 Velcro detachable inside dividers
- Adjustable chest help buckle place
- Laptop computer pouch on the again
- Strengthened stitching
- Devoted radio prime pouch with strengthened partitions
Dimensions
- Exterior: 52 × 30 × 24 cm
- Primary Compartment: 35 × 28 × 20 cm
- Prime Pouch: 28 × 19 × 14 cm
- Laptop computer Pouch:
- Max opening: 39 cm
- Max width: 29 cm
- Min width: 25 cm
- Suits as much as 16″ laptops
- Entrance Cowl: 18 × 14 cm
- Weight: 2.65 kg
Entrance
One of many options that units an FPV backpack aside from a digital camera bag or another generic backpack is the straps on the skin 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 now not magnetic, however they work simply as nicely—and arguably even higher—since they’re much less prone to pop open by chance for those who stumble upon one thing. The straps are additionally detachable for those who desire a cleaner look.
A entrance cowl is supplied to additional safe your drones. I solely want the duvet have been a bit wider so it might double as a strategy to conceal your drones and keep away from drawing undesirable consideration.
The bag itself is made out of waterproof materials, which is able to preserve issues comparatively dry in gentle rain. For heavier rain, a devoted rain cowl is included.
Prime Pouch
One other characteristic that actually defines an FPV backpack is the highest pouch. This extremely accessible area is sufficiently big to carry each your radio controller and FPV goggles. In fact, you’ll be able to put no matter you need in there—reminiscent of your pockets, passport, or Bluetooth headphones when going via an airport.
Within the V4, the highest pouch has been redesigned. As a substitute of a hard and fast compartment, the pouch partitions are actually hooked up with Velcro, so you’ll be able to take away them and merge the highest pouch with the principle compartment. This provides you way more flexibility in the way you configure your storage.
Nevertheless, one necessary element was misplaced on this redesign: the Velcro strap that beforehand secured your radio. For one thing heavy, I’d actually desire to have that further strap to maintain it from rocking round whereas carrying the bag.
Aspect Pouches
Either side of the backpack characteristic the identical pouches: an higher zipper pouch and a decrease open pouch. Contained in the zipper pouch, you’ll discover further organizers for preserving 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 reminiscent of a cinewhoop.
The Primary Compartment
Open up the entrance flap to entry the principle compartment. These zippers are top quality and retains your bag dry from water splashes.
Auline consists of Velcro dividers of assorted sizes so you’ll be able to configure the structure nevertheless 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 aspect, this maximizes usable area, nevertheless it does imply much less cushioning in your gear. Personally, I don’t assume that’s a serious challenge.
Some individuals desire backpacks that open from the again, so the aspect that touches your physique doesn’t get soiled while 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—vital for making full use of the accessible area.
You’ll additionally discover that Auline has eliminated all zipper pouches on the partitions inside the principle compartment.
The Flap
One change I actually dislike is that Auline utterly eliminated the pouches on the within of the flap.
It appears like wasted actual property. They might have no less than added device slots for screwdrivers or pliers, and even slim mesh pouches for small gadgets. Leaving it utterly naked appears 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 most likely want to make use of separate zipper luggage inside the principle compartment, which eats into precious area.
The Again Aspect
The again makes use of a brand new materials, it feels firmer and fewer versatile than earlier variations, nevertheless 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 prime 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 for those who drop the bag onerous, your laptop computer might take a success. To be protected, I’d suggest including a little bit of padding your self for further cushion, I’d most likely slip the rain cowl on the backside of the pouch.
That mentioned, 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 aware of for those who’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 nicely. Personally, I don’t use them, however they may help stabilize the load for those who’re carrying heavy gear. The waist strap additionally has small pockets for storing quick-access gadgets like SD playing cards or keys. And for those who 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 safeguarding the bag while you set it down on tough surfaces.
One new addition, although, is the hooks on each aspect. These are meant for attaching the entrance cowl or further straps, which provides flexibility for a way you safe and manage 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 a couple of 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 prime pouch, which I discovered actually helpful for securing the radio.
In addition they eliminated the zipper pouches on the wall of the principle compartment, which I used typically for instruments and cables.
The again strap that allowed you to slide the backpack over a suitcase deal with is gone as nicely. Not a dealbreaker until you journey quite a bit on airplane together with your FPV gear, nevertheless it was a pleasant comfort that I want they stored.
Conclusion – Blended Emotions
Once I first noticed the brand new V4 backpack, the aesthetics instantly stood out.
The design appears extra refined and streamlined than the earlier variations. The construct high quality feels stable, with more durable supplies and higher construction that give me confidence my gear is nicely protected. On prime 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 mentioned, I do have combined emotions about a number of the adjustments. It’s clear Auline needed to make the V4 extra modern and minimalist, however within the course of, they oversimplified and sacrificed usability.
After utilizing it for some time, it turned clear that the removing of zipper pouches (each on the flap and inside the principle compartment) and the downsizing of the aspect 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 further zipper luggage, and find yourself taking on valuable area in the principle compartment. The lacking strap within the prime pouch is one other annoyance—with out it, the radio tends to maneuver round. I most likely have so as to add my very own velcro strap or further padding.
So, am I going to exchange my trusty V2 with the V4? Actually, most likely not. The V2 nonetheless serves my wants higher. However for those who don’t thoughts the problems I discussed and like a cleaner, sleeker design, the V4 may very well be an excellent backpack. It’s well-built, protecting, and cozy to hold—simply not fairly the improve I hoped for.
