Drones are great tools for filmmakers, but often they are difficult to transport. Hard cases are one option, but what about when you need to hike into a location or carry your that hard case over long distances? To me a wearable backpack that can carry your drone and accessories makes a lot more sense. Think Tank are now shipping a solution aimed at owners of the DJI Inspire and other similar sized quadcopters. Called the Helipak, it seems like a well thought-out solution that you can comfortably carry on your shoulders. The Helipak can hold a DJI Inspire (packed with gimbal and rotors detached), Zenmuse gimbal with 3 lenses, 6x batteries, 2x controllers, 2 x 8” tablets, lots of extra propellers, and a 17” laptop and charger.
Movable dividers allow users to customize the fit of their gear in the backpack. There is a contoured tuck-away harness with lumbar support, cut-away air-channel, adjustable sternum strap, and the removable padded waist belt that are all designed to ad comfort while trekking into remote areas or simply pulling it from the car.
Think Tank Photo’s president and lead designer, Doug Murdoch says that the backpack has a ABS twinwall reinforcement providing a rigid shell that protects the quad from impacts, bumps and scrapes. He also claims it uses the “most durable, longest lasting materials on the market” with YKK zippers, 1680D Ballistic nylon bottom panel, metal hardware, and nylon webbing.
The Helipak certainly looks like a good option for owners of the Inspire or other similar sized quadcopters. If your constantly carrying your drone into remote areas or simply looking for a rugged transport solution that isn’t in the form of a hard case, it is worth having a look at. The Helipak is now available for $339.75US.
ADDITIONAL KEY FEATURES
Large front pocket fits auxiliary items for the day’s outing: light jacket, 17” laptop pocket or a large tablet
Lockable zippers
Internal see-through mesh pockets for small accessories: propellers, screwdriver, cables, etc.
Deluxe organizer for smart phone, wallet, pens, keys, business cards, etc.
Water bottle pocket on side
Height adjustable sternum strap
Elastic pockets on shoulder straps for phone, energy bar, etc.
Robust handles on three sides ensure rapid and easy retrieval from airline overhead bins, car trunks, etc.
Seam-sealed rain cover helps to protect gear and stows away inside backpack when not in use
MATERIALS
Exterior: For superior water-resistance, all exterior fabric has a durable water-repellant (DWR) coating, plus the underside of the fabric has a polyurethane coating. It also has YKK® RC Fuse (abrasion-resistant) zippers, 1680D ballistic nylon bottom panel, 600D polyester, 420D velocity nylon, 3D air mesh, ultra-stretch pockets, Y-buckles, antique finish metal hardware, nylon webbing, and 3-ply bonded nylon thread.
Interior: 6mm ABS twinwall, removable closed cell foam dividers with PE board reinforcement, 200D polyester, polyurethane-backed 3-layer velex liner, 2x polyurethane coated nylon 210T seam-sealed rain cover, Belly-O mesh pockets, and 3-ply bonded nylon thread.
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
Exterior Dimensions: 19.3” W x 24” H x 9.4” D (49 × 61 × 24cm)
Interior Dimensions: 17.3” W x 21.7” H x 7.9” D (44 × 55 × 20cm)
Laptop Compartment: 12.6” W x 16.9” H x 1.2” D (32 × 43 × 3cm)
Weight (with all accessories): 8.5 lbs. (3.9 kg)
