I'd be careful with sensors. I've used the Startrc Mini 4 Pro Propeller Holder which beats the stock strap, tho a Lykus Titan MA210 Case is safer if weight isnt an issue.

Skip the landing gear for a hike. On uneven mountain terrain, you are gonna want to hand-launch anyway. I am extremely satisfied with Freewell DJI Mini 4 Pro Bright Day 6-Pack ND Filters for handling the high-altitude glare.

• DJI Mini 4 Pro Intelligent Flight Battery Plus for longer flight times.
• SanDisk 256GB Extreme microSDXC V30 to ensure write speeds keep up with 4K/60fps. This setup works well without blowing your budget.

Skip the landing gear. On a windy ridge, those leg extensions act like little sails and can tip your drone over during takeoff. I would suggest prioritizing protection for the sensors if you're worried about them getting banged up in your pack.

• Use a landing pad instead of legs. The PGYTECH Drone Landing Pad Pro is way better than the generic thin ones because it has some weight to it. It stops the downdraft from kicking up fine Alpine silt into your gimbal and sensors, which is a huge risk in the mountains.
• Upgrade the sensor cover. The stock DJI one is fine for a shelf, but the Sunnylife Integrated Gimbal Sensor Guard provides way more coverage for the vision system. It's built much sturdier than the OEM part, so if your bag gets squeezed, the sensors stay safe.
• Snow glare is real. If you want ND filters but don't want to overspend, the K&F Concept DJI Mini 4 Pro ND Filter Set is a solid alternative to the official DJI ones. They're just as clear but usually half the price, which leaves you money for that extra battery. Safe travels on the hike, just take it slow with the new gear... the Alps are gonna be incredible.

Regarding what #5 said about "Skip the landing gear. On a windy ridge,..." - that is honestly such a fantastic point! Those leg extensions basically turn the drone into a kite and I love how you pointed that out. I have been geeking out over the flight data and adding extra drag at high altitudes is just asking for trouble!! I am still a bit of a newbie with the technical mods but I have been looking into some DIY fixes since you have a budget limit:

• I think you can actually make a super lightweight landing surface using just a piece of corrugated plastic. Not sure if it would be too light for the wind tho?
• Someone told me you can use generic silicon tape on the impact points to save the shell from scratches. IIRC it doesnt leave any residue when you peel it off!
• Tbh I've seen guys 3D print their own custom sensor covers that are way lighter than the commercial ones. Ngl I am so stoked for your trip! The Alps are gonna look amazing in 4K. Just be careful with those DIY mods so you stay under the weight limit... i think its pretty easy to go over if you arent careful.

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Just wanted to say thanks for everyone chiming in. Super helpful discussion.

> the sensors feel so exposed Late to the party but definitely be careful with that controller screen on a hike. If you drop the RC 2 on a jagged rock, youre toast. I always use a Spigen Tempered Glass Screen Protector for DJI RC 2 since it costs way less than a repair. Tbh maybe grab a SmallRig Shoulder Strap for DJI RC 2 too so it stays attached while youre scrambling up trails... just in case.