I finally pulled the trigger on the Air 3 after saving up for like a year and now im honestly terrified of breaking it before I even get a chance to use it properly. I have this big trip to the Pacific Northwest coming up in three weeks—lots of hiking near waterfalls and rainy trails—and I just dont trust the soft bag that came with the Fly More combo. It feels like one accidental drop or even just leaning my backpack against a rock would crush the gimbal or the props. I spent way too much money to be this stressed out lol.

Ive been looking at a few options online but Im getting more confused the more I read. I saw the GPC (Go Professional Cases) one and it looks super solid, like you could drive a truck over it, but people are saying its heavy as hell and Im worried itll be a nightmare to carry on a 6-mile hike. Then I looked at the Nanuk 920 for the Air 3 which looks beautiful but the foam cutout seems different in every photo? One site says it fits the RC 2 with the sticks on and another says you have to take them off which is a huge pain when youre trying to catch a quick shot.

Here is what Im actually looking for:

• Must be a hard shell, preferably crushproof and waterproof since Ill be near water a lot.
• Needs to fit the drone, the RC 2 controller, and at least 3 batteries including the one in the drone.
• Budget is around $120 max, I already spent my life savings on the drone itself.
• Not too bulky to fit inside a 40L hiking pack or at least has a good handle/strap system.
• Secure latches that wont just pop open if it bumps into something.

Does anyone have experience with these in actual rough terrain? Im really leaning towards a hard case because the thought of my $1500 drone getting squashed in my luggage or on a trail is giving me legit heart palpitations. Is there a middle ground between indestructible tank and cheap plastic box? I just need to know it wont break if I slip on a wet rock...