Honestly if you're hitting the PNW be careful about seals. I would suggest the Nanuk shell... it's a beast.

• Nanuk 920 Waterproof Case for DJI Air 3 has custom foam now so skip the pluck foam.
• GPC DJI Air 3 Case for RC 2 has better organization but thinner walls.
• Lycus HC-3310 Case for Air 3 is budget friendly but maybe less crushproof.

Been thinking about your dilemma for a bit now. I went through the same panic before a trip to Rainier last year. I was looking at the $150 plus options but ended up taking a chance on the PGYTECH Safety Carrying Case for DJI Air 3 and honestly, it survived some pretty rough falls without a scratch on the drone. A few practical things I learned while lugging gear through the mud:

• Weight is a massive factor. Those heavy duty cases are indestructible, sure, but they get real heavy after a few miles. The PGYTECH is a bit more compact but still has that IP67 waterproof rating you need for the PNW drizzle.
• Pre-cut foam is the only way to go. I tried the pluck and pull stuff once and it basically disintegrated after two weeks. The PGYTECH foam fits the RC 2 and 3 batteries perfectly.
• Pressure valves are key. When you're driving or hiking up into the mountains, the air pressure changes and can seal a case shut. Make sure whatever you buy has a solid automatic valve so you arent fighting to open it at the summit. I've seen guys use the Smatree Hard Carrying Case for DJI Air 3 too, which is even cheaper, but the latches on the PGYTECH felt more secure to me. If you're scrambling over rocks, you want something that wont pop open if it bangs against a granite ledge. Save the extra $50 for extra props or snacks... tbh you're gonna want them more once you hit the trail.

In my experience, custom foam is basically far superior to pick and pull stuff. I've tried many setups over the years, and the one I got for my last trip survived a nasty fall onto jagged rocks without any internal damage.

• custom inserts stop parts from rattling
• beefy latches wont pop open
• thick walls prevent crushing Honestly, that precision fit is why my gear is still intact today.

Honestly just saw this but you're overthinking it a bit lol. If you want the absolute gold standard for protection, just go with Pelican. You really cant go wrong with their stuff. I've been using their cases for all my drones for years and they're basically indestructible.

• super tough shells that wont crush
• really dependable waterproof seals
• latches that actually stay shut I've had mine fall down a rocky slope before and everything inside was totally fine, not a scratch. Just get any Pelican that fits your kit and you'll be happy. I have zero complaints about how they handle abuse. Its the only brand I trust when I'm doing real scrambling... peace of mind is worth it.

Saw your post a few hours ago and been thinking... before you pull the trigger on something pricey tonight, are you planning on carrying this case by the handle while you scramble, or is it going inside a larger rucksack? If its going in a bag, you might want something slightly more streamlined so you dont kill your back on those PNW trails. Honestly, if you want to save some money for gas and snacks, you should check out the Case Club DJI Air 3 Carry Case. I've used their stuff for years and the foam is just as good as GPC but usually hits the wallet way lighter, usually well under $100. Tbh they're super underrated and the seal is legit for rain. Another one to look at if you want that high-end feel without the Nanuk price tag is the HPRC2400 for DJI Air 3. Its super light which is a godsend for hiking but basically crushproof. Let me know how you're actually carrying it tho, cuz that changes everything... weight adds up fast on a hike.