BEST lightweight drones for hiking
QUICK RECOMMENDATIONS
I was never really a fan of taking a drone on my hiking adventures, until I found the lightweight and high quality options. Being able to get drone footage from remote places puts it so much better into perspective. If you are willing to carry a little bit of extra weight, it is well worth it. It not only shows everyone else the landscape views, but it also provides you with beautiful memories of the places you might only get to once in your life.
Besides that, it is also fun to take a break and fly the drone while you are hiking. Some can even follow you as well…It gives you that EXTRA when you are showing off your hiking adventures.
In this article, we will take a look at the best drones for hiking and their features, based on my own research. Most offer 4K video, but quite often we need to find a trade-off between weight, video quality, and price.
Drones can be an expensive gear item. I believe that if you invest once in good quality gear, it will save you money in the long run.
Disclaimer: I do not take money from gear companies, but there are links in this article that will give me a small commission at no cost to you if you purchase the item through this link.
Our all time favourite, the DJI Mavic 2 PRO has everything you need for professional hiking videos.
It is lightweight enough to consider taking this one on your hike, and you can choose different casing options, to reduce the overall weight.
For the full features, click here.
Video: 4K
Takeoff Weight: 907g (2.01 lbs)
Flight time: 30 min
Range: 8 km
Price: Check price
Pros
- High-quality Hasselblad camera with a 1-inch CMOS sensor and 20 MP resolution
- 3-axis gimbal for smooth footage
- Long flight time of up to 31 minutes
- Fast top speed of 44 mph (70 kph)
- Obstacle avoidance sensors
- 8GB of internal storage
Cons
- Expensive
- Heavy at 2.01 lbs (907 g)
- Large and less portable compared to smaller drones
- Limited control range of only 5 miles (8 km)
Overall, the DJI Mavic 2 Pro is an excellent drone for hikers who want high-quality footage and do not mind carrying a heavier drone. Its camera quality and gimbal system make it an ideal choice for professional photographers and videographers. However, its high price tag and limited control range may be a drawback for some hikers.
Autel Robotics EVO II 8K
the Autel Robotics EVO II is the first ever foldable 8K drone. It comes with longer flight time and range and is only 200g heavier than the Mavic 2 PRO. A little on the expensive side, but definitely worth exploring…Check it out!
For the full features, click here.
Video: 8K
Takeoff Weight: 1127g (2.47 lbs)
Flight time: 40 min
Range: 9 km
Price: Check price
Pros
- High-quality camera resolution
- Obstacle avoidance sensors
- 3-axis gimbal for smooth footage
Cons
- Heavy
- Expensive
The Autel Robotics EVO 2 is a high-end drone that is perfect for professional hikers and photographers. It has a camera resolution of 8K, which is much higher than most other drones on the market. It also has obstacle avoidance sensors and a 3-axis gimbal for smooth footage. However, it is quite heavy, weighing 2.47 lbs (1120 g), which can be a drawback for hikers.
Hubsan Zino Pro 4K
A lesser known brand, the Hubsan Zino Pro 4K offers everything you need for professional hiking videos and is very light at 700g. It is very affordable compared to other brands.
For the full features, click here.
Video: 4K
Takeoff Weight: 700g
Flight time: 23 min
Range: 4 km
Price: Check the best deal from Amazon
Pros
- High-quality 4K camera
- 3-axis gimbal
Cons
- Affordable
- Shorter flight time
- Light winds only
The Hubson Zino Pro is a good starter drone if you are looking for a cheaper option.
DJI Mini 3 Pro
One of the lightest professional drones available. Just under 250g, the DJI Mini 3 Pro drone is the most compact option for hikers.
For the full features, click here.
Video: 4K
Takeoff Weight: 249g (0.5 lbs)
Flight time: 34 min
Range: 12 km
Price: Check price
Pros
- Stabilised 4K camera and wide-angle view
- Rang of intelligent features such as timelapse, vertical shooting etc.
- Tri-dimensional obstacle avoidance
- Long 34 minutes flight time
- No FAA registration required to fly due to the weight
- Impressive 12 km range
Cons
- Light winds only
The DJI Mini 3 Pro is perfect for hikers who want a lightweight and portable drone that is easy to carry around.
DJI Mini 2
The DJI Mini 2 is the older version of the DJI Mini 3 Pro. It is more affordable and is a good drone to get started.
For the full features, click here.
Video: 4K
Takeoff Weight: 249g (0.5 lbs)
Flight time: 31 min
Range: 10 km
Price: Check price
Pros
- Stabilised 4K camera and wide-angle view
- Long 34 minutes flight time
- No FAA registration required to fly due to the weight
- Impressive 12 km rang
Cons
- Light winds only
- No obstacle avoidance
The DJI Mini 2 is perfect for hikers who want an affordable version of the DJI Mini. It is not the latest version, but it will give you a chance to test your drone skills and take it on your hike. The main difference is that the DJI Mini 3 Pro has obstacle avoidance, longer flight time and range, and a range of intelligent features such as timelapse and vertical shooting.
DJI Air 2S
The DJI Air 2S is one of the best drones for hiking. It is lightweight and compact and has an impressive flight range. Compared to the DJI Mini 2, the Air 2S also has obstacle avoidance, which is VERY handy for hikers.
For the full features, click here.
Video: 4K
Takeoff Weight: 595g (1.31 lbs)
Flight time: 31 min
Range: 12 km
Price: Check the best deal from Amazon
Pros
- Lightweight and compact
- High-quality camera resolution
- Obstacle avoidance sensors
- 3-axis gimbal for smooth footage
Cons
- On the expensive side
- Shorter flight time than the DJI Mavic 3
The DJI Mavic Air 2S is a perfect drone for hiking enthusiasts who want high-quality footage and reliable obstacle avoidance sensors.
DJI Mavic 3
Fly farther and longer with the DJI Mavic 3. With 46 minutes of flight time and 15 km flight range, this is one of the best drones for hiking. Although more expensive and heavier than the Mavic Air 2S, it might be worth your while. Compared to the DJI Mini 2.
For the full features, click here.
Video: 5.1K
Takeoff Weight: 895g (2 lbs)
Flight time: 46 min
Range: 15 km
Price: Check the best deal from Amazon
Pros
- Lightweight and compact
- High-quality camera resolution
- Long flight time
- Long range
- Obstacle avoidance sensors
- 3-axis gimbal for smooth footage
Cons
- Expensive
The DJI Mavic 3 is a perfect drone for hiking enthusiasts who want high-quality footage and reliable obstacle avoidance sensors, with longer flight time and range.
Disclaimer: Links included on this page might be affiliate links. When you make a qualified purchase through these links, I might earn a small commission at no additional cost to you.