When you go outdoors, the last thing you wanna do is to drag a huge a suitcase full of equipment. Some quadcopters are so bulky and heavy that you would need a rolling backpack to take them around (please do not confuse it with a designated drone backpack, which are padded, weatherproof and light). However, when you’re looking for the best drone for hiking out there, you should really pay attention to it’s weight.
Also, do check the flight time on each battery as it’s difficult to recharge when you go into the wild.
If you’re not sure what else to look for when selecting the right model for you, you can check our drone buying guide.
What is the Best Drone for Hiking?
We have compiled for you the top 11 Best Drone for Hiking in 2023. In this article we go through the products that we have used ourselves, checked what other users thought about them and we ranked them accordingly.
With years of experience with hiking drones and having used several drones for hiking you can trust our review.
Moreover, you can scroll to the end of this review to see our mini buying guide as well as the answers to some of the frequently asked questions about drones for hiking.
1. Holy Stone HS720E GPS Drone
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| Price: 💲💲💲 (fewer 💲 = cheaper) Max Flight Time: 23 Minutes Control Range: 999 meters Gimbal/ Stabilization: EIS SD Card Slot: Micro SD Charging Time: 5 Hours |
HS series deals with intermediate users. Likewise, this GPS-enabled drone comes with a 4K camera, Sony sensor, and brushless motors. You can master aerial photography. However, it’s not fit for commercial gigs (ones that pay!)
Try recording slow-mo videos at 1080p/60fps. Despite missing gimbal, EIS technology helps out the lens. With pressure and optical flow sensors, the quadcopter hovers like an eye in the sky. Smart flight modes allow you to pre-program the route. LED lights sit beneath each arm. Apart from calibration, they also make a spectacle in the night sky.
It’s powered with a 2800mAh Li-Pol battery – slow to drain, slower to recharge.
Pros
- Auto return mode,
- High-quality, stable imaging,
- Double altitude hold,
- Up to 128GB of microSD support
Cons
- Not professional-grade,
- >5hr 0-100% charging
2. DJI Mavic Air 2 Drone Quadcopter
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| Price: 💲💲💲💲💲 (fewer 💲 = cheaper) Weight: 1.26 pounds (0.57 kg) Size: 7.4 x 3.8 x 3.3 inches (18.8 x 9.7 x 8.4 cm) Max Flight Time: 34 Minutes Control Range: 32799 SD Card Slot: Micro SD Charging Time: 1 Hours |
The Mavic Air 2 is a high-performance drone that comes with premium features to take your aerial photography to the next level. Although this drone is at the high end of the spectrum, it is one of the easiest drones to use for newbies and one of the best for professional work. The Mavic Air 2 features a high-performance camera that delivers 48MP photos and 4K/ 60fps video resolution and includes smart functions that make the photography and video sessions super easy to execute. The drone comes with a 3-axis gimbal to stabilize the camera while giving you a dynamic range of video shots. However, you will need to fix the Mavic Air 2 mount to use your GoPro, which you can buy separately. Other premium features include the impressive 34-minute flight time and the lithium-ion batteries that take only 55 minutes to charge. I also like that you can get HD live stream transmission with its onboard camera from an impressive distance of 6.2 miles. The drone also comes with an obstacle sensor, which helps to keep your drone from crashing onto obstacles in flight.
Pros
- Impressive 34-minute flight time, Short 55-minute battery charging time,
- Low noise and power-efficient propellers,
- Foldable and lightweight design for easy portability,
- Easy to use for newbies and pros alike
Cons
- It needs a separate gimbal for GoPro,
- Expensive
3. SIMREX X900 Quadcopter
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| Price: 💲 (fewer 💲 = cheaper) Max Flight Time: 15 Minutes Control Range: 393 ft (120 m) Gimbal/ Stabilization: No SD Card Slot: Yes Charging Time: 1.5 Hours |
Simrex X900 is a great beginner travel drone with a very good camera, easy to use features and overall a great entry-level option. Lightweight design and 15 minutes flight time on each charge makes it easy to carry while not compromising on usability.
Pros
- Beginner-friendly steering and optical positioning for the ease-of-use,
- You can fly it with a smartphone, remote control or VR headset,
- High-quality camera let’s you capture videos in Full HD
Cons
- Limited 15-minute flight time,
- Lacks advanced features for experienced users
4. Holy Stone HS110G FPV Drone
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| Price: 💲 (fewer 💲 = cheaper) Weight: 0.33 pounds (0.15 kg) Max Flight Time: 20 Minutes Control Range: 328 ft (100 m) Gimbal/ Stabilization: No SD Card Slot: Yes Charging Time: 3 Hours |
Holy Stone HS110G is the best cheap drone with a camera. If you cannot spare over a hundred dollars and still want to see where you’re flying in real time, then this model is for you.
While it doesn’t have stabilization, it may actually record a better quality footage than the quadcopters that do but lack SD Card Slot. Recording to SD Card ensures the videos aren’t spotty and make for a much better watching.
A lot of people sing praises of the remote controller and the App for this drone so if you’re new to flying quadcopters, you should have an easy time learning with this one.
One of the biggest advantages are the batteries that hold for long time and are cheap to get, so that you get more air time. However, to charge them, you won’t be able to fly, which is the biggest disadvantage.
Pros
- Great value for money,
- Very good footage quality for a beginned quadcopter,
- Batteries last as long as advertised and are cheap to buy extra,
- Great and easy-to-use remote controller,
- You can record your videos to SD card or directly to your phone,
- Well-developed and beginner-friendly App
Cons
- Doesn’t hold position outdoors and may get tossed around in the wind,
- Batteries can only be charged while in the drone, so can’t fly while charging
5. DJI Mini 2 Quadcopter
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| Price: 💲💲💲💲 (fewer 💲 = cheaper) Max Flight Time: 31 Minutes Control Range: 10 Km Gimbal/ Stabilization: 3-axis SD Card Slot: Micro SD Charging Time: 4 Hours |
Providing high-quality aerial photography and videography, the DJI Mini 2 Quadcopter stands out as a favorite among hiking enthusiasts. Being an offering from industry leader DJI, it uniquely positions itself as a stellar entry-level drone with the capabilities to amaze both beginners and seasoned drone flyers.
The Mini 2 is equipped with notable features such as a 12MP camera with 4x zoom capabilities and 4K/30fps resolution, ensuring you capture clear, crisp hiking shots. This drone can also scale remarkable heights, boasting a maximum altitude of an astounding 4000 meters. Its impressive OcuSync 2.0 technology provides smooth visual transmission up to 10 kilometers away, all coordinated through a motorized 3-axis gimbal for angled shots. The Fly app further enhances these magnificent panoramic masterpieces and facilitates quick sharing to showcase your adventures on the go.
Though lightweight at less than 250g, don’t underestimate this tiny marvel. It’s known for demonstrating outstandingly smooth performance and handling level-5 winds at 20mph, a testament to its robust build. Furthermore, being light enough to escape registration requirements in the USA, it makes drone flying more straightforward for hikers.
Pros
- Less than 250g in weight,
- Outstanding wind resistance,
- Extended battery lifespan,
- 10km visual transmission range
Cons
- Limited performance in low-light scenarios,
- Lacks obstacle avoidance capability
6. SANROCK U52 Drone
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| Price: 💲💲 (fewer 💲 = cheaper) Max Flight Time: 13 Minutes Control Range: 100 meters SD Card Slot: Micro SD Charging Time: 3.33 Hours |
Sanrock U52 is a great beginners’ drone. Its 1080p output shouldn’t be the sole reason to go for another equally-priced drone.
It takes photos and videos. Furthermore, it supports FPV transmissions. 30-meter is the farthest possible range in the case of real-time shots. The controller starts beeping as you surpass this distance. When flying indoors, it lives up to the advertised battery timing. However, outdoor conditions may have disproportionate effects. And spare batteries are not given! You can guide it through its app, remote, voice commands, or certain gestures. It also follows your phone’s motion and drawings. Gravity sensors are integrated to add more fun.
Pros
- Live transmission,
- Multiple controls,
- A smart alert mechanism,
- Durable ABS construction
Cons
- Only 1080p HD camera,
- Short battery life
7. Potensic D58 Drone
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| Price: 💲💲 (fewer 💲 = cheaper) Max Flight Time: 18 Minutes Control Range: 1640 ft (500 m) Gimbal/ Stabilization: No SD Card Slot: Yes Charging Time: 3 Hours |
Fun to fly drone equipped with great camera and and long control range. It’s rather heavy and so it will respond better than most on this list in windy conditions. It’s also very durable which makes it good for less experienced drone operators.
Pros
- Responsive and agile drone that delivers crisp and clear 1080P HD videos,
- Long flight time,
- 3 speed modes
Cons
- Absence of obstacle avoidance feature,
- Complex application interface
8. DJI Mavic Mini Light Foldable Drone
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| Price: 💲💲💲 (fewer 💲 = cheaper) Weight: 0.55 pounds (0.25 kg) Max Flight Time: 30 Minutes Control Range: 1312 ft (400 m) Gimbal/ Stabilization: Yes SD Card Slot: Yes Charging Time: 1.5 Hours |
I used this quadcopter for a month in Scotland and, I have to say, this is the reason why I decided to buy one. Flying DJI Mavic Mini is a bliss – easy, intuitive and satisfying. It’s also a lightweight and perfect for outdoors because its battery lasts up to 30 minutes so you have plenty of time to find the best shot, making it the best hiking drone out there. Footage also positively surprised me with good quality, especially when it comes to photos. The 3-axis gimbal stabilizes the camera so that the videos are very smooth and look professional, even in strong wind.
DJI Mavic Mini also excels in control range of around 1300 feet. Then, with the built-in SD card, even when your smartphone loses contact with the drone, the footage continues to be recorded in the highest quality, which you’ll be able to download to your computer later.
If you have even bigger budget, you can go for the newest version, DJI Mini 2, which is a Premium Choice here.
Pros
- 3-axis gimbal ensures superior camera stability and ultra-smooth footage,
- Very long flight time (up to 30 minutes),
- lightweight and not requiring FAA registration,
- Crisp video footage in all weather conditions,
- Extremely easy to use even for those who never flew a drone before,
- Very reliable with a long control range,
- Fly More Combo is a great value add
Cons
- Price is a limiting factor for most users,
- No smart controller support
9. DJI Mini 3 Pro
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| Price: 💲💲💲💲 (fewer 💲 = cheaper) Max Flight Time: 34 Minutes Control Range: 18 Km Gimbal/ Stabilization: 3-axis SD Card Slot: Micro SD Charging Time: 1 Hours |
The DJI Mini 3 Pro drone is an exceptional tool for those who seek professional outdoor visual content creation. This palm-sized flying device offers a notable upgrade from its predecessor, the Mini 2. Its appeal lies in the significant boost in image quality with a larger 1/1.3″ CMOS sensor, cleverly stabilized from both ends for clear, steady capture.
Equipped with a camera that can rotate 90 degrees, the Mini 3 Pro enables you to snap 48MP photographs in both landscape and portrait orientations. This flexibility enhances your ability to constantly nourish your social media feeds with spectacular visuals. Additionally, the feat of 60fps recording at 4K results in awe-inspiring video quality that lends credibility to your creative content while hiking.
Running on a single charge for an impressive 34 minutes, the Mini 3 Pro can be further augmented with an Intelligent Flight Battery. Be mindful though, this extends the drone’s weight slightly over 250g. This is a minor trade-off considering the increase in operational time and, therefore, the chance to capture more stunning moments.
This intelligent drone could be an exceptional companion on your hiking adventures. Despite a higher price tag than its predecessor and a slight increase in battery life, its incredible camera capabilities and compact design make it a standout choice.
Pros
- Exceptional 48MP photographic capability,
- Landscape and portrait mode enabled,
- 60fps recording at 4K resolution,
- Compact and potent
Cons
- Pricier than Mini 2,
- Short battery life extension
10. RUKO U11 Pro Drone
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| Price: 💲💲💲 (fewer 💲 = cheaper) Max Flight Time: 26 Minutes Control Range: 500 meters SD Card Slot: Micro SD Charging Time: 3.5 Hours |
A favorite among novices, The RUKO U11 Pro Drone offers some engaging flight features that unveil the joy of UAV piloting. Fitted with exciting modes that include return-to-home, follow-me and preset waypoints, Boredom is simply not an option.
Furthermore, it displays some divine intelligence as well, integrating GPS tracking that reunites you with your drone, should it stray away. Made a considerate companion, it births a beginner mode that disables flying beyond restricted distance and altitude. However, with a little trust and confidence, you can easily loosen these restrictions via the app.
Facilitating your adventure are some top-notch specs. With a lens boasting 4K UHD capabilities, your aerial shots and videos are nothing short of breathtaking. Its 5GHz FPV transmission takes your hiking thrills one step further, keeping the drone within a convenient range of 500 meters under light wind conditions.
The U11 Pro Drone holds its position steadfastly when you go hands-free, thanks to its altitude hold feature. Yet, it does compromise slightly on video stability, courtesy of a wobbly camera that doesn’t react well to aggressive maneuvers. The drone’s shock absorbers can prove inadequate too.
Pros
- Stellar 4K UHD camera,
- Impressive Level-V wind resistance,
- Reliable altitude hold feature,
- Dual Li-Pol batteries
Cons
- Videos prone to shakiness,
- Fragile signal connection
11. Tizzy Toy S8 Upgraded Drone
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| Price: 💲 (fewer 💲 = cheaper) Max Flight Time: 15 Minutes Control Range: 300 meters SD Card Slot: Micro SD Charging Time: 2 Hours |
Toy drone strives to present pro-level features under $100. From a 4K HD camera and 90⁰ adjustment to hovering and one-key landing options, you can do more than just backyard fun.
It operates with its controller and smartphones. You can also dictate the route pre-programmed or through gestures and voices. With the 300-meter range and 360⁰ flips, it continues the aerial venture for 15 minutes. The package has two batteries, effectively doubling the period.
There are advanced touches like 50x zoom, 60m three-way obstacle detection, and button-activated RGB fans. Don’t take it out in above-10mph wind. It threatens the drone’s stability.
Pros
- Obstacle avoidance,
- Dual-speed and headless modes,
- Visually appealing RGB fans,
- Great value for money
Cons
- Vulnerable to windy conditions,
- Weak smartphone connection
Verdict
To summarize, we have gone through dozens of drones for hiking and decided that 11 are worth your consideration. Out of these, the absolute Best Drone for Hiking is Holy Stone HS720E GPS Drone which we highly recommend as our overall best.
If money is not an issue, you can consider DJI Mavic Air 2 Drone Quadcopter as this is our Premium Pick.
Otherwise, there’s no shame in spending prudently, SIMREX X900 Quadcopter is the Budget Option.
Our other reviews you may find useful in your research:
What You Should Know Before Buying drones for hiking
GPS
GPS is an added feature that allows for more advanced piloting options such as auto return home or circle around an object without having to press any buttons on the controller. Most drones come with a basic set of controls that are easy for beginners but adding GPS can greatly increase your flying experience.
Extra batteries
Always consider how many extra batteries you want when purchasing any drone especially if it includes long flight times. Many larger drones require 3 or 4 batteries which can take a significant amount of space in your drone backpack.
Drone Flying Precautions
When you are flying a drone, do not fly it too high. A good height to start with is 50 meters and gradually increase your altitude as you become more confident with controlling the drone. Do not fly where there is a lot of other air traffic — especially commercial airliners — or near airports. Check local regulations before launching your drone and avoid restricted areas such as military installations. You should always stay within line-of-sight of your aircraft, so that you can react quickly in case something goes wrong – this way, you will be able to see any problems immediately and avoid collision risk.
Remember, only drones under 250 grams or 0.55 pounds don’t need to be registered with FAA (Federal Aviation Administration).
Connectivity
Most drones will have WiFi connectivity built-in but not all of them do. Some cheaper drones may run off of a controller while others come with their own dedicated app for controlling the drone.
Obstacle avoidance
Some drones have an obstacle avoidance system which allows them to sense anything in front of them and will automatically adjust their flight path to avoid any collisions. However, keep in mind that this system does not work with all drones so be sure to check compatibility before purchasing it.
Follow path mode
This is a simple feature that allows your drone to automatically follow a preprogrammed set of GPS coordinates guiding it around various obstacles and back again.
Questions and Answers About drones for hiking
Do I need to register my drone with the FAA before using it legally in the US?
If you’re running a drone for commercial purposes, aka as a professional or an entrepreneur who generates income through flights and images taken by drones, then the law requires registration with the Federal Aviation Administration before your first flight. If you are not flying for commercial purposes, and only want to drive a drone recreationally around your backyard, no registration is needed, provided you fly a drone under 250 grams (0.55 pounds). More information at: https://www.faa.gov/uas/registration/.
How many miles can a drone fly?
A drone’s total flight range might be limited by the length of its battery charge, the payload it can carry, and other factors.
It is important to keep in mind that as a rule of thumb, a typical quadcopter on a standard 2200mAh battery will fly for 6-8 minutes per charge. The maximum length of drone flight range that a person can expect will vary depending on factors such as:
Drone weight (drones made from lightweight materials will potentially fly farther). Battery capacity (larger batteries will typically allow for longer flight).
Propeller size (props that have larger diameters require more energy to spin, so a drone can fly farther with smaller props).
Drone motors (some types of motors draw more current than others and will drain the battery faster).
How much weight is being carried by the drone (the heavier the payload, the shorter your flight range will be). The weather conditions. Strong headwinds or storms can significantly shorten your flight range.
Do I need a Licence to fly a drone?
Drones are UAVs. They can interfere with other flying objects. Therefore, all countries set some rules to govern these recreational flights.
In the United States, you’ll have to register your above-250g drone. The license costs $5 and remains valid for three years. Regardless of the weight, all flyers must take a safety test and abide by the FAA regulations. Commercial expeditions come under Part 107 statuary laws.
What is the best micro FPV Quadcopter?
A drone that hosts 3″ propellers and weighs less than 250g (0.55lbs) with batteries can be called a micro drone. Online markets are well-stocked with pocket drones for kids. But if you’re looking for an FPV racing quadcopter, then size comes second to transmission quality.
DJI releases a few best options in their Mini and Mavic lineups. You can visit our top picks of best micro drones for every budget.
