my buddy keeps telling me to get a landing pad and im kind of on the fence. i mostly fly at parks and open fields, sometimes gravel areas near trails. the drone im using is a mavic air 2 so the motors are fairly close to the ground on takeoff and i get it, dust and small rocks getting sucked up is bad. but these pads are like 20-30 bucks for the decent ones and i feel like i could just find a clean spot?

also does anyone actually use the straps and carry them around, the ones that fold up into that little pouch thing. curious if theyre annoying to deal with in the field or if it becomes second nature.

Totally worth it in my opinion. I was skeptical too but after i scratched up one of my props landing on gravel i just ordered one and now it goes everywhere with me. The foldable ones pack down super small, mine fits in the side pocket of my bag and i dont even notice its there. Takes like 10 seconds to unfold and stake it down if its windy.

The straps are fine, a little fiddly the first couple times but you get used to it. Some pads have a weighted edge instead of stakes which i actually prefer now since you dont have to carry the little pegs around and worry about losing them.

honestly i never used one for like two years and my drone was fine but then i started flying at a beach and yeah the sand getting into everything changed my mind pretty fast. its one of those things where its cheap insurance i guess. though i'll say the bright orange ones are kind of annoying in spots where you're trying to be low key, wish more of them came in neutral colors