Back up entire iPad 10th gen to USB C flash drive

It works beautifully until you accidentally erase something on the cloud and then it's lost forever. A flash drive would be terrific.

With USB storage connected to your iPad, you can manually copy files from your iPad to USB storage using the Files App. This will be an entirely manual process.

The suggested File Browser Pro App, can automate the process.

It's entirely your choice whether you automate the process, reducing opportunity for error - or not.

This support page outlines the natively supported backup methods for iPad and iPhone:

How to back up your iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch - Apple Support

Native iOS/iPadOS backup and restore processes are dependent upon iCloud, or connection to either Windows PC (with iTunes for Windows installed) or a Mac (with iTunes or Finder - as appropriate for the installed version of macOS).

Natively supported methods offer full system backup - consisting of data and device settings.

How to back up your iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch - Apple Support

You should note that Apps themselves are not included within iCloud or iTunes backups. Instead, a record of installed Apps - and all associated App data are included within the backup. When restored, Apps that are both still available and compatible with the target device are automatically reinstalled from the Apple App Store.

It is possible to use a third-party App to backup data (but not device settings or installed Apps) to a variety of external storage options - including third-party Cloud services, external media devices and network storage. One App that comes readily to mind is FileBrowser Professional by Stratospherix:

https://apps.apple.com/gb/app/filebrowser-professional/id854618029

You would be well advised to review the extensive online Manual and help files to determine suitability for your needs.

https://www.stratospherix.com/products/filebrowserprofessional/filebrowser-professional-user-guide.php

There is a learning curve, but it works.

The best method for backup on an iPad or IOS device is to turn on iCloud backup. Just go to Settings > iCloud. You'll see the option.

There may be a way to backup to a flash drive, but iCloud works beautifully, and it keeps things up-to-date all the time.