Touring is an exhilarating and exhausting experience for any musician. While the thrill of performing in different cities and meeting new fans is undeniable, the logistics of life on the road can be a lot to handle. Musicians often find themselves packing up their gear, adjusting to different time zones, and managing the unexpected challenges of life on tour. But what exactly do musicians pack to ensure they’re ready for both the on-stage moments and the off-stage downtime?
In this post, we’ll break down the items that musicians take with them on the road. Here’s a glimpse into what truly makes it into a musician’s touring bag.
1. Instruments and Gear
This is obvious, but it’s important to start with the essentials. If you’re a guitarist, bassist, drummer, or vocalist, your instrument is your most important tool. Musicians pack a backup of everything, just in case something breaks during a performance.
For example, guitarists often carry at least two guitars: one for the show and another as a backup. Bass players bring spare strings, drumsticks, or cymbals for drummers, and vocalists pack multiple microphones to ensure sound clarity during the gig. Drum kits might travel in cases to avoid damage, while singers make sure to have their preferred microphones or audio equipment that suits their voice.
Another often-forgotten but important item is a portable tuner. This small, handheld device ensures that your instrument is always in tune, even when the soundcheck time is limited. If on a tour bus or in the back of a van, musicians rely on these tiny but powerful gadgets to stay in tune across various locations.
For those traveling with more complex instruments or equipment, everything must be securely packed and protected. Some artists invest in custom cases to ensure their gear survives the bumpy ride from venue to venue.
2. Portable Power Solutions
Musicians are always on the go, and the digital world demands that they stay connected. That’s why a portable charger or power bank becomes a must-have item.
Most musicians carry a battery pack large enough to charge their phones, laptops, and other electronics multiple times before needing to plug in. Keeping your devices charged ensures that you can maintain contact with your team, share moments with your fans, or simply pass the time with some music streaming during long drives between cities. Power banks, solar chargers, or even portable outlets that plug into a car’s cigarette lighter can make all the difference on those long drives.
3. Healthy Snacks and Hydration
Touring often means limited time for meal prep or finding healthy food options on the road. Many musicians rely on healthy snacks and portable meals to keep their energy up. This can range from protein bars to fruit, nuts, or pre-packaged smoothies.
For many touring artists, a quality meal can be hard to come by on the road. That’s why many carry a small, well-stocked kit of their favorite flavor boosters. It could be travel-sized grinders of their go-to spices or a personal bottle of hot sauce. These small additions make a huge difference. For those who can’t get enough heat, the Pineapple Mango Habanero Hot Sauce from Elijah’s Xtreme is a common choice for livening up any dish, plain rice, or a hotel-room omelet.
Staying hydrated is just as important, particularly when you’re performing regularly under the spotlight.
Additionally, many musicians have favorite brands of protein powders or meal replacement shakes that provide quick, nutritious meals without the need to search for a healthy spot in a new city. Having these items on hand allows you to stay energized and keep your body in top shape, no matter the schedule.
4. Comfortable Clothing and Shoes
The road can be grueling, and comfort becomes important when you’re spending long hours traveling between cities, rehearsing, and performing. Musicians often pack a mix of stylish performance wear and comfortable off-stage clothes.
On stage, it’s important to feel confident, so musicians usually choose outfits that reflect their personal style and the image they want to project to their audience. However, offstage comfort is just as essential. Many musicians pack sweatpants, oversized hoodies, or comfortable t-shirts for relaxing between performances.
When it comes to shoes, a pair of stylish yet comfortable sneakers or boots is often favored. These shoes need to be durable, supportive, and versatile, good for walking around venues during soundcheck, performing on stage, or even moving from one city to the next.
5. Personal Care and Wellness Products
Life on the road can be rough on your body. Long hours of travel, irregular sleep, and constant performance can leave musicians feeling drained. That’s why it’s crucial to have the right personal care and wellness products.
For vocalists, lozenges, throat sprays, and humidifiers are necessary to protect their voices. Many musicians also pack skin care products like face masks, moisturizers, and sunscreen to keep their skin in check after constant exposure to different environments.
In addition to skin care, some musicians carry essential oils or other relaxation tools to help them unwind. Stress-relieving items such as eye masks or aromatherapy oils provide moments of calm when you’re feeling overwhelmed by the hustle and bustle of touring life. Good sleep is necessary, and musicians often use a combination of comfortable bedding, sleep aids, and relaxation rituals to ensure they get the rest they need for their next performance.
6. Entertainment and Downtime Essentials
While performing is the main attraction, the downtime between shows can sometimes feel like a void. To avoid the long hours of boredom or stress, many musicians bring items to entertain themselves on the road. Books, sketchpads, video games, or even portable speakers can all make the journey more enjoyable.
Some musicians also like to bring along instruments for impromptu jam sessions with their band or other musicians. A ukulele or portable keyboard is a great way to stay creative and unwind when you need a break from the constant go-go-go of touring life.
7. Backup Technology
Touring means dealing with a variety of technological needs, microphones, sound equipment, recording gear, and more. Musicians understand the importance of backups.
If a laptop crashes or a microphone goes out, the show must go on. That’s why many musicians come prepared with spare equipment and tools to fix anything that might break down on the spot. For example, extra drumsticks and backup microphones are typically part of the bag for every musician on tour.
Conclusion
Packing for a tour is about preparing for everything the road throws your way. Every item in a musician’s bag serves a purpose. Whether it’s staying energized with healthy snacks or maintaining a comfortable wardrobe for downtime, the key is to be prepared for both the high-energy performances and the less glamorous travel days.
The next time you hit the road, make sure you have the essentials packed and ready to go, and don’t forget to bring along items that keep you nourished, focused, and ready to perform at your best.
