One of the greatest challenges for a touring musician is packing your suitcase light while still being prepared for unexpected events. On any tour, you’re likely to face bad weather, illness, jet lag, unpleasant stages and green rooms, terrible cheap food, and at worst, a vehicle breakdown not to mention having your hard shell suitcase lost in transit with all your instruments.
These issues are in addition to instrument failures, pedal malfunctions, torn drum skins, buzzing cables, and blown amp tubes. Essentially, you can never be too prepared for potential disasters.
However, in my experience, sometimes the most unexpected items can come to the rescue. After each tour, I usually discover something new that could have made my journey more comfortable. The first thing I recommend is getting a good hard shell suitcase that has multiple compartments for all your items to be nearly stored. I got one from suitcasecity.co.uk that has 4 compartments and it usually weighs around 25kg when full.
To help you avoid learning the hard way, here’s a list of essential items that will make your touring experience much more enjoyable:
- Laundry bag and detergent
Keeping your clothes clean and organized is crucial, especially with the possibility of appearing on a jumbotron in a stained shirt. A laundry bag in your luggage will remind you to wash your clothes regularly, keeping your dirty clothes separate from the clean ones. Bringing your own detergent will streamline the process and save costs during brief downtimes between gigs. - Slippers
Touring can be tough on your feet, whether you’re hauling heavy gear or sitting for hours on a plane or bus. Wearing slippers provides comfort on long travel days and gives your feet a well-deserved rest after a show. - Scented candles or incense
Bringing scented candles or incense from home can make any environment feel more familiar, reducing anxiety and exhaustion. They’re also useful for masking the smell of particularly stinky green rooms. - Snacks
While trying regional foods is a highlight of touring, it’s unpredictable when hunger might strike. Healthy snacks like granola bars, grapes, almonds, yogurt, and berries can keep your energy levels up between meals. - Reusable water bottle
A reusable water bottle ensures constant hydration and is more convenient than disposable bottles. It’s sturdier, environmentally friendly, and if insulated, keeps your water fresh and cool for longer. - Travel clothes
Comfort during long flights or van rides starts with your clothing. Light, breathable shoes, pants, and jackets are essential for tolerating long travel days. Such clothing also eases the process at airline security check-ins as they are less likely to trigger metal detectors compared to belts, jackets, boots, and jeans. - Swimsuit
Years ago, I toured with a band staying at hotels and motels that often had pools or jacuzzis, but I forgot to bring a swimsuit. I never made that mistake again. Always bring a swimsuit for potential downtime at a beach or pool—you won’t regret it. - Book or Kindle
Downtime during tours often occurs between soundcheck and set time or while traveling. Keeping your mind active by reading a book is more beneficial than endlessly scrolling through your phone. If you are into fitness you can bring exercise bands or a music boxing machine to keep active whilst away. - Eye mask, earplugs, and/or noise-canceling headphones
An eye mask and earplugs are essential for flights, making it easy to sleep or sit in silence for a few hours. Noise-canceling headphones are great for listening to music clearly in noisy environments.