Going on tour is an exciting time for any musician. But before you hit the road, there’s one important question you need to answer: what do you need to bring with you?
There’s a lot that goes into packing for a tour. You need to make sure you have all the essential items, of course. But you also need to consider things like space and weight restrictions, as well as the sometimes unpredictable nature of life on the road. With all that in mind, here’s a list of the must-have items for any musician’s tour.
1. A Reliable Instrument
This one should go without saying. But it’s worth mentioning because your instrument is arguably the most important item you’ll bring on tour. After all, it’s what you’ll be using to perform your music night after night. So make sure you have a reliable instrument that you’re comfortable playing.
2. Your Music Peripherals
If you’re a musician, then you know that having the right peripherals can make a big difference in your performance. That’s why it’s important to bring along some essential peripherals on tour.
For example, if you play a wind instrument, then you’ll need a good reed, as well as some spares. And if you play guitar or bass, then you’ll definitely need good effects pedals. You’ll also want to bring along a few spare straps, as well as some extra cords and strings. These commonly break because of the stresses they experience while being packed, unpacked, and used.
And don’t forget about stands for your instruments! If you’re going to be playing any shows, then you’ll need a stand for your keyboard or guitar. And if you’re a drummer, then you’ll definitely need drum stands.
Lastly, make sure that you get good-looking equipment. The last thing you want is to look like you have equipment at the verge of breaking, especially if you’re going to perform in bigger or upscale venues. You can go all-in with custom wooden pedalboards and limited-edition instruments, or you can just have your current equipment refurbished. As long as they don’t look like they’re one set away from breaking, you’re all good.
3. Good Quality Cases for Your Equipment
You might be tempted to skimp on cases and just throw your equipment in gig bags or onto the back of a van, but really, you don’t want to do that. High-quality travel cases will protect your equipment from the wear and tear of life on the road. It will also make it easier to transport them from place to place. If your equipment is protected, it’ll last longer—you won’t have to shell out hundreds to thousands of dollars on new equipment earlier than you want to.
4. A Laptop
A laptop is essential for any musician who wants to be able to work on their craft while on the road. You can use it to write new songs, record demos, and keep track of your touring schedule. Plus, it’s a great way to stay connected with your fans back home via social media or email. Sure, you can use your phone for social media, but you’ll find it hard to work on your next album if you have only your phone with you.
5. An External Hard Drive
An external hard drive is a necessity for any musician who wants to be able to back up their work while on the road. Whether you’re backing up your laptop or recording new songs in the studio, an external hard drive will give you peace of mind knowing that your work is safe and sound. Cloud storage may be easier, but there’s less risk of getting hacked with an external hard drive!
6. A Good Set of Headphones
A good set of headphones is essential for any musician who wants to be able to hear their music clearly while they’re working on it. Whether you’re recording in the studio or mixing tracks at home, headphones will help you get the best possible sound quality. And when you’re not using them for work, they’re great for listening to music or watching movies on your laptop while you’re on the road! They can help you get some Zs in when you find it hard to sleep, too.
7. Comfortable Clothes
Comfortable clothes are a must-have for any musician who plans on spending long hours traveling from place to place. You’ll want clothes that are easy to pack and won’t take up too much space in your suitcase or backpack. And don’t forget to pack some weather-appropriate gear if you’re touring during colder months!
8. A Reusable Water Bottle
Staying hydrated is important for anyone, but it’s especially important for musicians who have demanding schedules and often find themselves performing in hot, crowded venues. Even a 2% loss of hydration can make your performance suffer, so you should stay hydrated. A reusable water bottle will help you stay hydrated throughout the day so that you can perform your best when it matters most. Plus, it’s better for the environment than buying disposable water bottles!
9. Sunscreen
Even if you’re not touring during summer months, it’s still important to pack sunscreen when you hit the road. That’s because many venues are located in sunny areas where UV rays can be strong year-round. So whether you’re performing outdoors or indoors, make sure you pack some sunscreen so that you can avoid sunburns (and premature aging)!
10. A First Aid Kit
Accidents happen, even when we’re being careful. That’s why it’s always a good idea to pack a first aid kit when you travel. A lot can happen on tour, like injuries or even just having too much fun. And since many accidents happen when we least expect them, it’s best to be prepared. A first aid kit is an essential item for any musician touring either domestically or internationally.
Final Thoughts
Packing for a tour can seem daunting, but it doesn’t have to be. By keeping these 10 essential items in mind, you can make sure that you have everything you need to have a successful tour, especially if you’ve just started making a name for yourself. From a reliable instrument to sunscreen to a first aid kit, these items will help ensure that you’re prepared for anything the road throws your way. Bon voyage!
