Stephanie G. Mathis It can be difficult for a musician on tour to pack light and still feel prepared for the unexpected.
You’re bound to experience bad weather, sickness, jet lag, stinky green rooms and stages, cheap, poor-quality food, and, in the worst-case scenario, a broken-down vehicle.
This is all on top of the instruments breaking, the pedals failing, the drum skins tearing and buzzing, the amp tubes blowing, etc. You can never be prepared enough for the disasters that may occur.
In my experience, the unexpected can sometimes come in handy. Every time I return from a tour, I find something that would have made my life easier or more convenient.
To save you from having to learn these things the hard way, we’ve compiled a list that includes the essentials for a great tour.
Laundry bag with detergent
It’s important to keep your clothes neat on the road. The bigger the stage is, the more the jumbotron will show your wrinkled, stained shirt. Having a laundry bag to remind yourself to wash every so often is an easy way to stay organized.
Separate your dirty clothes from your clean ones. Bring your detergent to save time and money when you have only a few hours before your next gig.
Slippers
Touring can be a challenge. It’s not something people prepare for, but you will feel it at the end of your tour. You may be walking with heavy equipment or sitting in a bus or plane for long periods. Slippers are a great option to keep your feet happy on long journeys and after a performance.
Incense or candles that smell like a scent
If you use scented incense or candles at home, bring them with you on the road. This will make you feel more comfortable in any situation, which will reduce anxiety and fatigue. Yes, incense and candles can be used to mask the smells of green rooms, which are incredibly stinky.
Snacks
It’s difficult to know when you will feel hungry in between meals, even though it is one of the most exciting parts of traveling. Granola bars are a great energy snack to bring along. I also like to include almonds, grapes, and yogurt.
Reusable water bottles
A reusable bottle of water makes hydration easy and convenient. Reusable bottles are more durable than plastic bottles and environmentally friendly. If they’re insulated, the water will stay fresher and cooler for longer.
Travel clothing
Clothing is the key to comfort on long vans or flight rides. To make long journeys more bearable, you need to wear breathable, light shoes, pants, and jackets. Travel clothing that is light and breathable can be useful at security check-ins on airlines, as they do not usually trigger metal detectors the same way as jeans, belts, jackets, or boots.
Swimsuit
A few years ago, I was on a tour with a group that had been booked in hotels and motels, which almost all featured pools or Jacuzzis. I forgot my swimsuit, so I was unable to partake. I’ve never done that again! Always bring your swimsuit with you in case of downtime when you can visit the beach or pool. You won’t regret this.
Book or Kindle
Most tours have downtime between soundchecks and the set time or while you are sitting in your vehicle during a day of travel. It is important to keep your brain active and not just scroll through your phone during this time. You can read a book.
Noise-canceling headphones, earplugs and eye mask
When I fly, an eye mask and some earplugs come in handy. With them, I can sleep and sit quietly for several hours. Noise-canceling headphones can be a great option if you enjoy listening to music in noisy environments.
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App for meditation or ambient music
You can relax and fall asleep by using a meditation app or listening to ambient music. Listening to ambient sounds makes long drives pass faster because I am calmer and don’t think about the time left until we reach our destination.
Melatonin
Musicians have to contend with jet lag, fatigue, and other effects of time zone travel. Jet lag can disrupt your circadian rhythm in most cases, but it may also make you unable to sleep. Melatonin can help you get back on track with your sleep schedule.
Travel blanket and pillow.
Has comfort been mentioned as important when you travel? Bring a small blanket and pillow with you. You’ll always be prepared with a small blanket and a travel pillow if your band cannot agree on the temperature of the van.
Medicine
It’s better to be prepared than to suffer the consequences. Cold medicine, painkillers, and allergy medication are all good items to carry. Even if You do not use all or some of the items that you bring along, someone who has a cat allergy or a headache will be grateful. Doc, pay it forward.
Batteries for electronic devices
An external battery was one of the best purchases I made last year. It has allowed me to charge my phone without having to rely on a wall outlet.
Packing squares
Packing squares changed my life forever. I had struggled to keep track of my clothes and pack them in my suitcase for many years. The best way to organize and keep your luggage organized is by using packing squares. I separate my socks, underwear, shirts, and pants into individual squares to make it easier to pull them out when needed.
Umbrella
It may seem obvious to pack an umbrella, but it is often overlooked. Choose a lightweight umbrella for easier luggage integration.
Preparing for the unexpected in the music industry is important. I hope that packing these items can make a big difference on your next trip. Tell us about your favorite unexpected rescue item!