There are lots of varying opinions when it comes to what to pack for tour.
There isn’t a right or wrong answer, but your tour companions might look at you odd if you show up with everything on the below list.
The mantra of less is more rings true. In practice, this reduces the amount of stuff you need to look after and is also considerate of your tour mates.
We would suggest one backpack and one roller bag. What you decide to put inside is up to you. This will cover you for fly dates, as well as bus touring.
Having a small footprint is good, especially if you’re on a bus that is packed to the brim with touring personnel. Those bus bays fill up quickly!
A lot of these items might be useful to stash away in a road case or production case for a rainy day.
Behold, a list of things!
“Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.”
AirFly Pro
- A device that allows you to use your wireless headphones or earbuds with in-flight entertainment systems.
Apple Air Tag
- A small device that can be attached to your luggage to track its location using your iPhone.
Assorted Cables
- Various cables such as USB, charging, and audio cables that may come in handy during the tour.
Away Carry On
- A carry-on suitcase designed to meet airline size restrictions and keep your belongings safe and organized.
Bandana for Dust
- A piece of cloth used to cover your nose and mouth to protect you from dust, pollution, and other airborne particles.
Backpack
- A bag worn on the back to carry personal belongings. Choose wisely!
Batteries
- Spare batteries for electronic devices. Looking at you, IEM packs.
Blanket
- Sometimes it’s nice to have another layer of bunk insulation during winter tours, or when the bus AC is cranking.
Blue-Tac
- A reusable putty adhesive for all of your backstage sign-hanging needs.
Book or Kindle
- Reading materials for downtime during the tour. Good luck, tour managers.
Body Wipes
- Wet wipes are used to refresh and clean your body when you don’t have access to a shower.
Bottle Opener
- A tool used to open bottles of beverages such as beer, soda, or water. Never around when you need one.
Camera
- A great way to document your time on tour is with photos and video. A gift to your future self.
Cable Tester
- A tool used to check the connectivity and functionality of cables.
Camp Chair
- A foldable chair used for outdoor activities such as camping or festivals. Great for parking lot hangs.
Climbing Harness
- A piece of safety equipment used for rigging.
Clip Light
- A small light that can be attached to clothes or gear for visibility in the dark.
Clothing
- Appropriate clothing based on the climate and location of the tour.
Coffee Mug
- A reusable mug for coffee or tea to reduce waste and save money.
Decibel Meter
- A device used to measure the volume of sound, useful for ensuring safe noise levels at concerts and events.
Deodorant
- A hygiene product used to prevent body odor. This is not a substitute for showering.
Door Jam
- A device used to secure a door from the inside for added safety and privacy. Great for after-show showers.
Dry Shampoo
- A hair product used to clean and refresh hair without using water, convenient for times when showering is not an option.
Ear Plugs
- A device worn in the ear canal to reduce noise levels and protect hearing, useful for concerts and other loud events. Hearing protection is absolutely necessary!
E-Tape
- A type of adhesive tape that is highly durable and water-resistant, useful for repairing gear or organizing cables.
Eye Mask
- A piece of fabric that covers the eyes to block out light and improve sleep quality, useful for sleeping on long flights or during daytime travel.
Face Mask
- A protective mask worn over the nose and mouth to reduce the spread of germs and protect against air pollution, especially useful in crowded or polluted areas.
First Aid Kit
- A collection of medical supplies and equipment for treating minor injuries or illnesses.
Flashlight
- A portable light source for illuminating dark areas or finding your way in low-light situations.
Gaff Tape
- A heavy-duty adhesive tape that is highly durable and leaves no residue when removed, useful for marking the stage and equipment.
Gum / Mints
- A type of chewable candy that freshens breath and reduces the sensation of a dry mouth. Useful for long flights or before doing press.
Hammock
- A portable fabric sling suspended between two points, used for relaxation or sleep during downtime. Great for festival days.
Hand Sanitizer
- A disinfectant gel or spray used to kill germs and bacteria on the hands when soap and water are not available. Good for meet and greets.
Hard Hat
- A safety helmet is worn during load-in, load-out, and other high-risk activities.
Headphones
- A pair of small speakers worn over the ears to listen to music or other audio content. Noise canceling is the way to go.
Head Lamp
- A small, wearable light source that is mounted on the head, useful for hands-free illumination.
In-Ear Monitors (IEM)
- A type of earphone used by musicians and performers on stage to hear their own performance and monitor other sounds.
In-Flight Phone Mount
- A device that mounts a smartphone or tablet to the seat in front of you during a flight, useful for watching movies or using your phone hands-free.
Iron
- A device used to remove wrinkles and creases from clothing, useful for maintaining a professional appearance when living out of a suitcase.
Journal
- A notebook or diary used to record thoughts, ideas, or experiences during the tour. Help capture what your camera can’t.
Knife
- A cutting tool with a sharp blade used for preparing food, opening packages, and other tasks. Don’t leave in your carry on!
Language Phrasebook
- A small book containing commonly used phrases and vocabulary in a foreign language, useful for international touring.
Laundry Bag
- A bag used to store dirty clothing separately from clean clothing. Easy to hand off to a production runner on laundry day.
Laptop
- A portable computer used for work or entertainment.
Lip Balm
- A moisturizing product applied to the lips to prevent chapping or dryness, useful when touring in dry or cold weather conditions.
Luggage Scale
- A small device used to weigh luggage and ensure it meets airline weight restrictions. Please don’t be that person at the airport.
Measuring Tape
- A tool used to measure distances or dimensions. Useful for packing the trailer and building the stage.
Meditation App or Ambient Music
- A digital tool used to relax the mind and reduce stress levels.
Medicine
- A collection of over-the-counter or prescription medicine used to treat or prevent illnesses. Double-check availability and restrictions if traveling internationally.
Melatonin
- A supplement used to help regulate sleep cycles and combat jet lag. Not for everyone.
Monkey Butt
- A type of anti-chafing powder used to prevent and soothe skin irritation in the groin area.
Money Bag
- A small bag or pouch used to store cash, cards, and other valuable items. Also useful for case organization.
Mosquito Repellent
- A spray or lotion used to repel mosquitoes and other insects during outdoor activities. Good to have on standby for summer festivals.
Nail Clippers
- A tool used to trim and shape fingernails and toenails. That hangnail could ruin a show!
Night Light
- A small, portable light used to provide a soft glow in dark environments. Good to save your shins in unfamiliar hotel rooms.
Neck Pillow
- A pillow shaped to support the neck and head during long flights or bus rides.
Packing Cubes
- A set of small, square-shaped containers used to organize clothing and other items within a suitcase or backpack. These are a gamechanger.
Passport
- An official document that identifies the traveler and grants permission to enter foreign countries.
Pelican
- A brand of protective cases used to transport fragile equipment and 9:30 Club cupcakes.
Pen & Pencil
- Writing instruments used for taking notes, writing in a journal, or other tasks during the tour.
Pillowcase
- A removable case used to cover and protect a pillow. It’s not you, it’s me, scratchy bus pillow.
Phone
- A mobile device used for communication, entertainment, and navigation. Can you imagine not touring with a phone?
Phone Charger
- A device used to charge a mobile phone battery, essential for staying connected. Bring a few and hide them in various places.
Powerbank
- A portable battery pack used to charge electronic devices. Good for festivals when you’re running around this way and that.
PPE
- Personal Protective Equipment such as face masks, gloves, or goggles used to protect against infectious diseases or other hazards.
Printer
- Those set lists and documents aren’t going to print themselves! Incredibly useful to have as a tour manager.
Printer Ink
- Expensive, but necessary for all of your printing needs.
Rain Jacket
- A waterproof or water-resistant jacket worn to protect against rain or other wet weather conditions. You hope you don’t have to use it!
Reusable Water Bottle
- A refillable bottle used to carry water or other beverages, reducing waste and saving money.
Safety Pins
- A small, sharp tool used to fasten or secure clothing or gear.
Soap Sheets for Laundry
- Thin sheets of soap used for washing clothing.
Scented Candles or Incense
- A fragrant item used to freshen up the atmosphere in a room or create a calming ambiance. Good for those musty dressing rooms, but beware of open flame restrictions.
Scissors
- A cutting tool used for various tasks such as cutting fabric, or opening packages.
Screwdrivers
- A tool used to tighten or loosen screws and bolts on equipment or gear.
Self-Inking Date Stamp
- This is very useful for quickly stamping the date on satin stickies.
Sewing Kit
- A collection of needles, thread, and other sewing supplies used to repair clothing.
Sharpies
- A type of permanent marker used to label gear, equipment, or personal items.
Shoes
- Footwear worn to protect the feet and provide comfort during walking or other activities. Can make or break your day!
Socks
- Garments worn on the feet to provide warmth and prevent blisters. Wool hiking socks are a solid choice.
Slippers
- Soft footwear worn indoors for comfort during downtime on the bus or hotel room.
Sleepwear
- Clothing worn for sleeping or lounging in the hotel room or on the bus.
Snacks
- Small food items eaten between meals or during long periods of travel. Add your favorites to the hospitality rider.
Stapler
- A device used to fasten paper or other materials together with staples. Useful for organizing receipts.
Steamers
- A device used to remove wrinkles and creases from clothing using steam. Black T-shirt wrinkles, no more!
Sunglasses
- Eyewear worn to protect the eyes from harmful UV rays and glare from the sun during outdoor activities.
Sunscreen
- A lotion or spray used to protect the skin from harmful UV rays during outdoor activities. Another summer festival essentials.
Swimsuit
- Clothing worn for swimming or other water-based activities. Sometimes the hotel pool or jacuzzi just hits right.
Tarp
- A large sheet of waterproof material used to cover and protect gear or equipment from rain or other weather conditions.
Toiletries
- Personal care items such as toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, and shampoo used for hygiene and grooming.
Tools / Leatherman
- A multi-tool or set of individual tools used to perform various tasks such as repairing gear or equipment.
Tupperware for the bunk
- A container used to store personal items, or other small items within a bunk on the tour bus or in shared accommodation.
Trailer Locks
- A device used to secure a trailer or other equipment during transportation. A hitch lock is important to have in addition to a trailer door lock.
Transparent Shoe Bag
- A clear bag used to store and protect shoes is useful for keeping shoes separate from clothing in a suitcase or backpack.
Travel Pillow
- A small, portable pillow used to support the neck and head during long flights or bus rides.
Travel Towel
- A lightweight and quick-drying towel used for showering or swimming. Venues normally provide towels, but can be useful for festival situations
TSA Approved Luggage Locks
- A lock used to secure luggage while complying with TSA regulations and avoiding damage during security checks.
Umbrella
- A portable canopy used to protect against rain or other wet weather conditions.
Universal Power Adapter
- A device used to convert electrical outlets in foreign countries to accommodate the charging of electronic devices.
USB Stick
- A small portable device used for storing and transferring data between computers or other electronic devices.
Vitamins
- A supplement used to ensure proper nutrition and boost immunity. Stay healthy!
Vocal Spray
- A spray used to moisturize and soothe the throat during performances or rehearsals.
Wall Charger (extra plugs)
- A device used to charge electronic devices using an electrical outlet, with extra plugs to accommodate multiple devices.
Wallet
- A small container used to store cash, cards, and other personal items such as identification or travel documents.
Wooden Shims
- Thin pieces of wood used to level or stabilize equipment or gear during setup tasks on the tour.
Ziplock Bags
- A resealable plastic bag used for storing snacks, personal items, or other small items.
Zip Ties
- A flexible plastic strip used to fasten or secure cables or other items during setup tasks or equipment transportation.
Conclusion
Packing for a tour is quite a subjective process, but there are definitely some essentials that can make life on the road easier and more comfortable.
While it’s important to make sure bases are covered, it’s equally important to pack light and efficiently.
By doing so, you’ll be able to navigate through airports, hotels, and tour buses with ease.
Keep in mind that there are some items that may not be necessary for every tour, so tailor your packing list to fit the specific needs of your tour.
Happy packing and safe travels!