What is the best way to pack when on tour?

Before you go out on the road, make sure you have a game plan for what you will take.

Unlike a summer vacation, there are some additional considerations when packing for a tour. Your tour may take you through diverse global regions, which means having to possibly pack for warm weather as well as cold weather. You need to pack your stage clothes, your traveling clothes, maybe even your merchandise, toiletries and, of course, your instrument. This can all be a bit of a challenge. Because you will most likely often be on the move, you must make every effort to pack light, but you don’t want to forget anything.

The best advice I can offer is to obviously pack light and leave non-essentials at home. You will ultimately be the best one to judge your personal needs. With that said, here are a few general suggestions on minimal packing with maximum results:

To accommodate the possibility of time spent in cold weather, instead of 5 sweaters, bring layered clothing that can add up to warm clothing as needed, but can still serve as warm weather gear (i.e. t-shirts and light pullovers). Athletic and hiking great and be very effective in this manner. It may not have the “Rock and Roll” look, but don’t worry, 90% of the time you spend on the road will be with the band, not your fans.

Pack about 4-7 days worth of clothing, and make it your business to do laundry often. No need to drag around two weeks worth of clothes if you don’t have to.

Try to limit shoes to two pairs: Your stage shoes (if applicable) and an incredibly comfortable pair of travel shoes. Merril is a company that seems to make some very comfortable shoes. There are certainly others out there as well. Research this, find out who makes shoes that are highly recommended for comfort. Sore feet are the first step to overall discomfort.

Keep your stage clothes in a garment bag if possible. They will wrinkle less and you can save money on dry-cleaning.

If you are in a Rock or Blues band and your stage clothes are indistinguishable from your ever day street clothes, you are in luck. You won’t have to make special arrangements for stage clothes.

Bring a good pair of gloves; you never know when you might need them.

Bring one good hooded sweater. You never know when you will encounter unexpected and extreme cold.