Gig Bag Go To’s

I have been performing professionally since 2015 and in that time I have learned a thing or two about having a well prepared gig bag. I would like to share my long learned lessons of Gig Bag Go To’s with you all so your gig bags are ready rock n roll!

First things first, what kind of bag do you want? A tote? A duffle? A rolling suit case? A travel “suitcase” backpack? I have tried all of them and my preference is the Travel Backpack. It has lots of pockets for organization, a separate shoe compartment, and an extension zipper that makes the bag bigger when I have a bulkier costume or multiple costumes. I like it because it leaves both of my hands free for carrying props and I never have to drag it through the snow during Colorado winters.

Now the fun part! What to have and keep in your fancy designated gig bag?

• Hair ties of differing sizes, bobby pins, comb.

• Safety pins in different sizes and colors.

• Emergency sewing kit.

• 1 pair of jewelry pliers.

• Scissors.

• Travel sizes of products and beauty tools. Hairspray, deodorant, lotion, toothpaste and toothbrush, contact solution, baby powder, baby wipes/makeup wipes, nail file, hand santizer, comb.

• Extra fake eyelashes and glue.

• Extra lip color and face powder.

• Glitter.

• Extra pair of fishnets.

• Extra pairs of safety panties.

• Pastie glue and adhesive remover pads.

• Socks.

• Cheap folding fan.

• Personal travel vanity mirror with lights.

• Plenty of tampons/panty liners.

• Shoe brush (the scratchy thing for suede soles)

• Double sided tape (fabric tape, toupee tape, or carpet tape)

• A robe for covering up if needed.

• Foldable ballet flats.

• Simple first aid stuff. Ankle wrap. I.B. Profuen. Medical tape.

I’m sure you’re wondering why on some of those items. Socks are good in case your feet get cold, or if you forgot some and happen to wearing boots for your act. Foldable ballet flats are good in case you need to take your other shoes off for some reason, but you can’t walk around barefoot. Jewelry pliers might come in handy to fix a piece of broken jewelry, a prop, or a costume piece. I don’t use all of the items that I have in my bag all the time. But I have used every single item at some point for myself or for a fellow cast member. “It’s best to have it and not need it, than to need it and not have it.”.

Happy gig bagging!