The best backpacks for musicians are essential for keeping your instruments and equipment well-protected from the bumps and bruises of life on the road.
In this post, I have put together a list of best backpacks for musicians, drummers and DJs in 2022!
These backpacks are perfect for safely transporting your gear from show to show.
Whether you’re embarking on a cross-country tour or just playing a local gig, these backpacks will keep your gear safe and organized.
Keep reading to learn more!
Best Backpacks for Musicians in 2023
In a hurry? Here is a preview of the top best backpacks for musicians, drummers and DJs in 2023!
In this section, weāll take a look at the best drummer backpacks for work, travel, and gigs.
Summary: The Vic Firth Backpack features ample storage space, and is built to last.
If you’re looking for a quality backpack designed specifically for drummers, then this Vic Firth VICPACK Drummers Backpack is worth considering.
This backpack is made by one of the leading brands in the drum industry and is perfect for both students and professional drummers.
And as one of the best backpacks for musicians, the Vicpack is a great option for drummers who need to carry a lot of gear with them.
It comes with a removable drumstick bag that holds up to 12 pairs of drumsticks, mallets, brushes, drum keys, etc.
You can use the drumstick bag on its own when you want to pack light and it can be fitted onto the front of the backpack when you want to pack a lot of gear.Ā
The pack features two fully zip padded compartments, with pockets, and has room for carrying all of your drumming essential gear, including a few clothes, a 12″ practice pad, and a 15ā³ laptop insert to safely transport your precious device.
Also, the Vic Firth Pack comes with a few extra features that you’ll love.
The backpack itself is of good quality and can hold a lot of weight.
It’s made from heavy-duty materials that can withstand the wear and tear of constant use.
Plus, it comes with a shoulder strap for easy transport.
What we also love
I like that this bag can be very spacious to fit a lot of gear for when you have to travel for gigs at a location, and can be streamlined for when you need just a few essentials for lessons.
Whatās not great
There are a few potential drawbacks to the Vic Firth VICPACK Drummers Backpack.
First, the backpack may be too large for smaller-sized individuals to comfortably carry.
Additionally, the backpack can become quite heavy when fully loaded with gear, making it difficult to transport from place to place.
Overall, this is still a great option for drummers looking for a reliable and durable backpack to haul their gear around in!
ddrum StickPack Backpack
Summary: the ddrum StickPack is an all-in-one carrying solution for drummers and percussionists on the go.
Looking for a great backpack for drummers?
Check out the ddrum Ultimate StickPack Backpack!
Whether you’re a professional drummer or just starting out, the ddrum Ultimate StickPack Backpack is a great option for keeping everything organized and within reach.
This backpack features a detachable stick bag that holds up to 12 pairs ofĀ drumsticks, enabling you to keep your sticks on you even when you’re not carrying your whole kit.
It’s also good for other percussionists, as it has a variety of pockets, with compartments, and has plenty of room for all your other gear.
It can fit a 17ā laptop, a bottle, headphones, drum accessories, and even a change of clothes, making it perfect for taking to gigs or rehearsals. Ā
Plus, the padded back and straps make it comfortable to wear even when loaded down with gear.
What we also love
I like that this is one of the best backpacks for musicians that is not only well-made but is also affordable!
Plus, the cool ddrum logo on the front will let everyone know that you mean business!
Whatās not great
If you’re looking for a great backpack to hold all your drumming gear, the ddrum Ultimate StickPack is a great option.
However, there are a few things to keep in mind before you buy it.
First, the construction and stitching could be better.
Some users have complained that the seams start to come undone after a while and that the fabric isn’t as durable as it could be.
Second, the drink holder doesn’t seem to be very sturdy. So, if you’re planning on carrying around a lot of water or other beverages, this might not be the pack for you.
Overall, the ddrum Ultimate StickPack is still a great backpack for drummers and relatively inexpensive compared to other backpacks for musicians on this list.
Protection Racket Snare and Bass Drum Pedal Case
Summary: The Snare and Bass Drum Pedal Case is made for drummers who need to safely transport their drum kits.
There are few things more essential to drummers than their drum kit. And when it comes to transporting their different drums and cymbals, they need a quality case that will protect their instruments during transit.
The Protection Racket Snare and Bass Drum Pedal Case is a great option for drummers who want to be able to carry their kits with them wherever they go.
The bag is specifically designed for drummers to protectively transport their snare drum, bass drum pedals, cymbals, and other accessories wherever they go.
This quality and spacious case is one of the best backpacks for musicians because of the storage and protection it gives to instruments.
There are multiple pockets and compartments for holding all your accessories.
It features a fleece-lined internal Propile separator to keep spare drum heads scratch-free, and a zipped pocket for cymbals or even spare snare wires and drum keys.
It also has a separate pedal compartment that allows you safely transport your drum pedal. I like that you can unzip it round for easy access to the pedal, but is not detachable such that you forget or leave it behind.
On top of that, there are also front pockets for smaller accessories like your drum key, metronome, etc.
Best of all?
It is very durable and padded inside and out, so you can rest assured that your equipment will be safe during transit.
Plus, the padded backpack straps and chest strap make it easy to carry, especially when your kit is fully loaded.
Whether you’re heading to practice or a gig, this case will help ensure that your drums arrived safely.
What we also love
The Protection Racket Snare and Bass Drum Pedal Case is great for gigs, rehearsals, or just everyday transport.
And the heavy-duty construction means it can take whatever you throw at it.
So if you’re looking for a safe and secure way to transport your drums, this is the bag for you.
Whatās not great
The major disadvantage of this backpack is that it has a large and bulky design, and can be heavy when loaded out.
Additionally, it’s not very comfortable to wear for long periods, especially when at full capacity.
As a result, some reviewers wish it had a hip strap which would help take some of the weight off the shoulders.
That said, it’s a well-made bag and has lots of room for drums, cymbals, and other accessories. I highly recommend it for drummers who need to transport their gear to and from gigs.
The backpacks in this section are designed to meet the needs of DJs, while being spacious enough to fit essentials like cables, controller, mixer, etc.
Summary:Ā The Magma Riot Lite DJ-Backpack is a great bag for professional DJs who are always on the go.
If you’re looking for a durable, reliable bag to take your music gear on the go, then you’ll want to check out the Magma Riot DJ-Backpack Lite.
This bag is specifically designed for professional DJs, and it features plenty of storage space and compartments to keep all of your equipment organized and protected.
This bag which features a clamshell-design interior layout will fit your 17ā laptop, 12āā records, headphones, soundcards, cables, laptop stand, and other accessories.
You can also fit smaller controllers like the NI Machine Micro MK3, NI Machine Micro MK3, Numark DJ2Go, Pioneer DDJ-200, Reloop Spin, and Vestax Handytrax into this backpack with no issues.Ā
The Lite from Magma Riot is also one of the best backpacks for musicians who needs a sturdy and reliable backpack that can handle the rigors of travel.
It has a waterproof outer shell to protect your equipment from the elements, PVC-coated zippers to keep moisture out, and a durable Tarpaulin material that will stand up to regular use.
It is also comfortable to haul around town.
It features comfortable straps, an adjustable sternum strap, and a padded back panel with an airflow system for ventilation.
So, if you’re in the market for a great bag to take your DJing career on the road, be sure to check out the Magma Riot DJ-Backpack Lite.
What we also loveĀ
A scaled-down version of the MAGMA Riot DJ Bag XL, the Lite is a lightweight backpack that meets airline requirements for carry-on luggage.
It can be easily stowed underneath the seat or in the overhead bin, and is compliant with TSA checkpoint regulations, meaning you don’t have to remove your laptop from the bag when going through security.
Plus, the back end of the bag has a trolley-sling that effortlessly fits on the wheeled travel luggage for hands-free transport.
Whatās not great
At the time of this review, the Riot Lite doesnāt have many color options to choose from.
So youāre quite limited in the design to go for.
Overall, the Magma Riot Lite is a great choice for any professional DJ who needs a good bag to travel with.
Summary: The Jetpack Slim is great for your DJ needs as well as daily and even travel purposes.
This JetPack Slim Backpack is perfect for anyone who wants a versatile and lightweight backpack that can hold all of their DJ gear.
Compact and innovative, this is one of the best backpacks for musicians that you can use as a daily carry as well as travel with.
Best of all, it excels in organization.
The bag features three different compartments and lots of pockets that can hold everything from large headphones and personal items to mixers and cables, making it the perfect go-to backpack for any DJ on the go.
There are even built-in sleeves that fit most 17ā laptops and records compartments so that you can take your vinyl and related equipment along with you.
The JetPack Slim Backpack makes the list of the best backpacks for musicians because it offers comfort, durability, and protection.
Made with water-resistant nylon and padded with EVA foam all around, it’s perfect for keeping your gear safe and dry while on the go.
Also, the zippers are durable and easy to open, while the interior features a durable Ripstop lining that’s bright for more visibility in a dark setting.
Plus the shoulder straps are padded and easily adjustable for comfort.
Additionally, the backpack features a padded back panel with air mesh for ventilation and a sternum strap for added support, which is great especially when loaded down with everything you need for a busy day.
And with a sleek design, it’s easy to take with you wherever you go.
This versatile and travel-friendly backpack features a TSA-approved laptop compartment, so you can breeze through airport security with ease.
Also, it fits under the seat on most airlines, so you can avoid the overhead bin hassle.
And for ultimate convenience, it features a luggage tag and trolley sleeve that slides over the handle of your luggage for easy transport.
So whether you’re headed to a gig location or hitting the road for a weekend getaway, the JetPack Slim Travel Backpack is the perfect travel companion.
What we also love
I like that the Jetpack Slim also doubles as a regular travel backpack when you’re not using it for DJing.
And with a variety of colors to choose from, it’s easy to find one that suits your style.
Whatās not great
While the JetPack backpack is great for smaller DJ equipment, it, unfortunately, cannot accommodate larger items like mixers or controllers.
If you’re looking for a backpack that can fit all your gear, I suggest checking out something a bit bigger like the Orbit Concepts Jetpack.
All things considered, though, it’s a great backpack for everyday use or light travel.
No matter where your jet-setting adventures take you, the JetPack Slim Travel Backpack has you covered.
Summary: The UDG Backpack is a versatile DJ backpack for hitting the club scene that can also handle all your work needs.
If you’re looking for the perfect DJ backpack that can do it all, the UDG Ultimate DJ Backpack is a great option.
This backpack is specially designed for DJs and has plenty of room for a laptop, headphones, controllers, cables, and other DJ gear.
It is a spacious bag that features a padded laptop compartment, plus separate compartments for your controllers, headphones, cables, and other DJ gear.
There are also quick access pockets for accessories like USB sticks, SD cards, wires, AC power adapters, compact cameras, etc. Ā
It’s also great for general day-to-day work use since it has plenty of room for holding a laptop, files, and other essentials so you can easily keep everything you need in one place.
Whatās more?
The UDG Backpack is constructed from water-resistant nylon and features padding to protect your gear from bumps and scrapes.
And the comfortable straps and padded carry handle make it easy to carry all your gear around with you.
Whether you’re hitting the club or going on a long flight, the UDG Ultimate DJ Backpack is a great way to keep your equipment safe and sound.
What we also love
If you need to take your laptop with you on a plane or other mode of transportation, the UDG Ultimate DJ Backpack has a built-in trolley system that makes traveling with your equipment easy.
Whatās not great
The only downsides of this backpack are that it is only available in black and is a bit pricey.
So if you’re looking for a safe and convenient way to transport your DJ gear, the UDG Ultimate DJ Backpack is worth considering.Ā
In this section, weāll take a look at the best backpacks for touring musicians, sound engineers, and music producers.
Summary: The Troubadour Aero pack is spacious and has easy access to your gear, as well as smart organization.
If you’re a musician who frequently travels, you’ll appreciate the Troubadour Aero Backpack.
Coming in at an impressive 34L capacity, it gives you the packing capacity of a duffel bag in backpack form, so you always have the space for all your musical must-haves.
Plus, its smart organization system ensures that all your accessories are neatly arranged and easily accessible.
It has a unique zip-top opening that makes it easy to access the contents of the backpack as well as a roomy tube-shaped compartment that is perfect for holding clothes, headphones, a Dopp kit, camera, microphone, audio interface, and other items you need on the go.
Also, it features a separate padded laptop section with side access that fits a 13ā laptop, iPad, or documents you donāt want getting crinkled.
On top of that, it has a dedicated and waterproof shoe pocket that is breathable with antimicrobial linings for you can always change your kicks on tours.
The backpack also has a 3D pocket, a bottle holder, a zipped internal pocket, and a quick-access top zippered pocket that allows you to have easy access to personal items like a passport, wallet, phone, etc.
Whatās more?
Youāll be impressed with the quality of this bag.
Durable and decidedly waterproof, the Aero is made from high-quality waterproof recycled fabrics and zippers that are built to last.
Even better, the materials used are eco-friendly and ethically sourced.
The polyester isĀ bluesignĀ®Ā approved while the leather is naturally vegetable-tanned.
I also canāt forget the trolley sleeve that allows you to slide this bag over the suitcase handle when you travel.
What we also love
The Aero is also one of the most comfortable backpacks for musicians.
It has a breathable back panel for ventilation and ergonomic padded shoulder straps so you can effortlessly carry around the bag all day.
And because it is a big bag, I like the addition of a vegan leather grab handle and a detachable chest strap that ensure stability and reduce the stress on your shoulders, neck, and back.
I also like that this backpack is great for traveling as well as for everyday use, and comes in two subdued colors that go with almost every outfit.
Whatās not great
There are a few potential downsides to the Troubadour Aero Travel Backpack for musicians.
First, the backpack is designed primarily for taller individuals.
If you are on the shorter side, you may find that the backpack doesn’t fit as well as you would like or that it feels too big and bulky, making it difficult to maneuver in tight spaces.
Also, the backpack can be quite expensive compared to other options on the market. If you are tight on budget, this may not be the right choice for you.
But other than that, the Troubadour Aero Backpack makes it easy to take your essentials with you wherever you go whether you are traveling by plane, train, or automobile.
MONO EFX Flyby Backpack
Summary: The MONO EFX Flyby Backpack is the perfect tour pack for the digital creator in terms of style, function, and protection.
The MONO EFX Flyby Backpack is one of the best backpacks for musicians and digital creators, especially when it comes to touring.
And it comes with a bunch of handy features that’ll make life on tour a lot easier.
This backpack has plenty of room for all of your musical gear, as well as any digital equipment you might need.
And it has tons of compartments and pockets for organizing everything.
In the main compartment, there is a cable organizer for storing cables without tangles, as well as a roomy space for controllers, hard drives, headphones, records, and more.
On the exterior of the bag are many pockets, including a hidden upper pocket where you can keep small you need easy access to like wallet, phones, headphones, passports, adapters, keys, and more.
Wanna hear something cool?
The Flyby Backpack features a removable break-away laptop pack that fits laptops up to 17ā and is padded with sleeve to protect your device from bumps and scratches.
So, on days when you only need to take your laptop with you, and not the entire backpack, you can simply detach the laptop pack from the Flyby Backpack.
With this 2-in1 designed pack, you’ll be well-prepared for whatever the day throws your way.
Plus, the backpack is designed to be comfortable to wear, even when you’re carrying a lot of heavy gear.
Also, it offers great protection for your gear, with a waterproof, animal-free Sharkskin shell and double-thick bottom padding that prevents damage.
So, if you’re looking for the best backpack for musicians, the MONO EFX Flyby Backpack is hard to beat.
What we also love
This backpack was designed with style and function in mind, and it delivers on both fronts.
Stylish and functional, the MONO EFX Flyby Backpack is one of the best backpacks for musicians who want to look good when they’re performing or meeting with fans.
Another great feature of the MONO EFX Flyby Backpack is that it is a backpack that also doubles as a messenger-style bag.
It comes with a padded messenger strap that makes it comfortable to carry around, giving you a messenger-style carrying option when not in backpack mode.
If you’re looking for a stylish and practical backpack that will help you make a great impression, the MONO EFX Flyby is a great option.
Whatās not great
Even though the MONO Flyby backpack is innovative and great for musicians, it is quite expensive. Some people might not be able to afford it, especially if they are on a budget.
Additionally, the backpack is only available in one color and might not be suitable for every frame because it is quite large.
All in all, this is a great bag for musicians, DJs, guitarists, and more.Ā
SwissGear Travel Gear 1900 Backpack
Summary:Ā Whether you’re a traveling musician or just looking for a great all-around backpack, the Swissgear 1900 ScanSmart Laptop Backpack is a great option.
There’s no doubt that the Swissgear 1900 ScanSmart Laptop Backpack is a great bag for musicians.
This 31L bag is spacious enough to fit all your gear, and it has plenty of pockets and compartments to keep everything organized.
Thereās a padded media pocket with a headphones hole, an organizer compartment, stretchy water bottle pockets, zippered accessory compartments, an accordion file holder, a loop holder for your sunglasses, and a daisy chain to attach extra accessories.
ItsĀ SmartScan lay-flat systemĀ allows you to open the tablet and laptop compartment that opens into a lay-flat position for easy TSA screening at the airport.
This simply means you canĀ leave your laptop inside your bagĀ when going through airport security, which is a huge time-saver.
Best of all, it gives maximum protection to your expensiveĀ techĀ gadgets.
It not only fits aĀ 17ā laptop, and tablet, but it is also designed to prevent your laptop from striking a hard surface even when you bang or drop the bag in haste.
And thanks to its size, it is easy to travel with and it wonāt take up much space under the seat in front of you or the overhead bin compartment when used asĀ carry-on luggage.
Whatās more?
The SwissGear 1900 is made from durable 1200D ballistic polyester fabric that is not only sturdy but also water-resistant.
What we also love
An Amazon bestseller, this backpack is one of the best backpacks for musicians and is also an all-around great backpack for non-musicians as well.
For carrying comfort, it hasĀ contoured padded shoulderĀ straps that can easily be adjusted to suit your frame and aĀ heavily-padded airflow back panelĀ that allows for excellent ventilation and ergonomic support.
I also like that the bag has adjustable side compression straps for a firmer fit and that the shoulder straps have a built-in reflective accent material for additional night safety.
It is available in a variety of colors, while the luggage pass-through lets you easily attach it to rolling luggage.
Whatās not great
The Swissgear 1900 Scansmart TSA Laptop Backpack is a great backpack for traveling. It has a lot of compartments and pockets for storing everything you need, and itās comfortable to wear.
However, one major complaint concerning this bag is that it doesnāt have aĀ chest strapĀ for extra support.
This can be a problem if youāre carrying a lot of weight in the backpack because when stuffed full, it can take a toll on your back.Ā
Overall, this backpack is still a good option for those looking for a functional way to carry their belongings, whether you’re a professional musician or just someone who likes to jam out on weekends.
Tumi Alpha 3 Brief Pack
Summary: The Alpha 3 Compact Brief Pack is a sleek and functional carry for work, travel, and more.
Even though most Tumi backpacks are designed for everyday use and business travels, I pick the Tumi Brief Pack as one of the best backpacks for musicians for several reasons.
The first reason is that there is no denying the durability of this bag.
True to the quality signature of Tumi offerings, this pack is made with their patented FXT Ballistic Nylon, a strong and durable fabric that doesnāt tear or get scratched too easily.
More importantly, it will fit your gear easily too, even on busy days.
On the inside is a spacious compartment thatāll fit your clothes, books, files, and whatnot, and several internal pockets for your smaller belongings like travel documents, pens, cards, etc.
It also features a dedicated andĀ padded sleeve for a 15ā laptopĀ and tablet, pen loops, and a key leash, because why not.Ā
Now letās talk about external organization.Ā
On the exterior of the bag are a gusseted zip pocket, two front pockets, and two side pockets (one is water-resistant) that can be used for holding umbrellas, damp water bottles, damp clothes, etc.
If you tend to travel now and then, youāre in safe hands.
This sucker can easily fit into any overhead compartment or be tucked out of sight under the seat in front of you with ease.
Not to mention, the add-a-bag sleeve at the back panel allows you to slip over luggage handles for a hands-free movement.
Other nice features include fully adjustable,Ā padded shoulder straps, a padded back panel, and a leather carry handle, so you can travel in comfort.
What we also love
The Alpha 3 Brief Pack comes with the super usefulĀ Tumi TracerĀ feature, which helps with finding your backpack when it gets lost.
Whatās more?
You also get to personalize this pack.
At an additional cost, the luggage tag, monogram patch, handle wrap, and zipper pull ties can be what you want them to be.
On top of all that, this backpack is sleek with a professional design, so youāll look good on the go, whether thatās on your next trip, on tours, or even on a regular commute.
Whatās not great
Tumi is one of the most expensive backpack brands on the market, and the Alpha 3 Brief Pack comes with a hefty price tag.
Also, a few customers didnāt like that this bag is heavy, is not lockable, and that it doesnāt stand still but falls forward when set down.
What you can do is arrange the content of the bag with even weight so the bag doesnāt fall over.
Thule Covert DSLR Rolltop Backpack
Summary: The Thule Covert DSLR Rolltop Backpack is stylish, versatile, and has plenty of space for all your essentials.
The Thule Covert DSLR Rolltop backpack is a great camera bag specifically designed for photographers, with features like a removable camera insert and dedicated lens pockets.
But what use is it to a musician? Can this bag be modified to hold your gear as well?
The answer is yes!
With a few simple modifications, the Covert DSLR Rolltop backpack can easily become the perfect pack for any musician.
The pack comes with a removable and padded camera insert (originally designed to hold a DSLR camera) that will protect your gear without taking up too much space.
This origami-inspired divider system is a great way to organize and safely transport your portable amp, hard drives, microphones, tuners, and other small equipment for gigs.
Even better, the camera storage cube can also be removed if you want to turn it into a regular everyday pack, or if you want to transport equipment as well as personal gear that wonāt fit into the cube. Ā
And if youāre the type of musician who goes around with his devices for sampling tracks, there is a dedicated 15ā laptop and tablet compartment located at the back of the bag.
On top of that, there are many pockets great for holding cables, strings, phones, wallets, keys, and other small items.
Best of all, the rolltop design means you can roll the top up to save space or can be expanded when you need the extra room- making it perfect for everything from quick day trips to longer adventures.
Made with water-resistant nylon material, this pack is built to withstand years of wear and tear.
Not to mention, this bag makes for a comfortable carry.
It features a waist strap and hip belt, shock-absorbing shoulder straps, and side cinch straps for a snug fit.
What we also love
One of the reasons why The Thule Covert DSLR Rolltop Backpack makes this list of the best backpacks for musicians is because it is a stylish and versatile backpack.
Due to its design, you can use it to transport your musical instrument or modify it to be a travel or everyday carry backpack.
And the luggage pass-through sleeve allows you easily slide the Covert over rolling luggage.
What’s not great
The major con to consider with the Thule Covert DSLR Rolltop Backpack is that it’s quite heavy at 4.71 lb, and will only get heavier when loaded with items.
Other than that, this is a well-made and versatile backpack that can accommodate some of your musical gear and other personal items for gigs, tours, and whatnot.
D’Addario Accessories Backline Gear Transport Pack
Summary: The D’Addario Backline Transport Pack is designed to keep musician gear and accessories organized and protected.
This is hands down, one of the best backpacks for musicians, whether you are a sound engineer, a DJ, a guitarist, or a solo acoustic artist.
This D’Addario Accessories Backline Gear Transport Pack is perfect for keeping your gear and accessories organized and protected for gigs, rehearsals, and tours.
I love that there are different compartments for various accessories in one place so you can be ready to play at a moment’s notice.
With ample space and over eight specialized compartments for your microphone, cables, strings, tuners, maintenance tools, pedals, and more, this pack ensures that everything you need is within reach and well-protected.
There is a cable filing system, small and large accessory compartments, microphone storage, and mic stand storage.
The cable filing system which can hold up to 8 cables ensures they are neat, organized, and easy to find, while the small and large accessory compartments provide a place to store up to 4 pedals, and accessories.
The dedicated and padded microphone storage compartment which can fit up to 4 microphones is ideal for vocal performances.
And, the adjustable side straps attached to the backpack mean you’ll always have a place to set your mic stand when you’re ready to perform.
Also, there is a padded laptop and tablet sleeve for songwriters, and traveling DJs to transport their laptop, tablet, audio interface, and other accessories.
What we also love
The D’Addario Transport Pack is made from heavy-duty and water-resistant materials with waterproof zippers to protect your equipment.Ā
Not to mention, the padded shoulder straps and back panel ensures carrying comfort.
What’s not great
The D’Addario Accessories Backline Gear Transport Pack is a great bag for gigging musicians. It’s loved by many for its durability and convenience.
However, some people think it’s quite pricey.
Other than that, it’s hard to find any real cons for this bag – it’s well-made, comfortable to carry, and does a great job of protecting your gear.
Buyerās Guide: How to Choose the Best Backpacks for Musicians
When looking for the best backpacks for musicians, here are some important things to keep in mind before making a final decision.Ā
Storage Space
You’ll want to choose a backpack that is spacious enough to fit all of your gear.
There are a few reasons why storage space is so important in the best backpacks for musicians.
First, having a designated storage space specifically designed to carry specific parts of your gear can help keep you organized and better prepared for performances or rehearsals.
This is especially important if you tend to go about with essentials like your controller, headphones, laptops, cables, a change of clothes, and other personal items.
Also, having a lot of storage space in bags for musicians ensures that each piece of gear is secure, comfortable, and much more manageable while you’re traveling.
And of course, you want to choose a bag that often fits intoĀ the carry-on dimension requirements of major airlines, so you wonāt have to deal with checking your bag if you tend to travel for gigs.
Finally, having extra space in your backpack can come in handy if you need to bring along additional gear for a gig or performance.
Pockets & Compartments
When looking for the best backpacks for musicians, be sure to consider models that have multiple compartments and pockets specifically designed to carry specific parts of your gear.
For example, a compartment for your instrument, a compartment for your cables and cords so they donāt get tangled up, and a dedicated compartment for your laptop, sheet music, etc.
This will help keep everything well-organized and easy to access when you need it.
Also, by having pockets and compartments, you can easily grab what you need without having to dig through your entire bag. This is especially useful when youāre on the go and donāt have time to rummage around.
Additionally, compartments help keep thingsĀ organized so you know exactly where everything is, rather than dump everything into one big open area.
This comes in handy when you need to find something specific quickly.
Last but not least, compartments allow for even weight distribution which is important because it prevents back and shoulder pains.
Too much weight from lugging around heavy equipment concentrated in one area can cause discomfort and pain.
By having pockets and compartments, you can spread the weight out more evenly which makes for a more comfortable experience while traveling.
Comfortable to Carry
It’s important to have a comfortable and well-fitting backpack when you’re a musician because you’ll often be lugging around heavy equipment.
You don’t want a bag that’s an absolute nightmare to carry, so look for one with paddings and straps that distribute the weight evenly.
This means finding one with enough padding and structure to support the weight of your instruments or gear.
As a result, you should look for packs that have chest and hip straps that can help distribute the weight more evenly.
Additionally, ergonomic features like padding in the shoulder straps and ventilation in the back panel can help make them more comfortable to wear for longer periods.
You also want a pack that is contoured to your body to provide adequate support and not cause as much strain on your back and shoulders.
Also, make sure it’s not too big or too small for your frame ā you don’t want it slipping off your shoulders constantly or being so bulky that it impedes your movement.
A good fit is also important so that your back doesn’t get sore from carrying the backpack all day.
As you can see, comfort and fit are things to keep in mind when selecting the best backpack for musicians!
Material & durability
When it comes to choosing the best backpack for musicians, durability and material are important factors to consider. Musicians often have to carry around a lot of gear, so a backpack that can withstand wear and tear of frequent use is key.
One of the best ways to determine the quality of a backpack is to look at theĀ materialsĀ that itās made from.
For instance, bags made with high durability materials like ballistic nylon, reinforced polyester, or leather are ideal choices because they have excellent tear resistance and are durable.
While you might be tempted to go for bags made with light or cheap materials, keep in mind that this could sacrifice durability.
It is also very important to go for backpacks for musicians that areĀ water-resistantĀ or at the very least, come with aĀ waterproof rain cover, so your devices do not get damaged when caught in the rain.
Besides the tough fabrics, you also have to pay attention to bags with durable zippers likeĀ YKK zippers; bags that have reinforced stitching, especially in high-stress areas like the seam, shoulder straps, and bottom of the bag.
Ultimately, it’s important to choose a backpack that strikes the right balance between weight, durability, and comfort ā after all, you’ll be carrying it around with you everywhere!
Security
There are a few reasons why security is important in the best backpacks for musicians.
The first reason is that musicians often have very expensive gear, and they need a backpack that will protect their equipment from drops, and accidents Your backpack should be able to withstand being dropped or bumped without damaging your equipment.
Also, lockable zippers are important features to look out for in the best backpacks for musicians. This will help protect your gear from thieves when you’re not using it.
Ultimately, it’s important to choose a backpack that is both secure and durable, so that your gear can be protected while you’re on the go.
Final Thoughts
The 12 backpacks for musicians featured in this review are some of the best on the market when it comes to safely transporting your gear.
Whether youāre a touring musician or just need a backpack for taking your instrument to and from gigs, these backpacks will get the job done.
Each one has its unique features and benefits, so be sure to read through the reviews and decide which one is right for you.
What do you think about our picks?
Do you have a favorite backpack for musicians that didnāt make our list?
Let me know in the comments!
And for any other general questions on carry-on luggage, you are sure to find answers in myĀ ultimate guide to Carry-on luggageĀ post.
This article is not sponsored in any way by any company. These bags have been independently selected by myself and my team. And the only thing I receive is a small commission from our affiliate program if you buy any of them through the links and buttons on this page. It doesnāt cost you a penny. But it really helps me out as this money goes to paying for maintaining the website, editing software, my time, team and everything else that goes into preparing this post.
7 thoughts on “Top 12 Best Backpacks for Musicians to Safely Transport Gear on Tours & Gigs”
This is an incredible overview! I was looking for a backpack as a birthday present for my friend who needs to travel with his (small) keyboard and laptop sometimes. And thanks to your help it was pretty easy for me to decide.
Thanks for saving me lots of research time!
Have a great day,
Kat
Hi Femi,
Thanks for this amazing overview of backpacks for musicians. I really loved the comprehensiveness of your review. It is very obvious what are the PROS and what are the CONS of every backpack. I personally find the StickPack Backpack the best pick. It looks small from the outside, but can still carry a lot. Also, the price is very affordable. I have one question, is this backpack suitable for carry-on luggage?
Thanks for your kind words Julius, and Iām glad you found the article helpful.
Actually, I don’t think you can use the bag as a carry-on because its dimension (32.5 inches long, 22.5 inches wide and 21.5 inches deep) exceeds the most common maximum dimension (22 x 14 x 9 inches) allowed as carry-on luggage by the majority of airlines. If you opt for the bag, you should be prepared to have it checked in when flying.
Cheers,
Femi.
Hi Femi. Thanks for your reply. Now, it is clear to me š Cheers
Hi Femi,
I don’t think I have ever seen a more in-depth and through review of musicians backpacks. You have given quite an assortment to choose from. And the security features of some of these backpacks are outstanding. Most would definitely like to have the locking zippers and durability that keeps their equipment safe and secure. You have all that covered and explained the downside of the not so durable models. Musicians will truly find this page a valuable resource that they will bookmark for future reference. keep up the good work Femi!
Hi Femi,
Thanks for this amazing overview of backpacks for musicians. I really loved the comprehensiveness of your review. Comfort has to be top of the list, along with security. Having the ability to store loads in, can sometimes be a negative, especially if it impacts your back…
Thanks again for the post
This is such an amazing article! As a musician, it’s so hard to come across reviews for backpacks. and as we all know, us musicians love to travel! I’d go for the SwissGear Travel Gear 1900 as it looks like a very versatile option. If I’m not taking my stuff, I can even take it as a regular backpack. Thanks for giving us so many options!