If you’re a music photographer and you’re headed out on tour, you might be wondering, how do I pack for weeks at a time?! What is necessary to bring and what should I leave at home? How can I avoid overpacking? Well, I have some ideas that might help you out!
My name is Gaby and I’m a touring concert photographer. I’m about to leave on a ten-week US bus tour, and I just made the ultimate packing list that I want to share with you. So, if you’re looking for inspiration or even if you’re just curious about what people bring on tour, continue on for my list!
✨TOUR PACKING LIST!!!! ✨
Camera Gear / Electronics
These are my go-to pieces of camera gear and electronics that I simply could not tour without. I usually also throw in multiple phone and computer chargers just in case.
- Two Canon R6 Camera bodies
- R6 batteries and chargers
- 24-70mm Lens
- 70-200mm Lens
- 50mm Lens
- Lil camcorder
- G7X Point and shoot
- G7X batteries and charger
- AA and AAA Batteries
- Laptop
- Laptop Charger
- Phone chargers
- Battery pack
- External hard drives
- Speedlight
- Off Camera flash and trigger
- Headphones
- AirPods
- iPad
- Cord organizer bag
- Multiple outlet extension cord
- Rapid strap
- Peli case
- Memory cards
Medicines / Vitamins
These are SO crucial to have on tour to help with getting sick! I use melatonin to help fall asleep and zinc is a life saver if you start to feel a cold coming on.
- Zinc
- DayQuil
- NyQuil
- Electrolytes
- Hydration packs
- Vitamin C
- Melatonin
Toiletries
These are obvious but listing them out anyway!
- Body mist
- Toothbrush
- Toothpaste
- Hairbrush
- Face masks
- Shampoo
- Conditioner
- Razor
- Pimple patches
- Face sunscreen
- Face Moisturizer
- Deodorant
- Earrings
- Wet Wipes
- Body lotion
- Brow gel
- Foundation
- Lip gloss
Food & Snacks
I keep a few snackies in my bag just in case, and we usually stock up on the bus too in case we have any late night or early morning cravings.
- Larabars / granola bars
- Travel nuts
- Travel Water Bottle
- Travel cutlery
Clothing / Shoes
Black, black, black! Stage blacks are pretty much all I wear on tour. I do however like to bring one cute outfit in case we go out on an off day.
- Black shirts
- Black shorts
- Black pants
- Black hoodie
- Black sneakers
- Gym sneakers
- Shower Sandals
- Underwear
- Bras
- Socks
- Laundry pods
- One cute outfit
Misc Fun Things!
These are super optional but I feel like it helps make touring more fun to have a few special touches.
- Postcard stamps
- Stickers to give to fans
- Deck of cards
- Monopoly deal cards
- Poster tube
- Gaby name tag for bus bunk
- Photos of the fam for bus bunk
- Streamers for bus bunk
- Gaff tape
And that’s it! That’s my giant list of things to pack for tour. What would you bring?!
