The Importance of Creature Comforts: Packing for the Road
by Tash Cox
I’m going to be perfectly honest with you in saying that I’m probably the absolute worst person to offer advice about packing for a tour.
My bandmate Gordon is a true Tetris master and can perfectly squeeze everything into the van and trailer…and also has a very minimalist approach to packing his own personal belongings on the road. I myself am definitely a pack rat. In my early touring years, I used to bring an inordinate amount of books, clothes, just in case items that definitely were not used.
We’ve discovered in AL1CE that duffel bags are the way to go, as they fit better into the trailer. So I pack what I can into my duffel bag. I have yet to pack the perfect amount of clothing, but one day….a girl can dream…I will pack the perfect amount of things, no more and no less. I’m very ambitious, but I’ve learned that having a good digital reader is a great way to not have to bring too many books on the road. Here’s a go to list for me.
Tash’s needed personal items:
- Show clothes
- Show shoes
- Comfy clothes for van - which can also technically be pajamas 😉
- Workout clothes
- Shoes that easily slip on and off to get in and out of van - flip flops in the summer
- Running shoes
- Yoga mat
- Pillow
- Blankets
- Towel
- Washcloths
- Toiletries - list is more extensive for skin care, but here are some highlights:
- Makeup for everyday use and show
- Smashbox primer
- Rosebud Strawberry Lip balm!
- Dermologica precleanse is magic for removing makeup
- Digital reader
- Laptop
- Portable phone charger brick
- Eye mask - so needed for naps in van
- Ear plugs
- Ear buds
- Portable speaker for warmups
- Journal
- Lyric book
- Sketch book
- Writing/drawing tools
- Small humidifier
- Various teas, lemons, honey, and kettle
- Herbal remedies for ailments
- Sense of humor