Utility Gig Bag - What're You Using?

[N. Kentucky Bass]

My takeaway from some of your lists of stuff stashed in gear bags is bassists have become Band Den Mothers. So when did we have to schlep all this crap along in case someone else's gear fails or is left at home?

 

[RBASS930]

Mono M80 Double Pedal Bag
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Ergodyne Arsenal 5215 Large Trauma Bag

 

[backtobass]

Home Depot "Husky" series tool bags, the big one, for the "big gig" bag. A smaller one I got at Harbor Freight for practice. Those "Husky" bags are great. Sturdy and overbuilt if anything.

Yup, I'm a Husky tool bag guy too. I use this one and can fit two stands, extra cables and all sorts of what not. I do carry a separate pedal board too though.

Husky 18 in. Tool Bag-82003N11 - The Home Depot

 

[backin82]

Looking for ideas on which utility gig bag to get, or one that can be re-purposed that's otherwise meant for another use. (Not looking for a bass bag that has many/ large extra pockets.)

By a utility gig bag, I mean one that would be used to carry, cables, tuner, extra strings and string changing tools, a micro pedal board (mine just has space for 2 pedals), an iPad to display charts, etc.

Thanks in advance for your input.

I don't carry quiet as much, but I use one of these for cables, pen, tuners, the occasional pedal, etc...

 

[fishdreams]

Depending on the amount of pedals, between a shoulder/messenger bag to a cheapo carry-on rolling suitcase or duffel such as https://www.amazon.com/Tangkula-Rol...37&sr=8-16&keywords=suitcase+carry+on+rolling

 

[Wolfhound32]

For the last five years I've been using a "Timbuk2" laptop bag that has enough room to carry all the cables, large headphones, A-frame stand, tuners, tablets, tools, strings, etc. a guy could ever need-- even have enough room to pack a lunch, and a large water bottle on the side (elastic/mesh outside pocket). These bags rock!

New they can be expensive, but search the web and you can find them all day long for under $50

Photo borrowed from:Timbuk2 Commute Messenger Bag - Urban & School Packs - Backpacks & Bags - Camp & Hike :: CampSaver.com

Lots of different color combos too, but this is pretty close to the same model I use.

 

[Kragnorak]

I just use a large "duffle" type bag. Has enough room for two stands (broken down), extra power strips, heavy duty extension cords & it has two large pockets at each end. Use one for small first aid kit, small toolkit & paper/pens. The other end is for extra cables, DI box, spare tube & extra straps

I've got a medium-sized duffle as well. Spare pedals, cords, power, slide, small flashlight, batteries, etc.

 

[Dbassmon]

Musician's Gear Professional Music Gear Bag

 

[Remyd]

$7 goodwill special, no maker but plenty of padding. I think it was originally a giant camera bag or smth.

 

[Smallmouth_Bass]

I always thought this one looked good, except that the interior is black. With so many accessories being black and most cables being back and combine that with a dark stage, I expect some things might be hard to find.

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[Thumpin_P]

I have a backpack that my stepfather bought, never used, and left it to be covered with mud and dirt. I salvaged it, hosed all the mud out, and, after all the mud was gone, I ran it through the wash. Now, It has two compartments; one large, for long cables, a mesh pocket, for power strip and extension cord. A smaller pocket, for speaker cables, DI pedal. Two mesh pockets, for spools of velcro ties, as well as earplugs.

As luthier/tech, for my band, I carry all strings, tools, fuses, etc., I carry a smaller (cheap) toolbox. If I do freelance work, or a studio gig, I can play anywhere, with a bag, and a box.

 

[EastCoastThump]

• traveling light: top/side pockets in my Mono instrument bag, rack bag, and cabinet covers

• need a little more: messenger bag

• need a lot: old (1990s) carry bag for a Mac Classic computer. stage-friendly black, intererior pockets and divider, zippered exterior pockets, handle and wide padded strap, holds up like a champ over almost 30 years, carries ~ 50 lbs with no problem

 

[EastCoastThump]

My takeaway from some of your lists of stuff stashed in gear bags is bassists have become Band Den Mothers. So when did we have to schlep all this crap along in case someone else's gear fails or is left at home?

It's the price of bassists being the (relative) adults in the room. Yeah, it's a low bar.

When did it happen? A few months after we kicked our cocaine habit.

 

[Bullitt5135]

I just bought an 18" tool bag from Menards for $15. (Also available at Home Depot, Lowes, Harbor Freight, etc.) I'm using it to hold my Behringer X18 Mixer, iPad, a couple mics, and a few cables and accessories. I like that's designed with "a super-wide Doctor's Bag opening for easy access and easy viewing of the contents."

They had other models available...$40-50 if you want a larger size and/or wheels.

 

[mattattack187]

This. I also have an MB500 and have been using an old messenger-style laptop bag that I no longer used for laptops. It's a great way to carry things like a micro head, cables, tuner, spare strings, cheat/lyrics sheets, water bottles, extension cords, power strip, etc., and it's really well padded so my head is well protected.

However, I recently bought a backpack style laptop bag and have found that's even more convenient because there's one less thing I have to carry in my hands.

Do you have a link to the one you have or similar? I also would like something like this for my MB500.

 

[kucor]

I used to carry Samsonite notebook backpack but I find bags to be unpractical, so now I carry all accessories in a small flight case, and I don't have to worry something will get smashed inside.

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I might update to a Peli case, to cut some weight

 

[9mmMike]

I use a Phitz Stage Duffle, great bag

View attachment 950684

Just picked up one of these and transferred all my stuff. Looks like a winner. Wish it had an outside pocket for a pen and some business cards but otherwise it organized pretty well. Thanks for the tip!

 

[RustyAxe]

I use a large tool bag from Lowes (or maybe it was Home Depot). Heavy duty nylon, two large inner compartments, pockets on the outside. It came with a half dozen smaller bags (think of Shure zipper cases) that have come in handy. Carry straps and shoulder strap.

 

[Frankjohnson]

My takeaway from some of your lists of stuff stashed in gear bags is bassists have become Band Den Mothers. So when did we have to schlep all this crap along in case someone else's gear fails or is left at home?

Funny - but sometimes true!
In my band - I am the band manager/leader, and use a lot of different people to fill in - fill out depending on the gig, and other peoples schedules. Doesn't work for everyone. I own/carry the entire PA, and keep extra things, in case.....strings, cables, fuzes, etc....
I use this to carry all of the PA cables, mics, and a bunch of the items that used to fill up a bunch of carry bags. 2 Man lift back into the van but I can usually get it out on my own and into most venues without issue.

Probably overkill for most of you - but I LIKE IT!!

DEWALT 38 in. Mobile Tough Chest-DWST38000 - The Home Depot

 

[stratovani]

Cal Pak Riviera. It has a plethora of pockets!

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That's exactly the same bag that I use! I love it, lots of pockets, tons of room in its main compartment, easy to carry around!