Guide
The Gig Packing Checklist Every Musician Should Use
A category-by-category checklist for gigs, rehearsals, and sessions. Copy it, adapt it, and use it whether or not you ever touch RigVault.
The checklist
Instruments
- Primary instrument(s), tuned and gigging-ready
- Backup instrument, if you bring one
- Spare strings, reeds, or sticks as applicable
- Capo, slide, picks, or other playing accessories
Amps & signal chain
- Amp or amp head and cabinet
- Pedalboard, powered and patched correctly
- Spare tubes, fuses, or batteries for pedals
- Direct box, if the venue needs one
Cables & power
- Instrument cables (bring at least one spare)
- Power cables and a power strip or extension cord
- Adapters (1/4", XLR, MIDI, USB as relevant)
Hardware & stands
- Instrument stands
- Mic stands and clips, if you're bringing your own
- Amp stand or riser, if used
In-ears & monitoring
- In-ear monitors or headphones
- Wireless packs, charged, with spare batteries
Documents
- Setlist
- Technical rider and stage plot, if the venue needs them in advance
- Contact info for the venue or promoter
Personal
- Earplugs
- Tuner
- Basic tool kit (screwdriver, allen keys, extra picks)
How to actually use this
A checklist only works if it matches what you actually bring. Strip out what doesn't apply to your setup, and adapt the categories to your instrument: a drummer's version looks different from a keyboard player's. The goal isn't a perfect universal list; it's a reliable one for your specific rig.
Turning this into a real Loadout
A static checklist still depends on you remembering to update it. A RigVault Loadout is built from the gear you've already catalogued, so it can't drift out of sync the way a document can, and you can mark items packed as you actually load in.
FAQ
Common questions.
Can RigVault help me make a gig packing checklist?
Yes. Loadouts are designed for that workflow. Instead of maintaining a separate packing list disconnected from your inventory, a Loadout is built from the real equipment already recorded in RigVault.
Should a band share one packing checklist?
A shared checklist helps, but it works best when everyone knows which items are their individual responsibility versus shared band gear.