Keeping all of the above in mind, there are some items that DIY touring artists should never leave home without. These items are as follows...

 

-Sleeping bag and pillow

 

-First Aid Kit

 

-Flashlight, jack, and spare tire

 

-Windshield washer fluid

 

-Bottled water

 

-Non-perishable foods (i.e., Top Ramen, Cup of Noodles, Pop Tarts, Nutri Grain Bars, cereal, pretzels, peanut butter, fluff, granola bars, crackers, soup, etc.)

 

-Laptops, iPads, and Smart Phones – Free wireless Internet access is available everywhere and you will need it to keep your tour going.

 

-Vitamin D, Earplugs, Absorbent towels, and Eyeshade - stay healthy, stay clean, and protect your ears and eyes.

 

-Smart phone, GPS system and/or National Atlas. Although a bit expensive, a GPS system is invaluable when you are running late for a show and can’t find your way to the venue. They’re also very useful in locating nearby restaurants, hotels/motels, and colleges and universities. If you can’t afford a GPS system, Mapquest and Google are both very reliable sources for tour routing.

 

-Always have an extra roll of toilet paper in the van!