Packing the Ultimate Concert Bag

When I started going to shows, I had no idea what to bring. I was completely lost!

Could I bring my disposable camera? What about a portable charger? How big could my bag be? Was I even allowed to bring a bag?

It took a lot of trial and error to figure out what I could and couldn't bring into a venue. A lot. I was yelled at by a security guard or two because I had stuff I didn't know wasn't allowed inside.

Lucky for you, though, I think I cracked the code. Keep reading to find out my keys for packing the perfect concert bag.

READ VENUE RULES BEFOREHAND

Make sure that you read the venue rules and restrictions before you show up! Not only does it make getting through security so much faster, but it keeps you on the good side of security guards and makes your entire experience better. Remember that each venue is different and may have different rules about what's allowed inside.

Most venues allow bags if they're under a certain size. Some may allow resealable water bottles, point-and-shoot cameras, posters, and other things that a different venue won't. Most venues won't allow you to bring in any type of camera with a removeable lens (unless you have a photo pass) or outside food.

Almost every venue has a page on their website dedicated to venue rules. Look under "FAQ", "Safety", "About", or "Info" to find specifics.

For The Complex in Salt Lake City, restrictions can be found under "About"

DON'T OVERPACK

You want to be able to move around during the show and not be weighed down by your bag! Make sure to bring only the essentials into the show with you. With most venues restricting the size of bags allowed inside, you don't have room for much else.

My essentials include a portable charger, my phone, my wallet and ID, and chapstick. Occasionally I'll bring a disposable or point-and-shoot camera if they're allowed. I'll also throw in a granola bar or a pack of gum if the venue allows them inside.

If I'm waiting in line all day, I'll bring a backpack and put it in my car about an hour before doors open. This backpack usually includes a change of clothes, deodorant, water bottles, Gatorade, snacks, and something to do while I wait (homework, a book, etc.). If I bring chairs or a blanket to sit on, I'll bring those back to the car when I drop off my backpack.

The most important thing is to make sure that you're bringing only the essentials inside the actual venue!

Click here to buy the Cotopaxi backpack I use for packing all my line essentials

KEEP YOUR BAG CLOSE

There's nothing worse than losing something during a show! Keep your bag close to your body to prevent loss.

I wear mine like a crossbody fanny pack, so it's on my chest or just under my arm. This works great, because I have quick access to whatever I need inside the bag. It's also always close to my body, so I don't have to worry about anything being stolen or falling out.

Click here to buy the crossbody I use from Herschel Supply Co. (I just shorten the straps so it fits like a crossbody fanny pack)

MAKE IT EASY TO LOOK THROUGH

When you are getting into the venue, security is going to look through your bag to make sure you aren't bringing restricted items inside. Make it easier for you and them by making your bag easy to look through.

I organize everything by standing it up vertically, not throwing things on top of each other. This way, when security looks inside, they clearly see everything and don't need to pull everything out to get to the bottom.

Figuring out what to pack in your concert bag can be challenging. I'll be honest, it takes a lot of trial and error. I would forget a portable charger and my phone would die halfway through the set, or I would forget chapstick and my lips felt like sandpaper. Decide what your essentials are, find a bag that works for you, and read venue rules ahead of time, and you'll be set to enjoy the show!