To help you find the best gig bag for guitars, microphones and other kinds of gear, we have tried out a multitude of top models, testing them for durability and protective ability. We liked gig bags that featured tons of padding running throughout, so as to protect expensive musical instruments, and those that easily fit many different instrument types. You need the best bags to carry fragile equipment like music instruments.
The best gig bag that we tried was easily the Chromacast Padded Guitar Gig Bag. This high-quality bag is available in a number of sizes to suit acoustic guitars, basses, electric guitars and more, with superior padding running throughout for protection. Keep reading to learn more about other high-grade gig bags available for purchase.
Top 7 Best Gig Bags
#1 ChromaCast Padded Guitar Gig Bag
Award: TOP PICK
WHY WE LIKE IT: Durable and padded design with rubber bumpers for extra protection make this the best guitar gig bag, with options for basses, acoustic guitars and electrics.
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- Available in multiple sizes to suit different instruments
- Multiple pockets allow for the storage of related gear
- Padding throughout and rubber bumpers for protection
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- Included guitar strap is fairly flimsy
- No option for ukuleles
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The Chromacast Padded Guitar Gig Bag is the best gig bag under $100, thanks to safety-enhancing features such as durable 10mm padding along the interior and rubber bumpers on the exterior. We truly loved the many pockets located throughout the bag, which allows for the easy storage of pedals and other types of gear, and the fact that this gig bag is available in multiple sizes to fit basses, acoustic guitars, electric guitars and more.
Though these gig bags do ship with some extras, including guitar picks and a guitar strap, we found the strap to be somewhat flimsy, though serviceable. Additionally, there is no option for ukulele storage, despite the many guitar sizes available. This bag will be the perfect size to hold your best guitar, and also your best guitar straps.
#2 Hola! Music Microphone Stand Gig Bag
Award: HONORABLE MENTION
WHY WE LIKE IT: Great choice for the transport of drum hardware, microphones and microphone stands, thanks to a dual compartment design and a lengthy 50” shoulder strap for easy carrying.
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- Quality stitching and durable zippers and buckles
- Lengthy (50”) and comfortable shoulder strap
- Dual compartments offer good separation
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- Somewhat heavy, at over 2 lb
- Not for guitars or instruments
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This Hola! Music Microphone Stand Gig Bag is a great choice for drummers as it offers plenty of room for drum hardware and the dual compartment design can easily store microphones and microphone stands. We loved the lengthy 50 inch shoulder strap, which we found comfortable enough during long periods of use, and the high-quality stitching. This is a highly durable gig bag, made even more so by the solidly built and professionally installed zippers and buckles.
This is a somewhat heavier-than-average gig bag, however, at over two pounds, though if you are lugging drum hardware you are not likely to notice. Also, this is a bag built primarily for loose gear and, as such, does not fit guitars, basses or other instruments. For your music listening needs otherwise, you’ll also be interested in any of the best record players or turntables.
#3 Gator Cases Gig Bag
Award: MOST SIZE OPTIONS
WHY WE LIKE IT: Available in a wide range of sizes to fit nearly any instrument, including ukuleles and mini acoustic guitars, with thick 10mm padding along the interior and an adjustable backpack strap for easy transport.
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- Made from durable nylon and features 10mm thick padding
- Adjustable backpack straps
- Larger outer pocket perfect for tuners
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- No additional protection for headstock or neck
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This Gator gig bag is available in multiple sizes that fit nearly a dozen instruments, making it suitable as a ukulele gig bag, a dreadnought gig bag and more. We loved the durable nylon along the exterior and the 10mm thick padded interior. During our testing, we admired the large outer pocket, which was perfect for storing a guitar tuner, and the adjustable backpack straps, which made transporting instruments nearly effortless.
There is no additional protection here for headstocks or necks, a feature found in some models via a velcro strap of some kind. The padding, however, did a decent enough job of protection on its own, as we found the electric-sized model to be the best gig bag for a Gibson SG. For your other musical instrument needs, you might also want to look at our guide to the best concertinas.
#4 Cahaya Waterproof Gig Bag
Award: EASIEST TO CARRY
WHY WE LIKE IT: Extremely easy to carry to and from gigs, thanks to adjustable dual shoulder straps and 3 handles, giving this bag 5 options for transporting. It also features a back hanger loop for wall hanging.
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- Can be hung on the wall when not in use
- Thick 0.35” padding for protection and waterproof exterior
- 2 exterior pockets for storage
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- Cannot support electric guitars
- Zippers can get stuck once in a while
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This Cahaya Waterproof Gig Bag is designed for maximum convenience, as it features dual adjustable shoulder straps and three soft carry handles, in addition to a loop on the back for wall hanging when not in use. We loved the durable protective padding, clocking in at 0.35 inches thick, and the two exterior pockets, which we found plenty large enough for tuners, pedals and other pieces of gear.
Though this gig bag is perfect for standard-sized acoustic and classical guitars, it will not fit electric guitars, nor is there an option for electric guitars. Also, the zippers and buckles are of an extremely high-quality, but we found that the zippers could get stuck once in a while, though it was easily fixed. If you’re looking for another musical instrument to add to your collection, you should also read our guide to the best upright bass.
#5 Faswin Adjustable Guitar Gig Bag
Award: BEST ON A BUDGET
WHY WE LIKE IT: Best budget gig bag with plenty of high end features, including puncture-resistant materials, a large gusseted from pocket and backpack-style straps for easy transport.
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- Made from puncture-resistant materials for durability
- Large gusseted from pocket for tuners and pedals
- Backpack-style carry straps and a soft handle
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- Standard acoustic guitars only
- Padding is on the thinner side
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The Faswin Adjustable Guitar Gig Bag comes in at a lower-than-average price point while still offering features in line with higher priced competitors, including a large gusseted front pocket which can easily accommodate pedals, tuners and sheet music, among other items. We also loved the puncture-resistant nylon material used in construction and the backpack-style straps, which allow for easy transport. This gig bag is also under a pound, further increasing its portability.
This gig bag is only designed to fit standard-sized acoustic guitars and, as such, cannot accommodate electric guitars, such as Gibson Les Pauls, or smaller-sized acoustics. Additionally, the interior padding here is on the thinner side, compared to some models. If you want to live stream your next performance, you should also consider looking into the best wireless microphone.
#6 Hola! Music Heavy Duty Mandolin Gig Bag
Award: MOST PROTECTION
WHY WE LIKE IT: Offers superior protection for mandolins, with 15mm padding throughout the interior and an exterior made from 700D Oxford nylon, in addition to featuring a pair of high-grade metal zippers.
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- Soft 700D Oxford nylon exterior
- Dual-opening heavy-duty metal zippers
- Front accessory pocket and comfortable carry handle
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- Designed to fit only mandolins
- No backpack straps
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This ola! Music Heavy Duty Mandolin Gig Bag offers excellent protection for mandolin players, thanks to thick 15mm padding along the interior and an exterior made from waterproof and durable 700D Oxford nylon fabric. We also loved the front accessory pocket, which is perfect for storing additional gear, and the heavy-duty metal zippers that offer dual-opening capabilities. The carry handle is also soft and comfortable to hold for long periods of time.
This gig bag is designed for mandolins and, as such, it is on the smaller side and not large enough to accommodate other instruments, including guitars. Also, this gig bag does not feature backpack straps, for easy transport, though there is a shoulder strap included. To pack and transport your groceries, you could check our guide on the best reusable produce bags.
#7 Ibanez Powerpad Electric Guitar Gig Bag
Award: BEST AESTHETICS
WHY WE LIKE IT: Aesthetically-pleasing gig bag that is available in multiple color, design and size options, to suit different instruments, and featuring thick 15mm padding throughout the interior for protection.
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- Available in multiple sizes to suit different instruments
- 15mm padding throughout interior
- 4 pockets can hold a bevy of accessories
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- Must be broken in for several hours upon opening
- On heavy side, at nearly 2.5 lb
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The Ibanez Powerpad Electric Guitar Gig Bag offers an assortment of attraction design and color options, all of which bring plenty of pizazz to the table. We loved that this gig bag is also available in multiple sizes, to suit acoustic guitars, electric guitars, ukuleles and more. The durability here is top notch, with 15mm padding running throughout the interior and buckles inside to securely grip the headstock. The four exterior pockets are also top notch, offering plenty of room for sheet music, pedals, tuners and other accessories.
This gig bag must be broken in for several hours upon receipt, however, which involves some stretching of the material. Additionally, this is one of the heavier gig bags on the market, clocking in at 2.5 pounds. What if you want a bag for your next vacation? Check out the best women’s summer bag guide for great options.
How We Decided
To help narrow down to the above list, we focused primarily on gig bags that offered superior protection for your preferred instruments. We liked gig bags with plenty of padding along with the interior, of a minimum of 10mm, and those that featured exteriors made from waterproof and puncture-resistant materials, typically nylon blends.
We preferred gig bags that were available in plenty of size options, to suit acoustic guitars, electric guitars, ukuleles, mandolins and more. We also tended to choose gig bags with plenty of additional room, in the form of front pockets, which can be a great place to store tuners, guitar pedals, sheet music, and other odds-and-ends.
Portability was also a concern, as we ended up choosing gig bags with light form factors and those that offered plenty of transport options. Our favorite gig bags offered standard handles, shoulder straps, and backpack-style dual straps, to make carrying your instruments to and from gigs an absolute breeze. Finally, we admired gig bags that were aesthetically pleasing.
Best Gig Bag Buyer’s Guide
The Most Important Features to Consider
- Instrument Type
You can’t just purchase any gig bag and expect it to fit your chosen instrument. Instruments come in all different shapes and sizes and, as such, so do their corresponding gig bags. A gig bag made to fit an electric guitar will not fit an acoustic guitar, and vice versa. In other words, make sure to do some measurements and read all of the fine print. Occasionally, even acoustic and electric guitars vary in size enough to not fit in standard gig bags. This issue is compounded when it comes to uniquely shaped instruments, such as double guitars, as best double guitar gig bags are hard to come by. - Protective Features
You are going to want to protect your guitars, as musical instruments are expensive. To that end, make sure your chosen gig bag offers plenty of padding along with the interior. 10mm is decent, though 15mm thickness is better. You will also want an exterior made from the puncture-resistant and waterproof fabric of some kind, typically nylon. Some gig bags also feature buckles along with the interior that fasten over the headstock, offering even more protection. - Transport
If you find yourself heading to practice or to gigs on the regular, you’ll want to make sure your chosen gig bag is easy to carry. Look for gig bags with plenty of transport options, including soft standard handles, shoulder straps and backpack-style straps. This will ensure that you’ll find a comfortable position for long use sessions. Also, some gig bags feature loops along the exterior for the purposes of hanging on the wall when not in use.
