A drummer's kitbag: Water? Check. Bright red shorts? Check. © Lawrence Manning/Corbis
10 kitbag essentials for drummers focuses on the tools and spare parts you'll need to keep your drum kit in shape. But what about the humble stick-wielders themselves? Courtesy of our friends at Rhythm Magazine, here are the 10 items no gigging sticksman should be without…
10 kitbag essentials
1. A change of clothes
One or two changes of shirts/vests for when you come off stage soaking wet.
2. Plastic bags
To stash your soaking gear after the gig. Sounds a bit arbitrary, we know, but locking away that smelly cocktail of smoke, beer and sweat saves an unsavoury drive home!
3. Portable fan
Even better, prevent the sweat in the first place! Take your own personal portable floor fan with a very, very long extension lead.
4. More gaffer tape
Again, a roll of gaffer tape. It truly has a thousand uses, most of them useful for music.
5. H2O
Plain water close to hand but where you can't knock it over. Investigate the many companies who are selling stand mountable drink holders or simply attach a bicycle style bottle-holder to a stand.
Next page: light, time and ear plugs!
6. A Maglite
Or another one of those small indestructible torches to negotiate dark backstage areas, alleys, car parks etc.
7. Metronome
Counting in and tempo aids such as Tama's Rhythm Watch or Yamaha's ClickStation. And don't forget spare batteries.
8. Ear plugs
Essential for all but the softest of gigs these days. Your drum store will carry various types and will happily advise you on the wide range available. (Read a review of ACS's ER Custom Hearing Protectors)
9. First aid kit
A basic first-aid kit. And plenty of tissues, wipes… and toilet paper!
10. Directions to the gig!
Print off a map - getting to the gig in one piece and on time means you'll still be in the band to play the next one!
For the best monthly drumming tips, video lessons and reviews, check out Rhythm Magazine.
