A guitar backpack is a soft-shelled case that allows you to transport your guitar safely and without using your hands. The guitar backpack can be carried like a traditional backpack with shoulder straps, allowing you to carry other items or equipment. A gig bag is another name for a guitar backpack, though not all gig bags have shoulder straps.
The guitar backpack is available in a variety of sizes and models to fit a variety of guitars, basses, and even banjos. Although some are made of tweed, the outer shell is usually made of durable nylon that is easy to clean. A good guitar backpack will have plenty of built-in foam padding for protection, as well as a neck brace to keep the instrument stable.
A guitar backpack is much lighter than a hard shell case due to the materials used. This alone makes it ideal for local gigging, transporting across campus, catching the subway, or even transporting on a bicycle. Various pouches, pockets, and compartments can be found on the bag’s exterior. Sheet music, strings, picks, tuners, small effects boxes or stomp pedals, and other items are stored in these. Choose a model that will accommodate your specific needs because the configuration of these pockets can be important.
A guitar backpack will protect your acoustic or electric guitar from minor bumps, knocks, and swipes, but a soft bag will also require some caution and care. A guitar backpack is not recommended for airline travel or other situations in which the instrument will be stowed with luggage, such as in the bus’s belly. In situations where rough handling is likely, a hard shell case will provide more protection.
Check that the guitar backpack is the right size for your instrument. A bag that is too small will not provide adequate protection, while a bag that is too large will allow the instrument to move around inside too freely.
Guitar backpacks are available at most guitar shops, and prices vary depending on quality and features. A cheap guitar backpack can cost as little as $20 USD, while more expensive models can cost up to $100 USD.