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A backpack is a great way to transport the smaller pieces of gear that drummers need for playing live, rehearsing, or capturing recordings in the studio.
Not only do drummer need the obvious equipment like their drum set, throne, hardware, and cymbals – they also use many smaller items.
A backpack designed for drummers provides a simple and practical method for keeping all of your loose equipment in one easy-to-access place, but it’s important to choose one that caters to your individual needs.
In this guide, we’ll explore the best drummer backpacks available, explain what we believe their strengths and weaknesses are, and advise you on which would be best for what you require.
What are the Best Drummer Backpacks?
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Best Affordable Backpack
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Best for Storage
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Best Drummer Backpack
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Most Durable Design
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Best for Electronic Gear
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How I Tested and Selected the Best Drummer Backpacks
I’ve owned a single good backpack for most of the last decade. It’s served me so well, and it’s made me understand exactly what you need in a backpack as a drummer.
I’ve also done plenty of research on other backpack options, trying them out in music stores so that I can recommend a few picks for anyone who asks.
When testing backpacks for this list, there were a few things I checked out. Firstly, I looked at the size and how many compartments were inside. This gave me an idea of how much the pack can carry.
I then looked at durability and protectiveness, giving me an idea of how safe your gear will be inside the backpack. Lastly, I looked at comfort and value to see what the backpack felt like to wear and establish how the cost compared to other options.
In-Depth Drummer Backpack Reviews
Ddrum StickPack Drummer Backpack
Ddrum StickPack Drummer Backpack Review
This stylish and practical Ddrum StickPack Drummer Backpack is an essential must-have for drummers – it’s loaded with features plus has plenty of storage for drumming accessories.
This awesome drummer backpack is perfect for students and traveling drummers. It has lots of space and it comes with a fully detachable drumstick bag that holds up to 12 pairs of drumsticks!
When trying it out, I thought that the included stick bag was very high-quality, and it made the overall value of the backpack a lot more worth it.
The drummer rucksack itself has lots of compartments and space, which makes this really practical. The build quality was great with heavy-duty zips and strong stitching throughout. It was also padded and comfortable to wear for extended periods of time.
If you’re looking for the best drummer backpack for gigs, work, school, rehearsals, or travel then the Ddrum backpack is without a doubt the top drummer’s backpack to buy.
Pros
- Good build quality
- Fully detachable drumstick bag
- Lots of storage space
Cons
- A little expensive
D'Addario Musician's Rucksack
D'Addario Musician's Rucksack Review
The D’Addario Backline Gear Transport Pack is an excellent option for drummers looking to make their lives easier when performing, rehearsing, and recording.
This backpack is so good that it will leave you wondering how you coped without it! It’s innovative, comprehensive, and highly effective at storing and protecting your gear.
This is a super organized backpack, and it is made with high quality materials that are built to last. I love how easy it is to find exactly what I’m looking for.
With compartments for every piece of gear a drummer could possibly need to transport, this backpack leaves no stone unturned. There’s space for a laptop, mic stands, cables, microphones, pedals, strings, sticks, and everything else a musician uses.
In addition to its versatility, this backpack’s build quality was another notable attribute. It’s adjustable so that you can tailor the straps to find the most comfortable lengths. It’s also puzzlingly lightweight, considering how roadworthy it is.
The polyester outer layer adds durability and will absorb any impact that occurs when transporting your equipment. It also looks great, with its black and red color scheme.
The rear cushions are vented, so that air can pass through and prevent your equipment from overheating. Each compartment is water resistant, as are the zippers, so you don’t need to worry about carrying your gear in the rain.
Whether you’re going to the recording studio to lay down some drum tracks or you’re going on tour with your band, this backpack is a real game-changer.
Pros
- Heavy-duty zippers, pads, and straps
- Water-resistant
- Lightweight and comfortable
Cons
- Only suited for drummers who carry lots of accessories and microphones
Protection Racket Drummer Backpack
Protection Racket Drummer Backpack Review
The innovative Protection Racket Drummer Backpack is a practical invention for the modern gigging drummer. It’s a strong and protective case that can accommodate for a snare drum plus a double bass drum pedal inside!
This drummer backpack is a complete game changer for many drummers who bring their breakables (snare drum, kick pedal & cymbals) to shows. It has enough space to store a snare drum, bass drum pedal and drumming accessories.
With a snare drum and pedals inside, it feels super secure and it’s also surprisingly easy to carry despite the added weight.
The one-piece construction is really tough and the design is great. The bonded nylon material is super durable and it won’t break at all. Protection Racket offers a lifetime guarantee on their drum cases for added peace of mind. It’s also fully lined and padded inside and out to offer comfort whilst carrying it, and protection for your valuable equipment.
Pros
- Amazing for gigging drummers
- Lifetime guarantee
- Solid construction
Cons
- Very heavy when loaded
- Large and bulky design
Matein Drummer Backpack
Matein Drummer Backpack Review
The Matein Drummer Backpack is an affordable option that has plenty of storage space to transport your laptop, drum sticks, sheet music and drumming accessories.
It’s not specifically a drumming backpack but it does the job and it offers really good value for money. It has lots of space and a separate laptop compartment as well as a large compartment for sheet music, a drum practice pad, drums sticks, and more.
I have plenty of musician friends who use this backpack, and all of them feel safe keeping their respective breakables inside.
This drummer backpack is functional, comfortable and sturdy. It’s also water resistant and durable to tearing to ensure long lasting use. Overall this is a great budget option for school, work and travel.
Pros
- Good value for money
- Comfortable and durable
- Designated laptop storage space
Cons
- Not designed for drummers specifically
- Zips are not that strong
Zildjian Drummer Backpack
Zildjian Drummer Backpack Review
Lastly up for review we have the Zildjian Drummer Backpack and this is a solid bag that has lots of space for a laptop and drumming accessories. It features the Zildjian logo and the construction is pretty tough all round.
The drummer backpack has plenty of pockets and space for electronic devices, sheet music, drumsticks, in ear monitors and more. Inside there is one designated laptop compartment and a large main storage compartment that can hold a lot of belongings.
The material does not feel particularly high quality but it is nice and durable. It has comfortable shoulder straps with soft padding which is a nice bonus.
The lightweight nature of this bag makes it feel like you’re barely carrying anything. It just feels like an everyday backpack and it works really well for drummers.
In my opinion this drummer backpack is perfect for school, travel or rehearsals.
Pros
- Designated laptop compartment
- The Zildjian logo etched into zippers is a nice touch!
- Plenty of space inside
Cons
- Not very protective
- Design isn't very attractive
Drummer Backpack Buyer’s Guide
There isn’t a great deal of choice when it comes to drummer backpacks. But there are some solid options that are ideal for transporting your electronic devices and drumming accessories for school, work, rehearsals, gigs, and more.
You’ll want to buy a drummer backpack that will last you a long time. It should boast a good build quality and tough materials that won’t tear easily. You’ll also want it to have lots of storage space to carry your possessions.
The best drummer backpack is definitely the Vic Firth backpack! It’s solid, reliable, and durable, and it has the added bonus of a fully detachable drumstick bag, which is a really cool feature!
Looking out for backpacks made by reputable brands that are well respected in the drumming gear industry is a good way to ensure you’re getting one that boasts the qualities and capabilities that you’ll need in the long term.
Dimensions & Storage Space
Every drummer chooses to use different tools, devices, and equipment for certain situations. While some of the gear you need to carry around in a backpack may change depending on whether you’re playing a live show, practicing alone, or heading to a recording session, there are certain things that you’ll likely always need.
For example, drum keys, spare sticks, hi-hat clutches, and sheet music are likely to be included in most drummers’ must-have items.
It’s a good idea to write down all of the things you’ll need to fit inside the backpack and try to figure out rough estimates for their dimensions. You can then ensure that the backpack you choose is spacious enough to fit them all in.
If you’re someone who prefers to keep things as minimalistic as possible, then a compact backpack will probably be fine, but if you’re likely to want to transport many different items, then I’d recommend opting for one with a larger capacity.
Durability & Build Quality
Another very important aspect to consider when looking for the best possible drummer backpack is the build quality. A good way to figure out whether a backpack has the level of durability that you need is by looking at the materials used to construct it.
Many backpacks are labeled as water resistant, which is obviously a great feature if you’re likely to be walking outdoors while wearing them. Others are made from heavy-duty nylon or polyester materials and are built to withstand frequent use.
Heavy-duty zippers are another important feature to look out for, particularly if you plan on carrying heavy items in your backpack. You’ll need to ensure that the zips can be secured tightly without the risk of breaking them when the bag is at full capacity.
Breathable materials or vented designs are great for ensuring that the rucksack doesn’t get too hot if you’re wearing it in the sun.
Comfort
One of the most appealing qualities of backpacks is that they allow drummers to carry equipment comfortably and without causing them too much fatigue. Carrying a bag by hand could tire out your muscles, potentially affecting your playing.
When you wear a rucksack, the weight should be distributed across both of your shoulder blades and your back. If the straps are not padded, they can start to dig into your shoulders, causing discomfort.
If you intend to fill the rucksack with lots of items or a few particularly heavy items, choosing one that has cushioned straps is incredibly important. Likewise, if you’re likely to be wearing the rucksack for long periods, you’ll need extra padded straps.
Some rucksacks may also have additional straps that can be fastened around your front, to further even out the weight distribution and prevent you from feeling strained on your shoulders or back.
Electronic Devices
As I previously mentioned, many drummer backpacks are built with a level of water resistance. This is particularly important if you intend to place electronic devices inside the bag, such as your tablet, smartphone, or laptop.
It’s becoming more common for drummers to use digital devices to read music, keep track of a setlist, or record footage and audio of themselves while playing. This has led to backpack manufacturers designing products that have specialized compartments for this type of device.
Be sure to check that the rucksack you’re considering has an adequately padded and sized compartment for any digital devices you are likely to put in it, and also make sure that water won’t be able to get in and cause any damage.
