Don’t want to bang up your guitar during travel? Ask me; I have been more than 8 years gigging in different states as part of my band with my best travel guitar cases. Bumps bruises are common while traveling, surprisingly, not a single travel guitar case I had to replace. Let me tell you how.
It’s all about choosing the right guitar bag!
Guitars are fragile like any other instrument. During travel, accidental bumps and bruises, dings are pretty natural. You may need to take on a different mode of transportation like airplane, train, buses or combination of them.
In extensive travel schedule, many guitar cases out there, in consequence, instruments get broke, a musician’s nightmare! Not every time you need hard rugged instrument cases. There are soft travel bags that offer impeccable protection, but they are also lightweight, easy to carry along with you.
This article will share my list of top travel guitar bags you should consider buying now!
- 1. Gearlux Hardshell Dreadnought Acoustic Guitar Case
- 2. Gator Cases Hard-Shell Wood Case for Standard Electric Guitars
- 3. Gator Cases Lightweight Polyfoam Electric Guitar Case
- 4. Ibanez Powerpad Acoustic Guitar Gig Bag
- 5. Gator Cases Transit Series Acoustic Guitar Gig Bag
- 6. Gator GTSA-GTRELEC ATA Molded Guitar Case
- 7. CAHAYA Electric Guitar Bag
- Final Thoughts
1. Gearlux Hardshell Dreadnought Acoustic Guitar Case
Key Features
- 2mm of padded foam interior with plush lining
- Wooden hard-shell with black PVC plastic coating
- Interior accessory compartment
- Lock and Key
- Chrome-plated hardware
This Gearlux guitar case fits all dreadnought acoustic guitars. This durable wooden case is durable with black PVC material coating. Its hardware (hinges and latches) is chrome-plated. The interior is soft with 2mm of foam padding, and Fit’s accessory compartment can contain smaller accessories such as picks, tuners, capos, etc. Comes with a standard lock and keys to enhance the safety measures.
Pros
- Thick padded interior to protect your instrument against bumps and bruises
- Durable wooden hard-shell case with PVC coating for long-lasting use
- Spacious interior accessory compartment
- Lock and Key for the safety of your guitar
- Chrome-plated hardware for lasting use
Cons
- Its exterior is Tolex coated, not tweed
Models fit
Fits most dreadnought acoustic guitars.
Verdict
Gearlux guitar cases are known for quality accessories at a reasonable price, and this guitar case is no exception. Comes at an affordable price; this case has everything you may require of a travel instrument case. Consider buying it as an ideal affordable choice for a travel guitar case. We like solid wooden construction, thick inner padding, spacious accessory compartment, etc.
2. Gator Cases Hard-Shell Wood Case for Standard Electric Guitars
Features
- 3 ply Laun wood exterior with Tolex PVC coating
- Attractive style with contrast stitching
- Ergonomic handle
- Thick plush lining
- A large accessory compartment that provides extra neck support
- Chrome-plated locking latches
One of the Gator’s Economy cases made in keeping extensive travel in mind. It’s pretty lightweight with a rugged design. Made of durable plywood with Tolex PVC covering for a moist-resistant durable hard case. The plush lining interior cushions are capable of safeguarding against bumps and bruises. The ergo-grip handle provides a comfy carry option with perfect weight balance while carrying it. Its spacious storage for all your accessories like strings, tuners, and capos at the same time provides additional neck support adding to protection. Its locking latches are chrome plated for safety reasons.
Pros
- Heavy-duty and robust construction for extended use
- Ergonomic handle for a comfortable carry and weight balance for the instrument
- Moisture-resistant Tolex covering with a rugged exterior
- Thick plush lining to safeguard your guitar against impact
- Large accessory compartment with extra neck support
- Chrome-plated locking latches for added security
Cons
- Not a high-end case
Models fit
Fender M-200FM, M-1000, Mini Strat, Ibanez RG3EXQM1, RG1570, GRX20, JEM7V Steve Vai, Signature, 2005 SZ720FM, IJiX40, RG370DXGP, RG Series GRG170, RG120, JS1200 Joe Satriani, Signature, RGREXQM1, GRG170DX, IJX121, RG7321, JS1000 2002, RG350MGX, Gio GRG170 Double Cut Jackson MG Series, DXMG Dinky, SL1 USA Soloist, DK2G Dinky, DKMG Dinky.
Verdict
This Gator case is an economical option for travel purposes. Durable plywood construction, Tolex covering, and rugged design make it a fantastic choice for daily usage and short distant traveling, probably to local gigs only. We like its features such as locking latches, metal feet, padded interior with plush lining, and accessory compartment.
3. Gator Cases Lightweight Polyfoam Electric Guitar Case
Features
- Rugged nylon exterior
- EPS foam padding and plush lining
- Interior storage compartment and zippered outer pocket
- Nylon carry handle with removable shoulder straps
This Gator Lightweight hybrid instrument case is portable yet provides long-lasting protection of a hard-shell case featuring nylon web moist-resistant, high dense EPS foam interior that fits your electric guitar. The interior also features plush fabric lining to protect your instrument from bumps and bruises. So you can store all your strings, capos, tuners, or any maintenance tool, the guitar case has multiple internal and exterior pockets. It also features a reinforced nylon-made handle and a removable carrying padded strap.
Pros
- Rugged nylon web exterior for extra durability
- EPS foam padding and plush lining for outstanding protection
- Interior storage compartment and zippered outer pocket to take in all the accessories (capos, tuners and picks, etc.)
- Nylon carry handle with removable shoulder straps so that you can carry it all along the roads
Cons
- External pockets are not handy
- Side hands are not practical
Models fit
Designed to fit standard electric guitars such as Fender Stratocaster/Telecaster.
Verdict
An outstanding case packed with features that a hybrid travel instrument case should have. It is portable at the same time, rugged, and highly durable enough to provide exceptional protection. An excellent choice for moving around local gigs. Its backpack carrying option, multiple accessory pockets are the other real perks you will get if you buy it.
4. Ibanez Powerpad Acoustic Guitar Gig Bag
Key Features
- 15mm thick cushion
- 4 storage pockets
- Belts inside to hold the neck tight
- Handle on the backside
- Stylish and comes in multiple colors
This Ibanez model case can keep your guitar safe, sound during travel, and express style that suits modern musicians. Features a super sleek design, this smart gig bag is capable of providing protection. It’s thick padding at the bottom, and the sides promise to protect your precious instrument from bumps or bruises from the busy traveling hustle.
Pros
- Durable15mm thick cushion to hold your guitar tight
- Easy to use storage pockets to contain all your accessories
- Reinforced belt to care the neck of your guitar
- Conveniently positioned handle to carry the guitar in vertical position
Cons
- There is less padding
Models fit
Fits electric guitars. Consider reviewing the size of your guitar before buying.
Verdict
Stylish, trendy, and protective, this Ibanez gig bag is undoubtedly a superb choice, compact and protective, all you need as splendid travel and guitar accessories. We liked its spacious four for your travel needs. Inner thick padding and elegant design, we adore this canvas gig bag, which you will admire and probably purchase at first glance.
5. Gator Cases Transit Series Acoustic Guitar Gig Bag
Key Features
- Blended Fabric outer shell with Rubber Tread
- Removable and adjustable (microfleece) plush lining covered internal 3-piece 20mm foam padding
- Frontal zip pocket with flap featuring G-Hook buckle and seatbelt Loops
- Removable padded carry handle with backpack straps
Introducing Gator’s Transit series lightweight gig bag. An adjustable interior with 20mm foam padding covered by red micro-fleece lining features a unique padding system to protect your instrument. The weather-proof exterior is heavy-duty with a thick rubbery tread at the bottom. This gig bag comes in three colors: charcoal black, tan, and Light Grey.
Pros
- Durable, weather-resistant blended fabric exterior with thick rubber tread to brace travel-impact
- Thick foam padding is adjustable to provide customized protection
- Spacious pockets with convenient flaps
- The comfy handle is easy to hold and removable
Cons
- Angled top front pocket and flap is not handy
Models fit
Fits most standard dreadnaught acoustic guitars.
Verdict
This Gator bag is a feature-packed soft case produced considering extensive travel in mind. It’s lightweight but can protect a rugged hard case. It’s crafty and durable, and we also love its 3-piece adjustable thick think interior padding, spacious zip pockets to contain all your accessories, and literary everything about it. A superb travel accessory for your instrument you should consider buying for your next travel. Highly recommended.
6. Gator GTSA-GTRELEC ATA Molded Guitar Case
Key Features
- ATA Roto-Molded Polyethylene exterior with Black Powder Continuous Valence
- Ergo-Grip Injection Molded Handle
- Trigger release system TSA Locking Latch with impact evasion space
- EPS Foam Nest with black plush lining
- Extended Reach Neck Cradle
- Open Storage Compartments
It’s a Gator GTSA series electric guitar case made of military-grade polyethylene plastic construction to protect your precious guitar. TSA-approved locking latch makes this case ideal for air travel. It also features a comfortable grip, specially designed to provide comfortable carry during a trip. The exterior shell coated with black powder continual valance made it stylish to carry travel hustle. The interior formed with EPS foam nest covered with thick black plush. It also includes an extended neck cradle to secure your guitar.
Pros
- The durable molded outer shell
- Injection Molded handle for better grip
- Travel-ready TSA Locking Latch
- EPS Foam Nest with plush lining for better protection
- Neck Cradle adds to the protection features
- Open Storage Compartments
Cons
- A bit lightweight for a flight case
Models fit
It fits various Stratocaster/Telecaster style electric guitars from Fender, Squier, Ibanez, Jackson, PRS, and Schecter.
Verdict
This Gator case is highly affordable packed with most Gator features. Its sturdy and durable construction, TSA-approved lock, and comfortable grip made it an ideal instrument case for travel. The internal foam padding with plush lining is the signature of a Gator case. We recommend buying it for travel purposes if you want a decent guitar case at an affordable price.
7. CAHAYA Electric Guitar Bag
Key Features
- Lightweight portable gig bag
- Back loop handle
- 6mm padding
- Durable neck strap
- Dual adjustable backpack straps
CAHAYA stands out as an excellent choice for your electric guitar, offering both quality and affordability. Crafted from robust Oxford fabric, this gig bag is designed to endure the rigors of extensive travel. The interior is thoughtfully lined with soft, padded material to protect your guitar from any potential scratches or impacts. The sleek black design complemented by silver accents exudes a sense of sophistication. To further ensure your guitar’s safety, this bag includes a neck strap for secure positioning and a shockproof rubber base. CAHAYA makes comfort a priority, with adjustable straps for easy carrying and a comfortable handle handy for touring guitarists. Inside and outside, you’ll find multiple pockets, which offer convenient storage space for all your essential guitar accessories.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Durable exterior
- Thick padding
- Extremely budget-friendly
- Equipped with carry handle
- Comes with ample storage
Cons
- Not ideal for extreme use
Models fit
Fits most standard electric guitars.
Verdict
A perfect all-rounder travel-ready guitar case for two instruments. This world tour equipment case is for on-the-go guitarists in mind. The interior and exterior built are strong enough, and this guitar case comes with loads of advanced travel-friendly features. A great option to consider if you have two guitars or basses.
Final Thoughts
These travel cases offer adequate protection. They are lightweight, most of them you can carry as backpacks! At the same time, they are highly durable and long-lasting. The highlight is the extra thick padding of these instrument cases that made them travel-ready and protective. So, why wait? Buy one of them and carry your guitar wherever you go.