Welcome to Gig Bag, a BGS feature that peeks into the touring essentials of some of our favorite artists. This time around, Nathaniel Rateliff gives us a look at what he has to have handy when he's out on the road. Check out his tour dates with the Night Sweats here.
An acoustic guitar: I always bring an acoustic guitar with me for any down time in the green room or late-night sing-alongs on the bus. My Gibson Dove has been the guitar of choice the last few tours.
A notebook: Writing new music on the road isn't easy, but when inspiration hits, I like to have a notebook and pen handy. The big, soft cover Moleskines are my usual, but there's a small company out of Detroit called Shinola that makes a good one, as well.
Hats: I'm usually wearing a hat — whether it's my stage hat, my day off hat, or my hat I can put headphones over. I've been lucky to have a friend over at Stetson that always helps me find the right one, and provided this sweet hat box for traveling.
A Polaroid camera: It's convenient that everybody has a camera in their pocket, but you can't beat the look and feel of an old Polaroid.
This Is Spinal Tap: Band favorite, right here. We watch it at least once on every tour. Never leave home without it.
For more on Nathaniel Rateliff, read our interview with him.
Lede photo by Brantley Gutierrez
