Choosing a bag or case for your bagpipes should be given a lot of careful thought. After all, this will be the first line of defence against any damage being caused to your precious pipes.
There are quite a few bags to choose from out there, so how do you decide which one is right for you?
Here are 5 things to look for when choosing the perfect bagpipe case:
Unmatched Protection
Firstly, your bag needs to protect your bagpipes from the stresses and strains of travel.
You should consider a bagpipe bag that offers plenty of protection, so make sure it has adequate padding to absorb everyday knocks and bumps. Your chosen bag should also have a non-scratch lining, a feature that may be missing from less expensive bags.
You should also be looking for a bagpipe bag that comes equipped with a hard-wearing rip-stop material. Should your bag take some real punishment, this will help prevent any tears from appearing on your bag.
Bagpipes can be a delicate instrument, so protection and durability should be a priority when choosing your new bag.
Water Resistant Coating
As well as durability, a water-resistant coating is also an important feature to consider when choosing your new bag. Bags that come with a rain-cover is a bonus, as this not only keeps your bag dry but also clean.
No matter if you are travelling on short or long journey’s, getting your bag wet will not be good for your pipes if you encounter a few showers.
Effortless Portability
Carrying bagpipes around can be awkward at times, so having a case or bag that’s portable will make travelling so much easier.
Pick a bag with comfortable, padded backpack straps that will make your bagpipes easy to carry and won’t cause you any discomfort after long days of travelling.
Your chosen bagpipe bag should also be lightweight and offer different options for carrying. Some pipers prefer to carry their bagpipes as a backpack, whilst others may wish to carry it as a hold-all.
Finally, you should be looking for some form of security which holds your pipes in place inside the bag. A case that allows your pipes to move freely, will ultimately cause damage to your pipes over time and could end up being awkward to carry.
Plenty of Room for Accessories
A bag that can hold all your accessories, as well as your pipes, is a godsend. This will free up your hands from carrying lots of other things, which will make life far easier if travelling or commuting.
Added extras like a space for a water bottle, accessory and chanter pouch are always an added benefit, especially if you are looking for something in a hurry.
If you can personalise your bag in any way, or show your tartan colours with pride, this is also a great feature to look for.
Great Reviews
There’s no greater vote of confidence in a bagpipe bag than happy users. You should look at the reviews for any bag before buying, which will tell the experiences of your fellow bagpipe players.
You’ll want to carry your bag around for years to come, so look at other owners’ experiences over time. Make sure you’re buying a bag that lasts.
Time to Pick the Perfect Bagpipe Bag...
Hopefully, these tips have given you a better idea of what to look for when buying your new bagpipe bag.
Pick out a bag that’s durable, portable and loved by its users, and you’re sure to be delighted with your choice.
Hi David,
Thank you for contacting us.
Airlines differ regarding size restrictions for carry-on luggage, so you will need to compare the external dimensions of the bag against the the restrictions imposed by the airline you are travelling with.
The external dimensions of the Urban Bagpipe bag are:
Length 710mm / 27.95 ins
Lower width 320mm / 12.59 ins
Upper width 260mm / 10.23ins
Depth 280mm / 11.02 ins
We know that some airline companies allow musical instruments as carry-on luggage, even though they exceed the size restriction. I get the impression from other musicians/pipers, that it is down to the particular crew members who deals with your request at check-in.
I hope this helps in some way:-)