As corps are filling out their ranks, the lists of things members need to get before tour starts are getting handed out. Many times, however, those lists don't include certain items that make life a lot more comfortable when you are on the bus. After years of marching and countless hours on the road, here are 17 items that are more than worth the investment.

Bungee Chords

As the summer progresses, you will find new and creative ways to hang items throughout the bus. Many times, the buses end up looking like a scene from "The Jungle Book."

Plastic Containers

All too often smaller items like shoes polish/cleaner, tape, bobby pins, hair ties, and snacks get lost underneath seats. A shoebox-size plastic container can help reduce the number of times you spend fishing for items at 3 AM while trying not to disturb your seat partner.

Solar Charged Power Sources

If your bus does not have a plug readily available, these make great backups in case your phone or media player is dying. Plus, they work great for free days and do not require a plug to charge themselves.

Touch LED Lights

If you're lucky, the bus lights work. However, they may not reach underneath the seats or in the overhead shelves. These little guys can be put just about anywhere and finding stuff at night becomes so much easier.

Blanket

This may seem rudimentary, but a good blanket on the bus is an absolute must-have item. We recommend having a separate bus blanket from your regular sleeping gear so that you never find yourself in the position of realizing you packed it under the bus and now have to wait until the convoy stops. 

Suction Cup Shower Caddy

These work great for holding small everyday use items on the windows of the bus. 

Neck Pillow

If you don't use your regular pillow, this is your next best option. There aren't many comfortable spots to lay your head on the bus. 

Hand Sanitizer

It will just get nasty on the bus. There's no avoiding it. However, avoiding spreading nasty germs throughout the entire corps is completely preventable.

Extra Pair of Spandex Shorts

Because you never know how cold the bus will be before you hit the road. 

Hair Ties or Bobby Pins

Seems like another item that is rudimentary but you'll never have enough.

Deodorant

The smell of the bus will quickly deteriorate into a pit of sweat and stale air. But there's no need for your pits to contribute. So be kind to your seat partner and have an extra stick ready. 

Snacks

Having a fresh supply of snacks will make you the most valuable person on the bus.

Pain Reliever

Living and sleeping on a bus is hard enough, so there's no need to do so in pain. Please follow the directions on the bottle though!

Headphones

For when you are about to get your pre-show hype on and when you are trying to tune out the bass line still practicing its I&E piece at 1 in the morning.

DCT

Another item that is pure gold to every member is DCT or some form of lip balm. We suggest grabbing several and leaving one on the bus at all times.

Movies...Good Movies

Get a good variety of movies if the bus entertainment system works. Make a Google spreadsheet and share among the members of your bus before the season starts so everyone knows who's bringing what.

Floor Rug

One of the things that you may never think about is a small rug to lay down on the floor between seats. It keeps your feet warm and adds a little cushion for whomever might sleep on the floor that night. 

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