Best Portable Racks & Cases for Touring

Every gigging musician knows it takes time, energy, and money to add up to a well-functioning live rig that combines all the pieces of a successful performance equation. So, when it comes time to head out on tour with your expensive rack gear, you must ensure that all those compressors, equalizers, and other rackmounted goodies are set up and transported in an efficient and secure package. Thankfully, there are plenty of rack and case options to choose from that are guaranteed to meet the needs of your live production. From straightforward, budget-friendly racks to massive 16U air travel–approved solutions, we have the best options for keeping your gear safe. Don’t let par-for-the-course bumps and drops prove detrimental to your rack system’s functionality! Check out our favorite products at Sweetwater right now, and start giving your gear the mobile protection it deserves.

Note: At Sweetwater, we know there’s no such thing as “best” when it comes to music gear. Every player and artist has unique tastes, which is what makes selecting gear so fun! The items on this list feature some of our favorite products from top manufacturers to help you start your buying journey! Explore these recommendations and dive into Sweetwater’s massive collection of gear on our online store. For personalized picks and expert advice, please contact our knowledgeable Sweetwater Sales Engineers at (800) 222-4700!

Gator G-PRO-6U-19 Pro Series Rack CaseSKB 1SKB-R3S Roto-molded Shallow 3U Rack CaseGator G-TOUR 16U CAST ATA Wood Rack Case with CastersGator G-PRO-4U-13 Pro Series Shallow Rack CaseProX XS-WM2U2DR ATA-style Rack Flight Case with DrawerSKB 3i-2317M146U iSeries 6-unit Fly Rack Case

Gator G-PRO-6U-19 Pro Series Rack Case

Virtually indestructible 6-unit escort

Gator is the authority on protecting your precious gear on the go, so the Gator G-PRO-6U-19 Pro Series rack case is an absolute travel go-to for your six rack units. This rack case’s exterior is constructed from incredibly tough roto-molded polyethylene, creating a virtual force field of protection on all sides of your gear. With front and rear rack rails, this 19-inch-deep case provides space for up to six single-space rack units. It’s capped with removable ends that fasten during travel with heavy-duty recessed twist latches and heat-treated hardware. To carry comfortably, Gator gave the G-PRO-6U-19 a set of molded handles on both sides to make loading in and out easy. The G-PRO-6U-19 is a fantastic choice for medium to larger productions and is designed to protect your rackmounted valuables as you travel between show dates.

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SKB 1SKB-R3S Roto-molded Shallow 3U Rack Case

Durable rack case solution for smaller shows

The SKB 1SKB-R3S Roto-molded Shallow 3U rack case is a phenomenal candidate for touring productions requiring maximum safety but fewer full-sized units. Extraordinarily lightweight and space-conscious, this 3-unit rack case boasts a shallower 10-1/2-inch depth and is a breeze to carry around, especially with its fully integrated carry handles. The exterior of the 1SKB-R3S is reinforced with Linear Low Density Polyethylene roto-molded engineering — we know it’s a mouthful, but that’s a good thing! It is moisture-resistant and protects from dents, dings, and drops out on the road. Backed by tongue-and-groove locks, rubber gaskets, and extremely tough, threaded steel rack rails, this rack case is fortified on all fronts. It is also easily stackable and includes all the rack screws needed for each piece of your production’s gear.

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Gator G-TOUR 16U CAST ATA Wood Rack Case with Casters

Well-reinforced roller for the big stage

We’re turning things up a notch with the Gator G-TOUR 16U CAST ATA wood rack case with casters! This beauty houses a whopping 16 spaces and features a depth of 17 inches, providing all the necessary room in a single mobile unit. Its 3.2mm-thick interior rails promote exceptionally secure stability for all your gear! Aside from its astounding internal real estate, the G-TOUR 16U comes with 9mm plywood protection, a laminated exterior, and heavy-duty plated hardware with reinforced corners. In layperson’s terms, you can rest easy in transit, both on the ground and in the air! Recessed twist latches and spring-loaded handles keep a low profile for tight-squeeze storage, making handling more convenient for road crews. Additionally, because it comes with premium casters (two of which lock for steady setups and truck travel), loading and side-stage positioning are incredibly seamless.

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Gator G-PRO-4U-13 Pro Series Shallow Rack Case

4-space case keeps speed a priority!

The Gator G-PRO-4U-13 Pro Series shallow rack case is streamlined for maximum efficiency when time is of the essence! Driving home this point is an assortment of heavy-duty, quick-acting, and ultra-dependable Penn-Elcom latches that are recessed for maximum expediency. Two latches battening down the front and rear lids streamline setting up and packing up. Stack with ease and carry like there’s nothing to it by way of side handles molded right into its roto-molded polyethylene shell, engineered for incomparable longevity out in the field. As it offers a 13-inch depth, a lot of rackmounted gear will fit inside the G-PRO-4U-13. For medium-sized productions and smaller, this dedicated case is a great candidate.

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ProX XS-WM2U2DR ATA-style Rack Flight Case with Drawer

Air travel–approved with space to spare!

All experienced road crews know there’s far more to rack systems than the units themselves; that’s why the ProX XS-WM2U2DR ATA-style rack flight case with drawer is the perfect pick! One of the major attractions of this 2-unit case is its integrated sliding drawer, an additional 2-unit size that provides plenty of space for all types of accessories. From spare cables and power packs to your on-the-go toolbox, it’s up for the challenge. The XS-WM2U2DR is also ATA-300-certified, making the complexities of sky travel quick and painless. Carry confidently via the spring-action recessed grip handles, and set it up on any stage surface sturdily thanks to a set of industrial-grade rubber feet. With a 12-inch depth, this case houses two of your most essential rack pieces inside an extra-secure 3/8-inch laminated plywood housing. Toss in some ultra-tough padlock-able butterfly twist-lock latches, and your gear’s guaranteed to travel with total protection!

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SKB 3i-2317M146U iSeries 6-unit Fly Rack Case

Removable rack and rolling case — unite!

The final stop on our quest for Sweetwater’s best portable racks and cases for touring is the SKB 3i-2317M146U iSeries 6-unit Fly Rack case. This beauty packs so much into one unit that it’s guaranteed to impress even the top touring crews! Starting with the rack, you can access a 13-inch-deep, 6-unit space composed of ultra-rugged and phenomenally lightweight aluminum. This unit features a foam-padded polypropylene copolymer resin case, ensuring damage protection as well as 100% watertight protection courtesy of its complete gasket seal. Its heavy-duty set of trigger-release latches is TSA-approved, making stall time at the airport a stress of the past. You’ve got your choice of transport methods! A comfortable rubber over-molded cushion handle makes for quick carrying, while the extendable pull handle and 2-wheel design enable rolling transport. This case quite simply does it all!

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Shop Portable Racks & Cases at Sweetwater Today!

Whether transporting a massive system out on a world tour or looking for a foolproof encasement for your valuable rackmounted essentials, Sweetwater’s incomparable selection of racks and cases is the perfect place to start your search. See a piece of gear that stands out from the pack? Need some guidance on the specifics? Need questions answered on the dos and don’ts of touring with your rack system? Give one of our expert Sweetwater Sales Engineers a call today at (800) 222-4700, and make sure that you put your road crew’s best foot forward when protecting the integrity of your stage production.
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