Evil Hair 36 Inch Acoustic Guitar Gig Bag Backpack Review: Is This the Best Value Protection for Travel and Student Guitars?

I have spent years traveling with instruments, and if there is one thing I have learned, it is that the weight of your gear can make or break your inspiration. For those of us who own 3/4 size acoustic guitars, parlor guitars, or classical models, the struggle is often finding a case that matches the instrument’s spirit. You don’t want a heavy, bulky flight case for a guitar meant for beach trips or classroom lessons, yet you cannot simply wrap it in a towel and hope for the best. We have all been there—trying to squeeze a 36-inch guitar into a full-sized bag only to have it slide around, or worse, using a bag so thin that a single bump results in a permanent ding on the finish. This is where the Evil Hair 36 Inch Acoustic Guitar Gig Bag Backpack enters the conversation. It promises a middle ground: lightweight portability paired with enough protection to handle the daily commute. Solving this portability puzzle is crucial because if your guitar is a hassle to carry, you simply won’t bring it with you. The Evil Hair 36 Inch Acoustic Guitar Gig Bag Backpack aims to remove that friction, allowing musicians to find the current pricing and detailed specifications that make it a contender for your next gear upgrade.

What to Consider Before Buying a Guitar & Bass Bags & Cases

A Guitar & Bass Bags & Cases is more than just an item; it’s a key solution for the longevity of your musical investment. Whether you are a touring professional or a hobbyist playing in the living room, environmental factors like humidity, dust, and physical impact are constant threats. A good gig bag acts as a secondary skin for your instrument, regulating the micro-climate around the wood and absorbing the minor shocks that occur during transit. Without proper casing, even a minor drop can lead to cracked headstocks or warped necks, which are often more expensive to repair than the cost of a high-quality bag. By investing in the right carrier, you are essentially buying insurance for your tone and the physical integrity of your guitar.

The ideal customer for this type of product is someone facing a high-mobility lifestyle, such as students walking between classes, travelers who need to fit their gear into tight overhead compartments, or parents looking for a manageable solution for their child’s first instrument. While the Evil Hair 36 Inch Acoustic Guitar Gig Bag Backpack is excellent for these scenarios, it might not be suitable for those who are frequently checking their instruments into the cargo hold of an airplane or those who own heavy, solid-body electric basses that require rigid structural support. For those users, a molded hard shell case might be a more appropriate, albeit much heavier, alternative.

Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:

• Dimensions & Space: It is vital to measure your guitar from the tip of the headstock to the bottom of the body. A bag that is too large allows the guitar to shift, which can cause internal wear. The Evil Hair 36 Inch Acoustic Guitar Gig Bag Backpack is specifically tailored for 36-inch models, ensuring a snug fit that prevents unnecessary movement during travel.
• Capacity/Performance: Look for how much extra gear you can carry. A musician rarely travels with just a guitar. You need space for picks, tuners, spare strings, and sheet music. A bag with multiple exterior compartments saves you from having to carry a second backpack just for your accessories.
• Materials & Durability: The exterior material should ideally be water-resistant or waterproof. Nylon and polyester blends are common, but the denier (thickness) of the fabric determines how well it resists tears. Furthermore, the internal padding—measured in millimeters—is the primary line of defense against impact.
• Ease of Use & Maintenance: High-quality zippers are the most overlooked feature. If a zipper snags or breaks, the entire bag becomes useless. Additionally, consider the ergonomics of the straps; dual adjustable shoulder straps allow for even weight distribution across your back, which is essential for long walks.

While the Evil Hair 36 Inch Acoustic Guitar Gig Bag Backpack is an excellent choice, it’s always wise to see how it stacks up against the competition. For a broader look at all the top models, we highly recommend checking out our complete, in-depth guide:

First Impressions and Key Features of the Evil Hair 36 Inch Acoustic Guitar Gig Bag Backpack

When we first got our hands on the Evil Hair 36 Inch Acoustic Guitar Gig Bag Backpack, the first thing that struck us was its incredible lightness. Weighing in at just over half a kilogram (0.55 kg), it feels almost weightless before you put the instrument inside. The black fabric has a subtle sheen that suggests its waterproof capabilities, and the stitching around the handles feels reinforced and sturdy. Upon unzipping the main compartment, the 5mm padding (some specifications even suggest up to 0.35 inches in critical areas) provides a soft, non-abrasive cradle for the guitar’s finish. It’s a significant step up from the “dust covers” that often come bundled with entry-level guitars. Compared to older versions of this bag, the manufacturer has clearly listened to feedback, as the front pockets are noticeably larger, and the addition of a back hanger loop is a thoughtful touch for those who like to keep their floor space clear. To discover more about its waterproof capabilities and see the build quality up close, it’s worth examining the technical specs provided by the brand.

A Deep Dive into the Performance of the Evil Hair 36 Inch Acoustic Guitar Gig Bag Backpack

Ergonomics and On-the-Go Comfort

In our testing, the standout feature of the Evil Hair 36 Inch Acoustic Guitar Gig Bag Backpack was undoubtedly the strap system. Many budget-friendly bags opt for a single, thin shoulder strap that digs into your collarbone after five minutes of walking. We found that the dual adjustable shoulder straps on this model distribute the weight of a 36-inch acoustic beautifully across both shoulders. This “backpack style” is a game-changer for younger players or students who are already carrying a heavy load of school books. It keeps the hands free for opening doors or holding a phone, and it keeps the guitar centered on the body, preventing it from swinging and hitting obstacles.

We also appreciated the three distinct handle options. Beyond the backpack straps, the side web handle is perfect for quick “grab and go” moments, and the additional handles allow for different carrying angles in crowded spaces like buses or trains. During our evaluation, we noticed that even when the bag was fully loaded with a guitar and accessories, the straps didn’t show signs of stretching or fraying at the attachment points. This gives us confidence in its long-term viability for daily use. If you want to see how others are using this lightweight bag in their daily commutes, the user feedback section often highlights this specific ergonomic advantage.

Storage Sophistication and Accessory Management

One of the most frustrating aspects of gigging is forgetting a tuner or a specific piece of sheet music because it didn’t fit in your case. The Evil Hair 36 Inch Acoustic Guitar Gig Bag Backpack addresses this with two exterior pouches that are surprisingly cavernous for a bag of this size. The larger front pocket easily accommodates A4-sized documents or standard music books without bending the corners. This is a massive improvement over previous iterations where the pockets were often too small for anything more than a few picks.

We tested the storage capacity by packing a set of spare strings, a clip-on tuner, a guitar strap, and a notebook. Everything fit comfortably without creating a bulge that would put pressure on the guitar’s bridge inside. The secondary pouch is excellent for smaller items like keys or a wallet, making it a viable “only bag” for a trip to a local jam session. For a musician who values organization, the ability to evaluate the storage capacity for yourself through detailed product photos is a great way to plan your gear layout.

Protection, Waterproofing, and Material Integrity

The core promise of any gig bag is protection, and we have to be realistic about what 5mm of padding can do. In our expert opinion, the Evil Hair 36 Inch Acoustic Guitar Gig Bag Backpack is an excellent shield against scratches, dust, and minor surface impacts. It is “soft on the outside,” as one user noted, which means if you accidentally brush against a wall or a piece of furniture, the bag absorbs the scuff rather than the guitar. However, it is not a “crush-proof” solution. If you were to drop a heavy amplifier on it, the 5mm padding wouldn’t be enough to prevent structural damage.

Where it truly shines, however, is the waterproof fabric. We simulated a light rain shower, and the water beaded off the surface effectively, keeping the interior bone-dry. This is a critical feature for anyone living in unpredictable climates. The zippers are also covered by a slight fabric lip, which adds an extra layer of moisture protection. When you check if this bag fits your specific guitar model, you are also gaining peace of mind against the elements, which is often worth the price of admission alone.

Versatility and the Hanger Loop Innovation

A feature we found unexpectedly useful during our review was the back hanger loop. It seems like a small detail, but it allows you to hang the guitar (inside the bag) on a wall hook. This is fantastic for small apartments or dorm rooms where floor space is at a premium. It also keeps the guitar away from pets or vacuum cleaners that might accidentally knock over a traditional floor stand.

Furthermore, the sizing is quite precise. While it is marketed for 36-inch guitars, we found it has just enough “give” to accommodate slightly deeper classic guitar bodies without stressing the zippers. It’s a versatile piece of kit that feels well-engineered for its specific niche. For the price point, the combination of waterproofing, multiple handles, and decorative hanging options makes it a standout. You can grab this affordable protective solution and instantly upgrade your guitar’s storage situation.

What Other Users Are Saying

The general sentiment among users is overwhelmingly positive, particularly regarding the bag’s suitability for children and casual travelers. One user noted that it is “perfect for a kid” because it is “soft on the outside so they don’t whack everything with it,” highlighting a benefit we hadn’t fully considered: protecting your home’s furniture from the guitar just as much as the guitar from the home. Another user praised the “backpack style,” mentioning it allowed their daughter to carry her instrument independently, which is a big win for building a young musician’s confidence.

However, we also saw more critical feedback from seasoned players. One reviewer mentioned that the bag is “extremely thin,” describing it as little more than a “nylon cover.” While this user acknowledged it fit their travel guitar perfectly, they felt the construction was “oddly thin” for their needs. This aligns with our expert assessment: this is a lightweight gig bag for convenience, not a heavy-duty armor for professional touring. As another user succinctly put it, it is “simple and light, great material and waterproof… awesome for its price.” This feedback is relevant because it sets the right expectations; if you want a tank, look elsewhere, but if you want a light, functional backpack for a 36-inch guitar, this is it.

How the Evil Hair 36 Inch Acoustic Guitar Gig Bag Backpack Compares to Alternatives

When choosing a case, it is important to understand the hierarchy of protection versus portability. The Evil Hair 36 Inch Acoustic Guitar Gig Bag Backpack sits firmly at the high-portability, budget-friendly end of the spectrum. Let’s see how it compares to some heavier-duty alternatives.

1. Gearlux Electric Guitar Hard Case – Tweed

The Gearlux Hard Case is a completely different beast. While the Evil Hair bag focuses on lightness and backpack straps, this Gearlux case offers a rigid wood shell and a plush interior. It is designed for standard electric guitars like Stratocasters, making it much heavier and more protective against crushing forces. If you are traveling in a van with heavy equipment stacked on top of your gear, the Gearlux is the better choice. However, for a 36-inch acoustic or a child’s guitar, the Gearlux would be overkill and far too heavy to carry comfortably on one’s back. It lacks the “commuter-friendly” nature that makes the Evil Hair bag so appealing for students.

2. Gator GC-BASS Electric Bass Guitar Case

The Gator GC-BASS is a professional-grade ABS molded case. It provides incredible impact resistance and a heavy-duty aluminum valance. Comparing this to the Evil Hair gig bag is like comparing a hiking boot to a sneaker. The Gator case is built for the rigors of the road and fits long-scale basses. If you own a high-end instrument that stays in a trailer, Gator is the industry standard. But for a 36-inch acoustic used for lessons or park jams, the Gator would be incredibly cumbersome. The Evil Hair 36 Inch Acoustic Guitar Gig Bag Backpack wins on price and portability for smaller acoustic instruments.

3. Crossrock Dreadnought Guitar Case Wooden Arched Top

The Crossrock Wooden case is specifically for full-sized Dreadnought guitars. It features a beautiful arched top for added structural strength. It is a premium, stylish option for those who want the classic look of a hard case with the protection of wood. However, a 36-inch guitar would swim inside this case, leading to potential damage. The Evil Hair bag is tailored specifically for the 36-inch scale, ensuring the guitar doesn’t move. Additionally, the Crossrock case does not offer backpack straps, making it much harder for a student or traveler to carry long distances compared to the Evil Hair’s dual-strap design.

Final Verdict on the Evil Hair 36 Inch Acoustic Guitar Gig Bag Backpack

After a thorough evaluation, we can confidently say that the Evil Hair 36 Inch Acoustic Guitar Gig Bag Backpack is one of the best value-for-money options currently available for small-scale acoustic guitars. Its primary strengths lie in its incredible portability, the thoughtful dual backpack straps, and the surprisingly effective waterproof exterior. While the 5mm padding might not satisfy the needs of a professional musician on a world tour, it is more than sufficient for the daily needs of students, travelers, and hobbyists. It strikes the perfect balance between being “just a cover” and being a “heavy case,” offering a lightweight, organized solution for the modern guitarist.

If you are looking for a reliable, easy-to-carry bag that keeps your 36-inch acoustic safe from rain, dust, and minor bumps without breaking the bank, this is a fantastic investment. It simplifies the logistics of being a musician, allowing you to focus on the music rather than the weight of the gear. To see the full list of included accessories and secure one for your instrument, we highly recommend that you check the latest price and availability today. Whether it’s for your child’s first guitar or your favorite travel companion, the Evil Hair bag is a choice you likely won’t regret.