When going to some music sessions, I’m carrying my ukulele-bass, a small amp, a music stand, a tool-type gig bag with song lists, songbooks, and other related paraphernalia. I sling my U-bass gig bag on one shoulder, the gadget gig bag on another, and hand-carry the music stand.
I’m thinking about using a back pack for my gadgets. (To hold a music book, loose papers, or iPad, tuners, cords, maybe strings, and any extra things).
Frequently, only one of the straps is used on the instrument gig bag. If I only bring one ukulele (rarely), then I might not even use a gig bag. Or I might use a hard case. It depends on each situation. But I won’t cut the straps of my luggage, because I either drop things, or try to carry everything in one-trip.