Can you smell that? It’s the scent of sweat, anticipation, excitement, and the subtle whiff of day-old hot dog. I’m talking about the time of the year known as Con Season!
As it does every year in Southern California and other locales across the United States, convention season annually ramps up, the coming weekends filled with conventions of all sorts. Those who are veterans to the convention circuit have been busy mapping out their schedules when they can, arranging transportation and lodging, and often making big decisions about which convention they will be attending.
Whatever you choose to attend, there’s always packing to be done. Convention weekends require a considerable amount of foresight and unconventional packing lists. Here’s a basic rundown of stuff that you’ll definitely want to remember while you pack!
CONVENTION BASICS
These are things that every convention requires. You’re going to want to have these, otherwise well, you’re not going to get into the convention you’re attending!
- Badge Confirmation/Badge
- Hotel Reservation
- ID
- Backpack
- Wallet/Spending Money
THE ESSENTIAL CLOTHING OPTIONS
Shoes always come first on this list. Why? You’re going to do a lot of walking and it’s to be prepared! The best attire for conventions means showing off your best nerdy gear, but make sure to not forget the essentials. Take it from our experience and make sure to pack these.
- Comfortable shoes
- Nerdy shirts (maybe a Loot Crate shirt or two?)
- Geeky dresses/skirts
- Trusty jeans
- Whatever clothes will get you through the weekend
- Socks
- Underwear
- Bras
- Belts
- Jewelry
- Sweaters and Warmer evening options
Out in the Gaslamp at SDCC! (Photo by Robby Shuttleworth)
THE “PLEASE DON’T SMELL AND MORE” MUST-HAVES
Your day at a convention could be full of walking, brushing up against people on a crowded convention floor, and sitting in packed panel rooms. Chances are, you’re going to get a little smelly. Take for example the photo above from Downtown San Diego during San Diego Comic-Con. That’s just out on the street. Imagine being inside the convention itself! If you pack right though, you should be all set to not be that person people are staring at (also smelling).
- Deodorant
- Toothbrush and Toothpaste
- Shampoo & Body Wash
- Razor/Shaving Cream
- Pain Medication
- Band-aids
- Hairbrush and Haircare accessories
- All manner of eye care (glasses, contacts, contact cases, extra saline solution)
- Cotton Swabs/Balls/Pads
- Make-up and Makeup accessories
- Sunscreen
ELECTRONICS
- Phone Charger
- Portable Chargers and Cables
- Camera (GoPro, Point & Shoot, Disposable even!)
- Battery Charger
- SD card
- Laptop/Charger
- Tablet/Charger
Did we miss something? Check out the inspiration behind this list (and a much more comprehensive one) that you can download here. We know that everyone packs for a convention a different way and we know we’ve probably forgotten something important in our list that you might always pack no matter what, so use our list as your starter list and add the items you really need as you pack. We hope that our list can make your packing just a tad bit easier, leaving less stress and more room for fun as you head off to a con!
