You’ve got your tickets and now it’s almost go-time for your comic con of choice. That means it’s time to pack. If you’re anything like me, you need a checklist to help ease that inner critic insisting you forgot something. Here’s what I make sure I have when heading out for a day at the convention center.

• Use a roomy bag:
  Trust me when I say, you’re going to want to leave room for any treasures you might find throughout the day. Bigger conventions are filled with freebies, so you’re really going to want the extra space if you go to one of those. I’m a fan of using a totebag to throw things in while you’re trying to move quickly and a backpack to put them in when you have a little more time to settle. Many conventions also offer bag check if you want a break from carrying it.
• Reusable water bottle:
  Hydration is important when you’re running around all day. Concessions stands and vending machines abound, but the lines are often long. Fill up at a water fountain to keep money in your pocket.
• Snacks:
  Like with water, there are options on site, but you probably won’t want to give up your great seat in a panel room or your spot in line to grab a bite, and you definitely don’t want to be hangry. Packing healthy snacks will help you keep rolling through the fun without ruining the vibe. My squad is partial to beef jerky, protein shakes, Shameless Snacks gummies, and Peanut M&Ms. We’ve also been known to hit up grocery stores when we’re away from home for walkable breakfast foods and sandwiches in a cooler for lunch. I haven’t been to a venue that doesn’t allow food inside, so check your specific convention’s rules if you are unsure.
• Battery pack:
  Portable battery chargers are your friend, as long as you charge them before you leave. You don’t want your phone to die while you’re in a crowd.
• Collapsible stool:
  Maybe I’m just getting old, but standing in line for hours or spending that time sitting on the concrete floor are no longer a good time, no matter how comfy my shoes are. Con life got so much better after I started packing a collapsible stool in my bag. Get yourself one and save your feet. There’s also an option with a cushion.
• Collectibles to get signed: 
  Many celebrities, artists, authors, and creators will be signing throughout the weekend. You can bring items from home for them to sign, and some offer photos that you can buy on site. Just check with your selected celebrity’s rules. Some now charge extra for large items and Funko Pops.
• Permanent marker: 
  It never hurts to be prepared in case of an impromptu signing. They are rare, but they aren’t unheard of.
• Cash: 
  Pre-pandemic, a lot of vendors only accepted cash. Now it’s a mix. It’s best to be prepared either way. Most conventions will have an ATM on-site to help you out if you need it.
• Deodorant: 
  Your fellow fans will thank you. You can easily work up a sweat rushing from one panel room to the next.
• Poster Tube:
  Whether you plan to buy art or not, it’s usually a good plan to have one on hand. Sometimes you’ll get freebies, especially while walking around at big cons like San Diego and New York.
• Your schedule: 
  The official full schedule is available on the convention’s app and website. However, signal can be trash sometimes. I like to print out my plan for the weekend so I don’t have to look at my phone so much and drain the battery.
• Cosplay supplies:
  You don’t want to get there and realize you left your lightsaber at home. If your costume has problematic pieces, make sure you also have necessary supplies to fix it (ex. super glue, zipties, velcro, etc.).
• Tickets: 
  If your ticket includes a barcode, download it and screenshot it before you arrive. Phone signal can be sketchy in a crowd.
• Camera: 
  There are photo ops galore, so whether it be making sure you have plenty of space on your phone for photos or packing an old school point-and-shoot, do it for the ‘gram.
• Comfy shoes: 
  This is probably the most important thing for a successful con. Achy feet make conventions a lot less fun, and chances are, you’ll spend a lot of time walking around and standing in lines.

What else do you consider to be a con essential?