Con Ready: Part 2 – Smart Packing for a Long Haul

Con Ready: Part 2 – Smart Packing for a Long Haul

Subtitle: What to bring, what to skip, and how to survive on just one suitcase (maybe)

You’ve booked your hotel, confirmed your badge, and started counting down the days. Now comes one of the biggest convention prep hurdles: packing for a long-distance trip.

This isn’t a one-day pop-in where you can wing it with a tote bag. Long-distance cons require strategy. The goal is to pack just enough to cover every need—without dragging around a mini U-Haul of regrets.

In this guide, you’ll learn how to pack efficiently, travel light, protect your gear (and your sanity), and avoid the most common con packing mistakes.

 1. Start with a Packing Philosophy: Function Over Fantasy

Let’s get this straight—packing isn’t just about what you might need. It’s about preparing for real-life scenarios: long days, tight schedules, crowded spaces, and unpredictable messes.

So, ask yourself:

• Will I actually wear this outfit or am I packing for an imaginary photoshoot?

• Do I have backups for anything that can break, spill, or fail?

• Am I prepared for weather changes, long lines, and zero outlets?

Your con bag should be your survival kit, not your entire wardrobe.

 2. Pack in Categories, Not Chaos

Breaking your items into categories helps prevent overpacking and ensures nothing gets forgotten.

Here’s a tried-and-true breakdown:

 Travel Essentials

• Government ID & badge confirmation

• Tickets, confirmations, hotel info

• Chargers & portable battery

• Headphones, sleep mask, snacks, water bottle

 Clothing

• One full outfit per day (plus one emergency outfit)

• Undergarments & socks for every day + extras

• Pajamas/loungewear

• Convention-appropriate shoes (comfy > cute)

• Weather gear (hoodie, rain poncho, umbrella)

 Toiletries & Health

• Toothbrush/toothpaste, deodorant, face wipes

• Any medications (daily or “just in case”)

• Mini first aid kit (blisters, headaches, nausea)

• Hand sanitizer & extra masks

• Sunscreen & lotion for dry hotel air

 Tech & Gear

• Charging cords, USB hub, power strip

• Extra SD cards (if using a camera)

• Flashlight or keychain light for night events

• Extension cord (especially for cosplay booths or hotel rooms)

 Convention Survival Kit

• Reusable tote or foldable backpack

• Snacks (granola bars, trail mix, dried fruit)

• Sharpie (you will need it for something)

• Reusable water bottle or hydration pack

• Handheld fan or cooling towel (for summer cons)

 3. Cosplayers: Prep Like You’re Moving a Small Army

If you’re bringing cosplay, props, or photo gear, you need to plan harder and pack smarter.

Cosplay-Specific Tips:

• List every piece of your cosplay (shoes, wigs, safety pins, wig caps, makeup, adhesives).

• Use garment bags or compression bags to keep things safe and compact.

• Wrap props in clothing for dual-purpose padding.

• Label everything, especially if it’s being shipped or stored with other people’s gear.

• Pack a mini repair kit: safety pins, glue, sewing needle, double-sided tape, Velcro.

Flying with cosplay?

• Check TSA rules on liquids and sharp props.

• Use hard-shell luggage to protect armor or delicate pieces.

• Always pack essential pieces in your carry-on (never risk a missing checked bag).

 4. Vendors & Creators: Don’t Just Wing It

If you’re tabling or hosting a booth, you’ll need a separate packing strategy just for your display and inventory.

Must-Haves for Vendors:

• Inventory checklist & price list

• Signage, tablecloth, display stands

• Business cards or promo flyers

• Mobile POS (Square, card reader)

• Cash box or pouch with change

• Packing materials for unsold stock

Travel Tips for Vendors:

• Ship items ahead of time with tracking.

• Use a rolling suitcase or dolly for transporting heavy boxes.

• Don’t forget duct tape, scissors, zip ties, and clamps for setup emergencies.

 5. Packing Hacks to Save Space & Sanity

Packing efficiently is part Tetris, part wizardry. Here are the secrets:

• Use packing cubes. They keep things organized and maximize space.

• Roll your clothes instead of folding them—this saves space and reduces wrinkles.

• Compression bags are great for bulky items like hoodies or cosplay parts.

• Stuff socks and underwear inside shoes to save space.

• Bring a collapsible duffel or bag for souvenirs and dirty laundry.

 6. What NOT to Pack

Avoid these space-wasters unless absolutely necessary:

• Too many shoes (bring one comfy pair + one alt at most)

• Heavy hardcovers or laptops you won’t use

• Full-size toiletries (they’ll likely leak)

• Clothes “just in case” you might want them

• Anything you can buy cheaper on-site (e.g., water, gum)

Ask yourself: Will bringing this item improve my con experience, or am I dragging it around “just in case”?

 7. Create a “Day Bag” for the Convention Floor

This is the bag you’ll carry with you inside the con. Don’t overload it.

Include:

• Phone + charger

• Water bottle

• Wallet or badge holder

• Snacks

• Hand sanitizer

• Sharpie

• Foldable tote (for merch or freebies)

Bag tips:

• Choose a crossbody or small backpack for comfort

• Avoid large or heavy bags unless you’re vending

• Keep valuables in zipped or front-facing pockets

8. Print or Save These Checklists

Don’t rely on memory. Convention brain is real, and it forgets everything. Use your phone’s

notes app, a Google Doc, or even a physical checklist in your suitcase.

You can even divide your packing into:

• Pack now

• Pack night before

• Pack morning of departure

Final Thoughts: Think Like Future You

The best packing strategy isn’t about stuffing your suitcase to the brim. It’s about prepping in a way that future-you will appreciate—when you’re tired, sore, and trying to find your backup phone charger at midnight.

When in doubt, pack for comfort, convenience, and chaos—because all three are guaranteed.