Packing for your SDCC Adventure

 20 JULY 2025

At least 2 dozen "What to Pack for San Diego Comic-Con" articles are whizzing across the Internet right now. So why this one? For one, there is an unusually high number of first-timers this year (and warning, I'm not done with first-timer articles yet.) And two, it's easy to forget a few things in your pre-Con excitement. 

So let's review: what should you pack?

#1. Something warm to wear. If you haven't checked the San Diego weather forecast, it looks like we are in for some beautifully cool nights in the 60s. Bring a sweater or jacket - and if you're going to camp outside overnight, wear layers so you can bundle up and strip down accordingly.

#2. Sunscreen and sun visors. Even when it doesn't feel that hot, the sun can get intense. Attendee ears and scalps and arms get sunburned at SDCC all the time, and spending a day in line without shelter can annihilate you - so prepare accordingly. Don't worry about looking dorky under your umbrella, people rig up all manner of awkward shelters out there.

#3. Something comfortable to wear. So many people start out SDCC in their most flattering outfits and sexiest cosplays, only to end the week in Hokas and sweatpants. Smart attendees start out that way. Your feet will hurt, you will walk/run/stand more than you ever thought possible, and you will brush up against many sweaty people - so after a while you'll just want to be comfortable, no matter how vain you are.

#4. Cosplay repair. Wigs, sewing kits, backup cosplay, weapons, armor, makeup, glue, double-sided tape - just be prepared.

#5. Extra batteries, power banks, and portable chargers. Don't count on charging up when and where you need to - the convention center is a graveyard that way. It's more reliable to just pop in a fresh power source or use your own charger.

#6. A big tote, purse, or backpack. Yes, SDCC provides you with massive bags but I find them way too unwieldy to carry around. Possibly this is a short person issue. At any rate, I prefer to bring in my own big but manageable bag where I can stuff in purchases while being able to quickly access my money and phone.


#7. Cash.  Is it king? Not at all booths, but you can't always count on app connectivity either. It helps to have a big wad of moolah on hand to expedite transactions or pay people back quickly. But bring your credit cards as well.

#8. Portable chairs, collapsible stools, or air hammocks. Standing in line may not sound like a big deal, but after you've been walking miles every day, being able to sit down is the difference between heaven and hell. Those tiny stools really don't weigh that much so if you have room, considering packing one.

#9. Earplugs and sleep mask. If you have roommates, this is mandatory - but even if you don't, city and hotel noise can keep you up. Also consider a white noise app and some magnesium supplements at bedtime.

#10. A regular book. I know this seems like bringing sand to the beach, but you might find yourself with more reading time than you think. And if like me, you like to read your new books and comics with a certain level of ceremony, you may not want to read yours in the Ballroom 20 line. Bringing a paperback will keep you from running down your phone, too.


#11. Swimsuit. Maybe you'll visit the beach; maybe you'll skip the parties and spend a few relaxing hours at your hotel pool or hot tub one night. 

#12. A refillable water bottle. There are water fountains at the convention center where you can refill it to stay hydrated. You really don't want to keep paying their prices for a tiny bottle of water.

#13. A personal pharmacy. Hand sanitizer, painkillers, wipes, and bandages for any blisters - yes, your hotel gift shop will have those but you don't want to pay those prices either.

#14. Poster tubes, notebooks, sketchbooks, and sharpies.  Be prepared for impromptu signings and sketches.

#15. Your passport or real ID - and any international travel documents. It's dicey out there. Anyone who's flying should ensure they have the right ID but international attendees should also make sure their passport is valid for at least the next 6 months and that their visa or ESTA (electronic system for travel authorization) documents are in order. 

#16. Your badge. I have already had 2 SDCC dreams this month in the "I forgot my badge!" genre. While CCI will assist, it's still a terrible feeling to step off the plane and realize your badge is sitting on your nightstand 3000 miles away. Also bring a lanyard, even if you intend on buying a new one. 

Don't bother to pack these things

A bunch of different outfits and shoes. You can probably get by on your support shoes and one pair of going-out shoes.

An entire of suitcase of back issues and old action figures to sell. The vendors aren't interested unless you've got something super special.

A nest of devices. Do you really need your laptop, GoPro, tripod, phone, and iPad at SDCC? I'm going to say you can get by on 2 of those unless you're there in a media capacity. Don't weigh yourself down.

3 more nights to Preview Night.