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. 

What to pack for San Diego Comic-Con

 22 JULY 2024

                                   

I realize you've already seen at least a dozen articles titled "What to Pack for San Diego Comic-Con." And also, you have common sense. So why am I posting this?

Because in your excitement, you might forget a few basics. Or you might still be new to our chaotic world and not quite realize what's required. So let's review: what should you pack?


#1. Something warm to wear. Currently we're headed into days in the high 70s/low 80s and nights in the 60s. If you're part lizard like I am and get cold easily, bring a sweater or jacket. If you're going to camp outside overnight, wear layers so you can bundle up and strip down accordingly.

#2. Sunscreen and umbrellas. If you're going to be outside in line - and this can happen when you don't expect it - that sun can get intense. People get sunburned at SDCC all the time, so prepare accordingly.

#3. Something comfortable to wear. You may be getting spiffed up for your very glamorous nightlife - but I promise the time will come when you just want to be lazy and comfortable. Yes, even if you're an image-conscious influencer or dedicated cosplayer. Speaking of...

#4. Cosplay repair. Wigs, weapons, armor, dresses, zombie makeup wounds, alternate costumes or repair tools and sewing kits - just be prepared.

#5. Extra batteries, headphones and portable chargers. Don't count on charging up when and where you need to. It's more reliable to just pop in a fresh power source or use your own charger.

#6. Promotional material and contact cards. Those digital cards like Popl are great but don't count on everyone having them - and you won't always have time to hand someone your phone to text themselves. Cards can help you connect to people you meet in line and at events. If you're marketing yourself in some capacity, obviously be prepared with your online portfolios, viewing rooms, socials, and other channels at the ready.

#7. A big tote, purse, or bagpack. 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. I can also eyeball and secure it better - something that seems relevant this year with all the reports of stolen phones and pickpockets at Pride.


#8. Cash. I advocate bringing cash and card and app, not just one payment method - but cash will come in handy at some point.

#9. Snacks and water. This can mean getting into line earlier or being able to make a favorite panel instead of walking into the Gaslamp for lunch.

#10. A hard copy of your friends' contact info. Phones die, systems fail, connectivity goes out. I can't count the number of delayed texts I've had at SDCC. If you're meeting up with someone to trade offsite tickets or some other vital attendee transaction, but you've so far only chatted on Twitter or Reddit or Discord, get their contact information now.

#11. A list of everything you promised to pick up for your friends. It's just easier instead of running through texts from 17 people, trying to remember who wanted what and where you can find it.

#12. Portable chairs, collapsible stools, or air hammocks. Standing in line may not sound like a big deal, but after you're been walking miles every day, being able to sit down is the difference between heaven and hell.

#13. Earplugs and sleep mask. If you don't sleep well in hotels or are sensitive to city noise, earplugs and sleep masks can help you get restful sleep. Also consider a white noise app and some magnesium supplements at bedtime.

#14. A regular book. This may seem like bringing sand to the beach, but you might find yourself with more reading time than you think. Even if you buy a stack of fresh comics, do you really want to read them all in the Ballroom 20 line? Bringing a paperback will keep you from running down your phone, too.


#15. Swimsuit. Even if you don't visit the beach, getting in your hotel hot tub or sauna is a nice break from the Con.

#16. A refillable water bottle. Comic-Con is dehydrating, so get in the habit of carrying a bottle around that you can keep refilling.

#17. Your badge. There aren't enough panic attacks in the world for the moment you step off the plane and realize your badge is back home in Portland. Also bring a lanyard, even if you intend on buying a new one. 

What shouldn't you bring?

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.

48 hours from now, Preview Night will be underway!

18 things to pack for SDCC

12 JULY 2019

I know, I know - you've already seen at least a dozen articles titled "What to Pack for San Diego Comic-Con." And you've already been to the Con before and also, you're not stupid. So why am I posting this?

Because in your excitement, you might forget a few basics. Or you might still be new to our chaotic world and not quite realize what's required. So let's review: what should you pack?


#1. Something warm to wear. Next week's San Diego weather looks perfect to me - some cloud cover, days in the low-mid 70s and nights dipping into the low-mid 60s. If you're part lizard like I am and get cold easily, bring a sweater or jacket. If you're going to camp outside overnight, wear layers so you can bundle up and strip down accordingly.

#2. Something comfortable to wear. You may be getting snazzed up for some kind of glittery event or maybe you plan on cosplaying 24/7. Even so, the time will come when you just want to be comfortable at Comic-Con - even if you're the vainest princess ever.

#3. Portable chairs or air hammocks. Speaking of comfortable...

#4. Cosplay repair. Wigs, weapons, armor, dresses, zombie makeup wounds, alternate costumes or repair tools and sewing kits - just be prepared.

#5. Extra batteries, headphones and portable chargers. Don't count on charging up when and where you need to. It's more reliable to just pop in a fresh power source or use your own charger.

#6. Promotional material and contact cards. You won't always have time to hand them your phone and have them text themselves. If you're marketing yourself in some capacity, you really want to bring the right materials, but even cards can help you stay in touch with people you meet in line and before panels.

#7. A big tote or bagpack. The SDCC bags are great, but a bit too unwieldy for most of us to carry around. You'll do better with a huge purse, tote or backpack - anything that doesn't fit in can go to Bag Check.

#8. A moderate number of devices. Do you really need your laptop, GoPro, phone and iPad at SDCC? I'm going to say you can get by on 2 of those. Don't weigh yourself down.

#9. Snacks and water. Even if you intend to eat out for every meal at SDCC, it may not always be an option. Being able to grab power bars or fruit gets you in line earlier as well, and bringing snacks into the convention center can stave off your hunger pains long enough to delay lunch for the right panel.

#10. A hard copy of your friends' contact info. In case you lose power or Internet or your phone - it happens. Or you're just Twitter friends with someone and they're offline and you can't text them and oops, there goes the Conan ticket they promised you.

#11. A list of everything you promised to pick up for your friends. It's just easier instead of running through text messages from 42 people, trying to remember who wanted what and where you can find it.

#12. Aspirin, band-aids, eyedrops, condoms, sunscreen, drugstore cures. Travel can do a number on you but add in the noise and stress of Comic-Con and you could be waylaid by headaches, constipation, dry eyes and other ailments. Sunscreen is mandatory. Yes, you can buy all this stuff there but it's another trip you'll be too busy for - and hotel gift shops will charge you a mortgage payment for 3 ibuprofen, when they aren't constantly closed.

#13. Earplugs and sleep mask. These aren't just for ladies of leisure who sleep till noon. If you don't sleep well in hotels or are sensitive to city noise, earplugs and sleep masks can help you get restful sleep. Also consider a white noise app and some melatonin.

#14. Sketchbook, writing implement and art storage tubes. If you want to collect sketches, don't settle for the back of a promotional flyer. Bring a nice sketchbook and use it for multiple Cons. Art storage tubes will protect any prints you buy.

#15. A regular book. This may seem like bringing sand to the beach, but you will find yourself with more reading time than you think. Even if you buy a stack of fresh comics, do you really want to read them all in the Ballroom 20 line? Bringing a paperback will keep you from running down your phone, too.

#16. Swimsuit. Even if you don't visit the beach, getting in your hotel hot tub or sauna is a nice break from the Con.

#17. A refillable water bottle. Comic-Con is dehydrating, so get in the habit of carrying a bottle around that you can keep refilling.

#18. Your badge. There aren't enough panic attacks in the world for the moment you step off the plane and realize your badge is back home in Portland. Also bring a lanyard, even if you intend on buying a new one. 

What shouldn't you bring?

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

Shipping materials.  The convention centers and nearby hotels have UPS or Fedex stores to ship your stuff home - and they'll have all the boxes and tape you need.

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.


Enjoy your last weekend before the storm.

What to wear to Comic-Con

9 JULY 2019

Reposted for first-timers.



Hey, fashion plate. What are you wearing to Comic-Con?

If you're packing jeans and shorts and t-shirts and that's about it - congratulations, you'll fit right in. See the random attendee sampling in the above photo. But that's most of us, not all of us. I know some of you want to look like you're on a red carpet and some of you just aren't sure about weather and dress codes.

First of all, be assured that no one will mock your outfit at SDCC. This isn't a cotillion. People tend to dress for comfort and as for those attendees in outrageous outfits, no one even blinks. This is an independent-thinking crowd. But if you're a first-timer, the below should help.

Nerdwear: Don't worry about being challenged to prove your knowledge about the gaming character or superhero on the shirt you're wearing. Someone may yell out a quote in a spirit of shared fandom, but you usually won't encounter one of those alpha nerds who like to make people feel inadequate about their nerd knowledge. And don't feel like you have to be deliberately obscure or go in the other direction and be trendy. Wear whatever you want.


Cosplay: Even if you love your costume and the way you look in it, bring alternate outfits just in case. You may get sick of being stopped to have your picture taken, or you might get hot and itchy.  Or you could just sort of deteriorate and look less magnificent as the day goes on due to wig issues, broken weapons, etc. Experienced cosplayers know their limits, but new ones tend to want to change back into street clothes sooner than they think.


Formal wear: I used to shop for Comic-Con like it was the Super Femme Olympics, bringing an array of day and evening outfits, 6 pairs of heels, etc. Now I'm a lazy dresser because who cares? But if you lead the kind of fancy life where people might whisk you off to some kind of formal event, bring something - don't assume you'll have time to go shopping.


Shoes: Obviously bring something cushiony and comfortable. If you're really into flip-flops, be aware your toes may be stepped on when the Exhibit Hall gets crowded. If you don't have a pair of supportive shoes already, you'd better buy and break them in every day now. And bring moleskin, bandaids and maybe insoles. Talk to the nurses and servers in your life; they always know all the latest supportive footwear tricks.


Weather: As someone who gets cold easily, I find San Diego nights chilly. I always bring a hoodie and a sweater. If you're planning on spending the night outside, I would advise bringing something warm to wear, in addition to whatever blanket or sleeping bag you've got. If you're going to camp through the day and night, wear layers so you can bundle up at 4 a.m. and then peel it all off under an 11 a.m. sun.

Amount of clothes: Don't count on being able to do laundry. I know people who will bring two outfits and alternate them, but you have to realize how grimy Comic-Con can be. You're going to be brushing up against people, leaning against walls, sitting on grass, sitting in seats a sweaty person just sat in, hustling through the Gaslamp under a hot sun, and basically sullying yourself in incremental stages all day. I can't wait to shower the Con off before dinner and there's no way in hell I would wear the same thing that night. Maybe you're not that squeamish, but you'll definitely still want to make sure you have enough clothes.


Makeup and sunscreen: If heavy makeup is part of your cosplay - or you typically wear a full face everywhere - be aware that the Exhibit Hall can get humid and that the hustle between rooms, or between the convention center and the Gaslamp, can leave your face in a smeary mess. That goes double if you're wearing a hat, wig or any kind of headgear. What works in your air-conditioned office can be streaky and melted by noon at the Con. Consider bringing fixative sprays or a repair kit. Bring a good supply of sunscreen as well.


Backpacks and purses: You will need some type of bag to carry your extra phone battery, water bottle, sketchbook, charger, program guide, collapsible chair, lunch and so on. This is especially critical if your hotel is distant, since you won't be able to quickly go back to your room and then return.

Basically, the goal at Comic-Con is to endure. Vanity is beside the point. We all wind up looking rumpled and tired and no one cares. As long as you're comfortable and can meet whatever daytime or nocturnal opportunity arises, you'll be fine.