What to bring to a cosplay convention?

Essentials

Important Documents

• Convention Registration Receipt/Documents: Ensure you have proof of your registration, whether it's a printed receipt or a digital copy on your phone.
• Hotel Booking Confirmation: Print or save a digital copy of your hotel booking details.
• Travel Tickets: If you're traveling by plane, bus, or train, keep your tickets handy for both departure and return.
• Driver’s License or Valid ID: Necessary for identification and any age-restricted events or purchases.
• Emergency Contacts: A list of contacts in case of emergencies.

Personal Care and Hygiene

• Toiletries: Shampoo, conditioner, soap, toothbrush, toothpaste, floss, and deodorant.
• Dry Shampoo: Handy for quick hair refreshes.
• Hair Brush and Comb: Keep your hair neat and tidy.
• Feminine Hygiene Products: Even if you don't think you'll need them, it's better to be prepared.
• Travel-Size Laundry Detergent: For any emergency cleaning.
• Tweezers and Nail Clippers: For grooming needs.
• Razor(s): For shaving.
• Medications: Any prescriptions, pain relievers, allergy medications, and an EpiPen if needed.

Clothing

• Pajamas: Comfortable sleepwear.
• Underwear and Socks: Pack enough for each day, plus a few extras.
• Casual Clothes: Comfortable outfits for downtime or when not in cosplay.
• Weather-Appropriate Clothing: Jackets, sweaters, gloves, etc., depending on the weather.
• Swimsuit: If your hotel has a pool.

Food and Drink

• Snacks: Non-perishable snacks like fruit leather, brown rice rollers, string cheese, dark chocolate, and sandwiches.
• Reusable Water Bottle: Staying hydrated is crucial. A collapsible water bottle with a carabiner is a space-saving option.

Electronics

• Cellphone and Charger: Essential for communication and navigation.
• Portable Charger: Keeps your phone and other devices powered throughout the day.
• Camera: For capturing memories. Don't forget extra SD cards and the charger.
• Headphones: For downtime or travel.

Cosplay-Specific Items

Costume Pieces

• Costumes: Ensure you have all parts of your cosplay, including underclothes, props, and accessories.
• Wigs and Wig Caps: Pack wigs carefully to avoid tangling and damage.
• Makeup and Body Paint: Foundation, primer, blush, setting powder, eyeliner, mascara, lipstick, eyeshadow, makeup remover wipes, and a compact mirror.
• Reference Pictures: Photos of your character for touch-ups and accuracy checks.

Repair Kit

• Sewing Kit: Needles, thread, scissors, extra fabric, buttons, and embellishments.
• Glue: Hot glue gun and sticks, industrial glue, and fabric glue.
• Velcro: For quick fixes.
• Tape: Duct tape, fashion tape, and masking tape.
• Permanent Markers or Touch-Up Paint: For last-minute adjustments.

Comfort and Convenience

• Comfortable Shoes: Even if your cosplay includes heels or boots, bring a pair of comfortable shoes for walking between events.
• Portable Neck Fan: Helps keep you cool in crowded, warm spaces.
• Microfiber Towel: For wiping sweat and staying fresh.
• Anti-Chafe Balm: Prevents discomfort from rubbing.

Miscellaneous

• Cash and Cards: For food, merchandise, and emergencies. Consider using separate envelopes for each day to manage your budget.
• Small Wallet: For easy access to money and cards.
• Breakaway Lanyard: Convenient for holding your badge without disturbing your cosplay.
• Compact Umbrella: In case of rain.
• Contacts and Solution: If you wear contacts, bring extras and solution.
• Sunglasses: For outdoor events.

Packing Tips

Organization

• Checklists: Create a checklist for each cosplay to ensure you don't forget any components.
• Packing Cubes: Use packing cubes to organize your clothing and cosplay items.
• Label Everything: Label your bags and containers to easily find what you need.

Over-Planning vs. Overpacking

• Coordinate with Roommates: If you're sharing a hotel room, coordinate with your roommates to avoid bringing duplicates of bulky items like sewing machines or power strips.
• Plan for Emergencies: Bring more money than you think you'll need for unexpected expenses like repairs or extra merchandise.

Health and Safety

• Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water throughout the day.
• Take Breaks: Rest when needed to avoid exhaustion.
• First Aid Kit: Include band-aids, pain relievers, and any necessary medications.

Conclusion