A Packing Guide to DragonCon

Written By Sarah Howell

(The 5 day convention you pack like you’re moving states.)

Here’s a basic rundown of items that you’ll definitely want to remember, as well as an in-depth cosplay repair kit packing guide.

 

CLOTHING

When packing up the costume, sometimes the basic everyday clothing gets forgotten.

  • Causal Wear

    • Shirts

    • Jeans/Pants

    • Shorts

    • Dresses

    • Skirts

    • Sweater/Jacket/Hoodie

    • Raincoat

  • Undergarments

    • Socks

    • Underwear

    • Bras

    • Corsets/Shapewear

    • Sleepwear

  • Accessories

    • Sneakers

    • Sandals

    • Hats

    • Jewelry

    • Purses/Bags

HOTEL

Things you may want during the few times you’re in the room.

  • Food

    • Bottled Water

    • Gatorade

    • Liquid IV

    • Granola Bars

    • Nuts/Trail Mix

    • Bread/Peanut Butter and Jelly

    • Muffins

    • Cookies

    • Bagels

    • Apples

    • Bananas

    • Sting Cheese

  • Cleaning Supplies

    • Extra Trash Bags

    • Bag for Dirty Clothes

    • Lint Roller

    • Febreze

  • Extras

    • Blanket

    • Towels

    • Earplugs

    • Sleeping Bag

    • Air Mattress

    • Extra Pillows

    • Cooler (not all rooms have a mini fridge)

    • Clothes Hanger

HYGIENE

The #1 most forgotten thing that convention goers would appreciate you don’t forget along with the looming hangovers.

Toiletries

  • Deodorant

  • Toothbrush

  • Toothpaste

  • Floss

  • Shampoo/Conditioner

  • Bodywash

  • Hair Brush

  • Hair Spray

  • Razor/Shaving Cream

  • Cotton Swabs/Ball/Pads

  • Menstrual Products

  • Band-Aids

  • Tweezers

  • Nail Clippers

  • Nail File

Skin Care

  • Lip Balm

  • Face Wash

  • Lotion

  • Sunscreen

  • Hand Sanitizer

  • Bug Spray

Medication

  • Prescription Medication

  • Pain Medication

  • Allergy Medication

  • Vitamins

Optical

  • Saline Solution

  • Contact Lense Case

  • Contact Lenses

  • Glasses

  • Eye Drops

Make-Up

  • Foundation/Concealer/Powder

  • Blush

  • Eye Shadow

  • Lip Gloss/Lipstick

  • Eyelash Curler

  • False Lashes

  • Mascara

  • Bronzer/Highlighter

  • Eyeliner

  • Make-up Brushes

  • Make-up Wipes

CHECK IN ITEMS

These are things that will help get you in the con faster. Consider either printing these items out or having it screenshotted and saved to your phone.

  • Badge Confirmation Email/QR Code

  • Hotel Reservation

  • Plane Ticket

  • ID

  • Backpack/Purse/Bag of Holding

  • Wallet/Cash

ELECTRONICS

You’ve got 4 outlets, 25 devices, and 8 people in a hotel room. What do you do? Bring these of course!

Cell Phones

  • Phone Charger

  • Portable Charger

  • Personal WiFi Device

Camera Gear

  • Camera

  • Battery Charger

  • SD Cards

Devices

  • Laptop/Charger

  • Tablet/Charger

  • Cases for Devices

For the Hotel Room

  • Power Strip

  • Extension Cords

  • Game System (You never know.)

COSPLAY

This list will be different per person and per costume. The best way to pack your cosplay is to first try it on at home. See how many bobby pins the wig took, did the armor need more elastic to stay on, ect...Keep these things in mind when packing to make sure you have everything to get the costume on and to stay on.

THE OUTFIT ITSELF

  • Outfit

  • Wigs

  • Wig Caps

  • Wig Styling Aid

  • Stocking/Socks/Panyhose/Leggings

  • Undergarments/Shapewear

  • Shoes

  • Props (Armor/Accessories/Pets/Weapons)

  • Cosplay Make-up Kit

COSPLAY REPAIR KIT

  • Needle/Thread

  • Zipper

  • Velcro

  • Glue Dots

  • Hot Glue Gun

  • Hot glue sticks

  • Unique Stitch/No-Sew Fabric Glue

  • Super Glue

  • Stain Remover

  • Wrinkle Releaser

  • Lint Roller

  • Shoe Goo

  • Tacky Glue

  • Clear Nail Polish

  • Buttons

  • Snaps

  • Ribbon

  • Cosplay Details

    • Bring extra of any pieces that can detach from the cosplay and be lost (bows, ribbons, rhinestones, sequins, feathers, sparkles, any findings that are added on!)

  • Seam Ripper

  • Safety Pins

  • Paint

  • Paintbrushes

  • Fashion Tape

  • Scissors

  • Cotton Swabs

DRAGONCON ATTENDEE RECOMMENDATIONS

Here are what your fellow DragonCon attendees say to bring. Some of these may be repeats but goes to show you may not want to forget these items.

  • Extension Cables

  • Extra Blankets

  • Oatmeal

  • Hot Glue

  • Industrial Velcro

  • Surge Protector

  • Ear Plugs

  • Sleep Mask

  • Dry Shampoo

  • Small Plastic Bags (Good to put small cosplay accessories in.)

Packing is only the beginning of a convention weekend! Making sure everything is packed and ready can be a huge weight off your shoulders. Be certain everything you’ll need is packed, and have a happy DragonCon!

Sarah Howell
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