Gaming Convention Packing List: Complete Checklist

Packing for a gaming convention comes down to comfort, hygiene, and preparedness: you need to carry the essentials that keep you energized, your devices charged, and your back pain-free through long days of walking and waiting in lines. This complete checklist covers the gear, clothing, and personal items that seasoned attendees bring, so you can focus on the games instead of your aching feet.

Formula

The average pace is the total time divided by the distance: Pace (min/km) = T / D. The average speed is the distance divided by the time in hours: Speed (km/h) = D / (T / 60). Here, T is the finish time in minutes, and D is the distance in kilometers. The pace result tells you how many minutes each kilometer takes; the speed result tells you how many kilometers you cover in one hour.

Worked Example

Using the default values from the calculator: a finish time of 50 minutes and a distance of 10 km.

• Step 1: Calculate the pace: 50 min ÷ 10 km = 5.0 min/km.
• Step 2: Convert the time to hours: 50 ÷ 60 = 0.8333 hours.
• Step 3: Calculate the speed: 10 km ÷ 0.8333 h = 12.0 km/h.

The calculator returns a pace of 5.00 min/km and a speed of 12.00 km/h, matching these steps exactly.

Why This Matters for Conventions

Walking is the hidden workout of any gaming convention. Large events like PAX or Gamescom routinely have exhibit halls that stretch over multiple buildings, and attendees log 10–15 kilometers per day without realizing it. Knowing your walking pace helps you plan how long it takes to cross from one panel room to another, or whether you can realistically make it back to your hotel for a break before the next signing. It also gives you a concrete number to justify bringing comfortable shoes instead of fashion sneakers.

The Core Backpack Loadout

Your bag is your lifeline. A dedicated convention backpack should carry the items you will touch every hour, not the things you might need once. The non-negotiable list includes:

• Portable charger (power bank): 10,000 mAh minimum, 20,000 mAh if you plan to use your phone for photos and navigation all day. A 10,000 mAh bank charges a typical phone about two times.
• Charging cables: Bring both a short cable for the power bank and a 2-meter cable for wall outlets. A frayed cable fails exactly when your battery hits 5%.
• Water bottle: Reusable, with a clip or carabiner. Convention center water fountains exist, but lines form; a 750 ml bottle is the sweet spot between weight and capacity.
• Snacks: Protein bars, trail mix, or dried fruit. Convention food courts charge premium prices and have long queues during peak lunch hours. Aim for 400–600 calories of shelf-stable food.
• Hand sanitizer: A 60 ml bottle clipped to your bag. You will touch demo controllers, arcade sticks, and door handles shared by thousands of people.
• Small notebook and pen: For autographs, booth numbers, and remembering which indie game you wanted to wishlist.

Clothing and Footwear

Comfort beats style at a convention, but you can have both with the right choices. Layers are essential because convention centers alternate between freezing air conditioning and crowded, hot hallways. A moisture-wicking t-shirt, a light hoodie, and a packable shell jacket cover most temperature swings.

Footwear is where first-timers fail. Do not wear new shoes. Break in any footwear for at least two weeks before the event, and choose shoes with arch support and cushioning. Running shoes or walking shoes are the standard recommendation. Bring a second pair of socks in your bag; changing socks mid-day prevents blisters and refreshes your feet. If you plan to cosplay, pack a pair of comfortable sandals or sneakers to change into when the costume shoes become unbearable.

Documentation and Money

Your badge, ID, and payment method are the three things you cannot lose. Attach your badge to a lanyard that breaks away if snagged, and keep your photo ID in a zippered pocket, not in your back pocket. Most conventions require a government-issued ID to pick up a press badge or verify an adult wristband.

Carry a small amount of cash, roughly $40–60, for food trucks or indie devs who may not accept cards. For everything else, use a credit card or mobile wallet; convention centers have reliable Wi-Fi and card readers, but cash is the fallback when a network goes down. Keep your phone locked and your wallet in a front pocket to deter pickpockets in crowded halls.

Electronics and Accessories

Beyond your phone, consider what else you will actually use. A handheld console like a Nintendo Switch is a classic line-waiting companion, but it drains battery fast. If you bring one, pack its charger and a separate power bank just for it. A tablet or laptop is only worth the weight if you plan to work, stream, or take notes; otherwise, leave it at the hotel.

Headphones are a double-edged sword. Noise-cancelling headphones help you focus in noisy halls, but you will miss announcements and the ambient energy of the event. Earbuds are the better compromise. Also pack a small flashlight or use your phone’s flashlight; some convention hallways and after-hours events are dimly lit.

Health and Safety Items

Conventions are germ factories and physical endurance tests. A small first-aid kit with band-aids, blister pads, and pain reliever (ibuprofen or acetaminophen) covers most issues. Blister pads are the most-used item in any seasoned attendee’s kit; apply them at the first sign of a hot spot, not after the blister forms.

Consider a reusable mask if you are in a crowded indoor space, especially during flu season or if you are immunocompromised. Many conventions have mask-optional policies, but bringing one costs nothing. Also pack any personal medication in its original bottle, and keep it in your carry-on if you flew; checked luggage gets lost.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

The most common packing errors are overpacking and under-preparing. Overpacking means bringing a laptop you never open, a full cosplay change of clothes, or three books. Under-preparing means forgetting the power bank, wearing new shoes, or not having a plan for lunch.

Another frequent mistake is relying on convention Wi-Fi. It is often overloaded, especially during keynotes. Download any apps, maps, or schedules the night before, and screenshot the event map. Also, do not carry your badge on a metal chain; it sets off metal detectors and can scratch your phone screen.

Frequently Asked Questions

Should I bring my own controller to a fighting game tournament? Yes, if you have a preferred controller. Most tournaments provide standard controllers, but bringing your own wired controller with a long cable (3 meters or more) ensures you play with the exact setup you practice on. Wireless controllers are often banned in tournament play due to interference, so check the rules first.

Can I bring food into the convention center? Most centers allow sealed snacks and water bottles, but outside meals are usually prohibited. Check the specific venue policy on the event website. In practice, a granola bar in your bag will not be confiscated, but a full Subway sandwich might be.

How much money should I budget for merch? This varies wildly by event and your spending habits. A realistic range is $100–300 per day for a major convention if you want a few figures, shirts, or art prints. Set a daily limit in cash before you enter, because card swiping is psychologically easier than handing over bills.

Is it safe to leave my backpack unattended? No. Convention centers are full of people, and unattended bags are either stolen or reported as security threats. If you need to set your bag down, keep it between your feet or loop a strap around your leg. Many conventions have bag check services for a fee; use them if you need to drop heavy items.

What should I do if I lose my badge? Go immediately to the registration or information desk. Most conventions can reprint a badge if you show your photo ID and proof of purchase, but they may charge a replacement fee. Keep a photo of your badge barcode on your phone as backup.

Should I bring a rolling suitcase instead of a backpack? Only if you plan to buy heavy merch. Backpacks are better for mobility in crowds, but a small rolling bag with a shoulder strap is easier on your back for long distances. The hybrid approach—a backpack for daily essentials and a collapsible tote for purchases—works best for most people.

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in t | Finish time | min | 50 | 0
in d | Distance | km | 10 | 0 | 100000
out pace | Average pace | min/km | t / d | 2
out speed | Average speed | km/h | d / (t / 60) | 2