Friday, July 5, 2019

Your San Diego Comic Con Survival Bag

After seven years of attending SDCC I have narrowed down my list of MUST have items in my bag. In previous years I have included MANY things not on this list. You don't want to lug around a HEAVY bag all day! Plus you'll need some room for SWAG!

So here are my go to items I cannot live without during San Diego Comic Con:


  • Cozy Backpack
  • Laptop
  • Camera
  • Chargers (phone & camera)
  • External Charger
  • Sunnies
  • Water bottle
  • Wallet
  • Pen & Sharpie
  • Business Cards
  • Chapstick
  • Light Jacket
  • Mints
{Bonus Items}

*Folding Chair - I was able to find these compact folding chairs. They are small and light enough to fit in your backpack.  Find them on Amazon HERE for $14.99.

*Snacks - Granola bars, nuts, chips, pb&j {anything that will keep you from getting hangry}. Also the convention center has THE worst for you food. Stay happy and healthy while having fun.

*Cash - Not all places take credit cards and to keep you on budget!

*Parking passes - Muy importante! If you score them in the pre-sale. They sell out FAST now! It is so great to have your car super close to you at all times to unload all that swag.
*Light Jacket - It's cold in the early morning queues and the convention center blasts the AC. With the convention center near the ocean, it's always colder than you think, especially at night.
*Watch - Cell phone killer: Checking your phone for the time. Go old school and wear a watch.

*Hair Brush - To feel a bit human during these LONG days.

Comment below if you have any additional questions about San Diego Comic Con. You can also check out our San Diego Comic Con Guide for more useful tips and tricks!  If this post helped you, share please share it with your friends! 

30 comments:

Chris said...

Thanks girl! This is my first Comic-Con and I have no idea what to expect, but from the sounds of it, quite a lot of standing in line...

Unknown said...

You might consider adding a portable power source/ backup battery -- that can recharge your iPhone, iPod when you're away from outlets -- they're getting smaller but have anywhere from 5200 mah on up to over 10000 -- which is like ~4 full iPhone charges.

e.g.:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/5200mAh-External-Mobile-Power-Bank-Battery-Charger-For-iPhone-5-Smart-Phones-/400406834394?pt=US_Cell_Phone_PDA_Chargers&hash=item5d3a1b6cda

Unknown said...

What do you carry your SLR with? Just a strap or not bring it?

I'm torn on whether or not to bring mine since I'll be flying.

Loving your lists!

*aka*Krystelle said...

I love this list! I always have to take a bigger bag to WonderCon and such because of my kids, but am trying to downsize to minimize shoulder pain! Plus, this is my first Comic-Con and I've heard its crazy cramped in there, so I don't really want to bring non-essentials.

Harriet C. Zolo said...

Would a wheeled backpack be a good idea?

MEGAN ELVRUM said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
MEGAN ELVRUM said...

Yes Chris the majority is waiting, but all worth it in the end!

MEGAN ELVRUM said...

Thank you for the tip, i like that case!

MEGAN ELVRUM said...

Liz, I do wear the strap, just to be safe. Plus I keep it on my shoulder at all times and the frees up both of you hands :)

MEGAN ELVRUM said...

Amanda, thank you for your comment and good luck on the down sizing!!

MEGAN ELVRUM said...

Harriet, I would not recommend one. It is SUPER crowded everywhere at the con and that is just another tripping hazard I would think. But would be nice on the shoulders! Pack light!

Jennifer Holmquist said...

Sooooo good!
I need to do a post like this for VidCon!

MEGAN ELVRUM said...

Good idea Jennifer! I hope that this one could be of help for ALL cons :) xo

rosa de los reyes said...

i love this!!!! thanks for all your tips! definitely useful for my trip next year... and even this year for Nerd HQ!

Unknown said...

Love that you put this together! It reminds me I need to get my bag ready as well!

Emily said...

I would be very nervous about the computer. However, I agree with you on the snacks and water. It's ridiculous how much cons charge for food when it's not even that good. That, and wouldn't you rather feel good after some trail mix instead of nachos that are only going to hurt later?

Unknown said...

One year I will fly to Cali and attend this and hug your neck. That is all. ;)

MEGAN ELVRUM said...

So ready for this!! xo :)

MEGAN ELVRUM said...

Thanks Roz, cannot wait to meet you IRL!! xo

MEGAN ELVRUM said...

Thank you! So glad to help! xo

MEGAN ELVRUM said...

Emily, I just like having my computer for the blogging aspect, get my work done quicker so i get more sleep :) Yes the food is a biggy for me, we don't want to get hangry!! xo

Joie Fatale said...

A PB&J (or honey) sandwich is GREAT fuel for that mid afternoon hunger attack! Also, Instant oatmeal! You can usually get some hot water in your own cup from Starbucks for free, and you save A LOT of money eating foods that--as older folks say--stick to your ribs (see: last longer than some foods, but aren't heavy). Also, a bag of sliced apples, baby carrots, and a double shot can are good to pack and just light weight enough.

Anonymous said...

Apart from cell phone charger, I am expecting power bank usb, which can charge two device & easy to carry. I am gonna stick to power bank usbs & recommend everyone who wants to have a backup battery for travelling but doesn't want it cost a ton of money or fill up a lot of space in their bag.

Micro usb kabel

Unknown said...

I had the problem of people hanging on my backpack through the crowds like I was some kind of mule. I also kept turning around suddenly and smacked people accidentally. I went with the fanny pack last year, and it was so much easier.

MEGAN ELVRUM said...

Cassandra, i like the fanny pack idea, but think I have too much stuff! We do the pack mule thing to stay together :) xo

Anonymous said...

I wish I could go to SD for Comic Con = [

MEGAN ELVRUM said...

Hopefully one year soon Chymere!! xo

Anonymous said...

Guys visit us at San Diego comic Con @ booth 2544 to charge your phones with MoblNRG, follow us on instagram MoblNRG and on FB for more details. Don't get caught on Low Battery at the Con. Post a message at #moblnrg and we will appear to charge your phone during the event! Cheers!

Anonymous said...

Great ideas! Are they strict about what you can and cannot bring to the event?
-Thanks!

MEGAN ELVRUM said...

They are not! Any food really. Obviously no booze. I've never had a problem. I just like being prepared!

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