Comic-Con Gear Guide

These are the essential items I bring with me when I attend Comic-Con. SDCC 2024 will be my 14th year at the convention, so I have a lot of experience to share. This blog post contains links that may produce commission, I have used these products personally, unless otherwise noted. Images are from Amazon.

Gear to help you have a great time at Comic-Con

Backpack

The key to a good backpack at a convention is finding a combination of light weight material and pockets. You need so many pockets! You walk away with a lot of great SWAG and merch at Comic-Con and you need a place for it all.

I recommend this lightweight option if you want to pack it away until you need it. Or, check out this full-service backpack that can double as a carryon if you want a multipurpose bag. Whatever you pick make sure there a small zipper for the chargers and wires you will need constantly as well as a pocket for water.

Portable Charge

This might be the most important thing you can bring on your trip to Comic-Con. The portable charger will save you from getting lost, missing a great photo, or even paying for something on the floor! I love this charger. I take it with me everywhere I go, I appreciate that it is magnetic and that it has the little holder to keep my phone up if I'm stuck somewhere watching videos for a while.... like the Hall H line. One charge usually lasts me 2 full recharges if I avoid getting below 20%.

Water Bottle

Every room has a bater bottle filling station. Look for either a water fountain or a water jug station. You will want to get a water bottle that is light but still insulating. I bring my usual Hydro Flask water bottle, but I recommend getting one slim enough to fit the side pocket of a bag or one that at least has a handle you can hook onto your bag. I like this one for the price.

Self-Inflating Bed

I have slept on the floor of a crowded hotel room and on the lawn of Hall H and this inflatable bed is super small and super handy. With the self-inflating option, you will be able carry this around and setup with ease. I recommend this one since I have used it before and it folds up, so you don't have to toss it at the door when security starts yelling "go, go, go" Remember to close the release valve cover you will be frustrated like I was my first time using it. After I finally read the instructions, I was good to go :)

Travel Chair

One common thing you will find throughout Comic-Con is a line, lines are everywhere, and a travel chair is super handy. I really like this version because you can pack it away. The rooms have very strict policy on bringing in extra items, so this is key. I like these self-folding bucket chairs because you don't have to mess with any cords or rods, and you can just throw it over your shoulder. This stool is also a good option, but I have not used it myself.

Packable Jacket

Although the summer is San Diego is nice the evenings by the bay can get cold. I use this jacket whenever I travel, I have used this in Ireland, New York and Florida. The best part is it packs away in that great backpack you bought. I also have a version for the guys too.

Cooling Cloth

This cloth will be a life safer if you get caught in a long activation line. Sitting on a hot asphalt lot waiting for the sneak peek into the one comic book show you love can get you a bot hot under the collar - literally. These have been handy at many theme parks and several long outdoor hikes. I like that these come with a bag and clip for easy storage.

Deodorant Wipes

I don't leave home without deodorant wipes and at Comic-Con these are clutch. You don't always have time to change before panels and evening events so let's be kind to all and grab a deo wipe. I use this brand and find it useful but not astringent and here's a recommendation for the guys.

Blister Glide

I just discovered this product recently and I love it! I use Glide at amusement parks, on hikes, and travel! It was so helpful on my feet, thighs, and arms. I am sure I am not the only one who gets the backpack rub on my arm, and this really helped. I also use it on my feet when I have a new shoe or flip flop that rubs weird.

Sunscreen

Our San Diego summer is mild, but you never know how long a line will keep you in the sun. Grab a skin friendly mineral stick sunscreen to keep you from getting sticky and most importantly avoid a burn. I like CeraVe and I use it on my kids too.

Supplies to Sustain You at Comic-Con

It's important to know the union that manages the food service at the San Diego Convention Center may strike, we are waiting to hear more on Wednesday July 17th. This might leave us with no food options inside the convention center. Adding stress to the outside vendors and testing your ability to run across the street on a bathroom pass timeline.

Coffee Options

In the past I have brought instant coffees and caffeinated beverages in my backpack. I like the Starbucks Via powders as an option and I also like the Crystal Light packets and I use these regularly.

Snacks

I have some favorite snack for all types of travel. I need a salty snack to keep in my backpack so I like to bring pringles. I go with Pringles because they are not in bags and they don't get crushed in the swag bags.

I also like a good chocolate, I tend to go with KIND mini bars during travel or at a convention because it has a good amount of protein and a perfect size for a pick me up.

For a little fruit treat I recommend That's It as it travels well and is made with real ingredients. Finally, I recommend Liquid IV for every convention or travel you do, It's prefect for an all-day con like Comic-Con.

All reviews are my person opinions, some links may provide commission.