Thursday, June 11, 2015

Con Survival Kit

     This is the all important con survival pack which you will want to have with you at all times. Now remember, this isn't a cosplay survival pack, or a list of everything that you will want to bring with you, think of this as your con first aid kit, it's going to look like it.

  1. A small box or pouch to keep everything in. 
  2. Band aids!!! Can not stress this enough. Bring many because even if you don't need them, someone will and sharing supplies is a great way to make new friends.
  3. Wet wipes. Travel sized ones, keep two on you at all times, just in case.
  4. Safety pin.
  5. Pain meds. Doesn't matter what kind you like, just make sure you have those that help with headaches and stomach aches. If you need prescription medication be sure to have that as well but don't forget something simple like ibuprofen or aspirin and a pepto bismol, a pain free con is a happy con.
  6. Napkins or tissues. Have two or three just in case.
  7. Throat lozenge. 
  8. Alcohol wipes if you have them.
  9. Tampon.
  10. Panty liner or pad.
  11. Hair or rubber elastic.
That is it. That there is your small kit to carry around with you all day during the active bits of the con. Remember, this isn't all that you bring, you should have back up and replacement supplies either in your car or in your hotel room, or at home if you commute. This is your survival kit, for those little emergencies.

Here is everything that I carry in my kit:



As you can see, it doesn't look like much, but then again, with good planning you don't need much. And now, a few notes for people with different preferences:

Pain meds. These all depend on how much you care about chemicals, allergies, money, availability. If you really don't want to put random chemicals into your body research what the alternatives are, don't stint on this bit because going through a con with a migraine is impossible. If you can get something in pill form - do, it will make your life so much easier. All you need is a pill or two, remember this is a just in case pack. if you are worried about costs look into a store-brand pill. Look up the active ingredient in your favourite medication and get that. Don't overstock, you don't need pills flying everywhere when all you want is a band aid. Put two or three pills into a small ziplock bag, that way they don't get dirty or fall out.

Throat lozenges. Bring one, trust me. Talking all day will make your throat hurt, a halls or fisherman's friend will help you feel good. Also, those cold panel and screening rooms are packed with people who may be sick and are also often freezing. One lozenge (preferably single packed) will be enough to get you through an evening till you get to a hot cup of tea.

Tampons and liners. If you are a girl, this makes sense. If you are a boy you can skip this one. On the other hand, liners can also soak up sweat so if you have heavy cosplay you may want to have something just in case.

Napkins. Go to McDonalds grab two, fold them up and put them in your pack. If you have travel ones you can use those but they tend to be thick and take up more space.

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